A freshman course is offered by the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). This course is a core course for the second semester of the freshman year. The course is divided into four segments where each segment addresses one area of mechanical engineering. The course is designed to facilitate the improvement of design activities from one semester to another based on student feedback, the needs of the mechanical engineering curriculum and contemporary issues important to the mechanical engineering profession. The course is described in this paper along with the student’s response to specific questions related to the design projects. Specifically, feedback from a student survey administered at the end of the course is presented. This survey includes the student’s perception of their understanding of the topics studied, value of the activities for their future education, and their enjoyment of the activities. Comments received from the survey are also included and are used, along with instructor observations, to make improvements to the learning outcomes. The course resources needed including lab space, computer software, tools, and teaching assistants are also discussed, as well as the course organization. A sample 16-week schedule is provided.

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A team-based 3D design activity administered to first-year mechanical engineering students is discussed in this extended abstract. The activity introduced freshman students to various aspects of the engineering design process including participating in effective brainstorming sessions, the importance of iterations in design and documenting a design 1,2,3. As part of this activity, the students learned to create 3D models of parts and assemblies. The activity is part of two freshman courses offered during the freshman year, MECH1100 and MECH1208. These courses have evolved from lecture based to project based courses with supporting lectures. The two courses cover topics related to mechanical engineering: engineering design, engineering drawing, 3D modeling of parts and assemblies, design innovation, computer tools, project management, reverse engineering, engineering ethics, mechanical components, forces on structures, fluids, and thermal energy.

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His background includes two decades of professional engineering practice in the energy industry where he has held numerous positions. Dr. Fadda has worked in product research and developed patented products for chemical, petrochemical, and nuclear applications. He is involved with professional organizations and was named the 2016 ASME North Texas Engineer of the Year.