Dr. Hwee Ling Lim and Dr. Ebru Gunister
Engineers are ethically responsible for managing corrosion. While corrosion control methods are applied in the industry, it is as important to educate engineering undergraduates on aspects of corrosion and its management. However, there is little research on corrosion awareness among undergraduate students. This qualitative study examined engineering undergraduates’ awareness of corrosion importance in the petroleum industry. 20 sophomore and 44 senior undergraduates were interviewed on their preferred level of corrosion instruction; understanding of corrosion importance in engineering work; and perceptions of own knowledge and ability to apply corrosion concepts in design. Also, a quiz on l corrosion concepts was administered. It found that most participants preferred to study corrosion as an elective at junior, senior levels. Compared to sophomores, more seniors reported awareness of corrosion importance in engineering work; had higher positive self-perceptions of their knowledge of corrosion and application ability that were consistent with their higher quiz scores. Interestingly, sophomore and senior participants were more confident of their ability to apply corrosion concepts in design than having theoretical knowledge in corrosion. The findings indicated that undergraduates need to develop greater awareness of corrosion importance in engineering work. The recommendations provided could be used to improve corrosion engineering education pedagogy.
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