Course Major

Engineering majors must complete requirements from two categories: (1) 12 engineering credits and (2) 8 credits in math and science, normally 4 in math and 4 in science. No courses taken at Swarthmore and intended to satisfy these departmental requirements, except those taken fall semester in the first year, may be taken credit/no credit. The requirements are detailed below, with math and science discussed separately.

Math requirement. To fulfill the math requirement for the engineering major, students must receive from the Mathematics and Statistics Department either placement or credit for: Elementary Single Variable Calculus (MATH 015); Further Topics in Single Variable Calculus or Advanced Topics in Single Variable Calculus (MATH 025 [025S] or MATH 026); Several-Variable Calculus (MATH 033, 034, or 035); and Differential Equations (MATH 043 or 044). We recommend that all students take Linear Algebra (MATH 027 or 028), particularly those with placement, but not credit, for one or more math courses. Students are normally required to complete 4 credits in mathematics. The exception to this requirement is a student with fewer than 4 credits who has received credit for Linear Algebra (MATH 027 or 028), Several-Variable Calculus (MATH 033, 034, or 035) and Differential Equations (MATH 043 or 044). Such a student may take a fifth science course in lieu of the fourth math credit.

Science requirement. To fulfill the science requirement for the engineering major, students must receive credit for four science courses, and each one must be a natural sciences and engineering practicum. These courses should complement the student's overall program of study and must include (a) 1 credit in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry; and (b) placement or credit for 1 year of physics (PHYS 003/PHYS 004, PHYS 007/PHYS 008, or the equivalent). To count toward the engineering major, the unspecified science credit(s) can come from astronomy, biology, (bio) chemistry, computer science, or physics, and must be acceptable for credit toward a minimal major in the offering department. A student may include PHYS 005, ASTR 005 or CPSC 021 as part of the science requirement only if that course is taken in the first year.

Engineering requirement. Students majoring in engineering are required to take seven engineering core courses; Mechanics (ENGR 006), Electric Circuit Analysis (ENGR 011), Linear Physical Systems Analysis (ENGR 012), Experimentation for Engineering Design (ENGR 014), Fundamentals of Digital Systems (ENGR 015), Thermofluid Mechanics (ENGR 041) and Engineering Design (ENGR 090). Mechanics is usually taken in the spring of the first year. Electric Circuit Analysis is usually taken in the fall of the sophomore year. Linear Physical Systems Analysis and Experimentation for Engineering Design are usually taken in the spring of the sophomore year. Fundamentals of Digital Systems can be taken in the fall of the sophomore, junior or senior year. Thermofluid Mechanics can be taken in the fall of the junior or senior year. Engineering Design (ENGR 090) is the culminating experience for engineering majors and must be taken by all majors in spring of senior year. Submission and oral presentation of the final project report in Engineering Design constitutes the comprehensive examination for engineering majors.

Elective Program for course majors. Each student devises a program of advanced work in the department in consultation with his or her adviser. These programs normally include five electives. The choice of electives is submitted for departmental approval as part of the formal application for a major in engineering during the spring semester of the sophomore year.

A student's elective program may or may not conform to some traditional or conventional area of engineering specialization (e.g., computer, electrical, mechanical, or civil). Therefore, the department requires each plan of advanced work to have a coherent, well-justified program that meets the student's stated educational objectives.

Students who take both ENGR 022 and ENGR 023 may only count one toward their required electives.

The courses available for traditional elective programs include the following:

1. 1. Electrical engineering group. Electronic Circuit Applications, Physical Electronics, Electromagnetism, Communication Systems, Digital Signal Processing, VLSI Design, and Control Theory and Design. Students having an interest in digital systems might replace one or more of these courses with Principles of Computer Architecture or Computer Graphics.
2. 2. Computer engineering group. Principles of Computer Architecture, VLSI Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Mobile Robotics, Operating Systems, and Principles of Compiler Design and Construction. Students with an interest in computer hardware may include Electronic Circuit Applications, Physical Electronics, Digital Signal Processing, or Control Theory and Design.
3. 3. Mechanical engineering group. Mechanics of Solids, Engineering Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermal Energy Conversion, Solar Energy Systems, or Control Theory and Design.
4. 4. Civil and environmental engineering group. Basic preparation includes Mechanics of Solids, Structural Theory and Design I, Soil and Rock Mechanics, and Water Quality and Pollution Control. Additional courses include Operations Research and Environmental Systems for those interested in the environment or urban planning, or Structural Theory and Design II for those interested in architecture or construction. Other recommended courses include Solar Energy Systems, Fluid Mechanics, and Engineering Materials.