The following courses are being re-vetted along with the updated model curriculum for Engineering:
1. CID 110 – Introduction to Engineering. The units were increased from one unit to two units. Minor changes to content.
2. CID 120 - Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies for Engineers. This course combines programming with a hardware component that includes sensors.
The Engineering Faculty Discipline Review Group (FDRG) originally created two model curricula for the major component of an associate degree in engineering. The decision to create multiple model curricula arose from the differences in lower-division engineering course requirements among the engineering disciplines. Maximizing the overlap that exists between specific engineering disciplines resulted initially in one model curriculum for Electrical or Computer Engineering, and another model curriculum for Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
After vetting and further discussion, the Engineering FDRG has developed three different model curricula that each feed into one or more majors at the baccalaureate level:
1. Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautics and Manufacturing
2. Electrical
3. Computer
The Engineering FDRG is not calling either model a “Transfer Model Curriculum” (TMC) because engineering is a high unit major and does meets the criteria of SB 1440. The model curriculum is close to the 60-unit limit; however some relaxation in GE requirements will be needed if that model curriculum is to meet SB 1440 criteria. Some engineering disciplines are not included in the model curricula, such as Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. The FDRG will discuss these remaining disciplines in the future using the feedback and knowledge gained from the present efforts to align courses and lower division programs.
The Engineering FDRG worked in the “spirit of SB 1440” with the understanding that if a TMC could not be crafted that met SB 1440 criteria the FDRG would still work to create a statewide model that could be used for local degree development and, possibly, statewide admission benefits. The Engineering FDRG believes that any model curriculum in engineering be designed to best prepare students for success as junior level engineering students in ABET accredited CSU engineering programs. Every effort has been made to maximize transferable units and eliminate topic redundancy. If exceptions can be made to SB 1440 for high unit majors that allow either a reduction in GE requirements or a higher unit limit, then it may be possible to convert the model curricula into TMCs later.
The majority of engineering educators continue to make improvements to their programs. The Engineering FDRG does not recommend trimming more units from the list of required major courses. The nationwide average number of units required for an engineering degree (not including GE) is approximately 95 to 108 units. An engineering program comprised of fewer units than what is typical may result in graduates that are not as competitive in the job market when compared to engineering graduates from other states. Cutting engineering and support courses, thus reducing teaching hours with students, is not a path to improving student outcomes.
Having common course identifications (C-ID Numbers) may eventually eliminate the need for course-to-course articulation. The Engineering FDRG has identified common lower division engineering courses and has put forth Course Identifications (C-ID Descriptors) for these courses. Ultimately the goal of the FDRG, and the greater community of educators who support these efforts, is to make transfer from a community college to a CSU as efficient and seamless as possible. Realizing these objectives requires compromise and flexibility on everyone’s part.
Thank you in advance for participating in the vetting process.
Sincerely,
The members of the Engineering Faculty Discipline Review Group