Current Educational Issues in Mechanical Engineering Programs

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Nazari ◽  
H. R. Hamidzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Community Expectations ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Professional Self ◽  
Competency Assessments

It is envisaged that future developments in mechanical engineering point towards an ever increasing interaction among the various branches of the discipline and science, and, even more so between social demands and technology. In this paper a thorough consideration is given to the effects of various values for development and education of new mechanical engineers. Furthermore, the essential issues such as globalization of industry, commerce and the professions, increased community expectations, understanding of ethical conduct and responsibility toward society, and other challenges and opportunities for mechanical engineering education are presented. In addition, the need for effective professional self-regulation and activities such as accreditation and competency assessments are discussed for a viable mechanical engineering program.

Skill-Centered Syllabus for Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Education

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos F. Rodriguez ◽  
Alvaro E. Pinilla
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
General Education ◽  
Engineering Education ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Higher Education Policy ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Credit Hours ◽  
High Standards

Recent changes in higher education policy in Colombia (South America) have forced educational institutions and universities to consider reducing undergraduate engineering programs from the traditional 5 or 6 years (170 credit hours) to four years (136 credit hours). This reduction is a worldwide trend, mainly due to a lack of financial resources supporting high standards of professional education. Additionally, institutions are restructuring their curricula to adjust to the broader spectrum of career development opportunities for the graduating engineer and the new challenges faced by practicing engineers. Also, engineering education in Colombia needs to adjust to Colombia's necessities as a developing country. In response to the above-mentioned circumstances, the mechanical engineering department of the Universidad de Los Andes (UdLA) has proposed a new mechanical engineering (ME) undergraduate syllabus. This paper summarizes the process undergone by the ME department of the Universidad de Los Andes to review our syllabus and propose alternative approaches. Our new ME syllabus applies a skill-centered approach structured by four priorities: 1) the primary professional role of an engineer is in project development, 2) the engineer needs an in-depth knowledge of the sciences (physics, chemistry and biology) and mathematics; 3) the engineer also needs a general education in the social sciences and arts and, 4) the engineer should master the core concepts of mechanical engineering. These four priorities agree with the US study of the Engineer of 2020. Our restructured syllabus evenly introduces these priorities early in the undergraduate ME program. Our ME Department implemented the new syllabus for first year students in January 2006. Positive results have already started to emerge. This article provides an overview of the higher education quality assurance system in Colombia and a description of the Universidad de Los Andes new ME syllabus.

scholarly journals Practical Elements of Mechanical Engineering – An Enrichment to University Engineering Education

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony G. Straatman
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Engineering Curriculum ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Materials Engineering ◽  
Enrichment Program ◽  
Applied Arts

Practical Elements of Mechanical Engineering (PEME) is an enrichment program developed by the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western University in collaboration with Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology. The PEME program was developed mainly in response to the changing backgrounds of students entering university engineering programs, and to provide an opportunity for students to get exposure to practical courses in machining, welding, metrology, and other practical areas, which complement the traditional Mechanical engineering curriculum. The PEME program is thus a formal avenue whereby students have an opportunity to gain some additional practical knowledge of their profession.

Benchmarking the Integration of Complex Systems Study in Mechanical Engineering Programs in the Southeastern United States

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Kellam ◽  
Michelle Maher ◽  
James Russell ◽  
Veronica Addison ◽  
Wally Peters
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Engineering Education ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
University Websites ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering Education ◽  
The University

Complex systems study, defined as an understanding of interrelationships between engineered, technical, and non-technical (e.g., social or environmental) systems, has been identified as a critical component of undergraduate engineering education. This paper assesses the extent to which complex systems study has been integrated into undergraduate mechanical engineering programs in the southeastern United States. Engineering administrators and faculty were surveyed and university websites associated with engineering education were examined. The results suggest engineering administrators and faculty believe that undergraduate engineering education remains focused on traditional engineering topics. However, the review of university websites indicates a significant level of activity in complex systems study integration at the university level, although less so at college and department levels.

The Quality of Engineering Programs of Cebu Technological University as determined by its Performance in the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Licensure Examinations

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
JANUARIO FLORES JR.
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Electrical Engineering ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Licensure Examinations ◽  
College Of Engineering ◽  
Engineering Schools

Licensure examination performance provides an indication of the effectiveness of the curricular program to develop core competencies of students. The study aimed to evaluate the quality of Cebu Technological University’s engineering programs by determining the performance of its graduates in the licensure examinations from 2005 to 2012 and comparing it with the national standard. It also benchmarked its performance with that of the top four private engineering schools of Cebu. Source of data was the Professional Regulation Commission. The result of the study showed that there were no significant differences between the CTU College of Engineering’s performance in the licensure examinations of both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering as against the National passing performance. There were no significant differences between the performance of CTU and the performance of the top four engineering schools of Cebu in both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Based on those findings, it can be concluded that the performance of CTU College of Engineering in the licensure examinations is comparable with that of the national standard. It is also comparable with the performances of the top four private engineering schools of Cebu. It is effective in its curricular programs in engineering, competent to provide quality engineering education at par with the top engineering schools of Cebu and the rest of the nation, and capable of producing globally competent engineers.   Keywords - Engineering Education, licensure exam performance, quantitative, t-test, one-way analysis of variance,  Philippines, Asia

scholarly journals ENGINEERS-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMS AS A FRAMEWORK FOR INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT IN UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcia Friesen ◽  
Nadine Ibrahim ◽  
Grant McSorley ◽  
Stephen Mattucci
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering ◽  
Engineering Theory ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering Education ◽  
Industry Engagement ◽  
The University

Industry engagement in undergraduate engineering education is a community-centred approach to learning that is hands-on and links the engineering theory to practice. This paper provides a review of existing Engineer-in-Residence (EIR) programs in Canada, including the University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, University of Calgary, Ryerson University, University of Ottawa, and the University of Waterloo, as well as a brief international scan. We consider the motivations behind the institutions’ initiative to introduce EIR programs, different types of engagements, challenges, and opportunities. Programs are also examined externally relative to professional residency programs in business schools, among others, and relative to other forms of industry engagement in undergraduate engineering education. A brief overview of the history and role of EIRs within engineering programs is also presented. The paper will be of interest to those exploring a similar industry engagement framework at their institution, and offers a forward-looking perspective on ways to leverage the skills and experience of practicing engineers in preparing students to tackle the challenges of the future.

Thermo/Fluids Curriculum Development in a New Mechanical Engineering Program

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Jokar ◽  
Stephen Solovitz
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Fluid Mechanics ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Dual Approach ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Engineering Research ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Hands On

This study describes a model for developing a thermo/fluids curriculum in a new mechanical engineering program. Hands-on experience and applied engineering research are the center of this development. The efforts in creating undergraduate, elective, and graduate level courses and laboratories in the fundamental topics of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer are reviewed and explained in detail. A dual approach has been taken in developing the curriculum, so that both undergraduate and graduate students can utilize the facility in their research activities. This development has been revised and optimized since its initiation in 2005, and it has successfully been accredited by ABET. The good results obtained from this model can be used in developing mechanical engineering programs, especially for smaller-sized institutions.

A Unified and Integrated Approach to Teaching a Two-Course Sequence in Robotics Engineering

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 748-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taskin Padir ◽  
◽  
Gregory S. Fischer ◽  
Sonia Chernova ◽  
Michael A. Gennert
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Curricular Content ◽  
Approach To Teaching

This paper presents the details of the curricular content developed for a two-course robotics sequence within the undergraduate Robotics Engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The approach focuses on teaching a unified robotics curriculum, incorporating the foundational concepts from computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, in an integrative manner by emphasizing the whole systemdesign. Outcomes include high student satisfaction, enhanced student learning and a broad engineering education to meet the needs of the growing robotics industry.

Engineering Education Through Degree-Long Project: A New Project Based Learning Approach

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Kim ◽  
Teik Lim ◽  
Randall Allemang ◽  
Bob Rost
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Abstract Concepts ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Formula Sae ◽  
Race Car ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
The University

A new pedagogical approach called engineering education through degree-long project has been implemented in the mechanical engineering program at the University of Cincinnati as a part of the NSF CCLI project. The approach integrates selected courses across the undergraduate curriculum of the mechanical engineering program using a degree-long project (DLP) as the theme. Design of Formula SAE® race car was employed as the first DLP. In each course in the sequence, the concept of the DLP approach and the role of the assignment in the course in the overall DLP are explained to students. In early-year courses, assignments are simple problems designed to show how abstract concepts are eventually applied to engineering tasks. In later-year courses, more involved design projects are used aiming at nurturing the ability to solve open-ended engineering problems. In conducting the approach, the most difficult part was developing an interesting and challenging problem which is relevant to practical applications, especially in early year courses. Findings through student evaluations and a stake-holders workshop on the improvement of the approach are discussed.

scholarly journals Self Evaluation for Compliance with the 12 CDIO Standards

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Platanitis ◽  
Remon Pop-Iliev
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Engineering Ethics ◽  
Engineering Curriculum ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Engineering Program

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, collaboration began between universities, industry, and government to improve the quality and state of engineering education. Their paramount goal was to provide better ways to help students become successful engineers, possessing the necessary technical skills and expertise, exhibiting creativity, and having awareness of social, lawful, ethical, and environmental impacts as related to their profession. Traditionally, engineering programs emphasized the theoretical aspects required, while placing little emphasis on practical applications. An approach that has been introduced to provide a better learning experience for engineering students and to educate them as well-rounded engineers to be able to develop complex, value-added engineering products and processes is the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) approach. This approach has been adopted by several universities within their engineering departments. At UOIT, the Mechanical Engineering curriculum has been developed around and continually evolves to line up with the goals of CDIO in terms of course and curriculum offerings for core and complementary engineering design courses, science, math, communications, engineering ethics, and humanities courses. Herein, we present an evaluation of the Mechanical Engineering program at UOIT against the twelve CDIO standards.

scholarly journals CAPSTONE DESIGN IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph O. Buchal
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Career Goals ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Student Teams ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University ◽  
Centres Of Excellence ◽  
Capstone Design

All engineering programs in Canada must culminate in a significant design experience. This paper describes the capstone design course in the Mechanical Engineering Program at the University of Western Ontario. Self-selected student teams choose from several types of projects: faculty-defined projects, student-defined entrepreneurial projects, student design competitions, and industry-sponsored projects. These choices accommodate a wide range of interests and career goals. The primary sources of project funding are industry sponsorship fees and matching funding through the Ontario Centres of Excellence Connections Program. The majority of project expenses are for parts, materials, prototype construction and testing.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document