USF Undergraduate Council - Minutes of September 13, 1999

Present: Grace Erickson, Mary Hardy, Joyce Nutta, Ram Pendyala, Ken Pothoven, Jennifer Salk, Edward Silbert (Chairperson)

Absent: Richard Dietrich, Thomas Johnson

Guests: J. Carlos Busot, Larry Dunleavy, Horace C. Gordon Jr., Firman Dean King, Robert Potter, Bob Sullins, A.K. Sunol, Tom Weller, Curtis Wienker

The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m.

1. Minutes of August 30, 1999 were not available.

2. Review of Course Proposals

   • ISC 1004 Integrated Natural Sciences I: Science That Matters and ISC 1005 Integrated Natural Sciences II: Science That Matters - These courses involve discussion of integrative concepts in biology, chemistry, geology and physics based on major knowledge strands of the Florida and National Science Education Standards. They deals with current topics relevant to students, are inquiry based, and emphasize development of higher order (critical thinking) skills through active learning strategies. Following discussion and minor changes in the course titles and proposals, the courses were approved.

   • IDS 2666 Historical Perspectives I - This course approaches the study of human history through a series of specific case studies that focus on historical processes. The primary focus of the course is to understand the variety of ways that the past has been brought into and understood in the present, rather than a comprehensive survey of a limited time or place. This course does require automatic linkage. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • IDS 2667 Historical Perspectives II - This course approaches the study of human history through a series of specific exercises that focus on what historians do: produce histories. The primary focus of the course is to understand the variety of ways that the past can be emplotted in histories, rather than a comprehensive survey of a limited time or place. With this understanding, students will produce several of their own histories. This course does require automatic linkage. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • EEL 2xxx Electrical Engineering Computer Methods - This course involves the use of computers to perform analysis, simulation, and design of Electrical Engineering systems. It examines the use of computer systems, including Internet resources, the use of analytical software. Computer programming in C++ is used for the solution of Electrical Engineering problems. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • EEL 4xxx RF and Microwave Circuits I - This course involves passive microwave circuit design. Investigate the characteristics of transmission lines used in modern microwave systems, the tools used for analysis, and some common circuit topologies for matching, filtering and power distribution. It is part one of a two-part sequence and open to EE majors only. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • EEL 4xxx RF and Microwave Circuits II - This course involves active RF/Microwave circuit design. Students will investigate the characteristics of amplifiers and oscillators used in modern microwave systems, the tools used for analysis, and some common circuit topologies for biasing and matching. It is part two of a two-part sequence and open to EE majors only. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • EEL 4xxx RF and Microwave Measurements - This course introduces students to the theory and applications of modern radio frequency and microwave measurements. Topics to be included are network analzyer, spectrum analzyer, noise, power, and non-linear distortion measurements. Modern trends also treated are on on-wafer measurements for transistor characterization and the evaluation of monolithic microwave integrated circuits. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • ELR 4xxx Wireless Circuits and Systems Design Laboratory - This course involves an extensive hands-on experience in wireless radio frequency and microwave circuits and systems, involving modern measurements, fabrication and computer-aided design experiences at both component and subsystem levels. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • ECH 3303L Chemical Engineering Lab I - This course involves the theory and application of chemical engineering instrumental measurement methods: density, temperature, flow, pressure, viscosity, refractive index, humidity, gaseous and liquid composition, and pH/ion selective electrods (ISE) analysis. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • EGN 3344 Basic Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Heat Transfer - This course involves thermodynamic concepts of energy, entropy, work and heat and thermodynamic cycles. Following discussion and course revisions, this course was approved.

   • ECH 4xxx Quantitative Methods in Chemical Engineering - This course involves analysis, mathematical modeling, and optimization of separation and reaction processes, with emphasis on numerical techniques and computational solutions. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • ECH 426x Transport Phenomena - This course involves transport phenomena, including fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfers. Following discussion and minor course changes, this course was approved.

   • ECH 4615 Plant Design - This course involves synthesis and analysis of economically feasible and environmentally acceptable chemical processing routes. Following discussion, this course was approved.

3. General Discussion

   Dr. Sullins distributed a memo about the plus/minus grading system that provides a proposed structure for the implementation of the plus/minus grading system. This memo will be sent to the faculty . The 48-hour course requirement memo was distributed. It proposes that a minimum of 48 hours of upper level courses be attained at USF. Memo breaks down other state school upper level course requirements.

The next meeting will be Monday, September 27, 1999. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Please send any suggestions or comments to:
Office of Undergraduate Studies