1. INTRODUCTION

1.4. Goals of Engineering Education

• The primary goal of engineering education must derive from that of the profession of engineering, ie., to provide society with engineering services of high quality.

• The primary goal of engineering education must therefore be the formation and continued educational support of people who can provide these services and take responsibility for the continuing efficacy of these services.

• Research and development play a very important role in addressing this primary goal, both by generating new knowledge of value in providing engineering services and in providing an environment and community of intellectual enquiry within which the student develops the desired capabilities.

• There are several secondary goals which may also be included in the mandate of an engineering faculty:
  • The provision of a broad general tertiary education with technological content. This has proved to be advantageous to many who have subsequently entered other occupations or professions.

  • The provision of effective contributions to the technological education of university students who are specializing in a variety of disciplines.

  • The provision of education and policy advice to the public on engineering matters.

• While these other goals are important, this report focuses on the primary goal.

RECOMMENDATION 2: The Canadian Academy of Engineering should commit itself to an active and continuing role in promoting engineering education of appropriate content and quality, in cooperation with engineering faculties, universities, industry, professional associations, technical societies and governments.

RECOMMENDATION 3: Engineering faculties should adopt, as their primary goal, the educational formation of students in preparation for entry to the engineering profession.