Panel - reforming mathematics requirements for a modern engineering education

Abstract

The need for reform in undergraduate engineering curricula has been recognized in recent years. One important and vital aspect of such a reform concerns preparatory mathematics in engineering education and the revision of mathematics content in a modern engineering curriculum, the topic of this panel session. It has become increasingly obvious that the standard series of three calculus courses followed by one course on differential equations is now obsolete and insufficient to provide needed mathematical skills for a modern engineering education. ABET now requires discrete mathematics and applied statistics among other topics. Newly developed engineering programs have adopted different mathematics courses in their degree programs. A new electrical and computer engineering program is under development at the State University of New York at Oswego where a modern engineering curriculum must also face the challenge of smooth integration within the existing traditional curricular organization of a public university. The panelists will discuss the evidence in support of reform and engage discussions on directions, course content, and other issues for a successful revision of engineering education.