Engineering Education Teaches Problem-Solving Beyond Standard Formulas
In April 1970, during the Apollo 13 mission, astronauts faced a critical issue when carbon dioxide levels rose dangerously inside their spacecraft. The available filters were square, but the fitting was round, creating a life-threatening problem with no ready solution. NASA engineers on the ground were tasked with improvising a fix using only materials on board, such as cardboard, plastic bags, tubing, and tape. They quickly devised and tested an adapter that successfully filtered the air, enabling the crew's safe return to Earth.
This iconic example illustrates a core challenge in engineering education: how to solve problems when standard solutions do not apply. At Afeka, the Academic College of Engineering in Tel Aviv, students develop skills to deeply understand problems before rushing to solutions. They learn to ask precise questions about needs, users, constraints, and success criteria. Afeka integrates these skills through exercises, labs, teamwork, and projects, emphasizing not just correct answers but the reasoning behind decisions.
Afeka’s engineering programs combine scientific and technological knowledge with critical thinking, self-learning, communication, teamwork, and project management. Students engage in real-world projects, some in collaboration with companies and entrepreneurs, where initial solutions often require refinement. This iterative process teaches adaptability and practical problem-solving within real constraints like budgets, deadlines, and existing systems.
Located in Tel Aviv, Afeka leverages its proximity to industry and innovation hubs to connect students with professional environments during their studies. The college offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various engineering and science fields, focusing on blending theoretical foundations with hands-on experience and essential professional skills.
Ultimately, engineering education at Afeka does not provide a single formula for every problem but cultivates a mindset to analyze complex issues, explore alternatives, and create innovative solutions suited to real-world conditions.
