COURSES
The courses listed below are a selection of the courses taught by the Engineering Fundamentals Program. To learn more about the courses or other engineering curricula, visit the university’s course catalog.
EF 105: Computer Methods for Engineering Problem Solving
1 Credit Hour
Introduction to computer applications used in engineering problem solving and communications. Introduction to programming concepts, including conditional statements and looping, and the development and implementation of logic flow diagrams.
EF 105 introduces you to valuable computing skills that will be used throughout your engineering career. You will learn how to use your calculator and computer to solve problems for you. The course will introduce you to Excel, which almost every engineer uses. The course will also introduce you to Matlab, which is an extremely powerful program for use with many engineering problems.
EF 141 & EF 142: Introduction to Physics and Modeling for Engineers I & II
EF 141: Introduction to Physics and Modeling for Engineers I
4 Credit Hours
An introduction to physics concepts for engineering, ways to model these concepts using numerical methods, and skills and practices necessary for a successful engineering career. Topics include vectors, kinematics, Newton’s Laws, forces, numerical methods applications for modeling highlighted physics concepts, and an introduction to the university, exploration of engineering disciplines, and personal, academic, and professional skills development. Skills learned will include the ability to apply physics concepts to real-world problems, ability to use programming software to model physics concepts, and the ability to recognize and practice concepts related to successful engineering practice such as time management and a working knowledge of tools and strategies valuable to engineering study.
EF 142: Introduction to Physics and Modeling for Engineers II
4 Credit Hours
An introduction to physics concepts for engineering, ways to model these concepts using numerical methods, and skills and practices necessary for a successful engineering career. Topics include work-energy principle, conservation of energy and momentum, application of physics in circular motion, numerical methods applications for modeling highlighted physics concepts, exploration of engineering disciplines, teamwork, project management, and communication skills. Skills learned will include the ability to apply physics concepts to real-world problems, ability to use programming software to model physics concepts, and the ability to recognize and practice concepts related to successful engineering practice such as working in teams, project management, and effective communication.
EF 151 & EF 157 (Honors): Physics for Engineers I
EF 151: Physics for Engineers I
4 Credit Hours
Calculus-based study of basic physics concepts, including vectors, kinematics, Newton’s laws, forces, work-energy, and impulse-momentum. Introduction to teamwork. Introduction to the engineering disciplines. Examination of engineering principles and design issues. Oral and written presentation skills.
EF 151 introduces you to engineering problem solving through the use of mechanics and physics. The labs provide many hands-on activities to help you learn the material and practical applications of the physics principles. You will work in a team of 3-4 students to complete several introductory engineering projects. You will have a chance to meet with representatives from each of the engineering departments to learn about the breadth of engineering.
EF 157: Honors Physics for Engineers I
4 Credit Hours
Honors version of EF 151* for well-prepared students.
EF 152 & EF 158 (Honors): Physics for Engineers II
EF 152: Physics for Engineers II
4 Credit Hours
Calculus-based study of basic physics concepts, including rotational dynamics, statics, oscillations, waves, fluids, heat and temperature, and first and second law of thermodynamics. Introduction to team work. Introduction to the engineering disciplines, examination of engineering principles and design issues. Oral and written presentation skills.
EF 152 builds on the principles learned in EF 151. The format is similar with student teams of 3-4 students participating in hands-on activities and working on engineering projects. EF 152 will introduce you to a broad base of engineering topics such as the Doppler effect, why roofs come off buildings in hurricanes, how a guitar string works, how a car engine works, and how to use a microcontroller.
EF 158: Honors Physics for Engineers II
4 Credit Hours
Honors version of EF 152*.
EF 230: Computer Solution of Engineering Problems
2 Credit Hours
Primary focus is on development of computer programs in a modern programming language to solve engineering problems.
In EF 230 you will use the programming language MATLAB to solve a wide variety of engineering problems. Team projects performed in our classrooms and First Year Design Studio use the Sphero robotics platform to control and display outputs based on sensor input.