Legacy of FIBO
Curriculum
Institute of Field Robotics (FIBO) under King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi is Thailand’s first and only institute which offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in robotics and automation. The institute sees the increasing demand for graduates with knowledge of robotics and automation systems.
Thus, the Bachelor of Engineering Program in Robotics and Automation Engineering is established in 2014. We are aware that teaching in the 21st century is engaging experiences, rather than the students passively gain skills and knowledge. The curriculum is designed to focus on student engagement in class. There are three principles of our teaching.
- The will to learn
The will to learn is defined as a desire to acquire new knowledge and develop. We make learning engaging and fun. Having fun while learning helps students retain information better. We have themes assigned to develop students. In their freshman year, we focus on giving inspirations and encourage students to have intrinsic motivation. During their sophomore year, we foster students’ creative thinking skills. We use the approach of self-directed learning in their junior year and focus on identity development in their senior year.
- Integrative Learning
As the curriculum of robotics and automation system engineering is interdisciplinary. Students should have skills and knowledge of mechanism, electronics, and computer engineering. Thus, they can connect and apply that knowledge. The institute’s courses are modular in structure. Ten modules are taught and assessed within eight semesters. Each module consists of two or three subjects in the same semester and students need to complete at least one project per module. Each semester, students will accomplish one or two big group projects. This approach aims to equip students with the capability of cross-field integration. Lecturers who teach subjects in the same module will collaborate to design the module and make a connection between subjects, which will not happen without the implementation of a modular approach. Furthermore, one big group project per module is assigned instead of several small projects from each subject. Students can focus more on a single project and apply the knowledge they gain from each subject to accomplish the project.
- Learning by Doing
The institute’s curriculums focus on developing student’s skills and expertise by encouraging hands-on approach and self-directed learning through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems, project-based learning. With the teacher’s supervision, students learn to work as a team, improve communication skills, and develop a desire to acquire knowledge. This is the appropriate approach for teaching in the 21st century.
Moreover, the institute offers routes to prepare students for future careers. Students in junior and senior years can choose subjects in which they are likely to find the greatest interest and success. There are three routes.
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- Advanced robotics and automation for those who want to pursue Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree will be taught through Special Topic. It is designed for students who want to be researchers and lecturers in the future.
- Technological-Business Fundamentals, joined by the Technopreneurship program, are for those who aspire to be entrepreneurs
- Work-Integrated Learning is for students who wish to work in the industry. They will get an opportunity to be an intern in a company to start a project from real problems in the industry. Industries utilizing Robotics and automation system include electrical and electronics, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, food and agriculture, education, and entertainment.