Pincus received the Ph.D. degree from Cornell University and the M.B.A degree from the University of Houston. Dr. Pincus has published over 40 journal articles, 2 books and is a Registered Professional Engineer.

The superstructure of a steel pedestrian bridge located near the University of Houston Downtown campus was selected to expose the students of the Structural Analysis and Design program to the evaluation of an existing structure. The bridge is a continuous structure of 304'0" making three spans with support-to-support distances of 57'0"-190'0"-57'0". The steel superstructure consists of two vertical trusses with 10'0" height and spaced by 10'0"; a top horizontal truss, and a concrete slab at the bottom that is supported on steel beams spanning between the vertical trusses. The bridge is supported by straps at the ends and by pin-type supports on the central bents. All the steel joints are welded. The substructure consists of concrete frames which are constructed over drilled shafts.The project tasks are to obtain the material take-off and cost estimating; obtain the natural frequency; make the structural modeling; and verify if the structure is able to withstand the loads indicated in current codes. This type of project is motivating for the students because they see a real application of their studies. The course assessment indicates that the project leads to an excellent compliance of the course outcomes.

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This paper examines use of integrated class/lab and assignment of real practical problems in a specialized Engineering Technology program (Structural Analysis and Design). Courses in structural design combine theory, testing and applications. Typically, the problem is presented as a specific application and includes hands-on laboratory testing of structures. All student work is conducted in the laboratory (located in the same room as the classroom). For example, a 3-D computer model of a bridge is created according to specified geometry; then loads are applied to the structure to evaluate its strength. Finally, theoretical results are reviewed using computer results and appropriate modifications are applied to the design. Students also perform extensive tests of concrete mixes every semester, design and build actual beams, columns, or slabs that are tested to failure. Students are also exposed every summer to the latest technologies in total stations, global positioning systems (GPS), and global information systems (GIS). For many years, student data has indicated that retention of students in the Structural Analysis and Design courses has been consistently high (94%+). Analysis of student exit interview results indicate that integration of class/labs, extensive use of computers, and assignment of real engineering problems, are the main reasons for student success. Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science Program This program covers the design of structures, bridges, buildings, towers, and offshore platforms and in general what is called civil structures. However, the program is not civil engineering because that field is considered broader. All aspects related to structural design are part of the program, including soil mechanics, foundation design, and GIS-GPS surveying. The Technology Accreditation Commission of the Associated Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET) * accredits the program. Figure 1 shows the program curriculum.

This paper assesses the unique role of Visual Basic (VB) in the curriculum development for a four-year degree program in Control & Instrumentation Engineering Technology. A VB program is presented which was developed in-house and has been used to demonstrate the fundamentals of control system theory and techniques. Also presented is a course project in which a VB program was successfully used for a real-time temperature control system. It is concluded that, by embedding VB programming to the Control and Instrumentation curriculum, we have created an effective and efficient teaching and learning approach and, as a result, students not only have gained the technical knowledge but also have significantly developed their skills for computer applications.I.