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Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Problem Based Learning Engineering Degree Programmes at the
University of Manchester
Experience Gained after One Year
Jonathan Cooper
May 2002
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
The New Engineering Programme
From September 2001, the Manchester School of Engineering (MSE) adopted Problem Based Learning (PBL) as the primary teaching method in its undergraduate programmes.
MSE is the first School of Engineering in the UK to adopt this radical approach
Cultural change for staff and students.
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Philosophy, Aims and Objectives Initial drivers for change in undergraduate
provision The growing gap between A-levels and the needs of
undergraduate programmes focused on C.Eng. Status A recognition of the needs of industry for graduates with
broader competencies
Other considerations M.Eng programmes in engineering are core teaching activity
within the Manchester School of Engineering Teaching provided in an environment of research
excellence.
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Engineering Programmes Aero / Civil / Mechanical programmes 1st year - Common (PBL) 2nd year - Separate programmes
(PBL Aero & Mech) 3rd and 4th years
Different degrees via choice of options
B.Eng courses have a different 3rd year
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
The MEng Programme
Teaching to learn
Design as the Integrator
The Professional Engineer
Research andSpecialization
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
PBL
PBL
Lectures +
Placement
Lectures +
Project
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Teaching to Learn, Year 1 Year 1 is a common first year Problem Based Learning (PBL) is adopted as the
primary teaching method The aim is to instill in students the desire,
motivation and skills to think for themselves The year contains a balanced provision of
design, problem-based learning and skill training Personnel Academic Development Plan (PADP)
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Intro to PBL
IT & Comms
5c
3 x mini PBLs
3x5c
Core PBL
10c
Core PBL
10c
Core PBL
10c
Core PBL
10c
Core PBL
10c
3 x 11 week taught units - Thermofluids, Statics and Dynamics and Mathematics
3 x 10 c
Professional Engineer10c
Design10c
Semester 1 Semester 2
Year 1- Teaching to Learn
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Structure of Year 1
YEAR 1. SEMESTER ONE.
Intro IT andComms
MiniPBL
MiniPBL
MiniPBL
Lectures Core PBL Lectures Core PBL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Weeks
YEAR 1. SEMESTER TWO.
Lectures Core PBL Lectures Core PBL Lectures Core PBL Revision 3 Exams
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Weeks
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
PBLs Taught Modules Renewable energy Space frame Electric motor Roller-Coaster Hovercraft Infra red link Power bubbles Steam power plant
Statics and dynamics* Thermofluids* Mathematics * Design. Professional Engineer
* examinable
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Implementation
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
PBLs 5 facilitations over 2 week block 1-3 “expert” sessions Assessment (wide variety)
Individual short tests PADP
Group presentations / posters / web pages / races etc. report
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Taught Modules Monday - Thermo / Fluids Tuesday - Professional Engineer Wednesday - Maths Thursday - Design Friday - Statics / Dynamics
Mixture of mini-lectures and problem solving Mid year tests Exams in 3 subjects at end of year
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Requirements
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Space Room for all students to be taught
together Base rooms Equipment Dividing screens Furniture Computers and printers Student consumables
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Staff Loading Contact time Assessment time Expert forums Problem managers Facilitators’ weekly meetings
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Design Teams
Devising the problem scenarios Consultation Testing the problems Writing the course unit descriptors
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Facilitation Facilitator packs Preliminary briefing First meeting Follow up meetings Informal contact Monitoring progress Feedback
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Typical PBL Module
Roller-Coaster
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Roller Coaster PBL
Scenario
The ‘No Fear’ roller-coaster in the ‘Moss Side Fantasy Land and Cyber City’ was recently opened by Brooklyn Beckham. It is the largest roller coaster in Europe. During the first day of operation an incident occurred where one of the cars was damaged. Fortunately the car remained on the track and although the occupants in the fully laden car (all members of the University Sumo Wrestling team) were badly shaken, there were no serious injuries.
The front axle of the car concerned was found to be bent, but had not broken. No other damage was visible. Police have ruled out the possibility of vandalism. Manufacturing defects have been eliminated as a possible cause.
The ride has been shut down pending an investigation into the accident. The owners are anxious to determine the cause of the accident so that their biggest attraction is up and running as soon as possible.
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Learning Outcomes - 1
• Kinematics - determination of equations governing velocity/acceleration variation for a given trajectory including air resistance and friction• Numerical solution of first order differential equations• Kinetics - determination of loads from calculated acceleration using free-body-diagrams• Concepts of yield, yield stress and permanent deformation• Construction of bending moment/shear force diagrams• Determination of 2nd moment of area for circular cross-sections, solid and hollow• Effect of Young’s Modulus on stress behaviour• Bending stress calculation
Knowledge and Understanding
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Learning Outcomes - 2
Intellectual Abilities• Ability to reduce statics/dynamics problem to its fundamental elements• Ability to optimise a design where multiple parameters, including cost and weight, are included
Practical Skills
• Develop basic proficiency in the use of Matlab/Simulink
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
• Group working skills• Communication skills• IT skills - analysis and office skills• Implementation and use of PADP• Problem solving skills
Learning Outcomes - 3
General Transferable Skills
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Hovercraft PBL
(video)
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Conclusions from the First Year
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
General Desirable learning outcomes can be
successfully achieved through PBL Three facilitated sessions per PBL week is
plenty, and could be reduced to two. A PBL group size of 8 works well Short repeated PBL comprehension tests are
popular with the students and help to ensure PBL technical learning outcomes are covered
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Students Generally found PBL stimulating and rewarding Motivation to attend and engage Fewer exams Lower drop-out rate Liked the taught courses as well Some (initial) worries that not they were not
being taught enough Passengers a problem
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Academic Staff Facilitation a relatively rewarding experience Doesn’t provide a significantly increased
workload PADP marking is the main (non-rewarding)
contribution to staff load PADP has evolved through contribution from
various members of staff and is now relatively easy for students to complete and facilitators to mark.
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Industry Industrial liaison committee have always
been very supportive of PBL courses Increased collaboration and input
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
Accreditation The joint accreditation visit of the RAeS and
the IMechE took place in November 2001 Panel expressed themselves to be ‘excited
and fascinated’ by PBL. ‘Strong support and encouragement for the
exciting PBL approach, the motivation and enthusiasm of staff and students, and the refurbishment of facilities.’
Supply and Demand In Engineering. 23 May 2002
What’s Next ? Minor changes to first year
relation between taught courses and PBLs
Introduction of PBL based second year