Description
Objectives
Humanitarian Engineering is defined as the use of science and engineering to invent, create, design, develop, or improve technologies which promote the well-being of communities which are facing grand humanitarian challenges (fast-growing populations, poor, disaster-hit, marginalized, or under-served communities). This course intends to provide a first approach to this new engineering field.
Cross Competence Component
Students develop their projects in small groups (typically 2 students per group), which allows them to improve their intra- and interpersonal competences. The project is subject to a public oral presentation and written report, working on oral and written communication skills. It also develops the literacy capacities of scientific information and media, through the research and management of information collected and the use of computer tools to produce presentations/videos. The unfolding of the project requires the development of critical and innovative thinking through the ability to seek, question and critically analyse the solutions investigated and the ability to propose new ones. The projects are proposed by students, from different cultural backgrounds, and often reflect environmental and sustainability concerns, allowing to develop citizenship responsibilities.
Laboratorial Component
There are no specific laboratory classes but, during the project development, the students are encouraged, whenever possible, to perform a limited amount experimental work in research labs. Further experimental work will be carried- out on the other curricular units associated with the "Circular Economy" minor.
Programming And Computing Component
There are no specific computational components but, during the project development, the students are encouraged to include simulations in their project, depending on the subject chosen.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In na oral assessment, every student shall be able to presente and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.