On Restructuring the Electrical Engineering Higher Education in Iran

Abstract

In this paper, we provided our critical views on restructuring the Electrical Engineering education at bachelor¬,s level in Iran. We particularly discussed the conclusions and suggestions that are resulted from a study at Sharif University of Technology. Their approach to the problem, main ideas in restructuring, suggested new courses, and new syllabuses for old titles are critically analyzed. The main concerns are as follows: Curriculum planning at national level demands for a large poll of ideas at the same level; the suggested framework seems to be too rigid; there is only a little room for technical electives; the number and content of newly suggested courses does not match the rapid changes in the field; and the content of the newly suggested courses for first two semester are not consistent with students’ knowledge at those levels. We think many of these problems are due to insisting too much on keeping subprograms at bachelor level. Maybe it is time to remove subprograms and rescheduling the bachelor of Electrical Engineering as a three years program, followed by a two years advanced program. A three year program is more consistent with quarter-based system as compared with semester-based system. The former is more consistent with Iranian New Year holidays as well.

Keywords

• higher education curriculum planning electrical engineering education higher education restructuring subprograms at bachelor level evaluating and updatin