Toe-may-toe or toe-mah-toe

I have a thermodynamics II quiz on Friday.  We have four quizzes throughout the semester on which to earn a total of 15 points (out of 40 total) in order to qualify for the final exam.  I received four on the first.  That means that if I average that score on the three following quizzes, I will qualify by a single point.  With this set of circumstances, I should be studying...

...but I'm not.

Herein lies the difference between KIT's educational method of only having final exams (and a design project) and Purdue's non-stop homework/exam marathon.  I figure it was time that I detail the fundamental differences between the two systems.

Purdue 
Those of you that I've kept in close contact with over the years know that while at Purdue, I usually have a pretty full plate.  On top of my studies, I try to be at least somewhat involved in Pi Tau Sigma, ASME, and Purdue Solar Racing (maybe not so much on the last one) and try to actually enjoy my college years with friends.

Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering is pretty well-known for its meat grinder-esque  approach.  Sure, it can suck, but I know it's preparing me to be a good engineer.  That's why a lot of companies hire from Purdue.  The constant homework, quizzes, labs, and midterms help to reinforce material learned in lecture.  Purdue's coursework juggles both theory and practicality with general concepts being taught first with their applications discussed secondly.  

Purdue ME also focuses a bit more on gaining general knowledge of various engineering topics from management to thermodynamics to mechanics early on with design classes towards the end of the program.  Everything culminates with a senior design project where students design and build a new product from scratch.

KIT
KIT's ME program is a bit different.  The most glaring difference is the way courses are graded.  Instead of having numerous parts (tests, homework, etc.) that go towards your final grade like Purdue, your final grade at KIT is solely dependent on the final exam.  One exam, one grade.  Rough.  Sure, some classes (i.e. thermo) require a certain competency for qualification to take the final, but the final is still your entire grade.  Also, class isn't really mandatory like it is at Purdue.

Lectures at KIT are supported by tutorials that either cover specific subjects or illustrate problems that can be solved with the concepts learned in lecture.   My tutorials in thermo, for instance, involve a tutor working through two large problems that relate to what we've learned in previous lectures.

One big positive of KIT's curriculum is the focus on design from the very beginning.  For the first four semesters, students take a four semester-long design course that is paralleled by a design project.  This class is useful because you learn very practical things like bearing arrangements and shaft dimensioning.  This is stuff that Purdue doesn't really cover, at least not until very late.  The design project is also a great teaching tool.  One learns the basic design of clutches, transmissions, drives, etc.  There's also the sense of accomplishment in designing your own transmission.  KIT also requires that students have both an internship and do a bachelor's thesis before getting their degree.  Undergrad research and job experience are strongly recommended at Purdue but not mandatory.


How it affects me
I'm more so built for the Purdue model.  I like having to do problems throughout the semester to reinforce what I've learned.  I just don't have the motivation to study for an exam that is over a month away.  I'm the stereotypical cram studier.  To compare my study habits to track, I would run the 200 m on the exam track.  I sure as hell wouldn't be running the 3200 m.

This has led me to not work as hard as usual.  Sure, the allure of traveling around Europe and experiencing another culture is another detriment to my studies, but it's more so ingrained study habits.  I'm hoping to begin studying for the exams soon, but we'll see if I can make this change.

But don't worry, Mom.  I'll still try to pull out good grades in the end.  It is study abroad and not a four-month vacation (though I wish it was).  Anywho, back to studying.

Until next time, Alles Gute.