Improving the bridge: making engineering education broader and longer

In response to the need to prepare engineers to be aware of and sensitive to the cultural, political, and social aspects of their work, McMaster University began a five-year Engineering and Society Programme in 1991. The complete technical education in a selected engineering discipline is supplemented with a set of seven courses which examine the complex interactions between technology and society. In addition, a series of focused elective courses are taken outside of the Faculty. The viability and success of the programme have been assessed through extensive surveys of in-course students, alumni and Engineering faculty members. Findings show that this Programme attracts a disproportionate number of females and, in general, students who prefer 'deep' learning. The Programme has been well received by students. Especially valued are: the freedom to take courses outside of Engineering; the learning of critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills; and the sense of community experienced. Overall assessment of the value of the Programme to the Faculty by faculty members is high.