Study programme driven engineering education: interplay between mathematics and engineering subjects

Abstract

This paper presents a report from an early phase of the project Mathematics as a Thinking Tool. The primary goal of this project is to increase engineering students’ perception of the relevance of mathematics by developing a close connection between mathematics and engineering subjects, and to develop an approach driven by the learning goals of the study programme rather than the learning goals in specific subjects. We will present examples from electrical engineering and chemistry to show how mathematics may play along with the other fields in order to develop deep conceptual understanding. Some preliminary results from student surveys are also included.