Educating Scientists and Engineers for Academic and Non-Academic Career Success

196 Pages·2014·2.24 MB·English

by  James Speight

Educating Scientists and
Engineers for Academic and Educating
Non-Academic Career Success
Scientists and
In an increasingly technological world, the education of scientists and
engineers has become an activity of growing importance. Educating
Scientists and Engineers for Academic and Non-Academic Career
Success focuses on the structure of the current educational system and Engineers for
describes the transformations needed to ensure the adequate education
of future science and engineering students.
Features:
• Offers an in-depth comparison of the education of scientists Academic and
and engineers globally
• Reveals unintended knowledge gaps that may arise from
interdepartmental course offerings and how to address them
• Covers knowledge gaps in science and engineering education
that may occur in foundation curriculums and discusses
Non-Academic
identification and correction methods
• Discusses professional qualifications, codes of ethics, intellectual
property, and their respective roles in education
The book describes how university faculty can make the necessary
Career Success
changes to teach a broader range of skills, technical proficiency, teamwork,
adaptability, and versatility within the undergraduate and postgraduate
curriculum.
Also covered are approaches to provide a broader exposure to experiences
desired by both academic and non-university employers to prepare
students for an increasingly interdisciplinary, collaborative, and global
job market.
J A M E S G. S P E I G H T
K15278
ISBN: 978-1-4665-5356-9
90000
9 781466 553569
K15278_Cover_PubGr.indd All Pages 10/22/14 2:30 PM

Educating
Scientists and
Engineers for
Academic and
Non-Academic
Career Success

Educating
Scientists and
Engineers for
Academic and
Non-Academic
Career Success
J A M E S G. S P E I G H T
CRC Press
Taylor & Francis Group
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Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
© 2015 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
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No claim to original U.S. Government works
Version Date: 20141007
International Standard Book Number-13: 978-1-4665-5357-6 (eBook - PDF)
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Contents
Preface.......................................................................................................................ix
Author .......................................................................................................................xi
Chapter 1 Scientists and Engineers .......................................................................1
1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................1
1.2 Historical Aspects of Science and Engineering ........................4
1.2.1 Science ..........................................................................4
1.2.2 Engineering ..................................................................7
1.3 Definitions .................................................................................9
1.3.1 Scientific Disciplines ..................................................10
1.3.2 Engineering Disciplines .............................................10
1.4 The Concept of a Profession ....................................................12
1.4.1 Selecting a Profession .................................................13
1.4.2 The Concept of Tenure ...............................................14
1.5 Evaluation ................................................................................18
1.5.1 The Process ................................................................19
1.5.2 Recognition ................................................................23
1.5.3 Teacher/Professor Evaluation .....................................25
1.6 The Impact of Science and Engineering .................................28
References ..........................................................................................30
Chapter 2 Education of Scientists and Engineers ...............................................33
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................33
2.2 The Preuniversity Experience .................................................35
2.3 The Baccalaureate Experience ................................................39
2.3.1 The Faculty .................................................................39
2.3.2 Teaching Assistants ....................................................43
2.4 The Graduate Degree Experience ...........................................44
2.4.1 The Master’s Degree ..................................................44
2.4.2 The Doctorate .............................................................46
2.5 Grading and Marking ..............................................................49
2.6 Postdoctoral Education and Beyond ........................................53
References ..........................................................................................56
Chapter 3 Professional Societies and Education .................................................59
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................59
3.2 Professional Societies ..............................................................61
3.2.1 Scientific Societies .....................................................63
3.2.2 Engineering Societies .................................................65
v
vi Contents
3.3 Professional Qualifications ......................................................66
3.4 Further Education ....................................................................68
3.5 Effectiveness of Society Activities ..........................................72
3.5.1 Education ....................................................................72
3.5.2 Collaboration and Mentoring .....................................73
3.5.3 Research and Evaluation ............................................74
3.5.4 Retention of Scientists and Engineers ........................74
3.5.5 Regulatory Aspects ....................................................76
3.6 The Future ...............................................................................77
References ..........................................................................................79
Chapter 4 Gaps in Knowledge ............................................................................83
4.1 Introduction .............................................................................83
4.2 Preuniversity Education ...........................................................86
4.3 Undergraduate Education ........................................................88
4.4 Postgraduate Education ...........................................................90
4.5 Education and Sports Programs ..............................................92
4.6 Teaching Ethics .......................................................................95
4.7 The Gender Gap ......................................................................98
References ........................................................................................100
Chapter 5 Bridging the Knowledge Gap ...........................................................103
5.1 Introduction ...........................................................................103
5.2 Science for Engineers ............................................................104
5.3 Engineering for Scientists .....................................................106
5.4 The Missing Links .................................................................108
5.4.1 The Need for Reform ...............................................109
5.4.2 Assessment and Accreditation .................................110
5.4.3 Improving Science and Engineering Education .......110
5.4.4 Know the Students ...................................................111
5.4.5 Examinations and Standardized
Achievement Tests ...................................................113
5.5 A Multidisciplinary Approach ..............................................114
5.6 Strategies for Closing Knowledge Gaps ................................116
5.7 The Future .............................................................................119
References ........................................................................................122
Chapter 6 The Complete Scientist and Engineer ..............................................125
6.1 Introduction ...........................................................................125
6.2 Motivation ..............................................................................126
6.3 Interpersonal Skills ...............................................................131
6.3.1 Communication ........................................................131
6.3.2 Leadership ................................................................132
6.3.3 Networking ...............................................................133
Contents vii
6.3.4 Teamwork .................................................................134
6.3.5 Mentoring and Other Skills ......................................136
6.4 Written Communication ........................................................139
6.5 Theoretical Knowledge to Practical Experience ...................142
6.6 Intellectual Property and Its Role in Education ....................144
References ........................................................................................145
Chapter 7 The Future ........................................................................................149
7.1 Introduction ...........................................................................149
7.2 The Future of Education ........................................................149
7.2.1 The Student Body .....................................................150
7.2.2 Information and Guidance .......................................151
7.2.3 Graduate Programs...................................................152
7.3 Evaluation ..............................................................................153
7.4 Criteria for Success ................................................................157
7.4.1 Financial Assistance for Education ..........................157
7.4.2 A Multidisciplinary Approach .................................159
7.4.3 Achievements and Recognition ................................159
7.5 Overhauling the Concept of Tenure ......................................161
7.6 A National Policy ..................................................................161
References ........................................................................................162
Chapter 8 Glossary ............................................................................................167