Mathematics
for Engineers - the problem
The importance of mathematics as a tool for the description and
analysis of engineering systems and processes has long been acknowledged,
and the Engineering Council rightly demands a high level of mathematical
knowledge and skill in its accredited engineers.
In recent years the mathematical preparedness of students embarking
upon science and engineering degree programmes has been the subject
of close scrutiny, with depressing conclusions. Grade inflation,
syllabus weaknesses, high failure rates, proliferation of qualifications,
increasing attractiveness of other school subjects, undergraduate
courses and careers, have all contributed to the problems faced
by those who recruit and educate engineering undergraduates.
The HELM
project - a possible solution
The HELM
project is novel, major attempt to ensure that the Engineering Council's
requirements continue to be met at a time when many undergraduates
entering university to study engineering lack the basic skills and
aptitude which could be relied upon in the past. The project is
supported by a £250,000 HEFCE- FDTL4 grant for the period Oct 2002-Sept
2005. The full bid document submitted to FDTL4 which resulted in
this award can be viewed/downloaded by clicking on this link.
The project team consists of staff at Loughborough and four consortium
partners: Hull, Reading, Sunderland and UMIST. The aim is to enhance
and extend Loughborough's successful Mathematics Open Learning materials,
in particular by incorporating engineering exercises and case studies
closely related to the mathematics presented.
The output will consist of Workbooks, CAL segments and an Assessment
Regime (detailed below). Nothing on this scale has been attempted
before for free dissemination across the HE sector. The emphasis
is on flexibility - the work can be undertaken as private study,
distance learning or can be teacher-led, or a combination, according
to the learning style of the student and the approach of the particular
lecturer.
The project will determine whether the successful approach at Loughborough
can be rolled out to other, possibly quite different, institutional
environments.
The HELM
project materials and assessment regime
40 student Workbooks written specifically with the typical engineering
student in mind containing mathematical topics and related engineering
exercises, available over the web in pdf format. They provide ample
space for students to attempt exercises which guide them through
problems in stages.
CAL materials :
Web-delivered CAL segments associated with the Workbooks - including
audio, animation and self-assessment aspects. These are especially
useful for supporting students of moderate mathematical ability,
and for revision.
Assessment Regime :
An integrated web-delivered CAA regime for both self-testing and
formal assessment. Students following the project's regime are typically
tested five times each semester with questions delivered over the
web. Most of the 2,500 question bank items have feedback. Students
are encouraged to engage in their own learning by allowing them
unlimited trial tests before taking a one-attempt summative test.
Students are strongly motivated to keep up with their studies, thereby
improving achievement and progression. |
