Student Learning in a Multidisciplinary Sustainable Engineering Course
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
An existing multidisciplinary course on sustainable engineering in developing societies was expanded to include sustainability issues and challenges faced in the developed world. The new course consisted of independent modules on general background, sustainability concepts and tools, sustainable water and waste systems, sustainable energy systems, sustainable agricultural and food systems, and sustainable building systems. The course included a semester-long project experience conducted in interdisciplinary teams. Projects were sourced from local businesses and institutions or from organizations involved in international development. Course evaluation included an end-of-semester self-assessment by students and an analysis of project reports. Thirteen out of 18 students surveyed (72%) agreed that their ability to consider techno-economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability was improved as a result of the course. An improved student understanding of aspects of sustainability and its measures was also evident in student project reports.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • April 2011
Pages: 86 - 93
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 22, 2010
Accepted: Sep 20, 2010
Published online: Mar 15, 2011
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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