Curriculum Design
Learn more about the curriculum design of interdisciplinary engineering (IDE) at ETH Zurich!
Goal of the Program
The IDE program is designed to provide students with a unique educational experience that fosters integrative learning and equips them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in a rapidly evolving engineering landscape. Our program is built upon four key abilities that define integrative competency:
- Connect ideas, concepts, and experiences gained in different situations
- Synthesize knowledge derived from a variety of disciplinary contexts
- Innovate using systematic methods to tackle complex, novel and unique problems
- Transfer knowledge, methods, and skills to new and complex situations
Curriculum Development Approach
In order to develop the integrative competency as well as the foundational knowledge and disciplinary competencies, we propose a framework for the IDE curriculum composed of four components:
Foundational Knowledge and Skills
Students will gain foundational knowledge in sciences and engineering through compulsory courses aligned with ETH's engineering education standards. These courses will provide the essential framework upon which students can build their interdisciplinary and disciplinary competencies.
Disciplinary Competencies
Specialized courses offered by partner departments will enable students to develop disciplinary competencies within core modules and elective modules. This component allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals
Interdisciplinary Competencies
An introductory course, seminars, and workshops taught by invited experts will guide students in developing interdisciplinary competencies. These competencies, along with their related cognitive processes, will be integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for tackling complex, interdisciplinary problems.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
PBL serves as the cornerstone of our curriculum, enabling students to integrate foundational, disciplinary, and interdisciplinary competencies. Through real-world problem-solving scenarios, students will apply their knowledge and skills, while also honing their integrative abilities and undergoing assessment in both interdisciplinary competencies and the four key integrative abilities. Learn more about PBL in IDE here.
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