Multi-Disciplinary Capstone Design Class: Integrating Specific Civil Disciplines, Teaching Styles, and Teaching Effectiveness to Meet ABET Criteria

Abstract – The CEE department developed an artificial project that incorporated a real world feel. The combined course structure was designed to provide an environment consistent with a small-to-medium size consulting firm. Meanwhile, the individual classes were taught in a variety of different styles. Local professionals were used to play the role of clients and meetings were arranged with actual local regulatory agencies to discuss the design alternatives and submittal deadlines. The class project resulted in comprehensive sets of plans, specifications, and cost estimates along with other discipline specific deliverables. This paper describes the type of project used, how the Army Corps of Engineers and local professionals were incorporated into the class structure, the level and type of involvement between the three civil specific disciplines, and provides the results of course feedback from the students. In addition, problems encountered during the semester and plans on addressing them during the following year are provided