The College of Engineering works closely with the Department of Mathematics to offer a supplemental instruction program in engineering-designated sections of math courses (Calculus I and above). The program requires that students stay in the classroom an additional hour after lectures, form small study groups, and solve problems related to the lecture. The College hires three to four talented upperclassmen to guide students during the sessions. As a result of supplemental instruction, passing rates have risen dramatically in recent years.
In addition to engineering-designated sections of mathematics courses, the College is working with other departments on campus to offer similarly designated sections in speech communications (i.e., SPCM 101) and freshmen composition (i.e., ENG 101). These sections are taught in the residence halls that comprise the Engineering Residential College. Cohorts of first-year students are co-enrolled in these course sections in order to further strengthen the concept of a living-learning community. Your advisor should alert you to these sections. If you are interested in learning more or in enrolling in one of these sections, please let your advisor know.
Mathematics has historically been a hurdle for some first-year students. Because of this, the College has recently implemented ENGR 111 – Engineering Learning Skill. This course is meant for those students who are not quite ready for Calculus; it is designed to improve math skills and prepare them for specific upper-level math courses. It integrates basic engineering-related applications of appropriate math skills so that students understand how and why mathematics is important to their future academic and professional careers. The course is taught by Mr. Robert Simms, who possesses a graduate degree in mathematics and was hired by the College of Engineering for this purpose. At the end of the course, students take the math placement test. Test scores, along with the instructor’s recommendation, permit an assessment of the student’s readiness for Calculus. Note that this course is the College’s way of acknowledging past difficulties that some its students have had in mathematics and of taking responsibility for preparing students for important integral and differential calculus courses offered by the Department of Mathematics.
A final, but very important, component of the curriculum is a new Introduction to Engineering course. Previously, each department in the College offered its own introductory course. Beginning fall 2007, these courses are being replaced with ENGR 101. This is a course for all majors that emphasizes interdisciplinary, hands-on projects, previews of the different disciplines, and applications of basic mathematics, chemistry and physics in solving engineering problems. It is designed to inform the students about opportunities and assist them in making an informed career decision. Mentors from the professional engineering community will be invited for guest lectures, but the course will officially be co-taught by faculty in the College of Engineering. Students will be co-enrolled in this course with many of their friends and neighbors from the Engineering Residential College.
