2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 87 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Engineering and Computer Science | College of Professions 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 ultrasound 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 Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science educational objectives define God-honoring characteristics of our students three to five years after graduation from Cedarville University. 1. They are successful in professions related to their fields of study. 2. They are prepared for graduate-level education programs. 3. They continue to develop professionally and remain current in their fields. 4. They make sound professional and ethical decisions based upon biblical truths. 5. They actively serve in and support Christian ministries, both in their communities and around the world. Educational Philosophy for Engineering and Computer Science Programs All of our programs are designed to give our graduates a solid background in their technical fields of choice. Our programs include a strong theoretical foundation as well as significant hands-on application. Each program also includes a senior capstone design experience. The three engineering programs share a common philosophy of program outcomes which are consistent with the ABET engineering criteria. Similarly, our computer science program philosophy is consistent with the ABET computer science criteria.