A Project-Centric Learning Strategy in Biotechnology

Abstract In this work we present the details on the initiative that has been taken by the Walter Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University to inculcate multi-disciplinary project-based learning activities into the undergraduate curriculum. The approach aims to form groups of students from the different educational backgrounds at the school to solve engineering related problems focusing on building competencies in the students. Specifically, students from three disciplines, namely, Biotechnology, Manufacturing and Automation Engineering Technology are grouped to develop a biosensing platform to detect antibiotics in food. Students from each program will be contributing to a part of the project for which they have developed competencies in their courses. We present a framework to be followed to implement such initiatives, and the expected outcomes and the skills that the students are expected to gain.