The Changing Curriculum?

What do we look for in a sound educational programme? R. J. Scott (as cited in Neutze & Beardsley, 1987), in an address to the School of Engineering at the University of Canterbury described what he saw as necessary in an engineering programme.

Future engineers should receive a good general education, should then acquire a knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, physics, mechanics, the nature and strength of materials, the theory of the steam engine, and drawing. They should then have two years' practical education in the workshops, and at least one year in office or field work. (p. 32)

A sound educational programme? Look familiar to the structure of our current educational programs? In fact, the address was given by Scott, one of the founding lecturers at the School of Engineering at the University of Canterbury, in 1890.

Some of the course content may have changed but the basis for a sound educational programme remains the same.

• Neutze, D. & Beardsley, E. (1987). Design for a century. Christchurch: University of Canterbury.