A COMMON US-EUROPE CURRICULUM: An Approach for Real-Time Software Intensive Systems

With the increasing importance and demand for efficient development of high quality Real-Time Software-Intensive Control systems (RSIC), the education of modern engineers it is critical. RSIC systems need to meet stringent safety and reliability requirements and often are developed by companies operating across national boundaries. This paper describes an approach and preliminary results of research leading to establishment of a framework for creation of multinational, engineering programs, which will produce graduates capable of working efficiently in multidisciplinary teams engaged in international collaboration on industrial RSIC projects. The emphasis is on projects which require conformance to specific national and international standards mandated by regulatory authorities. A key element of the framework is the identification of appropriate educational objectives and outcomes for the program based on industry surveys and the analysis of accreditation criteria. The proposed RSIC curriculum model is designed to be used by engineering schools, both in the USA and the EU. This model will address the nations' needs for researchers and developers of real-time safety-critical systems who are capable of engaging in projects spanning the nations' boundaries and promoting a studentcentered, transatlantic dimension to higher education and training.