Engineering 100: An Introduction to Engineering Systems at the US Air Force Academy

Engineering 100 is a required course for all students at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA). It takes an innovative approach to first-year engineering education by introducing engineering in the context of the design process. At the beginning of the semester, students are introduced to the systems engineering design process and computational tools to help them explore design alternatives and communicate their design solutions. Students are organized into teams and are given assignments geared towards hands-on exposure to five engineering disciplines: astronautical, aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, and civil. The final project requires them to design, construct, and launch a rocket-powered boost glider. The boost glider is produced in a five-stage process which balances textbook and laboratory work, with each stage focused on one of the engineering disciplines. Faculty from each of the five engineering departments at the Academy teach the course, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of engineering projects.