Problem based learning in system design teams

Abstract

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has a very distinctive educational offering especially with respect to learning modes. Along with the traditional on campus mode it has distance and on line modes of learning. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying mirrors these offerings within its four disciplines of agricultural, civil and environmental (ACE), electrical, electronic and computer (EEC), mechanical and mechatronic (MM) and surveying and land information (SLI). Furthermore each discipline is charged with the responsibility of teaching design throughout all its programs namely, associate degree, bachelor of engineering technology and bachelor of engineering degrees. The mechanical and mechatronic engineering discipline has developed a specific structure to do this based on traditional and problem based learning styles. This paper focuses specifically on the course MEC3303 System Design. It describes how this course began and continues to evolve as well as the factors that have influenced this evolution. A short survey of different University engineering programs with respect to their teaching of design is made. USQ programs are placed at the higher end of the survey in terms of the percentage of design courses. Speculation is made on MEC3303’s future. Being created in and for a flexible learning environment allows this course to develop many possible modes of offering depending on student demand as well as adding supplementary material to incorporate international students. The engineering profession has learnt that being flexible and adapting to change is the key to success in the 21st century and MEC3303 is no exception.