The Systematic Development of a New Introductory Course

The Systematic Development of a New Introductory Course

C. McCartan, G. Cunningham, E. Bernard, F. Buchanan, M. McAfee, R. Kenny, et al, et al (2007).  The Systematic Development of a New Introductory Course. 13.

 

Continuing curriculum reform and a commitment to enhancing the quality of student learning in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast has influenced it to comply with CDIO Standard 4, and design and implement an Introduction to Engineering Course at Stage 1 (first year students). This type of course must motivate and excite the students and engage them in the practice of engineering. The design and implementation of such an introductory course is therefore a very complex issue which inevitably depends on the resources available in terms of personnel, workspaces and finance, and the number of students involved. 

This paper explains the systematic approach that the School adopted to ensure that the prime objective of designing and implementing such an introductory course was achievable within a given time frame and with the available resources of personnel and workspaces. The means of achieving this, and the content chosen for the course is described in detail in order to illustrate the context of the change and the methodology adopted. Of particular interest is the change management process employed, which was accomplished in collaboration with an external agency. The execution of this change management process is also described. 

The structure of this introductory course and its underlying objectives are all described in detail. The successful application of the change management process adopted and its implications for general curriculum change are also discussed. 

 

Authors (New): 
Charles McCartan
Geoffrey Cunningham
Emmanuel Bernard
Fraser J Buchanan
Marion McAfee
Robert G. Kenny
Ian Taylor
Adam Mannis
Pages: 
13
Affiliations: 
Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
Keywords: 
Engineering education
Introductory course
curriculum reform
Change Management
CDIO
Year: 
2007
Reference: 
Berggren, K-F., Brodeur, D. R., Crawley, E., Ingemarsson, I., Litant, W., Malmqvist, J. & Östlund, S “CDIO: An International Initiative for Reforming Engineering Education”. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education Vol.2, No.1, 2003. : 
Armstrong, P. J., Hermon, J. P., Cunningham, G., Kenny, R. G. & McNally, T., “CDIO: An International Initiative to Reform Engineering Education”. Proceedings of The 22nd International Manufacturing Conference - IMC 22, Institute of Technology Tallaght, Tallaght, Ireland, 31 August – 2 September 2005. : 
CDIO Syllabus website (accessed on 04/17/2007): www.cdio.org/tools/cdio_syllabus.html: 
CDIO Standards website (accessed on 04/17/2007): www.cdio.org/tools/cdio_standards.html: 
Taylor, I. & Mannis A., “Addressing Change in University Departments: A Strategy of Discipline-Based Support”. Engineering Education Conference 2006. International Conference on Innovation, Good Practice and Research in Engineering Education. 24 - 26 July 2006, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England. (Website accessed 04/18/2007: www.ee2006.info) : 
Gustafsson, G., Newman, D., Stafström, S. & Wallin, H. P., “First-year introductory courses as a means to develop conceive – design – implement – operate skills in engineering education programmes”. SEFI Annual Conference, Firenze, Italy, 08-11 September 2002.: 
Young, P.W., Malmqvist, J., Hallström, S., Kuttenkeuler, J., Svensson, T., Cunningham, G., “Design and Development of CDIO Student Workspaces – Lessons Learned”. American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition 13/06/05 - 15/06/05 Portland, Oregon, USA: 
Murphy, M. L., Bullough, T. J., Johnson, M. W., Millard, S. G., Shenton, A. T. and Sutcliffe, C. J., “The Value of Immersive Learning Experiences within an ‘Introduction to Engineering’ Module”. Second Annual International CDIO Conference, June 13–14, 2006, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden: 
Go to top