Project Findings

This scoping study examined the important linkages between mathematics and engineering educators particularly in response to the increased diversity of engineering students, reinforcing links among mathematics and engineering educators, and forming a picture of a rapidly changing landscape. The study was informed by a literature review, a survey questionnaire, on-site visits, and a one-day workshop. The issues which arose included the much greater variability in the mathematical competencies of incoming students; the reduction of time allocation to mathematics in engineering courses; and the increased difficulty for employers to recruit graduates confident with mathematical tasks especially statistical modelling and risk analysis. A significant number of students entering undergraduate programs have not completed advanced mathematics and require different levels and forms of support, while a reduction in mathematics and statistics staff at universities is leading to increased lecture group sizes. Findings recommend measures to cap the broadening diversity; to promote better collaboration between the disciplines; to provide a pathway to produce a minor stream of mathematically well-qualified graduates; and to provide a better service to meet the professional needs of students. The project provides a model for future collaboration between mathematics educators and other disciplines, especially in the biological sciences.