The primary focus of any engineering laboratory/ field work in the
technical education system is to develop the much needed industry relevant
competencies and skills.With this in view, MSBTE embarked on this innovative
‘I’ Scheme curricula for engineering diploma programmes with outcome-base
education as the focus and accordingly, relatively large amount of time is
allotted for the practical work. This displays the great importance of laboratory
work making each teacher; instructor and student to realize that every minute
of the laboratory time need to be effectively utilized to develop these
outcomes, rather than doing other mundane activities. Therefore, for the
successful implementation of this outcome-based curriculum, every practical has
been designed to serve as a ‘vehicle’ to develop this industry identified
competency in every student. The practical skills are difficult to develop
through ‘chalk and duster’ activity in the classroom situation.
Accordingly,
the ‘I’ scheme laboratory manual development team designed the practical to
focus on the outcomes, rather than the traditional age old practice of
conducting practical to ‘verify the theory’ (which may become a by product
along the way). This laboratory manual is designed to help all stakeholders,
especially the students, teachers and instructors to develop in the student the
pre-determined outcomes.
It is expected from each student that at least a day
in advance, they have to thoroughly read through the concerned practical
procedure that they will do the next day and understand the minimum theoretical
background associated with the practical. Every practical in this manual begins
by identifying the competency, industry relevant skills, course outcomes and
practical outcomes which serve as a key focal point for doing the practical.
The students will then become aware about the skills they will achieve through
procedure shown there and necessary precautions to be taken, which will help
them to apply in solving real-world problems in their professional life.
This manual also
provides guidelines to teachers and instructors to effectively facilitate
student-centered lab activities through each practical exercise by arranging
and managing necessary resources in order that the students follow the
procedures and precautions systematically ensuring the achievement of outcomes
in the students. Power producing and absorbing devices are essentials for
mechanical engineering.
It is necessary for mechanical engineering
technologists to analyze working and plot the performance of devices like
internal combustion engines, air compressors, gas turbines so that they will be
able to operate them effectively in an industrial situation. This knowledge is also
useful in selecting suitable prime mover for given application and to maintain
and test the same. This course also gives basic exposure of refrigeration and
air-conditioning equipment which play a vital role in maintaining controlled atmosphere
in different domestic and industrial applications.
