土木四 Man Yeol Lee
Railroad Transportation Engineering, taught by Professor Yung Cheng (Rex) Lai, is one of the required courses for students in the Railway Engineering Group (F-2) within the Civil Engineering Department. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex systems and infrastructure involved in railway transportation. The course serves as a critical foundation for students aspiring to specialize in this field, offering an in-depth exploration of railway engineering principles. It stands out not only for its academic content but also for its practical components, which connect theoretical concepts and their real world applications. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the principles of railroad efficiency, the economics of railway systems, energy considerations, and the fundamentals of engineering design. Additionally, the course introduces students to key elements of railroad infrastructure, rolling stock, signal systems, and operations.
Professor Lai’s personal interest for railway engineering is a defining feature of the course and greatly enhances the learning experience. His genuine enthusiasm for the subject is evident in his teaching style, which combines detailed technical instruction with a strong emphasis on the broader implications of railway systems. He frequently reminds students of the human impact of their work, highlighting the importance of safety and reliability in engineering decisions. On the final day of the semester, Professor Lai shared a video about a survivor of a railway incident in Japan. The survivor, who had suffered permanent disabilities and short-term memory loss, offered us all a reminder of the real-life consequences of engineering failures. Professor Lai expressed his hope that students would carry this understanding forward, recognizing that their work as engineers would directly affect people’s lives.
One of the course’s most engaging components is the semester-long group project, which challenges students to apply their knowledge to a real-world problem. This semester, undergraduate students were tasked with analyzing a railway accident of their choice. The project required teams to conduct thorough research, identify the causes of the accident, propose practical solutions, and evaluate the potential impact of their recommendations. Throughout the semester, Professor Lai provided close guidance, meeting with each group multiple times to review their progress, offer constructive feedback, and answer questions. These meetings allowed students to refine their ideas and ensured that their analyses were comprehensive and accurate. The project ended in a final presentation, during which students shared their findings and demonstrated their understanding of the all the elements involved in railway engineering.
In addition to lectures and group projects, the course offers valuable hands-on experiences through carefully planned field trips. Every year, students have the opportunity to visit the Yilan Railway Depot, an experience that brings the theoretical aspects of the course to life. The field trip provided an in-depth look at various components of railway operations, including a demonstration of a turntable used for rotating locomotives. Students were given a guided tour of the depot, during which they were introduced to the different elements of railway maintenance and infrastructure. Detailed explanations were provided about how these systems work together to ensure the smooth operation of the railway network. One particularly interesting part of the field trip was when students were allowed to take turns manually turning the turntable and switching the switches. This immersive experience allowed students to gain a deeper appreciation for the applications of the classroom learning, reinforcing the understanding of the material.
The course varies from talking about track elements, different types of cars, learning the jargon of the field, and discussing how to ensure safety standards in railway. Overall, Railroad Transportation Engineering is a thoughtfully designed course that offers a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. It goes beyond traditional lectures to provide students with a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and ethical considerations. Professor Lai’s dedication to the subject and his commitment to his students’ learning make the course particularly impactful. His emphasis on the human aspect of engineering decisions ensures that students leave the class with not only a strong technical foundation but also a sense of responsibility and empathy. The course prepares students for the challenges of a career in railway engineering. It equips them with the skills and mindset needed to excel in the field while instilling a deeper understanding of the societal and human impact of their work.