Abstract:

Higher education has recently changed from traditional models that focus on content memory and knowledge acquisition for final examinations into more dynamic paradigms that emphasises an overall development, including essential skills for professional success. This shift is driven by evolving demands in the labour market and the widespread influence of technology and the Internet, which have reduced the importance of memory.

The adaptation of university education is of paramount importance to effectively meet the requirements of contemporary society, particularly within the realm of agricultural engineering education. This adaptation involves a transition from an approach that solely prioritizes the acquisition of knowledge, to one that places greater value on the development of competencies and skills. The Agricultural Engineering Degree program offered by the University of Almeria serves as a case study. Its curriculum places significant emphasis on the cultivation of specialized knowledge in the field as well as generic skills.

The alignment of the curriculum with ten transversal skills outlined by the University, UAL1 to UAL10, are assessed. Through UAL1, a basic understanding about the future profession is evaluated, while UAL2 promotes the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). UAL3 refers to gaining problem-solving abilities, UAL4 evaluates oral and written clarity in the native language (Spanish), UAL5 encourages the development of critical and self-critical abilities, UAL6 promotes teamwork skills, UAL7 evaluates the knowledge of a foreign language, UAL8 refers to growing an ethical commitment, UAL9 promotes the capacity to design, manage and undertake a task independently, and UAL10 fosters the development of ethical and social competence.

Our findings suggest promoting language instruction, particularly in English, to enhance the international employability of graduates. The development of social competence is another skill meriting special attention, due to due the increasingly intercultural and egalitarian working environments. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of nurturing skills beyond the knowledge of agricultural engineering, as they are vital to success in various professional contexts. Promoting critical thinking, technical competence, and problem solving, and responding to the challenges associated with the promotion of ethical commitment and linguistic abilities can help ensure that mathematics graduates are well prepared for today's diverse employment markets.

Keywords:

Skills, Agricultural Engineering, Higher Education, Academic curriculum, Curricular integration.