An Engineering Workspace for Integrating Sustainability Applied Research into Learning

With the advancements in the fields of nanotechnology and material sciences, engineering students from the Diploma in Nanotechnology and Materials Science (DNMS) in the School of Engineering, Nanyang Polytechnic, are required to solve complex, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary problems. A new engineering workspace, Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Teaching facility for Urban Environments (NATURE) was set up to provide inter- and multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students from different disciplines: engineering, materials, information technology, health sciences, chemical and life sciences and agronomy. This paper describes how NATURE is used as a platform to integrate sustainable technology applied research into the curriculum of the DNMS. The aim is to nurture students’ inquiring mind and to develop their research skills as well as problem identification and problem solving skills. This paper also discusses the effectiveness of this platform to allow lecturers, students and industry partners to work collaboratively on multidimensional interdisciplinary applied research projects in NATURE, thus making learning more experiential and engaging for students. Finally, this paper highlights the challenges faced and provides recommendations for future adoption of this approach in general engineering education.