Introducing engineering technology students to industry

At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) we are in the early phases of implementing two B.S. degree programs in Control Systems Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology. In spring semester 1999, we developed and taught Introduction to the Process Industry, a new course that covers the process industry terminology and operations. The main goal of this introductory course is to introduce students to the operations, equipment, and organization of industrial facilities. Another goal is to familiarize students with the responsibilities of technicians, technologists, and engineers working in various technical positions. Delivery of the course involved three mechanisms: lectures, laboratory lessons, and field trips. This paper describes how lectures, laboratory lessons, and field trips contributed to accomplishing the course objectives. The paper also presents the results of a survey where students showed satisfaction with their learning experiences but made some important suggestions for improving the course.