IEE Electronics Division: Chairman´s address. Universities and technology

The functions of universities in respect of undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses and research are reviewed, and it is concluded that there should be greater variety of treatment in each case. Existing differences in the content and objectives of undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be stated more clearly to enable students to make sensible choices. Since the majority of future engineers are likely to be graduates, there is a danger that the advantages of the present interaction between graduate and industrially trained entrants to the profession will be lost. This could be avoided by reviving the Diploma-in-technology type of course with increased emphasis on design and production. Further expansion of student numbers should be used to create institutes of technology, concentrating on such courses and of strengthening the links with industry, for example by joint industry-institute staff appointments. Such staff should continue as effective members of industrial-design and production teams. The Lighthill Committee has advocated a concentration of research within large departments. Such a move would radically alter the nature of small departments. It is suggested that a swing to institutes of technology with a design and production emphasis would lead to a better overall solution.