1 Broadening the Engineering Curriculum and Infrastructure

Abstract This paper reports the inception and progress of a comprehensive program to alter an engineering curriculum and provide supporting infrastructure for a paradigm shift from teaching technical topics in depth to an emphasis on learning with breadth. The College of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame in the USA has successfully implemented curriculum enhancements that broaden the learning experience. These include new project-based courses for first-year students, relaxation of course requirements to allow greater diversity, expansion of foreign study programs, new electives in business and entrepreneurship, and modernization of the science and technology courses. Supporting infrastructure includes a new learning center/laboratory, and supporting faculty and staff. Programs with other colleges in the university allow students to earn an engineering degree together with a degree in arts & letters, business or law. Programs with industry and other universities provide internship and research opportunities. Motivation, details, and efficacy of this ongoing effort, together with supporting evidence, are described in this report. Index Terms Curriculum enhancement, design teams, foreign study, learning center