Use of Case Histories in the Classroom

Use of case histories provides an important role in Civil Engineering education, presenting an opportunity for students to extend the principles found in textbooks to real world, practical problems. Case histories provide students with a sense of judgment and a sampling of the “art” in geotechnics. The author, an Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has used contemporary case history examples related to foundation and geotechnical engineering to supplement and invigorate classroom instruction and prepare students for the workforce. Typical examples related to foundation engineering include: • Design of subsurface investigation programs for structures, wastewater treatment plants, etc., considering the use of conventional test borings, Cone Penetration Tests (CPT), in-situ testing, and laboratory testing. • Evaluation of bearing capacity for shallow foundations based on boring and CPT logs • Estimates of static pile capacities based on boring and CPT logs, including subsequent comparison with load test results. • Settlement predictions based on available boring, CPT, in-situ, and laboratory test data, and subsequent comparison with field measurements, if available. Evaluation of whether predicted settlement is acceptable. • Analysis and design of sheet pile and gravity retaining structures based on boring and/or CPT logs. Example case histories are reviewed, including their role in supplementing textbook instruction. A key component of these problems is that they do not offer a unique solution, but rather a range of solutions depending on selection of suitable design parameters and method(s) of analysis. Feedback from students is also presented

Quantum algorithms for testing Boolean functions

We discuss quantum algorithms, based on the Bernstein-Vazirani algorithm, for finding which variables a Boolean function depends on. There are 2^n possible linear Boolean functions of n variables; given a linear Boolean function, the Bernstein-Vazirani quantum algorithm can deterministically identify which one of these Boolean functions we are given using just one single function query. The same quantum algorithm can also be used to learn which input variables other types of Boolean functions depend on, with a success probability that depends on the form of the Boolean function that is tested, but does not depend on the total number of input variables. We also outline a procedure to futher amplify the success probability, based on another quantum algorithm, the Grover search

Prospectus, June 1, 2016

Natural sciences create new outdoor lab space in L-wing, Reception: Graphic Design Student Juried Exhibition, Grab your FREE copy of Images Magazine now in Student Life, Graphic Design Student Juried Exhibition 2016https://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1014/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, August 24, 2016

Student Life director enjoys job, working with students, Students to compete at nationals for engine work, Japan House gears up for crowds at festival celebrating Japanese culture, Parkland Cobras vs. Fighting Illini scrimmagehttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1017/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, September 7, 2016

Duckworth, Durbin visit Parkland to discuss education finances on election trail, Champaign Farmers\u27 Market holding event with Parkland organizations, Student government candidates, Parkland aviation student wins GlobalAir.com scholarship, New FAFSA dates; area students encouraged to apply early, Meet the Women of Law Enforcement Career Fair, set for Sept. 24, Cobra softball season openshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1019/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, April 6, 2016

PARKLAND HOSTS RACES FUNDRAISER TO RAISE SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS; Biannual student survey helps Parkland tackle substance use; Big Gigantic at The Canopy Clubhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1022/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, November 30, 2016

COBRA VOLLEYBALL WINS THIRD TITLE, SECOND IN TWO YEARS; Humans of Parkland: Alec Ballard; Cobras volleyball coach wins AVCA Regional Coach of Year; Parkland men\u27s and women\u27s soccer teams both make nationals; Some Prospectus staff share what they\u27re thankful for; Notice to faculty and students regarding final examinations; New opportunity for community college science students; Parkland hosts second suicide Survivor Day eventhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1029/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, December 7, 2016

EIGHT PARKLAND FACULTY FACE NON-RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS; Humans of Parkland: Destiny Norris; Giertz Gallery exhabition highlights the art in drawing; Cobra basketball teams fighting hard in 2016-17 season; Trump taps former campaign rival Carson as housing secretary; Teens, young artists among California warehouse fire victims; After Trump rift at Liberty University, students find unity; McDonald\u27s CEO: Chain still plans to expand in the US again; During first look at wildfire rubble, residents in a daze; Family pushes for cyberbullying laws after teen\u27s suicide; Moments from Parkland\u27s Charlie Brown Christmashttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1030/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, August 31, 2016

Parkland offers counseling alongside academic advising, Cobra baseball to play at Busch Stadium, Intoxicated in the air: drunk pilots make news but are rare(AP Airlines Writers), Illinois Regional College Fair comes to Parkland College, New community ed \u27maker\u27 classes for fall in food, handcrafts, Student sees benefits of \u27Pokemon Go\u27(The DeKalb Daily chronicle), Cobra Volleyball hopes to continue last season\u27s successhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_2016/1018/thumbnail.jp