The Scientific Initiation in the Graduation Courses of UEMG’s Faculty of Engineering: Disparities and Challenges

Abstract

Abstract:The notoriety of the shortage of qualified professionals in the engineering segment to meet the existing projects and also the future ones is worrying the academic community. These challenges show how the lack of appropriate courses and low expenses with incentives to research and extension programs can affect the formation of the future engineer. Therefore, universities have the mission to develop teaching, research and extension, offering to the students new opportunities for diverse technical training, scientific and humanist formation. It is noted, however, that such activities in many engineering courses, especially scientific research, are not being prioritized by the universities. In light of this, the present paper aims to register measure and evaluate the participation of the students in scientific initiation in the four engineering courses of the Faculty of Engineering of the Minas Gerais State University. Sticking to the disparities presented by the four courses studied, in relation to the participation in research projects, the results showed a greater engagement of students of Environmental Engineering and Mining Engineering courses regarding the other engineering courses. In addition, a better divulgation and a greater involvement of teachers in projects were identified as the main recurring challenges to the access in scientific research by the students of this institution.