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The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
(UMD) launched a successful integrated engineering curriculum in
September 1998. The program, funded by Davis Educational Foundation
and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, emulates many of the
most affective and innovative programs in the National Science
Foundation-sponsored Foundation Coalition.
The demands of
modern technology require more of engineers than ever before. Today,
engineers must not only be proficient in their specific area of
study but also in related disciplines. They will have to know how to
integrate knowledge and how to factor social, environmental, market,
and strategic considerations into their problem solutions.
Graduating engineers who have these qualities AND have experience
designing and manufacturing products are more valuable to industry.
In order to produce engineers who can handle today's ever-changing
technological and societal challenges, UMD's Foundation Coalition:
- integrates the introductory sequences in physics, calculus,
chemistry, English, and engineering
- teaches and uses teamwork among students and faculty
- uses a specially designed technology oriented classroom
- uses active and cooperative learning methods
- encourages formation of a community of students in the dorms
- reduces the cost of delivering courses by making more
efficient use of time
- uses careful assessment to evaluate performance.
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