Training of interdisciplinary engineers through an active methodology with integrating subjects

Abstract

The training of engineers in multidisciplinary subjects is a complex task, insofar as it requires developing competences of several well-established disciplines. This is the case of electromechanical, mechatronics and biomedical engineering, in which in order to achieve the training objectives, it is necessary to work on integrative subjects. The present document reports a methodology of active university teaching on a specific subject of integrative character. As an integrative subject, the automation of a generator set is proposed. It also applies a methodology of five phases, each with its activities, competences and evaluation to be placed in the classroom during an academic period. The problem was addressed with students of electromechanical engineering, adopting a modular design approach to solving the problem. The modular solution allows organizing work groups, adapting their conformation to the amount and interests of students. It also allows collaborative learning, encourages responsibility in the execution of tasks and enhances communicative skills because the success in the final result will depend on the degree of compliance and commitment of each group in the assigned work