Scroll to Top

Writing Center

University Writing Center Texas A&M University University Writing Center

MEEN 404 Engineering Laboratory

College: College of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Type: W
Status: Approved

REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: MEEN 404

CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 9/1/24 to 9/1/28                  

We recommend that MEEN 404 Engineering Laboratory be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 33% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 2,000; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.

MEEN 404’s writing topic consists of an individually written report. Students submit an initial draft for formative feedback from their peers in a workshop, and also receive written comments from the instructor on the draft before resubmitting for a grade. Writing instruction occurs over multiple class sessions on various topics, which include writing a proposal, writing for a specific purpose, and aspects of technical writing. Students also complete an exercise for homework that teaches them how to evaluate the writing of technical papers in the field.