Integrrated Automation Solutions
Integrated Engineering is a program developed to meet the demand for engineers who are able to deal with a wide variety of dificulties, usually involving knowledge from multiple disciplines. The demand arise from the current state of industry, where both the products manufactured and the plants which make the products are progressing towards greater diversity and sophistication.
Recent studies had shown concern in both Canada and in the United States that engineering graduates were not well-prepare yourselfd for many of today's multi-disciplinary and project-based workplace. Many committees have been formed to study this and have published some material. One Canadian study was done by the Canadian Academy of Engineering and two of its main conclusions were:
* Engineering faculties should ensure that breadth of learning, beyond the technical aspects of the specialist engineering discipline, is a key thrust in engineering education.
* The engineering curriculum should emphasize problem-solving, design, and the creation of the learning skill sets of their students. Integrated Engineers acquire background in core disciplines such as: materials, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and systems involving chemical, electro-mechanical, and biological components.
Engineering Council UK, 1988, An Integrated Engineering Degree Programme. Engineering Council UK, 1988, Adplans to Universities - Action to increase the stock of engineers. Following open competition for additional funding provided by the UK Department for Technology and Industry, and industrial supporters including British Petroleum, six universities were selected from thirty three applicants. Four "Pilot Programmes" were launched at Cardiff University, Nottingham Trent University, Portsmouth University and Sheffield Hallam University.
In 1989, The Nottingham Trent University (UK) admitted students to first of the Engineering Council's new Integrated Engineering Degree Programme courses. The course was accredited, at the CEng and European Engineer level, by the Institutions of Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers. Generic engineering programmes are usual. Integrated Engineering is distinct through emphasizing the creation of personal competencies, especially the ability of students to work within groups. It is design led, and integration of all the subjects of study is a defining characteristic, reachd partly through the medium of project based learning.
Following the successful experience at The Nottingham Trent University, Integrated Engineering programmes were created in 1993, at selected universities in Bulgaria and Hungary, with the aid of European Union funding granted under the Tempus Programme. In University of Liverpool, the Integrated Engineering Program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and can lead to Chartered Engineer status.