Engineers must have a strong foundation in the basic and advanced mathematics and sciences that the engineering discipline is built on. The following courses teach these skills and emphasize quantitative reasoning and the scientific method.
Calculus I
This course provides a quick review of pre-calculus topics including algebra, functions in general and exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions in particular, and graphs of functions, and introduces the concept of derivatives, and applications of differentiation. The course includes a significant discussion and problem-solving component, as well as a laboratory component designed to explore applications and to enhance conceptualization.
Calculus II
This course investigates integration, methods of integration, topics of integration, applications of the definite integral, numerical integration, improper integrals, sequences, series, Taylor’s Formula, Taylor approximation, polar coordinates and introductory differential equations. The course includes a significant discussion and problem-solving component designed to explore applications and to enhance conceptualization.
Statistics for Engineering and Economics
This course is a calculus-based, mathematical introduction to the fundamental principles of probability theory, statistics, and applications. Topics include descriptive measures, , the axioms and properties of probability, combinatorial analysis used in computing probabilities, conditional probability, independence of events, sampling theory, discrete and continuous random variables, the standard distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression and correlation., expected value and variance, joint distributions, distributions of a function of a random variable, and sampling distributions. Also included are theoretical results such as Bayes Theorem, Central Limit Theorem, Law of Large Numbers, the Empirical Rule, Hypothesis Testing and Confidence intervals at least for a single mean and a single proportion. Programming in R or a similar language will be used to gain experience with statistical analysis in practice.
Multivariable Calculus & Linear Algebra
This course covers multi-variable calculus, vectors, and matrices. The course will expand on differential and integration of single variable equations studied in prerequisite courses to multi-variable equations. Students will study and solve a variety of equations in multi-dimensional space. Students will study how to manipulate linear equations and vectors to solve mathematically represented problems. The course will also cover the application of linear algebra in real life problems.
Differential Equations & Numerical Methods
The course develops the students’ skill to model engineering problems using differential equations and a range of numerical methods and arrive at a solution. They will learn how to interpret differential equations to extract quantitative and qualitative information about the physical phenomenon the equations represent. Using software, students will learn how to solve differential equations, find roots of equations, the method of gradient descent, discrete and continuous optimization, and finding the solution of linear equations using numerical methods. Techniques will be applied in a series of projects focused on engineering applications.
Physics I: Mechanics
This course is an introduction to classical mechanics and fundamental physics theories. The course will focus on motion of objects using basic kinematic and kinetic principles. At the end of the course, students will have a firm understanding and practical experience with the fundamental mechanics theories. Some topics introduced in this course will be expanded in other advanced courses, such as Introduction to Thermal and Fluid Dynamics and Dynamic Systems. Writing quality lab reports will also be emphasized.
Physics II: Electromagnetism
This course is an introduction to electrostatics, electrodynamics and electromagnetism. The basic principles behind electrical engineering and electronic communication will be discussed. At the end of the course students will understand simple electronic circuits and the fundamental theories and principles needed to continue their study of electronics and electrical systems. Writing quality lab reports will continue to be emphasized.
Materials Science & Chemistry
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of chemistry and their application to materials science and engineering. Students will study the impact of atomic, ionic and molecular structure of materials on their micro-structure and properties, and the relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding, and atomic order. Principal applications and properties of metals, polymers, and ceramics, and composites materials will be studied. Examples from industrial practice and emerging technologies will be used, including the environmental impact of chemical processes, the chemistry involved in energy generation and storage (e.g. batteries and fuel cells). At the end of the course, students will be able to identify materials used in engineering and understand their thermo-chemical and electrical properties.