Engg Education Has Become More Flexible: Professor Aman Oo, Macquarie University

As dean of engineering at Macquarie University, what challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?

It has been a pleasure joining Macquarie University as Dean of Engineering. The School of Engineering is at the forefront of engineering education nationally and internationally and is going through significant transformation including the construction of $150 million education and research precinct which will be the home of School of Engineering. I would not say I face many challenges, rather it is an opportunity to navigate the school in this exciting time which requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, collaboration and innovative thinking. The field of engineering is constantly evolving with new technologies emerging regularly. I focus on creating and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among faculty and students, provide opportunities for training & professional development and stay abreast of emerging technologies through collaborations with industry partners & research institutions. Furthermore, with increasing globalisation, my focus has been ensuring we offer engineering programmes such as Master of Engineering (Professional) that prepare students for careers in an evolving globalised world. As the Dean of Engineering, I consistently uphold transparent communication with both staff and students, actively soliciting feedback and ensuring that the loop is closed on the initiatives that we undertake.

How has the advent of Artificial Intelligence impacted the engineering stream and what changes are being witnessed?

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact on the engineering stream, leading to significant changes in various aspects of the field. Engineering is always about finding innovative solutions. Hence, engineers found the way through AI to optimise the processes and lead increased efficiency and productivity. AI has revolutionised design and engineering processes by enabling engineers to explore complex design spaces, optimise designs and simulate performance more accurately and efficiently. Furthermore, AI has facilitated rapid development of smart systems and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into engineering applications. AI can analyse large amounts of data from IoT based sensors in real-time accurately, enabling predictive maintenance, optimising energy usage and enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of engineering systems. This has led to greater robustness, creativity and efficiency in the way engineers and engineering systems function.

What are the scope and job prospects for engineering students?

Engineering graduates have traditionally always been in demand in Australia. Besides electronics, software, civil and mechanical there is growing demand for engineers that have skills in clean and renewable energy technologies, robotics and mechatronics. Jobs and Skills Australia regularly publishes the skills in demand in Australia.

What are the scholarship and fellowship opportunities for international students and what are the criteria?

Macquarie University offers a range of scholarships in India which offers students up to 25 per cent reduction in their tuition fees for the duration of their program. Students are not required apply separately and will be assessed at the time of application for their selected programme based on their academic scores.

Which new engineering programmes are going to be offered in the near future?

The world is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by rapid technological advancements, societal changes and global challenges. In this context, engineering solutions play a crucial role in addressing a wide range of issues across various areas. Hence, there are significant shortages of skilled engineers almost in every engineering disciplines. Accordingly, from semester 2 2024, Macquarie University Engineering has introduced (offering from semester 2 024) Master of Engineering (Professional) in five Engineering disciplines: Renewable and Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics and Automation Engineering, Civil and Constructions Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Environmental Engineering. We are also working on offering Master of Biomedical Engineering in the future.

How has the ecosystem of engineering education changed over the years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic?  
The ecosystem of engineering education has undergone tremendous changes over the years, with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating many pre-existing trends and prompting the adoption of new approaches. As we have witnessed, the pandemic forced engineering institutions around the world to rapidly transition to online learning mode to ensure continuity of education. This shift has led to the widespread adoption of remote learning technologies, including virtual classrooms, online collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms. As a result, engineering education has become more flexible and accessible, many institutions adopting hybrid learning models, combining online delivery with in-person components for practical sessions and hands-on projects. Overall, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the transformation of engineering education, leading to greater integration of hybrid delivery and flexibility in learning models. These changes are reshaping the ecosystem of engineering education and preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape.


Has this deadly disease impacted the enrolment figures of foreign students?
Demand from international students has returned to pre pandemic levels in 2023.