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.