2007-2008 Academic Catalog

School of Natural and Applied Science Engineering and Computer Science 2007-08 Cedarville University 97 Engineering and Computer Science Technical Resources Our modern laboratories include the following: fluids lab with an 18-inch cross-section wind tunnel, heat transfer, refrigeration, mechanics, materials testing, internal combustion engines, and dynamometers, CNC manufacturing, vibrations, dynamics of machines, electrical machines, feedback controls, circuits, electronics, communications, digital logic design, microprocessors, surface-mount soldering, and a parallel computing cluster. We also have extensive PC-based laboratories in which students use computer-based circuit design, 3-D solid modeling, FEA, CFD, CNC, and industry-standard IDE software. Co-Curricular Opportunities Engineering freshmen participate in an annual Cardboard Canoe Challenge. Other course-based competitions include statics and dynamics design competitions for sophomores, an Advanced Digital Logic Design competition, and an annual programming contest. The department provides students with opportunities to participate in national and international design competitions organized by professional engineering societies such as ACM, ASME, IEEE, SAE, ASEE, and SWE. Our students participate in Aero Design ® , Formula SAE ® , international programming, Mini Baja ® , robotics, Solar Splash ® , and Supermileage ® competitions. Career Opportunities Engineering and computer science both involve the application of scientific and mathematical principles, experience, judgment, and common sense to develop devices which help people. Engineers redesign products to work more efficiently, more quickly, and less expensively. They design EKG and ultra-sound machines that help doctors diagnose medical problems, electrical engineering plants to power our cities, and more fuel-efficient cars and airplanes. Computer programmers develop the software solutions that are used to pilot spacecraft, combat terrorism, prevent collisions at airports, and keep our cars running. Computer scientists and engineers spend a great deal of time interacting and communicating with others, often working on a team. Because of their strong background in science, mathematics, and technology, they often rise to leadership positions in organizations, managing programs in research, development, design, construction, production, operations, marketing, and sales. In this era of rapid technological change, an engineering or computer science education serves our society well. In the decades ahead, society’s needs and problems will call for technical contributions on a scale not previously experienced. Engineering Educational Objectives The objectives of the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science faculty are that students who graduate with undergraduate engineering degrees from Cedarville University would be characterized by the following: They will possess the skills necessary to function competently in entry-level engineering positions in industry within the field of engineering for which they have prepared. They will be adequately prepared for graduate-level education programs. They will be knowledgeable of the benefits of continued professional development and the options available to them to remain current in their field of interest. They will be knowledgeable of opportunities to serve in and support Christian ministries both in their communities and around the world. 1. 2. 3. 4. Educational Philosophy for Engineering Programs Each engineering program requires 140 hours to complete; of these, at least 67 hours are engineering topics. The programs are designed to give our graduates a solid background in engineering science and a meaningful design experience at the senior level appropriate to the chosen field of study. Although there are distinctives between the specific engineering programs (see the department website), the educational philosophy for all of the engineering programs can be summarized as follows: Expose students to the basic laws of nature to encourage an understanding of the creation. Equip students with mathematical modeling tools that will enable them to describe the behavior of systems. Require students to apply theoretical models, computer simulations, and laboratory experimentation to analyze engineering systems. Require students to use analytical and numerical techniques to systematically solve engineering problems. Require students to work in teams to solve engineering problems. Equip students to evaluate designs for conformance to technical and ethical standards. Require students to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Promote engineering as a profession, encourage participation in engineering organizations, and foster professional development. Encourage students to see engineering in the broader context of general education, to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and to apply a Christian worldview to all life and learning. The educational philosophy supports ABET’s Criterion 3 desired outcomes (a) through (k). 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.