INTERDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE THE LEARNING METHODOLOGY PERFORMED IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE STUDIES

The multidisciplinary character of engineering studies should be considered in the process of teaching and learning mathematics, as a key to ensure that students incorporate knowledge in a meaningful way so as to be used in the development of basic and applied technologies.

The current work describes methodological changes implemented in Advanced Computing at the Mechanical Engineering studies, that we believe to be innovative, aimed to integrate disciplines, with an approach based on the complexity of fluid flow systems and mathematical models, so as to introduce small working groups of students in research work and to pursuit new knowledge.

The so-called virtual labs have emerged in the area of engineering education as a potential alternative to the traditional laboratories. This new learning system is possible due to the capability offered by the recent technological advancements that allow us to resolve symbolic and also numerically each system, which can be represented by a mathematical model and designed using simulation models, these present outstanding advantages in the process of teaching in several disciplines.

This change in the context of learning in Engineering aims to place emphasis on the interpretation of the various parameters of the systems under study, using tools of symbolic manipulation; and the generation of a field of collaborative work; allowing the formation of basic capabilities; having an impact in the student's multidisciplinary formation.

This presentation includes the planning, analysis and selection of contents in the study of models related with Fluids Mechanics, by employing a platform of multiphysics simulation where Mathematics and varied Physics systems can promote and facilitate the conceptualization of complex models.