Introduction to Agricultural & Biological Engineering

Ann Marie Boone aboone@illinois.edu

• 332N Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
• 217-333-7038

Course Description

ABE 100 is an introduction to the engineering profession with career opportunities in the agricultural and biological engineering discipline. Interactive class activities include concepts necessary for becoming a successful engineer including time management, design concepts, ethics, and teambuilding. Students become familiar with laboratories, computer facilities, internships and other opportunities that are available to agricultural and biological engineering students. A team design experience is included. Class emphasis is on technical communication and problem-solving skills as well as career planning.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

• describe the principles of engineering design and project management;
• function on multidisciplinary teams;
• communicate effectively;
• have an awareness of the global impact of engineering decisions, as well as a sense of professional, ethical and societal responsibility; and
• identify career opportunities in the agricultural and biological engineering discipline.

Textbook

None. Class notes will be provided throughout the semester.

Course Policies and Grading

Course Grade. The grade favors those who actively participate in class discussions and group activities. Course grade will be based on the following:

Attendance (10%).
Regular and punctual attendance at all class sessions is the responsibility of each student. College work proceeds at such a pace that regular attendance is necessary in order for you to obtain maximum benefits from instruction. All absences are matters to be resolved between you and the instructors. In the event you find it necessary to be absent from a class, it is your responsibility to make up resulting deficiencies.

Student Club Meetings (10%).
Students are highly encouraged to participate in student organizations, such as ASABE Illinois Student Chapter, Illini Pullers, Engineers Without Borders, Solar Decathlon, etc. Students are asked to attend at least three student club meetings throughout the semester and, for each meeting, submit a ½ page report/reflection on what transpired at the meeting.

Homework (30%).
Neatness counts! Illegible work will be returned to the student and not be graded. Late homework will be graded but reduced 10% per day, up to a maximum of 50%.

Design project (50%).
The design projects are designed to promote peer-learning and students are encouraged to complete the tasks, including writing the progress reports, as a group. At the end of the semester, students will present a 2’ x 3’ poster based on their project to the class and ABE Department.

Grade Summary as of 19 Nov 2009

Academic Integrity It is the responsibility of the student to refrain from infractions of academic integrity (e.g., cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, etc.), from conduct that may lead to suspicion of such infractions, and from conduct that aids others in such infractions. Question of academic integrity will be addressed following Part I, Section 402 of the Student Code.

ABE 100 Course Topics and Schedule – Fall 2009

Table 2. Proposed ABE 100 Schedule and Class Content for Fall 2009

Date	Course Topic or Activity	What's Due?
Aug. 27	Class Organization & Introductions Study Abroad Opportunities by Asst Dean Andrea Bohn Study Abroad Scholarships
Sept. 3	Time Management & Study Skills MATH Help (Prof. Coddington) Introduction to Design Projects	Homework #1: Time Management
Sept. 10	Introduction to Design Projects
Sept. 17	Design Teams Team Assignments Example of a Team Contract	Homework #2: Project Selection Due Sept 15th: Email Dr. Danao your top 3 project choices
Sept. 24	Soil & Water Resources Engineering Presentation Prof. Prasanta Kalita Important Advising Info on Chem & Math Courses
Oct. 1	Creative Problem Solving Creativity and teamwork discussion	Homework #3: Team Logo, Name & Team Contract
Oct. 8	Bioenvironmental Engineering Presentation Prof. Rich Gates
Oct. 15	Project Management Academic Advising
Oct. 22	Food & Bioprocess Engineering Presentation Dr. Kent Rauch Academic Advising - Ms Anne Marie Boone Projects, 2:00 to 2:50 PM	Homework #4: Revised Team Contract Progress Report 1 ABE Plan of Study
Oct. 29	Effective Communication Projects, 2:00 - 2:50
Nov. 5	Biological Engineering Presentation Dr. Luis Rodriguez Projects, 2:00 to 2:50 PM	Homework #5: Progress Report 2
Nov. 12	Guest Presentation: Ms. Darcy Sementi Hoeft Technology & Management Program Projects, 2:00 to 2:50 PM	Homework #6: Poster Draft
Nov. 19	Off-Road Equipment Engineering Presentation by Prof. Al Hansen Projects, 2:00 to 2:50 PM	Self, Peer and Team Assessment
Nov. 26	THANKSGIVING – NO CLASS
Dec. 3	Course Evaluation Poster Presentations & Judging, 2:00 to 2:50 PM Judges Form	Due Dec. 1: Project Posters