Students enjoyed putting their skil s to use on real-world engineering problems. However, they said that the professor’s disorganization detracted from the class. He did not make his expectations for assignments clear and often changed due dates. Students suggested that the course would be improved by better organization and with clearer deadlines and expectations for assignments. Overall, students said this was a fun course that allowed them to put the skil s they learned to use.

Students thought the class field trip to Wisconsin to examine a building the group was redesigning was a highlight of the course because it allowed students to connect classroom learning with the real world. However, some students felt that the instructor didn’t have a firm grasp on control in the classroom, which could lead to students getting out of hand. In addition, some students disliked that the course and assignments seemed to lack firm goals and deadlines. Suggestions for improvement included implementing more structure into the class so that it could cover more information or bring in additional speakers. Prospective students should know that students found the course’s workload was light and the atmosphere was laid back. Drawing skills were found to be helpful but not necessary.

Students praised this course for including a variety of hands on learning with students in particular praising the three day field trip students took. Perceived issues with the course were few, although a few students wished that instead of meeting once a week for two hours students would meet twice a week for a shorter period. Suggestions for improvement were few as most students were happy with the course although, one student wished the class field trip would examine a current problem that is being solved by civil engineering. Prospective students should know that students found the course was the capstone to their experiences and studies in civil engineering. Also, students found it important to have a good foundation in structural and foundations design in order to be successful in the course.