ENHANCING THE ENGINEERING CURRICULUM THROUGH HOLISTIC ENGINEERING

Abstract

The idea of a holistic approach to engineering design and education has been envisioned as a means to meet the perceived and emerging needs for innovation in the 21st century. Many engineering educators, practicing engineers and engineering students have already recognized the gaps and areas of potential improvements in the knowledge acquisition process implemented in current engineering degree programs when compared to current societal and technological issues and developments. We have explored opportunities to integrate practical communication and professional engineering experience through topics such as:sustainability, globalization, public policy, innovative design, health and safety, and ethical implications of emerging technologies into the current engineering curriculum. To achieve this, an experimental course was designed focusing on the aforementioned topics. Using real-life case studies to combine these themes, the course allows for group problem-solving exercises that would enhance the collaborative experience for students, and increase the appreciation for the profession of engineering. The results of the effectiveness of the holistic approach and case-based learning are discussed and respective recommendations are being made upon thefindings. This paper also provides insight as to how educators can incorporate these themes into the preexisting classes at university or into a stand alone course.