Curriculum for Future Civil Engineers: Practitioner's Viewpoint

Abstract

Many of today's engineering graduates may have done well in their courses, yet are not prepared for the jobs they face in the present world. The students have information from a multitude of courses, but are weak in concept and problem‐solving tools that enable them to perform within the complex systems of today. The solution involves developing a systems prospective, leadership and communication skills, and an understanding of the society within which they must work and produce acceptable products. A fundamental change in the conceptualization of the basic and engineering sciences, as well as engineering analysis and design is required—a complete transformation that may require the definition of new disciplines. The entire curriculum must be redesigned from the foundation up with new cross‐disciplinary courses and course blocks. Solutions to engineering problems are no longer simply technical, but must consider demographics and other social, economic, and political factors. Therefore, the social sciences and humanities courses taught to engineers must be redesigned, also. To provide this curriculum by the year 2000, we must start now.