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 description of the course outline and grading procedure. The format followed for the construction project is described and specific examples of antennas 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 experience once they entered engineering practice after graduation. Successive groups of students gained experience with a variety of antennas, which are discussed in context. The course has proven to be both stimulating and rewarding for the students because of the essential mix of theory and practice. Viewed in educational terms, the course integrated various elements of design essential for engineering practice, namely: establishment of objectives; design criteria and compromises; synthesis; analysis; construction; testing; and critical evaluation of the final product.