National Academic Reference

Standards

Magdy Kassem
Suez Canal University
Objectives
The primary purposes of the National Academic
Reference Standards (NARS) are to assist: -
Objectives
The primary purposes of the Academic
Standards are to assist: -

• higher education institutions in designing and

validating programs of study
 Objectives
The primary purposes of the Academic
Standards and Benchmarking Statements are to
assist: -

• higher education institutions in designing and

validating programs of study

• academic reviewers and external examiners in

verifying and comparing standards;
 Objectives
The primary purposes of the Academic Standards
and Benchmarking Statements are to assist: -

• higher education institutions in designing and

validating programs of study

• academic reviewers and external examiners in

verifying and comparing standards;

• where appropriate, professional bodies during

accreditation and review processes;

•
 Objectives
The primary purposes of the Academic Standards
and Benchmarking Statements are to assist: -

• higher education institutions in designing and

validating programs of study

• academic reviewers and external examiners in

verifying and comparing standards;

• where appropriate, professional bodies during

accreditation and review processes;

• students and employers when seeking

information about higher education provision.
 Accreditation

NARS

Attainment
Students Faculty Facilities Curriculum level
 Capstone
Knowledge – Intellectual – Practical skills

Project

PBL

Learning to Learn
Mini projects

Specialization

Engineering Engineering
Sciences Design

Foundation Entrepreneurship

Mathematics Humanities
B.Sciences

Stakeholders
 NARS
1- What is Engineering

2. Attributes of an Engineer
3.NARS
(knowledge & understanding + skills ( Intellectual, Practical & transferable)

NARS Characterization

4. Engineering

5.Specialization
 Engineering NARS

1.What is Engineering?
2. The attributes of an engineer
the skilled application of a distinctive body of knowledge and Understanding
based on:
mathematics, science and technology, integrated with:
business and management,
which is acquired through education and professional formation in a particular
engineering discipline.

The engineer must be able to exercise original thought, have good

professional judgment and be able to take responsibility for the direction of
important tasks.
It is necessary therefore that undergraduate programs for engineering students
foster and inculcate the following knowledge and understanding, abilities,
and qualities of mind.
 The attributes of an engineer

 an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering

concepts to the solution of complex engineering problems
 an ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and
interpret data
 an ability to design a system, component or process to meet required
needs
 an ability to function within multi-disciplinary teams
 an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
 an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
 an ability to communicate effectively
 an ability to consider and avoid the detrimental impact of engineering
solutions within social or global measures
 an ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools
necessary for engineering practice
 NARS
1- What is Engineering

2. Attributes of an Engineer
3.NARS
(knowledge & understanding + skills ( Intellectual, Practical & transferable)

NARS Characterization

4. Engineering

5.Specialization
 ‫ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺮﻓﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻔﻬﻢ‬
Knowledge
understanding
‫ﻣﻬﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬
‫ﻣﻬﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬ ‫ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺔ‬
‫ﻭﺟﺪﺍﻧﻴﺔ‬ practical
Intellectual
‫ﻣﻬﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬
‫ﻋﺎﻣﺔ‬
General&
transferable
 Knowledge and Understanding Of:
 - Mathematics ,science, engineering and ITC appropriate
to the discipline.
 - Design principles of a component, process or a system
and their application to the specific discipline.
 - Principles of problem solving and systems thinking.
 - Professional ethics and social-economical impact of
engineering solutions locally and globally.
 - Modern engineering techniques for manufacturing and
operational practice.
 - Quality systems, codes of practice, safety requirements
and environmental issues.
 - Entrepreneurial and commercial practice.
 Intellectual skills:
 - Ability to use selected/appropriate mathematical, science,
engineering and ICT knowledge in analysing and solving
engineering problems.
 - Ability to use appropriate scientific principles of mathematics,
science, engineering and ITC to design, create and analysis a
component, system, or process.
 - Ability to commercialize knowledge.
 Practical Skills:
 - Use IT tools and experimental design techniques to design,
test, analysis and interpretation of experiment and results.
 - Use of measuring and laboratories equipment necessary for
research and testing of design ideas and engineering practice.
 - Ability to search for information.
 - Ability to start up companies and manage projects
 General and Transferable skills:

 - Ability to function in a multidisciplinary team.

 - Management of self/ Time, flexibility to adapt to
change and working under contradictory conditions.
 - Effective communication oral and in writing.
 - Evidence based presentation and solution of
problems.
 - Management of data, knowledge and IT.
 - Management and motivation of people.
 - Providing leadership and vision.
 NARS Characterization

A- Engineering

- Indicative Minimum curriculum

content by knowledge area

-Definition of Knowledge Areas

- NARS INDICATIVE CHARACTERIZATION

OF SUBJECT AREAS
1. Indicative Minimum curriculum content by knowledge area

Knowledge Area %

Basic Sciences and Mathematics 25

Engineering Sciences 25

Engineering Design 20

Computing and IT 8

Socio-technical 10

Projects 6

Subtotal 94

Discretionary to reach at least the minimum total 6

Total 100
- Definition of Knowledge Areas
A. Mathematics:
B. Basic Science: (Physics, Chemistry, Mechanics,….) ,
C. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
D. Socio-technical: (Environmental, Safety, Management ,
Entrepreneurial,……..)
E. Engineering Sciences
F. Engineering Design and Synthesis
G. MINIMUM LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE
At the entry level, the learner is assumed to be proficient in:
Mathematics
Physical Science.
English and the language of instruction
NARS Characterization

B-Specialization

- Introduction to
the specialization
- Criteria for Content of the programs

- Standard Outcomes for

the specialization

- Indicative Characterization of Subject Areas

-Teaching, learning and assessment

- Student attainment Level

 Student Attainment Level

Attainment attributes
level
• Understanding of the subject and techniques is extensive extending beyond the information
A provided in the program.
•Knowledge and techniques are applied quickly and readily to new situations, including any
unseen or open-ended problems.
• Both the problem and the solution can be critically appraised. New knowledge is acquired
quickly and accurately;

•Understanding of the subject and techniques is good, but may be more confined to the
B program.
•There is an understanding of what knowledge and techniques can be applied to new situations.
The methodology for solving problems can be clearly demonstrated. New knowledge is readily
acquired;

• Understanding of the subject and techniques is basic and selective.

C
•There is recognition of what generic knowledge should apply to a new situation, but there may be
less confidence in how to use it. The methodology for solving problems can be explained even if
it cannot be applied. New knowledge is acquired with perseverance;
Attainment Attributes
level

A •Project or practical work is planned, executed and written up with little

assistance. There is clear evidence of original thinking in the analysis and
discussion of results, with excellent understanding of literature and of
relevant practice. There is a clear plan of future work;

B •Project or practical work is planned, executed and written up with

guidance. Results are analyzed and discussed in a competent manner.
There is good understanding of literature and relevant practice with
suggestions for future work;

C •Project or practical work is planned and executed with reasonable

success but writing-up may require help. The full significance of the
results may not be immediately identified and some assistance may be
required in their interpretation and discussion. A list of essential literature may
be quoted without critical analysis. There is an indication of future work;
Attainment attributes
level

A •Routine calculations, explanations, interpretations and analysis are

executed swiftly and accurately. Understanding of relevant facts and
techniques is excellent. There is a fluency and confidence in method of approach;

B •Routine calculations, explanations, interpretations and analysis are

executed accurately. Understanding of relevant facts and techniques is good.
There is a fluency and confidence in method of approach over most of the subject;

C •Routine calculations, explanations, interpretations and analysis can be

identified but may require checking and assistance to complete the task.
There is general competence in answering questions concerning routine aspects.
There is selective knowledge of terms and their application. Some assistance may
be required in explaining fundamental concepts. Mistakes can be identified, but
not necessarily rectified;
Attainment attributes
level

A •Practical (or relevant) competence is clearly demonstrated. The ability to

innovate is also clearly demonstrated;

B •Practical or relevant competence is demonstrated over most of the range

expected. The ability to innovate is demonstrated;

C •practical or relevant competence is selective, but may be good in

specific areas;
Attainment level attributes

A •students have excellent transferable skills and time management

ability.

B • Students have good transferable skills and time management ability.

C • Transferable skills may be good in certain aspects.

Thank you