Project based learning for mathematics in general engineering curriculum

Abstract

The National Engineering School of Tarbes (ENIT) is a French engineering school with a curriculum from undergraduate to graduate studies for general engineers. Curriculum ends by an equivalent Master degree in sciences. ENIT students are particularly involved into mechanical, civil, industrial engineering, material science and design of integrated systems. From the first year of study, students tackle theoretical tools for engineers. Moreover, in a curriculum composed of several different disciplines, connections between scientific subjects may be difficult to weave. As a consequence, student activities for solving engineering problems were developed. The basic concept is to clearly illustrate how theoretical tools can be used in an activity linked to engineering and more generally to student life. In addition, future engineers must be acquainted and trained to ethic values, especially those used in team work. During team working, honesty and benevolence are important core values to be encouraged as a basis of trust that has been identified as one of the cornerstones for performing teams. Consequently, the principle of team working for students was adopted and humanities are associated into the project to manage ethical and professional standards. Thus, the chosen teaching activity is a project-based learning team work that addresses on the one hand application of integration and derivation to expression of needs of consumable supplies and notions around professional ethics on the other hands.