Undergraduate electromagnetics education at Oklahoma State University: VECTOR (Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts To Obtain Relevancy)

Abstract

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECEN) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is developing a two-course sequence in electromagnetics (EM) based upon proven pedagogical methods. The two-course sequence is named VECTOR (Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts To Obtain Relevancy) and adapts existing teaching techniques and laboratories to address three interrelated goals: (a) to create an undergraduate curriculum in electromagnetics which is relevant to students and shows the impact of this field on emerging knowledge and technologies; (b) to employ modern tools, skills, and techniques to emphasize fundamental concepts rather than teach legacy materials emphasizing rote memorization and analytical solutions; (c) to create an effective introductory EM course which will pipeline students into the electromagnetics-photonics curriculum at OSU, including graduate programs. These goals address problems at both a local and national level and are being achieved through the cooperative efforts of experts in engineering education, assessment, and EM.