Benefits of a physics-driven interdisciplinary final project for mechanical engineering undergraduates.

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Title: Benefits of a physics-driven interdisciplinary final project for mechanical engineering undergraduates.
Authors: Persano Adorno, Dominique1 (AUTHOR) dominique.persanoadorno@unipa.it, Pizzolato, Nicola2 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education. Jul2026, Vol. 54 Issue 3, p637-650. 14p.
Subjects: Interdisciplinary education, Mechanical engineering education, Applied sciences, Interdisciplinary research, Higher education, Originality, Problem solving, Active learning
Abstract: In the context of higher education, the call for interdisciplinary learning is becoming increasingly imperative. This holds especially true for fields like Mechanical Engineering, where complex challenges often transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines. On the other hand, active learning activities promote curiosity, enjoyment, and interest. An interdisciplinary final project with an 'active' approach creates an opportunity for students to integrate and apply knowledge across multiple subject areas. In this contribution, we discuss the results obtained in the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Palermo (Italy) in the last three years, since the Bachelor's degree candidates have had the possibility to choose an interdisciplinary final project, showing that it offers a myriad of advantages that not only prepare students for real-world scenarios but also foster innovation and holistic problem-solving skills. By exposing students to interdisciplinary challenges, these projects ensure that graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and adapt to changing industry dynamics. The challenges and possibilities of these self-directed thinking are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Benefits of a physics-driven interdisciplinary final project for mechanical engineering undergraduates.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Persano+Adorno%2C+Dominique%22">Persano Adorno, Dominique</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> dominique.persanoadorno@unipa.it</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Pizzolato%2C+Nicola%22">Pizzolato, Nicola</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Mechanical+Engineering+Education%22">International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education</searchLink>. Jul2026, Vol. 54 Issue 3, p637-650. 14p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interdisciplinary+education%22">Interdisciplinary education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mechanical+engineering+education%22">Mechanical engineering education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Applied+sciences%22">Applied sciences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interdisciplinary+research%22">Interdisciplinary research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+education%22">Higher education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Originality%22">Originality</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Problem+solving%22">Problem solving</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Active+learning%22">Active learning</searchLink>
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: In the context of higher education, the call for interdisciplinary learning is becoming increasingly imperative. This holds especially true for fields like Mechanical Engineering, where complex challenges often transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines. On the other hand, active learning activities promote curiosity, enjoyment, and interest. An interdisciplinary final project with an 'active' approach creates an opportunity for students to integrate and apply knowledge across multiple subject areas. In this contribution, we discuss the results obtained in the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Palermo (Italy) in the last three years, since the Bachelor's degree candidates have had the possibility to choose an interdisciplinary final project, showing that it offers a myriad of advantages that not only prepare students for real-world scenarios but also foster innovation and holistic problem-solving skills. By exposing students to interdisciplinary challenges, these projects ensure that graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and adapt to changing industry dynamics. The challenges and possibilities of these self-directed thinking are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1177/03064190251319413
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 637
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Interdisciplinary education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mechanical engineering education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Applied sciences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Interdisciplinary research
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      – SubjectFull: Higher education
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      – SubjectFull: Originality
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      – SubjectFull: Problem solving
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Active learning
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      – TitleFull: Benefits of a physics-driven interdisciplinary final project for mechanical engineering undergraduates.
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            NameFull: Persano Adorno, Dominique
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            NameFull: Pizzolato, Nicola
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            – D: 01
              M: 07
              Text: Jul2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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