BEE 100-level courses: Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Communication Skills I, Computer Literacy, African Studies, Workshop Tech & Safety, Applied

83 topics across 4 chapters

Chapter 1

Cross-cutting Problem-Solving Tools

Units, Dimensions & Estimation

3 subtopics

Unit conversion drills (SI ↔ prefixes, mixed units, derived units)

Dimensional analysis practice problems (check formulas, derive relationships)

Order-of-magnitude (Fermi) estimates: time, energy, power, cost

Algebra & Trigonometry Refresher

2 subtopics

Algebra manipulation & equation-solving practice (rearrange, substitute, systems)

Trigonometry + vectors basics (components, resultant, angles)

Intro Calculus for Engineers

2 subtopics

Functions/limits/derivatives basics (rate of change, slopes, optimization)

Integrals basics (area under curve, accumulation, simple engineering applications)

Graphs, Data & Uncertainty

2 subtopics

Significant figures, measurement error & uncertainty basics

Plotting & trendlines in spreadsheets (scatter plots, fit line, interpret slope/intercept)

Chapter 2

Core Engineering Sciences

Engineering Physics Foundations (supporting Thermo/Materials/Electricity)

3 subtopics

Energy, work & power: solve mixed word problems (mechanical/thermal/electrical forms)

Fluids basics: pressure, density, manometers, buoyancy (core definitions + problems)

Stress/strain primer: Hooke’s law, elastic deformation, basic safety factor idea

Thermodynamics (BEE105)

7 subtopics

↗ Unit conversion drills (SI ↔ prefixes, mixed units, derived units) (see Chapter 1)

↗ Dimensional analysis practice problems (check formulas, derive relationships) (see Chapter 1)

Thermo properties & state: ideal gas law + property tables problem set

First Law (closed systems): heat/work sign convention + energy balance problems

Steady-flow devices: nozzle/turbine/compressor/pump energy balance problems

Second Law: entropy, irreversibility & efficiency comparisons problem set

Thermo cycles: Rankine/Brayton + refrigeration/heat pump COP sample problems

Materials Science (BEE109)

6 subtopics

Atomic bonding & crystal structures: identify structures + key property implications

Defects, diffusion & strengthening mechanisms: summary sheet + concept questions

Phase diagrams: binary diagram reading + lever rule practice problems

Mechanical properties: interpret stress–strain curves + compute modulus/yield/UTS

Heat treatment basics (esp. steels): processes, microstructure changes, case studies

Corrosion & prevention: types, causes, and protection methods mini-notes + quiz

Applied Electricity (BEE115)

7 subtopics

↗ Unit conversion drills (SI ↔ prefixes, mixed units, derived units) (see Chapter 1)

DC circuits: Ohm’s law + Kirchhoff’s laws practice set

Circuit theorems: superposition + Thevenin/Norton equivalent problems

AC fundamentals: phasors, impedance, RMS, simple RLC calculations

Power in AC: real/reactive/apparent power + power factor + 3-phase intro problems

Electrical measurements: multimeter use + oscilloscope basics lab checklist

Electrical safety essentials: grounding, fuses/breakers, insulation, PPE, lockout basics

Chapter 3

Workshop Technology and Safety Practice (BEE107)

Workshop Safety & PPE

3 subtopics

Hazard identification + safety plan template (risk, controls, PPE, emergency steps)

↗ Electrical safety essentials: grounding, fuses/breakers, insulation, PPE, lockout basics (see Chapter 2)

Fire safety & first-aid basics for workshops (extinguishers, burns, cuts, reporting)

Measurement & Metrology

3 subtopics

Vernier caliper reading drills (mm/inch, least count, recording measurements)

Micrometer reading drills (zero error, thimble/sleeve reading, practice set)

Tolerance & measurement error mini-exercises (allowance, limits, simple stack-up)

Hand Tools & Bench Fitting

2 subtopics

Bench work practical checklist: marking-out, sawing, filing, drilling

Fasteners & threads: tapping/die set use + thread identification exercises

Machining Basics (Lathe/Milling)

2 subtopics

Lathe fundamentals worksheet (facing, turning, parting, speeds/feeds basics)

Milling fundamentals worksheet (clamping, slotting, drilling, cutter basics)

Welding & Fabrication Basics

2 subtopics

Welding joints & positions: short notes + supervised practice plan

Cutting/grinding/finishing safety checklist (sparks, guards, eyewear, housekeeping)

Workshop Drawings, Tolerances & Surface Finish

2 subtopics

Engineering drawing interpretation: orthographic/isometric views practice

Fits basics: clearance/transition/interference quick problems + examples

Chapter 4

General Studies & Professional Skills

Communication Skills I (BEE103)

5 subtopics

Reading, listening & note-taking system (Cornell notes + weekly review routine)

Grammar & clarity: rewrite drills (conciseness, active voice, punctuation basics)

Technical writing: paragraph structure, cohesion, and logical flow exercises

Oral presentations: 5–7 minute talk practice + feedback rubric

Referencing & plagiarism avoidance: citations, paraphrasing, quotation rules exercises

Computer Literacy (BEE111)

6 subtopics

File management & backups: folders, naming, cloud/USB strategy, versioning practice

Word processing for coursework: styles, headings, TOC, page numbers, citations

Spreadsheets for engineering: formulas, functions, unit-aware calculations practice

↗ Plotting & trendlines in spreadsheets (scatter plots, fit line, interpret slope/intercept) (see Chapter 1)

Slides for presentations: layout, contrast, charts, and speaker notes basics

Cybersecurity basics: passwords, phishing, malware hygiene, safe downloads checklist

African Studies (BEE113)

5 subtopics

Key themes in African history: concise timeline notes + key terms

Colonialism & nationalism: timeline + map-based recall exercises

Post-independence governance & development: compare viewpoints with short summaries

Contemporary issues case study: pick one country and write a 1–2 page brief

African studies essay workflow: thesis → outline → evidence plan → draft checklist

Professional Ethics, Teamwork & Study Habits

3 subtopics

Engineering ethics scenarios: safety, honesty, responsibility (short written responses)

Teamwork basics: roles, meetings, minutes template, conflict-handling mini-cases

Weekly study system: timetable + spaced repetition + past-question routine