Dr. Sara McMillan, PhD, P.E.
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Courses


ABE 205 - Computations for Engineering Systems (Fall)
The objective of the course is to provide students with the tools and skills to quantitatively describe variability, differences and relationships in data from real-world applications. Students successfully completing this course should be able to:
  1. Design experiments to collect high-quality data
  2. Display data graphically to draw inferences
  3. Quantify variability in datasets
  4. Characterize relationships between predictor and response variables
  5. Test for differences between samples and populations
Syllabus for Fall 2016

ABE 591 - Restoration Engineering & Biogeochemistry (Alternating Fall)
We critically read current and seminal papers related to biogeochemistry with an emphasis on engineering practices that restore function across scales. In addition to science, students successfully completing the course will: 
  1. Develop skills that allow you to not only understand a specific study, but place it in a broader context both in science and management,
  2. Critically evaluate rather than just absorb information,
  3. Prepare thoughtful, concise, clearly articulated written summaries of peer-reviewed literature.
  4. Lead lively, interactive discussions of a topic by asking open-ended questions of your fellow classmates.
​Syllabus for Fall 2016

ABE 591 - Ecological Engineering & Ecosystem Restoration (Alternating Fall)
In this course, students learn and apply governing principles of ecological engineering, including biological, chemical, and physical conditions that guide restoration design. We use a systems approach to characterize and quantify water and elemental cycling, energy flow through systems, ecological disturbance and ecosystem response. Applications focus on stream restoration, wetland & floodplain restoration, and stormwater control measures. We utilize an ecosystem services approach to critically review the benefits and potential trade-offs. Another key objective is to further develop your skills to critically read and extract key findings the scientific literature and be able to present those to your peers. Course topics include:
  • Ecosystems and ecosystem services
  • Water, material, and energy flow through systems
  • Stream restoration and dam removal
  • Riparian zones and floodplains
  • Wetland restoration
  • Prairie restoration
Syllabus for Spring 2016


Contact:
Sara McMillan
Purdue University
Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
225 South University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093
Email: mcmill AT purdue.edu
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