Professional Practice And Design: Key Components In Curriculum Design

This paper describes the development of a new engineering curriculum at Massey University. The new curriculum is an innovative approach to engineering education in New Zealand and will be a point of difference from other providers of engineering qualifications. A comprehensive curriculum architecture has been developed around a project based spine allowing appropriate technical disciplinary linkages to be made through design and build activities and where professional skills are emphasised. Active learning experiences are developed throughout the integrated curricula. The CDIO Standards are used as a benchmark for this new curriculum and provides an opportunity for reflection and improvement. Through an effective redesign it is envisioned that the new degree will be attractive to prospective students, will enable more engagement and retention during their education and will produce graduates that are highly sought after by industry.