This paper is from Session 4A: A taxonomy of statistics courses

which comes under Topic 4: Statistics education at the post secondary (tertiary) level

Other papers under session 4A ... 4A1: Banishing the theory-applications dichotomy from statistics education 4A2: Accommodating specialists and non-specialists in statistics courses

(Monday 12th, 11:00-12:30)

Specialized basic courses for engineering students: a necessity or a nuisance?

Presenter

• Lena Zetterqvist (Lund University, Sweden)

Abstract

Basic statistics courses for engineering students often focus on general applications in engineering, using course literature intended for ‘engineers’. However, these students are not a homogeneous group, and the differences among engineering programmes appear to be increasing. One way to meet the challenge of the diversity of needs within a discipline is to adapt the courses for different programmes. This could also be a way of increasing students’ motivation. During the past decade, several of the statistics courses given at the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University have been specialized with regard to syllabi, applications and teaching methods. We discuss the factors involved in specialized course development, as well as the challenging implications for the teachers and department involved.

Other papers under session 4A ... 4A1: Banishing the theory-applications dichotomy from statistics education 4A2: Accommodating specialists and non-specialists in statistics courses