Curriculum development and training in process measurements and control engineering

Abstract

Process measurements instrumentation and control is a multidisciplinary subject area combining traditional disciplines in science and engineering. Hitherto, measurements and instrumentation have been regarded as artisan in that the training required was provided in-house by employers. The complexities inherent in the new era of intelligent systems and automation have made the subject area much broader and beyond the level of artisan skill. With the current emphasis in business on the return on investment, as well as the need to enhance the availability and operational efficiency of process plants most companies are no longer able to provide the necessary training in-house. In addition, the technology base in the subject area is evolving and expanding rapidly, arguably more slowly than the rate at which previously acquired experience is lost due to downsizing, thus, leading to a shortage of personnel who have the accumulated experience and the right kind of skills and training. This paper examines the issues involved in developing a university curriculum for this unique and demanding subject area, especially with a dwindling pool of appropriate school leavers and the prevailing business climate for both vendors/manufacturers and users of process instrumentation and control systems.