2006-2007 Academic Catalog

Engineering and Computer Science 96 Cedarville University 2006-07 School of Engineering, Nursing, and Science Engineering and Computer Science Mission Statement The programs in the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science at Cedarville University blend the academic subjects required of all accredited engineering and computer science programs with “hands-on” experience through extensive laboratory work and design projects. Our engineering curricula introduce freshmen to 3-D Solid Modeling and digital electronics. Our computer science curriculum requires freshmen to begin programming in the very first semester. This early exposure provides students with practical experience and insight into subsequent theory. Our programs enjoy the rich, technical environment fostered in the surrounding community and the frequent opportunities to interact with professionals working on the latest aerospace, automotive, and electronics technology. The department faculty has the following vision: “We, the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science, seek to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in every endeavor and earnestly desire to cultivate technical professionals who are committed to moral excellence and who are exemplary in character, conduct, and skill. Therefore, we strive to provide an excellent educational environment that will nurture our students to honor the Lord in all things and help them to grow in spiritual maturity, wisdom, knowledge, and expertise for purposeful lives of service.” Programs of Study The department of engineering offers the following programs of study: Majors Computer Science (B.S.) Computer Engineering (B.S.Cp.E.) Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) Minors Biomedical Engineering Computer Science Special Programs Cooporative Education Program Engineering Honors Program Accreditation The B.S.E.E. and B.S.M.E. programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Registration as a Professional Engineer Senior engineering majors and graduate engineers are eligible to take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination offered by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. This exam is the first of two required to become a registered professional engineer and is offered each spring at Cedarville University (CU). CU seniors have passed the FE exam at a rate which is consistently higher than the national pass rates. Personal Requirements Whereas many recent high school graduates are undecided when it comes to selecting a major in college, our programs exhibit some measure of flexibility. First-year students trying to decide between computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CpE) will be enrolled in at least two courses common to both programs. First-year students looking at either electrical engineering (EE) or CpE as a major will be encouraged to take their first programming course with the CpE and CS students. • • • • • • • • All first year engineering students will take the same three freshman-level engineering courses as part of their program. Faculty advisors, the career services office, and tours of local industry represent some of the resources available to students contemplating which major to choose. Department Requirements New students Students who enjoy and excel in science and mathematics and wish to serve others have the highest potential for careers in engineering and computer science. Entering students are required to have an ACT composite score of at least 22 (or an SAT of at least 1010) in order to declare a major in the department. Students who do not meet this standard or do not demonstrate equivalent competency may request admission to the department on a provisional status. To prepare for engineering or computer science, high school students should take a college preparatory curriculum that includes: 4 units of English 4 units of mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and advanced mathematics or precalculus) 4 units of science (physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics) 3 units of social science 2 units of the same foreign language Though not essential, students would benefit from having some computer programming experience using a language such as VisualBasic, C++, or JAVA. Experience with spreadsheets and word processors is also helpful. Retention Requirement Our students must demonstrate proficiency in certain lower- level courses to advance into upper-level 3000- and 4000-level courses. Therefore, all students must earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 by the end of their sophomore year. In addition, each program within the department has its own specific retention requirements as follows. Computer Science In order to advance in the computer science program, CS majors must achieve a grade of at least a C- in the following courses: CS-1210, 1220, 2210, 3410, 4810, and MATH-1710, 2510. Computer Engineering To advance into the junior year, CpE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following engineering courses: EGCP-1010, EGGN-1110, EGEE-2010, and EGME-1810, 2510, and 2630. In addition, CpE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following cognate courses: CS-1210, 1220, and 2210; MATH-1710, 1720, and 2740; and PHYS-2110 and 2120. Electrical Engineering To advance into the junior year, EE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following engineering courses: EGCP-1010, EGGN-1110, EGEE-2010, and EGME-1810, 2510, and 2630. In addition, EE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following cognate courses: CS-1210; MATH-1710, 1720, 2710, and 2740; and PHYS-2110 and 2120. Mechanical Engineering To advance into the junior year, ME majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following engineering courses: • • • • •