Proposal 30-16

The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 30-16
(Voting Units: Academic) 

“Proposal for a Minor in Rail Transportation”

Submitted April 1, 2016 by the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering 

PDF version of Proposal 30-16 

1. Introduction
This proposal recommends establishing an undergraduate minor titled “Minor in Rail Transportation” through the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, in collaboration with the Rail Transportation Program (RTP) at the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI). Required courses offered as part of this minor are currently offered in the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, and Business and Economics programs.  Electives are found in the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Business programs.  The minor is available to students from any department. The Minor is designed to give students recognition that in addition to their degree, they have completed a set of elective courses oriented toward the needs of the rail industry. Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Tracks have been created for the minor, and other tracks may be added in the future to support additional disciplines.

2. Rationale
A shift in the U.S. transportation environment has led to a revival in rail transport, especially in freight rail. The desire for reduction of highway and air traffic congestion has also led to growth of urban rail systems and plans for future intercity passenger and high speed rail. This growth requires a corresponding increase in railroad transportation and engineering education. Simultaneously, the U.S. railroad system is nearing capacity as more companies explore rail freight as a supplement or an alternative to truck transportation, thus creating pressure to add more trains to a system with no excess capacity.

The demand for railroad work continues, according to the AAR “America’s freight railroads have reinvested $575 billion since 1980 — and are planning to spend an estimated $29 billion in 2015 alone to modernize the rail network and equipment[1].   Additionally, passenger rail transportation is receiving unprecedented attention through high speed rail development in California, and a new privately funded system in work for Texas[2]. “Higher Speed Rail” services are being implemented in the Chicago-Detroit, Chicago-St Louis[3], and Miami-Orlando[4] corridors. Many cities and states are making major investments in new commuter rail and light rail transit systems, including the new Detroit M-1 light rail system.

In the meantime, an aging rail employee demographic presents a severe threat to sufficient level of individuals equipped to handle the design and operation of both new and existing rail systems[5]. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) estimates that 15,000 new employees will be needed in the industry in 2015[6]. Over the past decade, Michigan Tech has developed a leadership position in railroad transportation/engineering education and has established an international reputation for its innovative Rail Transportation Program (RTP). The number of students participating in coursework and Railroad Engineering and Activities Club (REAC) has increased significantly over the past decade (link to Figure 1) and major rail companies, engineering consultants, contractors and manufacturers have increased their internship/full time recruiting activities on campus to meet their demands (link to Figure 2), including their involvement in student/research projects. The Michigan Tech Rail Transportation Program is also a member of a US DOT funded University Transportation Center, called NURail, which includes seven universities, including the Universities of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign and Chicago), Kentucky, Tennessee, MIT, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The NURail consortium should provide future opportunities for course collaboration and the development of on-line courses.

RTP faculty and staff have been active in the education committees for both the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way (AREMA) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and have used those connections to develop a sound understanding of industry education needs. The industry has identified graduates with a bachelor’s degree as their primary target group and have identified leadership, problem solving and communication skills as the most valuable “non-technical” skills for their graduates. This minor provides students from various disciplines with: 1) a general introduction to rail transportation; 2) an introduction to rail topics within their discipline; and 3) courses that cover the most critical non-technical skills for industry professionals.

3. Details of Catalog Copy

         I. Title of Minor:    Minor in Rail Transportation

II. Description:
This minor is targeted to Michigan Tech students with interests in the rail transportation industry. The mix of discipline specific and multi-disciplinary class requirements for this minor provides students with the basic skills and background necessary to rapidly become effective specialists and leaders in the railroad industry.  In addition to courses in rail transportation and engineering, students also learn logistics, management, leadership, and/or communications skills to meet the demands of rail industry careers.  Railroads, consultants, transit agencies, industry suppliers, construction firms, and government agencies are all looking for graduates with versatile skills, who can become effective engineers, managers and team leaders in various company positions, and understand the requirements placed by the industry on its professional staff.  In addition to civil engineering and business needs, the industry is increasingly looking for graduates with the technical expertise needed for their signal and  communications systems (including IT systems),  and the background to handle the latest developments in mechanical systems.  This minor assists students in preparing to meet those needs, the main learning goals are provided below.

 III. List of Courses:

The initial list of courses was developed based on input provided by almost 500 industry professionals (collected via on-line survey) and consultations with faculty from CEE and other departments. Additional courses from various departments with a rail focus or a close alignment with rail industry skill demands could be added to the elective list in the future. Note that civil, mechanical, and electrical tracks have already been created to expand the relevance of the minor. 

Table 1 outlines the core and elective requirements. Course selection has been discussed and reviewed with the Rail Transportation Advisory Board (RTAB) that consists of industry leaders at different points of their career. Figure 3 - Program Flow Chart, shows the minor requirements in a graphic format. 

Table 1 - Minor Course Requirements

Track alignments shown in Table 1 are intended to demonstrate routes in those disciplines for the Rail Transportation Minor. They are not intended to be restrictive, any of the courses listed may be used by a student in any major to complete the elective requirements. 

Total: Minimum 19 credits 

IV. Prerequisites:
AF 3010 – (Sophomore standing or above)
AF 3020 – (Sophomore standing or above)
CE 3401 – (Sophomore standing or above)
CE 4333 – (CE 3332)
CE 4404 – (Junior standing or above)
CE 4407 – (CE3401, SU2000, Sophomore standing or above)
CE 4490 – (Junior standing or above)
CE 4905 – (Senior standing )
CE 5408 – (Senior standing with permission of instructor)
HU 3120 – (UN 1015, Junior standing or above)
MGT 3000 – (Sophomore standing or above)
MGT 3100 – (Sophomore standing or above)
OSM 3200 – (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or EET 2010 or BUS 2100 or BA 2100)
OSM 4700 – (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710) and (MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161)
MEEM 3911 – (MEEM 3901 and EE3010 and MEEM 3400 and MEEM 3600)
MEEM 4220 – (MEEM 3210) 
MEEM 4450 – (MEEM 3502 and MEEM 3000) or (EE 3305 and MEEM 2700)
MEEM 4655 – (MEEM 3501)
MEEM 4901 – (MEEM 3000(C) and MEEM 3502(C) and MEEM 3900)
MEEM 4911 – (MEEM 4901 and MEEM 3000(C) and MEEM 3502(C) and MEEM 3900)
MEEM 4990 – (Permission of department required, Sophomore standing or above)
EE 3120 – (EE 2110 or EE 3010 or (EE 2111 and EE 2112(C)))
EE 3160 – ((EE 2110 or EE 2112) and (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)       )
EE 3171 – ((EE 2241 or CS 1121 or CS 1111) and (EE 2174 or EE 2173))
EE 3250 - (EE 3160)
EE 3261 – (EE 3160)
EE4219 – (EE 2110 or EE 2112 or EE 3010)
EE4220 – (EE4219(C))
EE 4227 – (EE 3120 and (EE 3130(C) or EE 3131))
EE 4228 – (EE 4227(C ))
EE 4253 – (EE 4252)
EE 4805 – (Permission of instructor and department required )
EE 4901 – (EE 3131 or (EE 3130 and EE 3305) and (EE 3901 or EE 4900) and (EE 3170(C) or EE 3171(C) or EE 3173(C)))
EE 4910 – (EE 4901) 

4. New Course Descriptions
            The minor requires no new courses.

5. Estimated Costs
            No additional costs anticipated as the program uses existing courses.

6. Planned implementation date
            The program can be implemented as soon as approved.

Link to Figure 3 - Program Flow Chart

*   An independent study course or a senior or enterprise design course with a railroad focus in the student’s major discipline, or a course in rail topics from another university may be substituted for one of the Railroad Focus courses with prior written approval by the Director, Rail Transportation Program.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

AF 3010 - Leadership Studies I for Non-AFROTC Students For non-AFROTC students. AFROTC cadets should enroll in AF3001. Study and practice of leadership in civilian and military organizations. Topics include leadership principles, problem solving, management fundamentals, counseling, motivation, mentoring, and effective communication. Various leadership theories are discussed. The course includes discussion, informal lecture, self-evaluation of leadership traits, and experiential exercises. 
Credits: 3.0   | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman 

AF 3020 - Leadership Studies II for Non-AFROTC Students For non-AFROTC students. AFROTC cadets should enroll in AF3002. Study of leadership in civilian and military institutions. Topics include officership, team building, feedback, Air Force evaluation systems, leadership ethics, professional relations, and communication skills. The course includes discussion, informal lecture, case studies, and experiential exercises.  Credits: 3.0   | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman 

CE 3401 - Transportation Engineering
Introduction to transportation in the United States, highway types and systems, principles of route location, vehicle characteristics, highway geometrics and design standards, drainage, environmental considerations, pavement design, and economic principles and engineering criteria for highway improvements.
Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

CE 4333 - Estimating and Planning of Construction Projects Examination of the principles and techniques of estimating construction costs leading to the development of an estimate and proposal submission. The relationship between the contract specification, drawings, and the estimate will be illustrated. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CE 3332

CE 4404 – Railroad Engineering
Overview of basic elements and roles of rail transportation, history, organizations and economics, safety, intercity and urban passenger rail, freight operations, track-train dynamics, signals and communications, motive power and equipment, track components, construction and maintenance.
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): Junior standing or above

CE 4407 - Transportation Design An introduction to the planning-design-construction process for highways, intersections, and railroads.Operations, capacity, safety, and geometric design features. Horizontal and vertical alignment and cross sections. Design criteria, standards, environmental aspects, cost, and construction considerations. Use of CAD systems in preparing contact plans. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): SU2000, CE 3401

CE 4490 – Rail Transportation Seminar
Presentations and discussion of current literature and research related to rail transportation.
Credits: 1.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): Junior standing or above

CE 4905 – Senior Design
An engineering design project related to Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): Senior standing

CE 5408 – Public Transit
An introduction to public transit, user characteristics, management, transit modes, data collection and surveys, planning, operations, scheduling, transit finances, and future trends
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): Senior standing with permission of instructor

HU 3120 - Technical and Professional Communication
A study of written and oral communication in technical and scientific environments; emphasizes audience, writing processes, genres of scientific and technical discourse, visual communication, collaboration, professional responsibility, clear and correct expression. Students write and revise several documents and give oral report(s). Computer Intensive.
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman,
Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

MGT 3000 – Organizational Behavior
Covers concepts of human behavior and organizational behavior through the study of people’s behavior at work. Develop understanding, attitudes, and skills leading to increased personal effectiveness
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): Sophomore standing or above

MGT 3100 – Leadership Development
Assesses students’ current knowledge, abilities and values relevant to leadership and guides students in developing and implementing plans for new leadership abilities.
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): Sophomore standing or above

OSM 4700 - Logistics and Transportation Management
Focuses on the transportation and distribution services that support demand fulfillment from the receipt of customer orders to order fulfillment. Topics include customer service, order fulfillment, inventory, transportation costs and modes, facility design and operation, carrier selection, and negotiation.
Credits: 3.0 | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman,
Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710) and (MA 1135 or MA1160 or MA 1161)

MEEM 3911 - Mechanical Engineering Practice IV Students further develop their skills to identify and solve ill-defined problems.  They tackle a complex system by gathering evidence, proposing a solution, and iterating to optimize the solution.
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering 
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3901 and EE 3010 and MEEM 3400 and MEEM 3600

MEEM 4220 - Internal Combustion Engines I Teaches the operation and design of various types of internal combustion engines through the application of applied thermodynamics, cycle analysis, combustion, mixtures of gases, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate 
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3210

MEEM 4450 - Vehicle Dynamics This course will develop the models and techniques needed to predict the performance of a road vehicle during drive off, braking, ride, and steering maneuvers. Topics to be covered include: acceleration and braking performance, drive train performance including an introduction to hybrid electric power train architecture, vehicle handling, suspension modeling, tire models, and steering control. Matlab will be used as a computational tool for implementation of the models. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering 
Pre-Requisite(s): (MEEM 3502 and MEEM 3000) or (EE 3305 and MEEM 2700)

MEEM 4655 - Production Planning Provides current issues, such as just-in-time production and reengineering, while covering fundamental production planning topics as scheduling, job design, inventory and forecasting. Provides the fundamental essence of the firm--how its services and products are created and how they are delivered to customers. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3501(C)

MEEM 4901 - Senior Capstone Design I Students work in teams on "open-ended" engineering capstone design projects - most with industrial sponsors - developing original and creative solutions to real engineering problems. 
Credits: 2.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering 
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3000(C) and MEEM 3502(C) and MEEM 3900

MEEM 4911 - Senior Capstone Design II Design projects started in MEEM4901 are completed and evaluated using computer-aided engineering methods, physical models, and/or prototypes as appropriate. 
Credits: 2.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering 
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901 and MEEM 3000(C) and MEEM 3502(C) and MEEM 3900

MEEM 4990 - Special Topics in Mech Engg Problems in mechanical engineering, engineering mechanics, manufacturing, or industrial engineering that are not covered in regular courses. 
Credits: variable to 6.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6   | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

EE 3120 - Electric Energy Systems An overview of the generation and utilization of electrical energy. Covers three-phase circuits, transformers, photovoltaics, batteries, electromechanical energy conversion, and an overview of electric power systems, including economic issues.  Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 2110 or EE 3010 or (EE 2111 and EE 2112(C))

EE 3160 - Signals and Systems Introduces the mathematical analysis of signals, systems, and control. Topics include differential equations, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, LaPlace transforms, frequency response, Bode plots, state models, and an introduction to control systems.  Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 2110 or EE 2112) and (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

EE 3171 - Microcontroller Applications Introduces the concepts of microcontroller-based systems. Describes basic characteristics of microcontrollers, then goes into significant detail in the applications of a specific microcontroller. Topics include C and assembly language programming, instruction set interface, ASICs, and polled, interrupt, and DMA input/output. 
Credits: 4.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Computer Engineering 
Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 2241 or CS 1121 or CS 1111) and (EE 2174 or EE 2173)

EE 3250 - Introduction to Communications Theory  Introduction to communications systems and theory; fundamentals of point-to-point communication link design and analysis; analog modulation and demodulation techniques; digital signal representation and filtering; binary data transmission.
Credits: 3.0 l Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0) l Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160

EE 3261 - Control Systems Mathematical formulation of control problems (both transfer function and state-variable descriptions); analysis of feedback control systems (stability, transient performance, steady-state error, sensitivity, etc.); analog and digital simulation; and experiments with physical systems.  Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160 EE 3180 (C)

EE 4219 - Introduction to Electric Machinery and Drives Provides a thorough understanding of how electric machines can be used to drive loads with control of speed, torque and position. Topics include basic electro-mechanics, rotating machinery, dc machines, ac machines, power electronics and load modeling. Applications include industrial systems, hybrid/electric vehicles and electric power systems. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 2110 or EE 2112 or EE 3010

EE 4220 - Introduction to Electric Machinery and Drives Laboratory Provides a hands on understanding of how electric machines can be used to drive loads with control of speed, torque, and position. Topics include basic electro-mechanics, rotating machinery, dc machines, ac machines, power electronics, and load modeling. 
Credits: 1.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4219(C)

EE 4227 - Power Electronics Fundamentals of circuits for electrical energy processing. Covers switching converter principles for dc-dc, ac-dc, and dc-ac power conversion. Other topics include harmonics, pulse-width modulation, feedback control, magnetic components and power semiconductors. 
Credits: 3.0   | Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3120 and (EE 3130(C) or EE 3131)

EE 4228 - Power Electronics Lab Fundamentals of design, construction and control of circuits for electrical energy processing. Covers switching converter principles for dc-dc, ac-dc, and dc-ac power conversion. Other topics include harmonics, pulse-width modulation, feedback control, magnetic components and power semiconductors. 
Credits: 1.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4227(C)

EE 4253 - Real Time Signal Processing Practical implementation of digital signal processing concepts as developed in EE4252. Emphasis on applications of DSP to communications, filter design, speech processing, and radar. Laboratory provides practical experience in the design and implementation of DSP solutions. 
Credits: 3.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4252

EE 4805 - Electrical Engineering Project A project in electrical engineering.  An individual student or a group of students complete a mutually-agreed-upon project in consultation with a faculty member.
Credits: variable to 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 6; Graded Pass/Fail Only  | Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of instructor and department required 

EE 4901 - EE Design Project 1 The first semester of a program of study in which a group of students work on an engineering design project in consultation with a faculty member. (Senior project ready as defined by major substitutes for prerequisites) 
Credits: 2.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)  | Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior 
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3131 or (EE 3130 and EE 3305) and (EE 3901 or EE 4900) and (EE 3170(C) or EE 3171(C) or EE 3173(C))

EE 4910 - EE Design Project 2 The second semester of a program of study in which a group of students work on an engineering design project in consultation with a faculty member. (Senior project ready as defined by major substitutes for prerequisites) 
Credits: 2.0  | Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-3)  | Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4901

[1]Association of American Railroads web site, https://www.aar.org/BackgroundPapers/Freight%20Railroad%20Capacity%20and%20Investment.pdf , Accessed Sept 14, 2015

[2]The Texas Central Railway, The Project,  http://www.texascentral.com/project accessed Sept 15, 2015

[3]The Midwest High Speed Rail Association, Projects by State/Route, http://www.midwesthsr.org/projects-stateroute, accessed Sep 15, 2015

[4]  Work begins — finally — on Miami-to-Orlando fast train, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article1981627.html, Accessed Sept 15, 2015.

[5]Federal Railroad Administration, Railroad Industry Modal Profile, An Outline of the Railroad Industry Workforce Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities, October, 2011, http://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/92, Accessed Sept 15, 2015 *link no longer available 6/1/20 

[6]2015 Outlook, Executive Summary, https://www.aar.org/Documents/Outlook%202015/2015OutlookReport.pdf, Accessed Sept 15, 2015

Introduced to Senate: April 6, 2016
Approved by Senate: April 20, 2016
Approved by Administration: April 26, 2016