Curricular Structure for a Mechanical Engineering Undergrad Program Based on Human Capabilities and Professional Competences

Abstract

This paper addresses the curriculum change in the mechanical engineering (ME) undergraduate program at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB), located in Medellin, Colombia. The curriculum model of the UPB is based on develop of Human Capabilities and Professional Competences, through of learning and the achievement of outcome-related course learning objectives during the education process. The faculty of the ME department developed the Human Capabilities and Outcomes Map. This map shows the connection between general human capabilities that are strengthen through the ME program, the competences that are to be achieved, and the courses where the outcomes are developed in the curriculum. The courses organized in four technical areas: Design and Control, Materials and Manufacturing Processes, Energy and Thermofluids, and Management. The curricular design includes too the incorporation of four courses with integrator character. These courses are called Modules of Applied Engineering. In them, the student develops projects of engineering of low complexity; These projects involve the integration of topical courses in technical areas and the intentional development of human capacities and transversal competences. The faculty will assess the performance within a two-year period in order to quantify the impact of the curricular proposed.