Program Highlights
All the courses in the Fundamentals of Engineering sequence are divided into three main components: in-class instruction, hands-on laboratory and team projects.
In-Class Instruction
In-class instruction revolves around developing fundamental technical skills that help lay the foundation for advanced coursework in any engineering major. The program content includes technical graphics (i.e.3D visualization and sketching), computer aided design, computer programming engineering analysis, problem solving and application of the design process.
Hands-on Labs
The hands-on laboratory component introduces students to engineering fundamentals such as data collection and analysis, and problem solving. Hands-on exercises are geared towards demonstrating core concepts from various disciplines using standard or custom-designed measurement, data acquisition and test equipment, and the functioning of real-life products like bikes, single-use cameras, circuits etc. Technical communication, in both the written and verbal format, is highly emphasized through lab memos, reports and oral presentations. The repertoire of skills learned through these hands-on labs is invaluable in the future for advanced courses and in industry.
Students build bridges as a team project in Engineering 181.
Team Projects
Often described as the most fun and challenging aspect of the FE program, team projects are designed to foster Teamwork and Project Management skills. Design-and-build projects highlight the design process, while giving students the hands-on opportunity of building and testing a working model of an engineered structure (such as a bridge or a roller coaster), or products (such as a miniaturized medical device). Collaboration and interpersonal communication become critical as students leverage their individual skills and talents to come up with the best solution for the team. Thorough analysis, accurate and detailed technical documentation and oral presentation skills are all encouraged as part of the projects. Finally, teams are given a chance to test their ideas against those of their peers in project competitions during the course of the quarter.
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Eligibility/Registration
First-Year students enrolled in the College of Engineering may take the Fundamentals of Engineering sequence. Those placing in Math 150 or higher take Engineering 181 in the Autumn quarter. Those placing in Math 140 or 148 can enroll in Engineering 181 starting Winter quarter.
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Individualized Attention
Instructional sessions are restricted to 72 students, while lab sessions consist of 36 students. Engineering faculty and professional engineers teach all core topics. In addition, graduate teaching associates and peer mentors provide extra assistance for students on a more informal basis.
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Facilities
The typical classroom arrangement encourages teamwork.
Classroom and laboratory facilities are specially designed around teams of four students to promote teamwork and active learning. Information is presented in various audio-visual formats to accommodate differences in learning styles of individual students. Significant time is allocated for in-class assignments so that students can immediately apply concepts presented during the lecture while receiving personalized attention from the instructional team.
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Advantages of the FE Program
The Fundamentals of Engineering program offers an unparalleled first-year engineering experience because:
- Students can take engineering courses beginning their first quarter. Labs and projects given throughout the Fundamentals of Engineering sequence are designed to provide as broad an introduction to engineering as possible.
- Prospective employers greatly favor candidates who demonstrate the ability to work in teams. By the end of the Fundamentals of Engineering experience, students will have had many valuable group work experiences.
- Presentation and communication skills will be enhanced, and students will learn the importance of documentation in engineering. These are valuable assets when looking for a job or internship.
