College of Engineering unveils CEN 2.0: Empowering future engineers for better success in industry, future graduate studies and as global citizens

The College of Engineering (CEN) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has announced significant amendments to its offering of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with other improvements across the college, as part of its commitment to providing students with an education that meets the needs of employers both today and in the future.

Termed “CEN 2.0,” the changes are the results of a rigorous benchmarking exercise conducted by the college’s seven undergraduate programs to ensure all programs are robust and better meet student needs. A key outcome of this exercise is the integration of data analytics, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and advanced technology throughout all four years of an undergraduate students’ study at CEN. As part of this, new core and elective courses have also been added, focusing on emerging areas in engineering and tailored to meet industry demand. All CEN students will be required to take the course Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, which will also be offered to non-CEN students as an elective. Additionally, CEN students will benefit from new sustainability-related courses, preparing them for future jobs where sustainability will be key, regardless of the profession or industry. All undergraduate programs will have a reduced number of credit hours needed for graduation, which will help in reducing the study time and cost.

To place greater emphasis on practical learning, students will spend more time in the college’s new laboratories, which feature state-of-the-art equipment. Students will now also need to complete a 16-week internship prior to graduation–up from the current requirement of five weeks–increasing their employability and workplace readiness. To support success in the workforce, students’ soft skills will be further future proofed, advancing their aptitude for entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, communication and other essential areas.

Understanding the importance of a strong start at university, CEN will offer its first-year students an improved introduction to university life and the discipline of engineering as a result of revisions made to the college’s First Year Engineering Experience.

The changes come as new industries and technologies emerge across the UAE and abroad, generating new employment opportunities for talented engineering graduates. As economies become more diversified, service-driven and dependent on data and advanced technologies, graduates with engineering and computer science expertise will be in high demand. It is this demand that has driven CEN 2.0, said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of Engineering at CEN:

“We work very closely with industry leaders to understand the types of skills and knowledge areas that they require from graduates. The feedback we have received from industry has shaped CEN 2.0. Our new offerings will fill current gaps in the employment market that have resulted from technological changes in industry, outpacing the type of engineering education students are typically receiving. Through our new courses and programs, students will be exposed to cutting-edge technology and learning in key areas of employer demand. Our world-class faculty are at the helm of important emerging areas, such as AI, biological engineering, machine learning and more. Their knowledge is being readily imparted onto our students, who will no doubt use this learning to advance the future organizations in which they work and lead.”

In addition to the changes brought about as part of CEN.20, planning is underway for new undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These include the Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Digital Construction Engineering and Management, the Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems and Mechatronics Engineering, and the Master of Science in Machine Learning.

CEN already has a strong reputation for employability, with its graduates being the preferred choice for employers in the UAE across all engineering disciplines, according to the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023. Dr. Aloul believes CEN 2.0 will help the college to maintain this position and increase its reputation as a trusted source of outstanding graduates.

“Our graduates are very successful in the workplace, as they not only have advanced technical knowledge, they also have the professional, entrepreneurial and soft skills necessary to thrive. As the world of work is set to change at an increasingly rapid pace over the next decade, it is essential that our graduates possess the ability to adapt to new technologies and new workplace trends. CEN 2.0 will see the increased instilment of in-demand skills in our students, regardless of their major, which will allow them to be agile and quick to harness new opportunities as the world changes around them.”

For more information about the College of Engineering, please visit www.aus.edu/cen.