Utilization of Case Studies and Interactive Computer Models in an Introductory Water Resources Engineering Course

While equipped with knowledge of the most recent technological advances and problem solving tools in their field of study, today's engineering students often possess an inability to effectively solve new problems. This inability to solve new problems likely arises from either students' difficulty in grasping basic concepts, or applying these concepts to new situations. Resolving this predicament must therefore involve activities that focus on improving knowledge of fundamental concepts, while emphasizing application of these concepts to problem solving exercises involving both relevant and interesting issues. One method that addresses this issue is the use of interactive software. Interactive software can assist students in visualizing the effects of different parameter inputs on water resources processes, without the cumbersome tasks of writing extensive computer programs. A second method involves the use of case studies. Case studies provide students with open-ended problems that reflect those encountered in the real world, and the use of case studies in class lectures provides students an opportunity to study and learn the instructor's problem solving approach. This paper addresses the employment of interactive software and case studies in an introductory course in water resources engineering. Through use of a progressive approach to water resources engineering problem solving, students are first exposed to fundamental concepts of pressurized pipe and open channel flow hydraulics through review of basic fluid mechanics principles, followed by extension of these principles to other water resources topics including pressurized pipe networks, pumping systems, and open channel flow systems including culverts, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers. Following fundamental subject matter development, each area is addressed in greater detail through illustration of in-class case studies and use of a suite of interactive software via in-class tutorials preceding students' use of the software during execution of out-of-class design projects oriented towards real-world case studies.