Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia

Transcription

1 Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia T. Kilić, I. Puljak and D. Begušić Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia Abstract The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB) of the University of Split was founded in A nine-semester study programme in electrical engineering has been continuously offered ever since with specialisation in several fields. Since the academic year 2005/2006 a new study programme of electrical engineering and information technology has been introduced fully in accordance with the Bologna Declaration. All three cycles, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral, have been set up. Currently a second year of Bachelor programme students and a first year of Doctoral programme students are attending courses and are participating in all study activities. The prevailing experiences with the implementation of the Bologna Declaration are so far quite positive, and we look forward to completing all cycles. Keywords Bologna process; education; electrical engineering; information technology Electrical engineering and information technology is a scientific and engineering discipline encompassing the study and use of electric phenomena. It is related to both mathematics and physics at one end and their practical implementation at the other. Various practical applications of electrical engineering and information technology can be divided into two major groups: applications related to electric power and those connected to information. Electrical engineering and information technology is an interdisciplinary science closely related to technical, natural and social sciences. There are few areas of human activity that have not been contributed to by the development of electrical engineering. An ever-increasing need for electric power gives rise to the development of energy conversion appliances. Due to recent developments in electrical engineering, new ecologically acceptable energy sources are being discovered and power distribution systems improved. The evolution of microelectronics and computer technology brought about information and communication technologies (ICT) to become economically the most promising activities. Transmission of information via picture, voice or data is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of modern society. New computer technologies have significantly improved automatic control in processing industry, ship handling, flying a plane, sophisticated robots and modern medical equipment. Well-educated professionals, capable of keeping abreast of the latest developments, are the fundamental prerequisite of quick and prestigious development. It is therefore only by excellent education that we can successfully keep pace with modern scientific achievements and with technological challenges. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Archi-

2 176 T. Kilić, I. Puljak and D. Begušić tecture (FESB) of the University of Split was founded in 1960 (initially as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering). Continuous efforts in developing the curricula have resulted in the introduction of a whole range of study programmes at graduate and postgraduate level in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, and computing. The study programme in Electrical Engineering lasted 9 semesters including one semester for Diploma Thesis preparation and public defence. Since the new Law of Higher Education and Research came into force in Croatia in 2004, there has been a legal obligation for the curricula to be attuned with the Bologna Declaration 1 and the ETCS credit system. 2 In a big campaign in 2005 set up by Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, the entire Croatian higher education system has been changed in order to be fully compliant with the Bologna Declaration. 3 A main goal was to start with a new three cycle s system from the academic year 2005/2006 and to completely phase old study programmes. The goal has been reached and since last year all higher education institutions have started with at least a Bachelor cycle. In that process all study programmes at FESB have been transformed to Bachelors and Masters programmes and since the academic year 2006/2007 Doctoral studies have been introduced too. A new programme of electrical engineering and information technology has been worked out by combining previous programmes on electrical engineering with specialisations in electronics, power engineering, communications, control engineering and computer engineering. One generation of students have completed one year of the new study programme. Analysing their experiences, together with those of teachers and administrative staff, we have drawn conclusions that have been applied to the new generation of students and current students studying for a second year as well. Previous study programmes An electrical engineering study programme has been established since the foundation of the Faculty in It has been constantly running since then, and is divided into two basic programmes: power engineering and electronics. The first three semesters programme is common for both degree programmes. Specialist courses are being introduced afterwards. The power engineering programme covers two areas of specialisation: industrial power engineering and electric power systems. Control engineering, communication engineering, computer engineering and applied electronics are specialisation areas of the electronics programme. The most recent generation is now studying the third year of the previous programme. FESB offers a vocational studies programme in electrical engineering, lasting for six semesters: five semesters of lectures and one semester for writing up a graduation thesis. Students can choose between two specialisation areas: power engineering or electronics. Graduate studies in electrical engineering have also been implemented at the Faculty, offering specialisation in the areas of communication engineering and information science, electrical engineering, power engineering and electrical machines as well as control engineering and computer science.

3 Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia 177 The FESB s reputation has been contributed to by scientists who have a wide range of experience and expertise in teaching and research and have strong associations with professional institutions at home and abroad. We should also point out the contribution of graduate engineers, former students of this Faculty, who have become renowned professionals successfully working all over the world. Postgraduate study in the scientific area of electrical engineering has been independently conducted at FESB in Split since In cooperation with the Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT) from Southampton in the UK, an international postgraduate programme of study for the title of Master of Science in environmental electromagnetic compatibility was formed. New study programmes FESB capabilities to conduct new study programmes FESB provides all conditions for the realisation of the study of electrical engineering and information technology. The advantage of the programme is optimal utilisation of teaching stuff, facilities and equipment. The Faculty employs sufficient number of lecturers and other staff having suitable scientific and professional qualification, fully in conformity with the standards prescribed for the teaching workload by the law and collective agreement for higher education. Suitable premises and equipment that are in conformity with the needs of a high quality level of studying are also provided. Additionally, the programme is supported not only by entrepreneurs and the public sector of the Split Dalmatian County, but also by the wider area comprising the Dalmatian region and state authorities. FESB has signed agreements on collaboration in the promotion of scientific and educational activities and established joint projects with a whole range of organisations belonging to the economic and public sector. Relations to the employment market Split is an industrial and university centre important for the whole region of Dalmatia and neighbouring surroundings. As early as 1960, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering was established with the aim to educate and train professionals for the specialised field in electrical engineering needed for the development of the economy. Justification of the studies is confirmed by the number of students that have successfully completed the studies in virtually all segments of industry and public services. The demand of the labour market for such experts is much higher than the number on offer. This is especially significant at the moment, when social and industrial changes demand new interdisciplinary approaches to the production base in contemporary technology, exploiting and managing the national treasures, energy sources and traffic and communication and informational infrastructure. No less is the importance of the role that scientists and experts have in the development of small, medium and large technologically advanced companies based on knowledge and science, that are meant to be the driving force of regional industrial development.

4 178 T. Kilić, I. Puljak and D. Begušić Undergraduates will be able to take on jobs in industry, electric power industry, ICT companies and various services. In undergraduate studies, students become competent and qualified for work in a wide variety of specialisation areas including: electrical engineering, power engineering, automation, computer systems, information and communication technologies and others. A graduate is expected to take part in the design, testing, maintenance, control, supervision and implementation of components, devices and appliances in industrial systems, automatic and power systems, information and telecommunication systems. A growing need for such professionals of various specialisations who will be competent to formulate engineering problems and develop practical solutions offers plausible grounds for establishing undergraduate and graduate studies at this Faculty. The postgraduate studies in electrical engineering and information technology will enable the involvement of promising young experts in modern technological development venues of the society. The development of technology should directly contribute to the increase of the level of knowledge in all parts of society, as part of the strategic national interest. Structure of the programme The study programme has been designed to provide students with basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills in electrical engineering and information technology. Teaching methods and techniques to be implemented within the study programme encourage critical thinking and creativity, which are essential to students professional development. Students will be encouraged to be independent in decisionmaking and will be particularly trained for individual and team work. The study programme is based on modern concepts of syllabus design in electrical engineering and information technology and is closely related to various academic disciplines such as computer science, electronics as well as information technology and natural sciences. The general frameworks of course units have been developed from contemporary sources, which encompass fundamental topics from specific disciplines and recent research insights. A number of FESB professors, including those from the Electrical Engineering Department, have become renowned for their teaching and research work as well as for successful cooperation with various institutions at home and abroad, thus contributing to the Faculty s reputation. The newly established electrical engineering and information technology curriculum at FESB is fully consistent with this scope. University education of students in the field of electrical engineering and information technology starts with undergraduate studies (Bachelors degree) lasting six semesters 180 ECTS credits and is followed up by graduate studies (Masters degree) for the duration of four semesters 120 ECTS credits. Four Masters study programmes are offered: communication and information technology, electronic and computer engineering, systems and control, and electrical engineering. Students with a Masters degree are able to continue education at postgraduate university studies (Doctoral degree) lasting six semesters 180 ECTS credits. The three-cycle system, based on new curricula, enables students to acquire new knowledge in electrical engineering and informa-

5 Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia 179 tion technology in compliance with the newest European higher education trends. In addition to three basic cycles FESB offers a vocational programme, lasting five semesters with 150 ECTS credits. For students finishing vocational studies, a possibility is foreseen to obtain an additional 30 ECTS to be able to enrol in a Masters study programme. A basic structure of all programmes is shown in Fig. 1. Upon completion of the Bachelors study programme, the Bachelor in electrical engineering and information technology, depending on the specialisation area, should be able to enter directly into the jobs market. After successful completion of undergraduate studies the Bachelor of Science will be able to continue graduate studies within the research field of electrical engineering and information technology or some other related graduate study programme. After successful completion of graduate studies, the Master of Science, depending on the specialisation area, will become a highly trained professional able to take part in a variety of research activities and to keep pace with modern scientific achievements and technological challenges, also being capable of engaging in further education and improvement in postgraduate scientific or specialised studies. Learning outcomes and competences Learning outcomes and competences have been designed for each study programme as follows: Fig. 1 Basic structure of study programmes at FESB.

6 180 T. Kilić, I. Puljak and D. Begušić Bachelor in electrical engineering and information technology Upon completion of the undergraduate study programme, the Bachelor in electrical engineering and information technology, depending on the specialisation area, should be able to take part in supervision, maintenance and implementation of components and devices in industrial systems, electrical and power systems as well as in computer, telecommunication and information systems. S/he will also gain an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics within electrical engineering and information technology, formulate engineering problems and develop practical solutions. Master in communication and information technology After successful completion of graduate studies, the Master in communication and information technology will be qualified in the design, manufacturing, supervision and maintenance of complex systems in the field of information and communication technology. Graduates will become highly trained professionals able to take part in research & development activities and to keep pace with modern scientific achievements and technological challenges. Master in electronics and computer engineering After successful completion of graduate studies, the Master in electronics and computer engineering will be qualified in the design, manufacturing, supervision and maintenance of complex systems in the fields of analogue and digital electronics, computer engineering and information technology. Graduates will become highly trained professionals able to take part in a variety of research activities and to keep pace with modern scientific achievements and technological challenges. Master in electrical engineering After successful completion of graduate studies, the Master in electrical engineering will be qualified in the design, manufacturing, supervision and maintenance of complex systems in the fields of automatic control, industrial, electrical and power systems. Graduates will become highly trained professionals able to take part in a variety of research activities and to keep pace with modern scientific achievements and technological challenges. Master in systems and control Upon obtaining a degree of Master of systems and control the students are qualified to carry out research and apply methods, concepts, and contemporary information technologies in modelling, simulating, and controlling systems pertaining to a wide range of human activity, also being enabled to engage in further education and improvement in postgraduate scientific or specialised studies.

7 Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia 181 Doctoral programme in electrical engineering and information technology Upon completion of the postgraduate study programme in electrical engineering and information technology a person shall attain the academic degree of Doctor of Science. By acquiring practical and theoretical knowledge he/she will be able to undertake various practical and research activities based on knowledge of new technologies and products. He/she will be able to apply new knowledge based approaches to design and manufacturing, as well as perform business planning and decision making based on scientific methods of selecting and analysing of information. Finishing this postgraduate study in electrical engineering and information technology student has competences for scientific and developing activities in fields of: systems and control, information and communication technology, electronics and computer engineering and electrical engineering (power systems and automatisation and plants). Vocational studies Upon completion of vocational study, candidates should be able to take part in supervision, maintenance and implementation of components and devices in industrial systems, automatic, electronic and power engineering systems as well as in computer, telecommunication and information systems. They will be able to acquire theoretical knowledge and relevant professional skills required in electrical engineering and will be qualified for immediate employment. Mobility An insight into related curricula and their contents, especially in Europe, has shown that there are no two countries with identical education systems. This primarily refers to type and organisation of study, duration of study, study title, professional or academic title or degree on completion of the study, etc. The first year is designed to give students a thorough grounding in scientific and engineering principles. Mathematics and fundamental sciences are given priority in the first year of studies. Basic electrical and information engineering courses as well as specialist courses related to various areas of specialisation are taught in final two years. A number of general courses have also been implemented. In the third year of study the student may choose between the four areas of specialisation: systems and control, electronics and computer engineering, electrical engineering, and communication and information technology. The proposed study programme has been elaborated in accordance with recommendations of the THEIERE Project. 4 This document proposes a state of the art relative to the curricula available in Europe in electrical and information engineering. The proposed programme has been designed in conformity with the recommendations of SEFI (European Society for Engineering Education) and CESAER (Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research) 5 and ASIIN (German accreditation agency for degree programmes in engineering, informatics/computer science, the natural sciences and mathematics). 6 The undergraduate study programme in electrical engineering and information

8 182 T. Kilić, I. Puljak and D. Begušić technology enables vertical and horizontal mobility of students. As to vertical mobility, the undergraduate study programme in electrical engineering and information technology is mainly open to graduate study programmes in control and systems, electronics and computer engineering, electrical engineering and communication and information technology. Vertical mobility is also possible towards other related graduate studies. As to horizontal mobility, the study programme is open to the mobility of students between related studies of Croatian universities, including the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb, and the Technical Faculty in Rijeka as well as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Osijek. Students will be allowed to finish a part of their study programmes at similar institutions at home and abroad. Conclusions The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of University of Split has introduced new study programmes in electrical engineering and information technology fully compliant with the Bologna Declaration. In the academic year 2005/2006, a first generation of students enrolled in a Bachelors study programme. Four Masters programmes in the field of electrical engineering and information technology have been accredited and will start after the first generation of students obtain the Bachelors degree. From the academic year 2006/2007 a new Doctoral programme is introduced, completing all three cycles of the Bologna process. Vocational study programmes have also been introduced. One generation of students have completed the first year of the Bachelors study programme. A careful analysis of their experiences and achievements has shown that the introduction of the Bologna process was the right step forward. The success rate of transition from the first to the second year doubled compared with the last generation of students enrolled in the old study programmes. The main reasons for such an improvement are to be found in a new modern study programme, better adapted to student competences, and in the encouragement of the continuous work of both teachers and students. An important positive contribution is also being made by an e-learning system, based on the open source course management system Moodle. 7 This is obligatory for all courses in the new study programmes, and was introduced to increase the efficiency of communication between students and teachers. A quality control system is currently being set up as a further step in the Bologna Declaration implementation. We are looking forward to completing all three cycles of study programmes in order to draw more definitive conclusions about the whole Bologna process. References 1 The Bologna Declaration on the European Area for Higher Education, policies/educ/bologna/bologna.pdf 2 ECTS Users Guide: European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and the Diploma Supplement, Brussels, August 2004, en.pdf

9 Studying electrical engineering and information technology at the University of Split, Croatia Ministry of Science, Education and Sport: The Bologna Process, ru=709&gl=&sid=&jezik=2 4 Project THEIERE, Thematic Harmonization in Electrical and Information Engineering in Europe, Project Nr CP PT-ERASMUS-ETNE, 5 Claudio Borri and Francesco Maffioli (Eds), E4 Thematic Network: Enhancing Engineering Education in Europe (Firenze University Press, Firenze, 2003). 6 German Accreditation Agency for Degree Programs in Engineering, Informatics/Computer Science, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN), 7 Moodle course management system,