Based on extensive experience of establishing and teaching new mechatronic systems engineering courses and M.Sc.-degree program since 2006 at Lawrence Technological University, this paper concentrates on the integration of education and engineering research processes.
The paper analyzes challenges such as the content of each academic course and cross-lists all the courses to provide the continuity of education/research process in the mechatronic systems engineering program, selection of modeling and design techniques, usage of software products in the courses and research projects, different educational degrees (including students with PhD degrees) and professional backgrounds of mechatronics students, domestic/international student ratio, and part time/full time student ratio.
Based on the analysis of the challenges, a key plan for the education-research integration was developed and implemented. Details are in the paper.
