Paradigms in Engineering University Programs: The Case of Mexico
Prof. Jaime Cervantes de Gortari
Professor
A critical review of the relevant aspects of engineering educational programs in Mexico is presented, within the historical background and the near future tendencies of industrial activities. The traditional way of teaching and learning engineering at the Mexican universities, derived from the socioeconomic development during the second half of the twentieth century, is contrasted with the needed education for engineers at the beginning of the new century. The case of Mexico is examined: A country that rapidly changed from a rural and pre-industrial society prevailing up to the 1940 decade, to a modern industrialized nation consolidated in the 1950-1970 period. Several issues are considered, as: the educational programs based mainly on a generalist type of engineer suitable for the industrialization period, when the economic policy was based on the substitution of imports; the huge increase of the number of universities and educational programs during the 70´s and 80´s; the participation in the fully open market and the global economy characterizing the last two decades of the last century; etc. Within this context, the presentation considers the role of engineers at present, addressing the necessity for new educational programs with different contents and shorter duration, according to an era with new and deeper knowledge, rapid changing technology, and unforeseen possibilities for informatics.
Biographical Information
Dr. de Gortari holds BSME and MSME degrees from the National University of Mexico, 1970, 1972 and a PhD from Purdue University, 1976. His research focuses on fluid mechanics and heat transfer, and he has authored over 150 publications including five textbooks. He is a Distinguished Professor and received the 2002 Universidad Nacional award as the Best Teacher in exact sciences from UNAM; and the 2007 Heberto Castillo prize from the Mexico City´s Government. He is a member of the Mexican Academy of Engineering, the Mexican Academy of Sciences and the International Centre for Heat and Mass Transfer. He is a Fellow of ASME.