Abstract: The emerging engineering education puts forward new requirements for the cultivation of engineering talents. As the first step of higher engineering education at the undergraduate level, the introductory course of engineering for freshman must adapt to the new requirements and make changes. The connotation of the introductory course of engineering for freshman is clarified. Through a literature review, the various types of introductory course of engineering for freshman at home and abroad in the historical development process are sorted out. Combined with the characteristics of the emerging engineering education, it is pointed out which types of engineering course should be selected for design and implementation. The difficulties encountered in implementation is emphasized, and corresponding solutions are proposed. It is hoped that the research will bring certain inspiration and reference for design and implementation of the introductory course of engineering for freshman under the background of the emerging engineering education.

Key words: introductory course of engineering, design or practical engineering cognitive model