To encourage more women students to pursue careers in engineering, UC Davis is offering a class this winter that introduces first- and second-year women students to tools and physical principles. The number of women in engineering continues to lag nationally, according to Jerry Henderson, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering and one of the instructors of the course. In hopes of helping women overcome cultural and social hurdles, programs such as the UC Davis Center for Women in Engineering are offering tradition-breaking alternatives like "The Way Things Work" winter-quarter class. Students are taking apart engines, microwave ovens and washing machines on work benches. "The 34 students will be involved in a number of activities that will introduce them to the physical world," says Henderson. Also teaching will be Karen McDonald, associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science, and Jeannie Darby, professor of civil and environmental engineering. The goal of the course is to encourage the students to continue their engineering curriculum and not become discouraged with what they perceive as "a lack of hardware savvy," notes Henderson.