Project-based Approach in a First-Year Engineering Course to Promote Project Management and Sustainable Energy Development

• Published in: Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) 2018-12
• Main Authors: Taheri, Pooya, Tamas, Csilla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2371-5243; 2371-5243
• DOI: 10.24908/pceea.v0i0.12971

To safeguard the environment and satisfy the energy needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same, sustainable energy development is urgently needed. This complex task is riddled with social, political, scientific, technical, and environmental challenges. Education is essential if we are to meet the energy demands of the world in the most sustainable manner available to us. Langara College offers a first-year engineering course that is meant to introduce students to engineering design and case studies, in addition to providing a brief glance on the history, ethics, and the different disciplines of engineering (APSC 1010–Engineering and Technology in Society). This paper demonstrates how this, or similar courses are optimized to raise awareness of the sustainability issues this planet is facing.Using a project-based learning approach that promotes teamwork and research, this course uses a variety of instructional methods including lectures, class discussions, and guest appearances by experts in their fields. Introductions to technical concepts, such as soldering, 3D printing, and microcontroller, are also addressed. The course culminates in a group project in which students are encouraged to select and research an issue on sustainable development. Several topics, which has already been briefly covered by the curriculum, include population, ecosystem, energy, and water.