Abstract
![CDATA[The Mediaeval Scholars and their students had no difficulty in crisscrossing the Continent to settle in a new centre of higher learning – their lingua franca was Latin and political obstacles were fewer than at present. Subsequently, as Europe became politically more fragmented and higher education became the responsibility of each country, the wisdom they espoused had less of an international focus, and was geared to meet local needs. As economic unification of Europe began to evolve in the second half of the 20th century, the need for increased mobility of scholars, students and graduated (professionals) became an issue that had to be addressed. This was first formalized at the University of Bologna in 1999 and refined in subsequent years. In the Bologna Model at its basic, an Engineering undergraduate course is envisaged to last three years which, in essence, would equip its graduates to perform at a technologist level. The subsequent two years of study would define the full professional status that would result in a Masters level qualification in the chosen discipline. Further three years of discipline focused study/research would lead to the ultimate academic qualification of a doctorate. Such a program has been difficult to implement in a culturally diverse environment, especially in countries which had traditionally boasted high academic standards and rigour, often requiring 5 years of study for the basic degree. Nevertheless, the conversion to the Bologna Model is scheduled to be completed by 2010, and is taken to be almost synonymous with the concept of fully integrated European Union. United Europe is often viewed in terms of its economic significance by the rest of the developed world. This is particularly significant for Asia which needs markets for its growing manufacturing sector. Its closer ties with Europe deemed essential, also predicate own academic reforms. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the current debate in Australia as to its position vis a vis the Bologna Process and offers some reflections on the positive aspects if it is introduced in Australia.]]
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education and Research |
Publisher | International Network on Engineering Education and Research |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Event | International Conference on Engineering Education - Duration: 21 Aug 2011 → … |
Conference
Conference | International Conference on Engineering Education |
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Period | 21/08/11 → … |
Keywords
- Australia
- Bologna process (European higher education)
- education and globalization
- engineering
- study and teaching (higher)
- graduate work