College Bulletin 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Engineering
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Faculty
ERIK CHEEVER, Professor 1
CHEN-HUAN CHIANG, Visiting Assistant Professor
ERICH CARR EVERBACH, Professor and Chair
NELSON A. MACKEN, Professor
ARTHUR E. McGARITY, Professor
LYNNE ANN MOLTER, Professor
FARUQ M.A. SIDDIQUI, Professor
MATTHEW A. ZUCKER, Assistant Professor
MICHAEL PIOVOSO, Visiting Professor
ANN RUETHER, Academic Support Coordinator
EDMOND JAOUDI, Electronics, Instrumentation, and Computer Specialist
GRANT SMITH, Mechanician
CASSY BURNETT, Administrative Coordinator
1 Absent on leave, fall 2014.
The professional practice of engineering requires creativity and confidence in applying scientific knowledge and mathematical methods to solve technical problems of ever-growing complexity. The pervasiveness of advanced technology within our economic and social infrastructures demands that engineers more fully recognize and take into account the potential economic and social consequences that may occur when significant and analytically well-defined technical issues are resolved. A responsibly educated engineer must not only be in confident command of current analytic and design techniques but also have a thorough understanding of social and economic influences and an abiding appreciation for cultural and humanistic traditions. Our program supports these needs by offering each engineering student the opportunity to acquire a broad yet individualized technical and liberal education.
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The Academic Program
As stated in the introduction of this catalog, Swarthmore seeks to help its students realize their full intellectual and personal potential, combined with a deep sense of ethical and social concern.
Within this context, the Engineering Department seeks to graduate students with a broad, rigorous education, emphasizing strong analysis and synthesis skills. Our graduates will be well rounded and understand the broader impacts of engineering. They will have the skills to adapt to new technical challenges, communicate effectively, and collaborate well with others.
The Engineering Department and its students provide to the College community a unique perspective that integrates technical and nontechnical factors in the design of solutions to multifaceted problems.
Objectives
Graduates with the bachelor of science degree in engineering are prepared to:
- Be flexible and resourceful, learn and apply new knowledge, and adapt successfully to novel circumstances and challenges.
- Communicate and work effectively with people with a broad variety of backgrounds at both a technical and nontechnical level.
- Apply engineering principles and methodology to the design and analysis of systems and to the solution of a wide variety of problems.
- Consider scientific, technologic, ethical, societal, economic, political and/or environmental issues in a local or global context.
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 and Science Requirement
To fulfill the math and science requirement for the engineering major, students must receive at least eight credits in math and science (for this purpose science is defined as biological, chemical, and physical sciences). All of the courses used to fulfill the requirement must be acceptable for the minimal major in the offering department. The science courses must include two credits of college level physics, and one credit of either biology or chemistry. All but one of the science courses must include a substantial laboratory component. Students must have 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 026); Several-Variable Calculus (MATH 033, 034, or 035); and Differential Equations (MATH 043 or 044). The minimal requirement is three credits in Mathematics, excluding Statistics. Students are recommended to take Linear Algebra (MATH 027 or 028).
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). The department therefore requires each plan of advanced work to have a coherent, well-justified program that meets the student’s stated educational objectives.
At most one Swarthmore course taught by a faculty member outside the Engineering Department can count as one of the 12 engineering credits required for the major.
Normally a maximum of 2.5 transfer credits that are preapproved by the Engineering Department will be accepted as partial fulfillment of the 12 engineering credits required for the major. Exceptions to this rule include students who transfer to Swarthmore and others with special circumstances; the amount of credit accepted in their cases will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the department chair.
Students should be aware that most lecture courses at other institutions carry only 0.75 Swarthmore credits, unless they include a full lab sequence. Students who wish to receive credit for courses taken at other institutions, including those taken abroad, as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the major should consult their academic advisers and the chair of the Engineering Department as early as possible to ensure that all requirements are met.
The courses available for traditional elective programs include the following:
- 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, Mobile Robotics or Computer Vision.
- Computer engineering group. Principles of Computer Architecture, VLSI Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Introduction to Computer Networks, 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, and Control Theory and Design.
- Mechanical engineering group. Mechanics of Solids, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermal Energy Conversion, Solar Energy Systems, and Control Theory and Design.
- Civil and environmental engineering group. Basic preparation includes Mechanics of Solids, Structural Analysis, 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 Design for those interested in architecture and construction. Other recommended courses include Solar Energy Systems, and Fluid Mechanics.
Academic Advising
Students interested in pursuing a minor must find a faculty member within the Engineering Department to advise them. If possible, this faculty member should have interests that overlap the area of the minor. Students who encounter difficulties in identifying an adviser should seek the assistance of the chair of the Engineering Department. Students who plan to minor in engineering should regularly consult their engineering advisers. The sophomore papers of engineering minors should indicate the plan to minor and the courses chosen to fulfill the minor.
Requirements
A minimum of 5 credits in engineering is required, of which at least 2 but not more than 3 must be core courses (ENGR 006, 011, 012, 014, 015, or 041, but not ENGR 090). The remainder will be selected from elective course offerings within the department. Only those electives that count toward an engineering major can be counted toward a minor. 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.
At most one Swarthmore course taught by a faculty member outside the Engineering Department can count as one of the 5 engineering credits required for the minor.
Supporting work in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science is necessary only when designated as a prerequisite to an individual engineering course.
No directed readings may be used as one of the 5 credits for the minor.
A maximum of 1 transfer credit that is preapproved by the Engineering Department will be accepted as partial fulfillment of the minor requirements. Transfer credits will not count for one of the two courses used to fulfill the core course requirement of the minor. Students should be aware that most lecture courses at other institutions carry only 0.75 Swarthmore credits, unless they include a full lab sequence. Students who wish to receive credit for courses taken at other institutions, including those taken abroad, as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the minor should consult their academic advisers and the chair of the Engineering Department as early as possible to ensure that all requirements are met. No culminating experience will be required. Only students pursuing the major in engineering may enroll in ENGR 090.
Areas of Study
Although packaged selections of courses will be suggested as options for those interested in an engineering minor, students may tailor their programs to meet individual needs and interests in consultation with their advisers.
Honors Major
Students with a B+ average among courses in the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering may apply for an honors major in engineering. This B+ average must be maintained through the end of the junior year to remain in the Honors Program. A listing of preparations supported by existing engineering courses is appended. Credits from approved attachments or special topics courses may substitute for not more than 1 credit within any preparation.
Honors majors must complete the same requirements as course majors in engineering.
The honors major in engineering is a four-examination program that includes three preparations in engineering (the major) and one minor preparation. Each area comprises 2 credits of work. The preparations may include ENGR 090 and/or one other core course.
The minor preparation must comprise at least 2 credits of work approved by any department or program outside engineering.
Each major candidate must accumulate 12 credits in engineering, including ENGR 090, and the same number of science and math credits as required of course majors.
If one of the major preparations includes ENGR 090, it must be paired with an appropriately related upper-level engineering elective or a 1-credit honors thesis to be completed in the fall semester of senior year. Honors thesis credit may not substitute for any of the 12 engineering credits required for the bachelor of science. Candidates who choose an honors thesis will complete at least 13 credits in engineering and 33 across the College. The two additional major preparations must each comprise two related, upper-level engineering electives. A précis of not more than 12 pages (including tables and figures) of each candidate’s ENGR 090 project must be submitted by the end of the 10th week of the spring semester for mailing to the relevant honors examiner. The final ENGR 090 report will not be mailed to any examiner but may be brought to the oral examinations.
Senior honors study by engineering majors is not required.
Honors Minor
Senior honors study is required for all engineering honors minors, except those who are also engineering course majors. For those not majoring in engineering, the senior honors study is the culminating experience. Course majors will not take senior honors study because ENGR 090 serves as the culminating experience.
Every engineering honors minor preparation must include two related upper-level engineering electives for which all prerequisites must be satisfied. If the student is not also an engineering course major, then senior honors study is also required. Credits from official attachments or special topics courses in engineering may substitute for not more than one of the two upper-level courses within an engineering minor preparation.
Prerequisites to upper-level engineering electives may be waived by the department, depending on the student’s documentation of equivalent work in another department at the time of application.
Prospective engineering majors and minors receive more specific information about Course and Honors Programs from the department each December. Additional information is also available on the Engineering Department website.
Application Process Notes for the Major or the Minor
A form to aid in planning a proposed program of study is available on the department website. This form must be completed and submitted as part of the Sophomore Plan. All engineering courses are to be listed on this form in the appropriate semesters. Check prerequisites carefully when completing the program planning form. Courses, prerequisites and their availability are listed in the College Catalog. Note that many courses are offered yearly, others in alternate years, and some only when demand and staffing permit. An updated prospective two-year schedule is also available on the website.
Courses Readily Available to Students Not Majoring or Minoring in Engineering
Problems in Technology (003), Art and Engineering of Structures (007), and How Do Computers Work? (008) are designed for students contemplating only an introduction to engineering. Mechanics (006) is primarily for prospective majors, but other interested students, particularly those preparing for careers in architecture or biomechanics, are encouraged to enroll. Environmental Protection (004A), Operations Research (057), Solar Energy Systems (035), Water Quality and Pollution Control (063), Swarthmore and the Biosphere (004B), Environmental Systems (066), and Environmental Policy and Politics (004C) appeal to many students majoring in other departments, particularly those pursuing an environmental studies minor. Students interested in computers, including computer science majors or minors, may wish to consider Fundamentals of Digital Systems (015), Principles of Computer Architecture (025), Computer Graphics (026), Computer Vision (027), and Mobile Robotics (028). Students majoring in the physical sciences or mathematics may enroll routinely in advanced engineering courses.
Note that Engineering Methodology, Problems in Technology, Environmental Protection, Swarthmore and the Biosphere, Art and Science of Structures and How Do Computers Work? are not admissible as technical electives within an engineering major or minor but may be taken as free electives subject to the 20-course rule.
Swarthmore’s Central European Program in Krakow Poland
A program of study is available, normally in the spring of the junior year, at the Technical University of Krakow, Poland, for students interested in an engineering study abroad experience in a non-English-speaking country. Students take courses taught in English consisting of two engineering electives and a survey course Environmental Science and Policy in Central and Eastern Europe, plus an intensive orientation course on Polish language and culture provided by the Jagiellonian University. Coordinator: Professor McGarity.
004: Environmental Courses for Nonmajors
Courses numbered ENGR 004A-004Z serve all students interested in environmental science, technology, and policy. Indicated courses may be used to satisfy the writing course and natural sciences and engineering practicum requirements. Some may also meet requirements for minors in environmental studies or public policy and special majors in environmental science or environmental policy and technology. Similar courses are available through the College’s off-campus study programs in Poland and Cape Town, South Africa.
These courses may not be used to satisfy requirements for the major or minor in engineering.
Preparation for Honors Examinations
The department will arrange honors examinations in the following areas to be prepared for by the combinations of courses indicated. Other preparations are possible by mutual agreement.
Communications and Electromagnetic Fields
Communication Systems
Electromagnetic Theory
Communications and Signal Processing
Communication Systems
Digital Signal Processing
Computer Architecture
Fundamentals of Digital Systems
Principles of Computer Architecture
Electromagnetic Theory
Electromagnetic Theory I
Electromagnetic Theory II
Electronics
Electronic Circuit Applications
Physical Electronics
Environmental Systems
Operations Research
Environmental Systems
Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Integrated Electronics
Electronic Circuit Applications
VLSI Design
Mobile Robotics and Machine Vision
Computer Vision
Mobile Robotics
Signals and Systems
Control Theory and Design
Digital Signal Processing
Solar Thermal Systems
Solar Energy Systems
Thermal Energy Conversion or Heat Transfer
Structural Analysis and Design
Structural Analysis
Structural Design
Structural Mechanics
Mechanics of Solids
Structural Analysis
Structures and Soil
Structural Analysis
Geotechnical Engineering: Theory and Design
Thermal Energy Conversion and Heat Transfer
Thermal Energy Conversion
Heat Transfer
Visual Information Systems
Computer Graphics
Computer Vision
Water Quality and Fluid Mechanics
Water Quality and Pollution Control
Fluid Mechanics
Water Quality and Supply Systems
Water Quality and Pollution Control
Environmental Systems
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