Abstract:

This abstract presents a work in progress on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) into the Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI) project. REEdI is a project focusing on the delivery of engineering education via a delivery methodology incorporating state-of-the-art immersive technologies, online adaptive learning and significant work placement. As part of the REEdI project, a new programme proposal titled, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, has been developed. There is a continuing and emerging need to embed sustainability into all aspects of life including education and work. This new programme strategically builds the UNSDGs into individual modules over the four years of the degree programme. The UNSDGs are being considered in both the theoretical and practical content of the modules. In addition, while the students are on the significant two-year work placement, they will be required to demonstrate awareness and application of the UNSDGs in their workplace tasks and industry projects. Students will be assessed against learning outcomes of accredited standards such as Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and Engineers Ireland whereby sustainability is a key programme area within the standards. The REEdI pedagogical approach is to align with the UNSDGs such that students will have an appreciation for sustainable development and the need to make socially responsible choices. Graduate engineers of the programme will ultimately produce technical solutions and innovations which impact societal and ethical values. The REEdI project framework aims to teach and influence positive values by means of implementing UNSDGs throughout the course, such that they are embedded in the mindset and actions of the engineers of the future. The course has been developed to ensure that one of the key graduate attributes is to “demonstrate awareness and application of the UNSDGs and understand their importance for the engineer’s role in society”.

Keywords:

Assessed, delivery methodology, learning outcomes, significant work placement, socially responsible choices.