THE NECESSITY OF REVISING THE UNDERGRADUATE POLYMER ENGINEERING CURRICULUM IN LINE WITH INDUSTRIAL AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS

Tarashi, Sara; Vakili, Helma; Hosseini, Seyed Mostaffa

doi:10.22047/ijee.2025.535994.2189

THE NECESSITY OF REVISING THE UNDERGRADUATE POLYMER ENGINEERING CURRICULUM IN LINE WITH INDUSTRIAL AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS

Document Type : Scientific - Research

Authors

Sara Tarashi

Helma Vakili

Seyed Mostaffa Hosseini

Department of Polymer Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran

https://doi.org/10.22047/ijee.2025.535994.2189

Abstract

With the advancement of modern polymer technologies, the demand for skilled professionals in the industry has significantly increased. However, undergraduate polymer engineering programs still rely heavily on traditional curricula and remain poorly aligned with scientific advancements and industrial needs. As a result, many graduates lack the competencies required for effective entry into the industry or for conducting advanced research. This analytical–critical study revealed that the current structure and content of the polymer engineering curriculum in Iran largely depend on outdated, memory-based models and suffer from shortcomings such as weak practical training, lack of interdisciplinary education, outdated syllabi not aligned with emerging technologies, and a noticeable gap between academia and industry. Accordingly, this study proposes a comprehensive framework for curriculum revision that emphasizes the integration of theoretical and practical approaches, adoption of modern educational technologies, and enhanced university–industry collaboration. The key finding is that implementing the proposed reforms through the integration of theoretical, practical, technological, and interdisciplinary training can empower polymer engineering graduates to meet the growing demands of the polymer industry and contribute to the nation’s scientific development. This, in turn, will enhance graduates’ employability, competitiveness, and capacity for innovation.

Keywords

Polymer engineering

curriculum revision

engineering education

skills-based learning

educational innovation

20.1001.1.16072316.1404.27.107.6.0

Subjects

Developments in Engineering Education

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