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micro-module

Rethinking the Engineer

Rethinking the Engineer

A Personal, Cultural, and Critical Exploration for Future Engineers
Open for application
DescriptionOutcomesPotential progressInformationProviders

Description

What do you think of when you try to picture an engineer? In this micromodule, you'll explore how varied the image of an engineer can be depending on a range of different contexts (time periods, geographic location, socioeconomic or disciplinary background), identities (notably gender), and the impact that these engineers have had on the world. Concepts such as science, innovation, and social progress will all be open to investigation and debate. You'll pay particular attention to the role of women played in both engineering history and in the present day. We encourage you to use your openness and curiosity to develop new perspectives on this topic that is essential to all future engineers.

The Team

NG
Nathalie Gast
Teacher
0 learners
Study format
Hybrid
Application period
9 June – 5 September 2025
Study period
9 September – 9 December 2025
Credits
2 ECTS
Hosting university
INSA Group
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Learning outcomes

Understand and analyse documents

By the end of this micromodule you will be able to understand and analyse documents, as well as draw connections between them.

ESCO SKILLS

Organise informationEngineering and engineering tradesMatch people

Understand other people's experiences of engineering

By the end of this micromodule, you will be able to articulate how other people experienced engineering or being an engineer, and being able to relate empathetically to these experiences.

ESCO SKILLS

Demonstrate considerationShow empathyInteract verbally in English

Create and articulate your new conception of an engineer

By the end of this micromodule, you will be able to imagine alternative models of an engineer and be able to describe them.

ESCO SKILLS

Promote social changeExercise self-reflection

Potential progress

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Less than 5
5 or more
Goal based on on your motivation scan

Critical and innovative thinking

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Inter-personal skills

Intra-personal skills

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Information

What Does It Mean to Be an Engineer – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow?

When you hear the word engineer, what image comes to mind? Is it someone building machines, designing complex systems, or solving global challenges? How is engineering different from science? What makes someone truly an engineer?

In this course, you’ll explore and challenge your own ideas about what engineering is—and who gets to be an engineer. Through engaging discussions, videos, and short readings, you’ll discover how engineering has evolved across time, cultures, and disciplines. You’ll learn about real engineers—past and present—from different backgrounds and walks of life, including those who took unexpected career paths along the way.

This journey will help you build your own, updated vision of what it means to be an engineer today—and what kind of engineer you might become in the future.

Course Highlights:

  • Discover how engineering is practiced in different fields, countries, and contexts
  • Reflect on your own motivations and future path as an engineer
  • Develop cultural awareness and communication skills
  • Learn in English, but with a focus on ideas—not perfect grammar!

Hosting university

INSA Group

INSA Group