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Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Year Course Integration Model

Abstract

As part of a recently completed Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) curriculum review and enhancement exercise, many course level improvement opportunities were identified and plans were developed for implementation of those improvements. These plans included both course content enhancement, as well as teaching pedagogy modification. Most importantly, the improvements were designed to support defined core competencies of the MET program and to build and develop these core competencies in our students through curriculum integration. Inherently, MET is an applications oriented curriculum, and thus aligns itself well with project- based teaching and learning models in these core courses. In support of defined course improvements, and to support core competency development, the MET program is developing a project-based model for integrating the senior year MET core courses with the senior year capstone design and build courses. This paper will detail the methodology utilized to integrate two courses, MET460 – Advanced Instrumentation, and MET 449 – Design for Manufacturing and Tooling with projects assigned through the senior capstone course sequence (MET 456 and MET 457). Specifically, the course integration model will be outlined, the methodology utilized to develop this model, as well as benefits of implementation will be presented, and model effectiveness will be assessed and reported. Finally, a plan for implementing this model into other courses in the core MET curriculum, as well as for consideration for use by other programs in the college, will be presented.

Introduction

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program at Montana State University (MSU) is committed to preparing graduates to immediately contribute to an increasingly diverse employer base upon graduation, as well as prepare graduates for continued success in their chosen careers. The changing needs of this constituency base must also be supported in order to develop an educational system that effectively supports the development of the valuable skills and attributes necessary for our graduates to be successful in their chosen careers. Based upon this commitment, the MET program must quickly adapt to technological changes, as well as continually evolve and improve to implement changes that will support all involved. All of this must be done without diluting the learning process. Guidance is provided by Glatthorn and Jailall1 through the following recommendations related to effective curriculum design:

• Curriculum should be designed to provide greater depth and less superficial coverage • Curriculum should be designed to focus on problem solving that requires learning strategies • Curriculum should be designed to emphasize both skills and knowledge of the subjects • Curriculum should be designed to provide for students’ individual differences • Curriculum should be designed to offer a common core to all students • Curriculum should be designed to coordinate related subjects, various levels of the same subject, and interrelationships of topics throughout

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Cook, K., & Larson, R. (2008, June), Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Year Course Integration Model Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--4073