MNCs will need people with global outlook

Updated on: Thursday, June 02, 2011

Research and a cross-disciplinary approach are at the core of the teaching methodology at the faculty of e n g i n e e r i n g , University of Leeds, UK. Krisen Moodley, currently with the faculty of engineering at the university, further stresses that be it engineering or any other discipline, the focus should be on a holistic approach to learning.

There is no real distinction between 'taught courses' (UG/PG) and research courses at the university. It is not uncommon, therefore, for a student pursuing mechanical engineering to be supervised by someone from chemical engineering; or a student pursuing electronics to be working with a student from computing.

Explains Moodley, "We have a centre for energy, which combines skills from electronic, civil, chemical and process engineering. Here, engineers and scientists work across traditional subjects and specialisations, attempting to address the greater challenges. Similarly, members of staff also teach across schools. The underlying belief is, if an engineer operates in isolation, he or she will only think about engineering. We try to give students a broader perspective."

The teaching methodology at the university enables upcoming engineers to cope with the tremendous pace at which India and the world is changing. As to the road ahead, he says, "Multinationals looking at entering India will require people with a more global than traditional outlook; people who can see the whole picture."

"You might have to build a metro in Delhi today, and then in Beijing and maybe two years hence, in Santiago. That is what Leeds prepares its engineers for," Moodley points out.

The university does not have a placement process as prevalent in India. However, there is industry interaction in the form of representatives from the industry who teach specific modules, and students who work on projects with organisations. There is also the concept of 'employment help' where companies advise faculty members on extra skill-sets required by students to get gainful employment.
www.leeds.ac.uk

Times of India

MNCs will need people with global outlook

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