Research and Practical Reform on the Practical Teaching of Structural Mechanics Courses Empowered by AI Under the Background of Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality

With the advancement of the dual carbon strategy, fundamental changes are occurring in the curriculum and pedagogy of Structural Mechanics. Empowered by artificial intelligence (AI), this shift has not only revolutionized traditional instructional models but also redefined the essence of engineering talent development. This paper investigates the pedagogical transformation of structural mechanics education, specifically focusing on: (1) the cultivation of design thinking from mechanical analysis to green intelligent design; (2) the construction of an intelligent learning paradigm through the deep integration of physical mechanisms, virtual simulation, and AI prediction; (3) the development of an interdisciplinary, modular knowledge system combining Mechanics, AI, and Carbon Management; and (4) the establishment of a multidimensional, process-oriented learning evaluation system driven by AI data analytics. Going forward, structural mechanics education will place greater emphasis on ability-oriented practical teaching. It should adhere to the guiding principle of “technology empowerment with education as the foundation,” ensuring that AI serves as a tool to enhance-rather than replace-the core values of traditional pedagogy. Educators must therefore strike a careful balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving educational heritage. This study takes mindset reshaping as its core innovation, aiming to cultivate interdisciplinary professionals who can effectively apply AI tools, uphold low-carbon concepts, and solve complex engineering challenges creatively. It is not only a teaching reform practice but also a forward-looking exploration for the future development of engineering education.