Challenges of teaching science to engineering students

Engineering study is highly dependent on mathematical ability and understanding of scientific principles as engineers apply mathematics and science to solve real world problems. In Australia, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has been reported to be degrading with time. This paper has shown that all the engineering courses in the University of New South Wales (UNSW) (having one of the largest engineering programs in Australia) have a significant science component, which means that high school leavers intending to undertake engineering studies in UNSW must have a sound background in science. The teaching experiences of two academics in Physics and Fluid Mechanics in Western Sydney University are also presented in this paper; they have noted that poor mathematics and science backgrounds are a major obstacle in completing Physics and Fluid Mechanics successfully by many undergraduate engineering students in Western Sydney University. Few possible solutions to this problem are presented, which include peer learning, development of interactive online tools and offering of short courses to assist the first year engineering students who have not gained enough background in science and mathematics in their high schools.