Tips for success in Engineering studies By Prof K P Mohandas

SOME TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN ENGINEERING STUDIES

Prof Mohandas K P, Dean, M E S College of Engg, Kuttippuram(Former Dean (PG) & Professor N I T Calicut

(email id: [email protected])

Overview

Professional education how it is different ? What is Engineering? Modern Marvels in Engineering B Tech course contents -an overview Different types of classes you attend Common methods of study Difference between courses Evaluation and Assessment -Examination tips How to do well in Examinations What to do on a regular basis? Summary

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Professional Education

Different professional courses

Engineering, Medicine, Law, Architecture. etc

Difference between Profession and Occupation?

Professionals are trained rigorously to enable them to practice their profession themselves

Some professions require

Registration like Medical Council registration for Doctors , Council of Architecture registration for architects , Enrolment for lawyers etc

Success in profession achieved through experience, commitment and hard work

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Success in Engineering Studies

3

What is Engineering?

Definition:The branch of science and technology concerned with the design,building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Engine, in general means – any device or equipment used

Engineer is a creator or builder

What you learn in Engineering is essentially:

Mathematics + Applied Sciences(Physics)


FEW OF THE MODERNMODERN ENGINEERING MARVELS

Euro-tunnel between England-France

The longest underwater tunnel in the world between Folkston (England) and Calais(France) 50 kms long with 36.8 kms under water


30 St Mary axe London (2003)One of the world most energy efficient building


Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona-USA (1935)

Largest reservoir in the United States


Burj Khalifa - Dubai

The tallest man made structure in the world ( 824 meters)


Kingda Ka Roller Coaster,New Jersey

World’ fastest (204kmph in 3.5 sec) and tallest (139 meters) roller coaster


Petrona Tower Kualalampur(1998)

Second tallest (452 meters) twin building in the world


Qinghai-Tibet Railway,China/Tibet (2005)

Highest Railway track in the world at a height of 5081 meters above sea level


Burj Al-Arab Hotel,Dubai,UAE(1999)

Tallest operational hotel ( 300 meters)


Three Gorges Dam, Yangtze River, China (2006)


World’s largest hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 22.5GwYear completed: 2006 Claim to Fame:

Akashi-Kaikyo or "Pearl" Bridge, Kobe City, Japan (1998)


World's longest suspension bridge (3840 meters))

Karakoram Highway Pakistan/China 1998


)

Highest paved road in the world (1290kms long, elevation 4.8 kms at the highest point

"Bird‘sNest”Stadium, Beijing, China 2008


World's largest steel structure (41 kms)

Aang Kor Wat CambodiaHindu Temple built in 850AD in Cambodia


Eiffel Tower Paris

By night During day


THE B TECH COURSE IN ENGINEERING- AN OVERVIEW

Subjects in B Tech course

Mathematics 10%

Sciences 8%

Humanities 8%

General Engineering 25%

Special Engineering 49%

Total number of courses 50-54

Theory 70% : Practical: 30%

Every semester : 5-6 theory + 2 practical

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Kerala Technological University (KTU)

KTU has proposed a new Credit based Academic System.

No of credits to be acquired 182

Each theory course will have 3 / 4 credits ( 3 -4 hours per week)

One third evaluation internal, rest external

Minimum 45% marks ( D /E Grade?) for pass

No First Class / Distinction only CGPA Honours degree for those who get 12 extra credits(3-4 courses)


Teaching and learning through

Theory class - Class room lectures/videos

Workshop sessions

Practical classes

Seminars and group discussions

Project work

Mini projects many semesters

Major project (final year)

Internship ( becoming mandatory)


Remember these always

TELL ME I WILL FORGET

SHOW ME I WILL REMEMBER

INVOLVE ME I WILL LEARN

You cannot LEARN without INVOLVEMENT

ENJOY LEARNING

MAKE LEARNING A PLEASURE

So Unless You are actively involved inlearning no one can teach you


Major differences from other courses

Sl No Particulars Arts and Science colleges Professional colleges

1 Class hours 10AM-4PM (6hrs) 8AM-400PM ( 8 hrs) OR9AM-430PM(7 ½ hrs)

2 Study through Lectures and Labs (science streams)

Lectures, Practical, Project work, Seminar, Workshop

3 Extra study Mostly reading Computers and InternetOnline courses , Video lecturesExpert lectures

4 Evaluation End of the year or Semester

Internal (1/3) + External(2/3)Continuous Evaluation during semester and End Semester Evaluation

5 Attendance 60-70% (not strict) Minimum 80%


How to conduct your self: Theory Class ?

Attend the lectures carefully

Make notes after understanding

Do not simply copy from board, be involved

Request the teacher to explain further if you have not understood, you have a right to understand

Interact- ask questions if you don’t understand

Good teachers will be happy to answer your questions


After the class – at home/ hostel

Spend at least half an hour at home for each subject every day

Spend at least 5 minutes to review the earlier content before the class

Read as many books to improve your understanding

You need not buy all the books, use your library, most colleges have essential books required for the students


Enjoy doing problems

Engineering is essentially solving problems, Therefore

Do as many problems as possible in addition to those done in the class

Understand the worked examples, work it out yourself closing the book

Do as many of the exercise problems , work out and check the answers obtained with given answers.


Examination System in Professional courses

Internal evaluation (1/3 in Kerala Technical University)

Series tests (at least two, may be more)

Assignments (not necessarily ‘take home’)

Quizzes and Tutorials

Continuous evaluation : every day you are assessed

(practical classes every experiment is evaluated)

End Semester Evaluation (2/3)

Theory Question paper set by University (

Practical Examination by Internal Examiners

Pass in a subject only on getting 45% ( Grade D/E ?)


Practical Classes

Never miss it, if you miss, make it up at the earliest

Prepare well before going to the class

Carefully note down observations

Note down any thing special that you observeAnalyze the results and make inferences if necessary discuss with friends and teachers

Try to do experiments in innovative way

Write your record yourself, NEVER COPY


ASSIGNMENTS AND TUTORIALS

Assignments given are not always ‘take home’Do your assignment by yourself or after discussion with friendsNEVER COPY from others You are doing harm to yourself by copyingTutorialsWork out the tutorial problems with yourfriends and compare the answersAfter studying the worked examples, do the exercise problems, check your answers


Project Work/ seminar

Choose a topic of your own interest with guidance from teachers

Discuss with your batch mates what each other has read on the topic

Use internet to update your knowledge and share with others

Make a feasibility study before finalizing

Check the availability and cost of components to be procured


Other methods of study

Video lectures by other professors from internet along with other friends

Discuss the topics being presented

Discussion on study topics with friends

Make learning a 24 hours a day

7 days a week

365 days in an year

Always be observant and watchful for new information relevant to your study


Attendance requirements

In Calicut University 80% attendance is compulsory to take the Semester Exams

Up to 10% shortage can be condoned on medical grounds once in a four year course

Shortage of attendance will result in repeating the course by rejoining at the beginning of the even or odd semester

In any case you will loose an year, not semester


Promotion to higher semesters

Earlier those who could not complete first year in two chances had to leave once for all.

Now, in KTU Promotion to higher semester only if you pass current semester .

Supplementary exam, if any, will be conducted before the next semester .

If you fail in a semester you loose an year


To do well in examinations?

Of course there are no short cuts

Hard work and good preparation will bring you success.

But some tips for our present system of exams.

Do not rely too much on your memory.

Do not try to lean ‘by-heart’ or mug up

Analyze and remember your answers logically.


University Exams how to score ? Collect the University question papers of the previous

years and work them out.

While answering questions:

Give illustrative figures or diagrams wherever possible.

Check the answers of numerical problems carefully to sure it is correct.

High light the important points in essay questions

Manage time effectively so that you will be able to answer all questions


Summary – Success is yours

If you are regular in your studies

Attend all theory classes

Study subjects taught everyday

Never miss your practical classes

Do your assignments yourself

Revise topics before tests

Then you will get high internal marks

Prepare well for End semester Examinations by answering previous university questions


What is the formula to success? There are many, but in professional courses, In my opinion and experience :

S = K * H2

K = Knowledge H = Hard work

WISHING YOU ALL SUCCESS IN GETTING ADMISSION IN A GOOD COLLEGE

AND BECOME GOOD , SOCIALLY COMMITTED ENGINEERS AFTER FOUR YEARS


THANK YOU AND WISH YOU WELL


ANCIENT WONDERS OF THE WORLD

Taj Mahal of India


Machu Picchu (Peru)


A city built in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu. It was abandoned .

Christ the Redeemer Brazil (1930)


The 105-foot (38-meter) tall statue of "Christ the Redeemer“ in Rio de Jenero

Chichen Itza Mexico (800-900AD)


.Chichén Itza (Mexico) - Famous Mayan temple city , once the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization

Colosseum Rome (Italy) 80AD


The Colosseum is an Amphitheatre in elliptical shape in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy.

Petra Jordan ( 312 BC)


Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the Southern Jordan famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system

Great Wall of China (220-206BC)


The Great Wall of China made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, built along historical northern borders of China 8850Kms long

LEADING A TEAM THAT BUILDS ANOTHER MARVEL IN ENGINEERING FOUR YEARS FROM NOW

LET US HOPE AT LEAST A FEW OF YOU WILL BE