A proposed model of curricula development based on studies of two Mechanical Engineering Departments in Greece

This dissertation focuses on existing problem in the Greek state relating to Engineering Education in Universities. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the classic approach of a five years education for engineer and to compare it with the new curricula of a four year education. The goal of the research is to indentify and define the dimensions affecting the profession of engineer in modern society and therefore to understand and to improve the required education. The dissertation begins with a literature review in the relevant domains. Following a review of the relevant literature, the main problems are identified and research questions are formulated. These are addressed through an interpretive research approach, comparing the curricula of two Greek Engineering Departments, one based on five years of study that is the Mechanical Engineering Department of University of Patras and the other based on four years of study that is the Mechanical Engineering Department of Technological Institute of Patras. The compilation and analysis of the curricula is based on the subjects of engineering and its contents, on the teaching hours, on the number of students and teaching staff and on the level of scientific documentation. The research develops a conceptual framework for inquiries based on mixed methods for the collection and analysis of the data. The purpose of choosing a combination of methods for the study is to use the results of the quantitative method in the design of the qualitative investigation. It is intended that the qualitative data can then be used to validate the quantitative findings and to provide a more comprehensive description of the phenomenon under investigation. This is a developmental approach, based on the work of Greene, Caracelli and Graham (1989). The major conclusion of the research is that many differences exist in the way in which the two types of engineers are educated. The critical analysis of international literature and the social experience of the author enabled this work to answer the research questions and to propose a model curriculum which could be adopted by the two engineering departments, fitted to their standards.