Physical Education as a complementary subject in engineering careers in Ecuadorian Higher Education

Abstract

Physical Education in higher education provides tools and contributes to the quality of the teaching-learning process for the graduate, in this sense, the contents of the analytical syllabus of university degree courses demands from some adjustment according to the labor field´s needs in order to train competent professionals. The aim of this article is to carry out a critical analysis on the existing proposals about the Physical Education syllabus that are taught in engineering degree courses in the higher education context. Among the main methods used were; bibliographic review, analysis of the documents, inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluation of the quality of the selected articles. In first instance, Physical Education syllabi for university degree courses have as objective to prepare the future professional through the development of physical condition (strength, speed, endurance and flexibility) through different sports such as soccer, athletics, basketball and others, promoting the physical culture, creating habits towards the practice of the physical-sport activity to keep and improve health. In second instance, the syllabus of Physical Education subject for the students of the university degree courses are directed to develop the general physical preparation, the specific professional skills according to the professional profile or the necessity of the labor field; and bilaterally keep and develop the physical capacities, both conditional and coordinative (strength, speed, endurance and flexibility).