A Simple Hands-on Experiment for First-year Undergraduates that Connects the Electrical and Thermal Properties of Metals

Meehan, K., Hadfield, R. and Phillips, A. (2015) A Simple Hands-on Experiment for First-year Undergraduates that Connects the Electrical and Thermal Properties of Metals. In: 2015 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Seattle, WA, USA, 14-17 June 2015, 26.109.1-26.109.16. (doi: 10.18260/p.23450)

Abstract

The undergraduate engineering programmes at the University of Glasgow were recently revised to include a common core of classes in Year 1 and Year 2. Materials I, an introductory materials science course, is now taken by all Year 1 engineering students. The lectures in the course were modified to include topics that are of interest to electronic and electrical engineering students, electrical and optical properties of materials. A hands-on laboratory experience has been developed to support student learning on electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity. The hands-on experiment about optical reflectivity will be added to the laboratory in the near future. This paper describes the laboratory exercise – the intended learning outcomes, the laboratory procedure, an evaluation of the student performance, and a discussion on improvements that will be made to increase student understanding of the topics and ancillary subjects.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Meehan, Professor Kathleen and Phillips, Mr Andrew and Hadfield, Professor Robert
• Authors: Meehan, K., Hadfield, R., and Phillips, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering