Some of the most important challenges for engineering schools at the beginning of the 21st century are summarised as well as the role of ERASMUS Thematic Networks (TN) in this scenario. Though focus is mainly given to the European environment, the changes which are interesting Engineering Education appear to involve also the non-European sphere…

While the importance of "expressive writing," or informal, self-directed writing, has been well established, teachers underutilize it, particularly in technical writing courses. We introduce the term expressive/exploratory technical writing (XTW), which is the use of informal, self-directed writing to problem-solve in technical fields. We describe…

Technological fields, like engineering, are in desperate need of more qualified workers, yet not enough students are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that would prepare them for technical careers. Unfortunately, many students have no interest in STEM careers, particularly engineering, because they are not…

Engineering design graphics courses taught in colleges or universities should provide and equip students preparing for employment with the basic occupational graphics skill competences required by engineering and technology disciplines. Academic institutions should introduce and include topics that cover the newer and more efficient graphics…

Describes a chemical engineering course for senior undergraduates and first year graduate students in biochemical engineering. Discusses five experiments used in the course: aseptic techniques, dissolved oxygen measurement, oxygen uptake by yeast, continuous sterilization, and cultivation of microorganisms. (MVL)

Explores a graduate level bioprocess engineering course in protein purification and downstream processing. Designed to provide students with hands-on training in the design and implementation of product processing for the biotechnology industry. Includes syllabus and plan of study. (MVL)

In the Engineering Case Program conducted by the Projects Board of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), the ideal educational program is supported by: (1) content, science, and lore; lectures and programs; (2) observations of practice; case histories, plant tours; and (3) doing jobs; projects. This tripod model of engineering…

Presents a critique of existing methodology used in curriculum updates in academic institutions, suggesting that an integrated approach is more realistic and meaningful to study and to bridging the gap between academic curriculum and industry's needs. Specifically recommends that curriculum-related and job-related data be analyzed simultaneously.…

Answers several questions regarding background information on research in spatial skills. Describes strategies that graphics educators can adopt to develop these skills in students. (Author/CCM)

Among all TN projects approved and running under SOCRATES II, E4 offers the widest perspective over all Engineering/Technology education fields covering relevant and transversal issues, which are definitely not branch specific. The paper first introduces the general aim of the project, underlining the meaning of the European Dimension of EE…

This paper will outline answers to the two central questions regarding improving engineering education: (1) What is the full set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that engineering students should possess as they leave the university, and at what level of proficiency?; and (2) How can we do better at ensuring that students learn these skills? The…

In the late 1990s, the physics department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had a problem. The department was responsible for teaching the two required physics courses that are part of the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), MIT's core curriculum--Physics I (mechanics, or in MIT parlance, 8.01) and Physics II (electricity and…

Discusses the Undergraduate Curriculum Development in Engineering program. Provides a short history of the program. Describes 10 curriculum projects ranging from engineering design to industry participation. Each program is encouraged to develop: analytical ability, ability to innovate and synthesize, integrating ability, and contextual…

This study investigated the effects of corporate financial support on the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) curriculum. The study evolved out of growing concerns that many university educators have related to the mushrooming of university efforts to secure corporate financial support…

The introductory materials science course at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts), while still being regarded as in a state of evolution, has remained nearly constant for the past two years. Since the course is given each term, except summer, to 40-90 students of various disciplines, there has been ample opportunity for continual…