Path of the Engineer: Logic + Common Sense or Physics + Mathematics?

Abstract

The study provides a detailed analysis of the conflicting requirements for the “digital” competencies of an engineer, their comparison with the real requirements of a Russian employer. Numerous normative, organizational, methodological, educational documents and materials (Federal State Educational Standards of Higher Education, recommendations of Academic Methodological Associations, professional standards, educational and methodical publications, programs of disciplines, etc.) are considered. The author's experience in teaching natural sciences and special disciplines, supervising young scientists and specialists, their certification, organization of the educational process at a university, and the formation of a system of practical training at an industrial enterprise are used. The author sees obvious distortions in the current system of training engineering personnel and notes the formation of a gap between the natural science base and the “digital” competencies of an engineer. The article develops some recommendations for redesigning educational standards and programs for technical specialties, which, ultimately, should help to better prepare university graduates for the requirements of the labor market.