Dec 21, 2024  
2011-2013 Undergradate & Graduate Bulletin 
    
2011-2013 Undergradate & Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION]

Engineering Major, B.S.E.


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The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree is a practical, flexible engineering program which requires a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and communications as well as the engineering science core. A total of 130 hours are required in the four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering program. Fifteen hours of mathematics through differential equations, and 14 hours of chemistry and physics are required. All engineering students also must complete the University Core requirement. At least 63 hours of engineering courses are required – 33 hours of engineering core classes, including intro to engineering and intro to design, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, electrical circuits, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and 30 hours of engineering electives.

An engineering student can complete the program in four to five years, depending on the student’s mathematical proficiency at the time of entrance to the program. The four-year track is for students who enter USI prepared for MATH 230   (Calculus I) in their first semester. Those students who do not enter the program ready for MATH 230  will take an additional three to eight hours of mathematics courses necessary to raise their mathematical abilities to a required level and three to six hours of additional engineering courses designed to improve their problem-solving skills.

The engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). In addition to full course offerings in the daytime, courses in the engineering curricula are regularly offered at night to accommodate students whose personal schedules limit their access to daytime course offerings. Cooperative education opportunities are available to students enrolled in engineering. The co-op experience is designed to assist the student in developing an understanding of human relationships and in learning to work with others as a member of an engineering team. Individual growth is enhanced by the realization that, in addition to demonstrating theoretical knowledge, one also is learning to become an integral part of the working interrelationship between the academic and professional worlds. On the job and at the University, the co-op student obtains first-hand knowledge of professional practices, expectancies, and opportunities. At the same time, the student is offered a realistic test of career interest and aptitude. Participation in this program enables the student to make a more intelligent selection of a position after graduation.

In accord with the University’s transfer policy (found in the undergraduate admission requirements and regulations section), the faculty of the engineering department examine on a case-by-case basis the transcripts of students transferring from other institutions. Failure to achieve a grade of C or better in a required engineering course at another institution will necessitate repeating the course.

Petition for permission to waive any program requirements must be approved by the chair of the engineering department. After admission into the engineering program, required engineering courses may be taken at another institution for transfer of credit only when approved in advance by both the student’s advisor and the department chair.

The Engineering Curriculum


A student majoring in engineering must satisfactorily complete the following required engineering courses for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering:

Additonal Requirements


Prerequisites for the engineering courses are listed in the catalog and the USI web site. In addition, at least 30 hours of engineering technical electives are required. At least 23 hours of upper-division courses (300-400 level) must be incorporated into the electives. The engineering electives must include courses with significant design components to them. A maximum of six credits towards the 30 credit hour engineering technical elective requirement may be taken from ENGR 298 , ENGR 299 , ENGR 390 , and ENGR 499 . A minimum 2.0 grade point average must be attained in engineering courses.

Depth


An engineering student must complete at least one design sequence in a selected emphasis or option - civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical, or mechatronics. This design sequence will consist of at least three courses (at the 300 or higher level) in analysis and design. Complementing this experience, students will complete the senior design course (ENGR 491 ) which incorporates design elements with other realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, safety, and  ethical factors, as well as social impact.

Breadth


An engineering student may elect classes from civil, mechanical,industrial, or electrical areas. These classes will be determined with the help of an engineering advisor, and will allow the student the opportunity to gain a breadth of study in more than one emphasis. Regardless of the path selected, the design experience must be completed.

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program are as follows:

  • Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use engineering fundamentals and current technology to meet regional, national, and global needs.
  • Graduates will effectively communicate with other professionals and the public to ensure successful execution of engineering projects.
  • Graduates will practice engineering in an ethical matter and recognize and resolve ethical concerns to protect the common welfare.
  • Graduates will have sufficient breadth of knowledge to successfully manage engineering projects using teamwork and leadership.
  • Graduates will exhibit critical thinking skills to analyze data, design and develop processes and systems, and implement cost-effective solutions.
  • Graduates will actively engage in life-long learning, which may include graduate pursuits, professional licensure, and contributions to their specialty.

Curriculum for Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree Four-Year Program


First Year


Second Year


Fall Semester (16 hours)


Spring Semester (16 hours)


Third Year


Fall Semester (16 hours)


Spring Semester (18 hours)


Fourth Year


Fall Semester (15 hours)


Spring Semester (15 hours)


  • Credits: 3
  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3
  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3
  •  

  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3 or
  • UCC - B2 Credits: 3
  •  

  • UCC - C2 Credits: 3

Notional Curriculum for Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree Five-Year Program


Curricula for students who are not ready for Math 230 upon program entry will vary depending upon the needs of the incoming student. Such a curricula can vary in length and make-up but will include at a minimum all requirements of the four-year degree program. A sample five-year program is shown.

First Year


Fall Semester (16 hours)


Spring Semester (14 hours)


Second Year


Spring Semester (15 hours)


Third Year


Fall Semester (13 hours)


Spring Semester (13 hours)


Fourth Year


Fall Semester (16 hours)


Spring Semester (15 hours)


Fifth Year


Fall Semester (12-15 hours)


Spring Semester (12 hours)


  • Credits: 3
  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3
  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3
  •  

  • ENGR - Elective Credits: 3 or
  • UCC - B1 Credits: 3

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