Incorporating 3D modeling and visualization in the first year engineering curriculum

We describe how 3D modeling and visualization have been incorporated into a first year engineering concepts course at the University of Virginia. Previously we eliminated the traditional engineering graphics course and integrated that material into other courses. We now introduce geometric modeling, computer aided design, and the basic ideas of visualization to our students during their first semester. In their first CAD lesson, our students learn to construct a solid model, to view it from multiple perspectives and to render it. The second lesson introduces Boolean operations; the third, working in multiple spaces, the fourth, a variety of solid modeling techniques, and the fifth annotating a model. A sixth lesson covers the fundamental ideas of rendering. Thus, we start with three dimensional thinking and emphasize the importance of modeling and visualization to the engineering design process. Students find this approach exciting, challenging, and relevant. They learn to capture their ideas as 3D models, and gain an early understanding of the role of design in engineering.