AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT-DRIVEN SENIOR-LEVEL ANTENNAS COURSE

This paper discusses experience gained during a senior-level antennas course In which a project for the design, fabrication, and performance validation of an antenna was an integral part of the course, Crucial differences between typical engineering curricula in South Africa and North America are described initially, This is followed by a descripti on of the course outline and grading procedure, The format followed fo r the construction project is described and specific examples of anten nas used for the project are given, The essence of the project was to place students in a disciplined self-study learning environment where they would be confronted with situations similar to those they would e xperience once they entered engineering practice after graduation, Suc cessive groups of students gained experience with a variety of antenna s, which are discussed in context, The course has proven to be both st imulating and rewarding for the students because of the essential mix of theory and practice, Viewed in educational germs, the course integr ated various elements of design essential for engineering practice; na mely, establishment of objectives, design criteria and compromises, sy nthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and critical evaluation of t he final product.