Best practices in syllabus design and course planning applied to mechanical engineering subjects

Abstract

The syllabus of a subject, that is part of the curriculum of a bachelor’s or master's degree, must provide the student with information about all the fundamental aspects of the subject. It is a piece of written document or multimedia file encompassing all topics and concepts that will be covered in a certain subject. The objective of the syllabus is to put the subject and the information related to it in context by means of clear, organized, concise and summarized style. It should not be limited only to the subject matter. Instead, it is advisable to provide basic course information such as the number of credits; course content; transversal competences, skills and attitudes that are relevant for access to work and further learning; faculty staff; assessment and evaluation elements; calendar; venues, and facilities location; lesson plans and bibliography. Moreover, information about the activities to be carried out and whether they are done individually or in groups. Another important point is the evaluation of students and how to assess their achievements in terms of the level of acquisition of knowledge and skills planned in the subject. It helps students to meet the desired subject objectives and to motivate them. In short, it will lay the foundations so that at least contents, methods and techniques of the discipline that supports the subject can be taught and so that students can acquire the knowledge and competences committed.