USE learning trajectory

USE stands for User, Society and Entrepreneurial perspective, a kind of package of subjects that looks at engineering from a user, society or entrepreneur perspective. After all, as an engineer you have to deal with users and find solutions to the challenges in our society. USE shows you the context of technology in a wide range. During your program you take at least 4 USE courses: one Basic Course and one USE-trajectory which consist out of three courses and 5 Studium Generale Activities.

Change in USE learning trajectory offerings

With the introduction of the new Bachelor College curriculum, the USE learning trajectory offerings are also changing. If you started your studies in 2022/2023 or earlier, you can still follow USE learning trajectories. Keep in mind, however, that the USE learning trajectories are slowly being phased out.
Five learning trajectories were offered for the last time in the 2023/2024 academic year:

  • Quality of Life
  • Internet of Things
  • Physics of Social Systems
  • The Secret Life of Light
  • Design for a Sustainable Future

The following five leaning trajectories will be offered for the last time in the 2024/2025 academic year:

  • Decisions under Risk and Uncertainty
  • Digital Twins
  • Patents, Design Rights and Standards
  • Data Challenges
  • Engineering Design

The remaining three learning trajectories will still be offered in 2025/2026:

  • New product development and marketing
  • Technology Entrepreneurship
  • Robots Everywhere

Background

As an engineer you develop technology for users, to contribute in solutions on social problems and economic results for companies. A great example is developing robots in the medical care. Besides developing technology, it is important for patients to accept the robots, and to be sure that the development is accepted by the norms of care. But also, if there are companies in the Netherlands which can and want to develop such kind of robots.

 As a Bachelor College student you take a USE basic course in your first year. In your 2nd and/or 3th year you are able to follow a USE Learning trajectory. This USE Learning trajectory consist out of three courses: exploration, specialization and application. More information about the different USE Learning trajectory can be found on the specific pages per Learning trajectory.

Exploration, Specialization, Application

In each USE package there is one main subject. This subject makes the interaction between technology and the surrounding environment clearly visible and focuses on one or more USE perspectives. A USE package is made up of three components of 5 credits each.

Exploration:
In this phase you explore the subject and acquaint yourself with the main insights and discussions relating to the subject. In addition, you conduct a number of case studies in which you study the interaction between technology and the surrounding environment. The case studies can be related to various areas of technology.

Specialization
Here you become acquainted with knowledge (theories, methods, and techniques) of relevant elements of the social and management sciences and the humanities. Deepening your package often means choosing various subjects that deepen your knowledge.

Application:
Lastly, you apply the knowledge and skills you have learned to a project within a relevant area of technology. These projects can be design or research oriented. For one learning pathway, several projects are offered by various departments. This allows you to make connections with a variety of areas of technology.

Studium Generale

Studium Generale activities are an integral part of all TU/e bachelor's programs. The Studium Generale activities do not include any exams, but you can only complete your USE trajectory, and therefore your bachelor's program, if you have attended at least five Studium Generale activities marked with a USE/ITEC logo.

Studium Generale's mission is to encourage and cultivate a lifelong quest for intellectual knowledge and broadening. It helps you gain new insights and experiences to expand your horizon on an academic, cultural, societal, and personal level by offering a wide range of lectures, discussion programs, films, documentaries, theater plays, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and excursions, among others.

To participate in these activities, you can sign up at www.tue.nl/sg. Studium Generale will scan your student ID card at the venue for registration of the activity. If you have participated in at least five activities by the end of your USE learning trajectory, you can successfully complete the USE learning trajectory. Of course, you are welcome to join more Studium Generale activities after that. These are meant to be social, intellectual, and a way of broadening your cultural interests.

NOTE If you are exempted from USE because you have enrolled in the coherent educational elective packages from the Eindhoven School of Education, you are advised that you are not exempt from following SG activities. It is your responsibility to enroll in and complete SG100 if you have chosen the coherent educational elective packages.
(If you started the Bachelor College before 2014, SG is not a mandatory part of your USE learning trajectory.)

(If you started the Bachelor College before 2014, SG is not a mandatory part of your USE learning trajectory.)

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