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  University of Massachusettes Dartmouth
IMPULSE: The Integrated Math Physics, Undergraduate Laboratory Science, and Engineering Program 		Go to next page

Picture of Nick Pendergrass
Professor Nick Pendergrass


In September 1998, we began an integrated, first-year engineering curriculum. Assessment data showed a major impact on attrition rate, students passing two semesters of physics and calculus on schedule, and increased student performance on common final exams in calculus.


"Integration--the fact that students are learning in a cross-disciplinary way--is a key goal. So when they're doing math, they're also doing physics. They realize that these subjects somehow connect to each other...Technology is a part of it; the teaming and the active learning are very important."

Picture of John Dowd
Professor John Dowd


Introduction
    Here we describe the IMPULSE program, what it is doing with technology and why. We briefly present information about student learning outcomes, and explain why it's not just the technology that has made this a successful program.

The Setting

    In this section, we introduce you to the IMPULSE faculty and provide information necessary to understand the context within which they strive to achieve their goals for student learning.

Learning Problems and Goals

    Here we examine, first, the learning problems that the IMPUSE faculty faced, problems that ultimately motivated them to change their curriculums; then, we take a look at the goals they have set for student learning.

Creating the Learning Environment

    In this section, we look closely at how the IMPULSE faculty created their new learning environments-the tools they use, the activities they assign, and how they assess their success. This section is deeply informative and includes links to discussions of learning activities, as well as information on specific assessment tools and activities.

Summative Outcomes Data

    How well is it working? Find out in this section, which tracks the achievement of IMPULSE students.

Implementation

    Wondering about the logistics? The IMPULSE faculty share how they did it: from acquiring the necessary resources (time, space, money, etc.), to networking, to overcoming their own ingrained ideas about teaching and learning.

Conclusion

    You have to generate in students a physical intuition...



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