Interdisciplinary Teaching Within Engineering Education

This paper reports the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary course called 'sustainable development' within engineering education at the University of Technology Eindhoven (TUE). In this course, students of different disciplines have to cooperate with each other in a proje...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of engineering education 1996-12, Vol.21 (4), p.387-392
Main Authors: JOHANNES, M. N, KASTEREN, VAN
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College Curriculum
Course Content
Educational Strategies
Engineering Education
Environmental Education
Higher Education
Interdisciplinary Approach
Problem Solving
Program Development
School Business Relationship
Science and Society
Student Projects
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Summary:This paper reports the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary course called 'sustainable development' within engineering education at the University of Technology Eindhoven (TUE). In this course, students of different disciplines have to cooperate with each other in a project, with the aim of finding (more) sustainable solutions for an environmental issue or problem put forward by industry or (governmental) institutions (e.g. a zero-energy dwelling). The educational form is based on project-oriented education. The project group, which consists of six to eight students from at least three disciplines, is responsible for the results and the project. During their project, the students can rely on a tutor, who is primarily a process guide. Together with the principal, the tutor advises on whether or not the proposed working plan is realistic and can be realized within the given time of 160 h (two half-days over 20 weeks). At the end, the students have to present and defend their work before a committee, which consists of the tutor, the principal and a subject expert. Experience has shown that multi-disciplinary project work has been an excellent teaching method and addition to engineering education curricula, so improving not only knowledge but also interdisciplinary thinking and skills. Environmental issues need a multi-disciplinary approach, and this course bridges the gap between disciplines, so stimulating interdisciplinary work within engineering education.
ISSN:0304-3797
1469-5898
DOI:10.1080/03043799608923424