INTRODUCING POWER ELECTRONICS IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING CURRICULUM

This paper presents the incorporation of Power Electronics as a new course in electrical and computer engineering curriculum at Grand Valley State University. The philosophy and necessity of this course in modern electrical and computer engineering curriculum are explained with a brief snapshot of the United States economic trends enforcing employment demand for power electronic engineers. The objectives, synopsis of course contents, laboratory development and course project structure are discussed. Student evaluation and lessons learned from a test run of this course as part II of EGR 680 (Design of Electrical Control Systems) offered in winter 2003 are summarized. The results of this test reveal some difficulties encountered and possible solutions while enhance the potential of power electronics as a new course at the school of engineering.