College of Engineering
Degree Programs I
Major in Biomedical EngineeringMajor in Computer Engineering
Major in Aerospace Engineering
Few technological achievements have captivated the imagination of the public as much as the realization of air and space flight. Aerospace engineering focuses on the technology and sciences associated with these unique transportation systems, as well as those involving transport across the ocean and over the ground. Aerospace engineers are concerned with aerodynamic and structural design, vehicle control and stability, and propulsion systems such as jet engines and rocket motors. Our program strives to give our students the basic skills, understanding, and knowledge they will need in order to become successful engineers in this exciting field.
Students completing the undergraduate program in aerospace engineering will have developed competence or acquired knowledge in the following areas:
- Engineering tools, including a strong background in engineering science and mathematics, experience with engineering computations using current software tools, and hands-on experience with measurement and instrumentation systems.
- Professional tools, including communication skills such as writing and public speaking, and team dynamics skills.
- Modeling, including modeling and formulation of engineering problems, finding the required solutions using appropriate combinations of analytical, numerical, and experimental tools, and utilizing physical insight to check for realistic results.
- Design, including both the design of individual components and a major design of a multicomponent system, incorporating realistic constraints.
- Professional Practice, including self-study skills; professional ethics; and an awareness of contemporary issues, business practices, and the impact of engineering solutions in a societal context.
- Aerospace Systems, including the ability to design or model both aeronautic and astronautic systems.
In order to achieve the above outcomes, students in the Aerospace Engineering Program receive a strong background in the fundamentals of aerospace science and substantial exposure to engineering applications and design as well as intensive training in two other areas indispensable to modern engineering practice: laboratory experimentation and computer usage.
The aerospace engineering curriculum is closely related to the mechanical engineering curriculum, with additional emphasis on fluid dynamics, propulsion, and autonomous control. Students begin aerospace courses in their sophomore year with introductory courses in aircraft and spacecraft performance. During the sophomore and junior years, students take two first-level courses in the fluid and thermal sciences, an advanced-level course in aerodynamics, and four first-level courses concentrating on structures and mechanics. In the senior year, students take advanced-level compressible aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics courses, and they choose one upper division technical elective.
The curriculum allows students to gain design experience starting in their sophomore year, during which one engineering science course per semester requires a design project. In the junior year, the design expectations increase, and students take two special courses that introduce them to formal design methodologies, the use of CAD systems, and the professional aspects of engineering, including safety considerations and professional ethics. The design experience continues in the context of aerospace engineering, with required design projects in both fluids- and mechanics-related courses as well as within the senior instrumentation course; it culminates in the two-semester senior design course, ENG ME 409/410 Flight Vehicle Design, in which students work in small groups to design an aerospace vehicle. As part of the design experience, communication is emphasized in the form of several written and oral reports.
Students in the Aerospace Engineering Program also gain experience in laboratory experimentation from experiments associated with all of the natural science courses (in the freshman and sophomore years) and with many engineering science courses (in the sophomore and junior years). Laboratory experience culminates in the senior year, with an intensive mechanical measurements and instrumentation course.
Aerospace engineering students begin working with computers in the freshman introductory computer course. Computer usage is then mandated throughout the curriculum, being required for some homework, projects, and laboratories in most engineering courses. Students gain experience programming in Matlab; using commercial software packages for CAD, aircraft conceptual design, aerodynamics analysis, spreadsheet analysis, finite element analysis, and technical computing in general; and using menu- and graphical-interface-driven laboratory systems for data acquisition, data analysis, and instrument control.
A total of 136 credits is required for graduation.
Curriculum
Freshman
First Semester (16 credits)
CAS CH 131 Principles of General Chemistry 4 cr
CAS MA 123 Calculus I 4 cr
CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar 4 cr
ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar
ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
CAS MA 124 Calculus II 4 cr
CAS PY 211 Physics I 4 cr
CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar 4 cr
ENG EK 130/ Introduction to Engineering 4 cr 131/132
Sophomore
First Semester (18 credits)
CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus 4 cr
CAS PY 212 Physics II 4 cr
ENG ME 201 Introduction to Aircraft Performance 2 cr
ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (18 credits)
CAS MA 226 Differential Equations 4 cr
ENG ME 202 Introduction to Spacecraft Performance 2 cr
ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Natural science elective 4 cr
Junior
First Semester (18 credits)
ENG ME 311 Engineering Design Using CAD 2 cr
ENG ME 400 Engineering Mathematics 4 cr
ENG ME 303 Fluid Mechanics 4 cr
ENG ME 305 Mechanics of Materials 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (18 credits)
ENG ME 307 Flight Structures 4 cr
ENG ME 312 Fundamentals of Engineering Design 2 cr
ENG ME 421 Aerodynamics 4 cr
ENG ME 302 Engineering Mechanics II 4 cr
ENG ME 304 Energy and Thermodynamics 4 cr
Senior
First Semester (16 credits)
ENG ME 409 Flight Vehicle Design I 4 cr
ENG ME 403 Atmospheric Flight Mechanics 4 cr
ENG ME 425 Compressible Flow and Propulsion 4 cr
Technical elective 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
ENG ME 310 Instrumentation and Theory of Experiments 4 cr
ENG ME 410 Flight Vehicle Design II 4 cr
General education elective 4 cr
Technical elective 4 cr
Technical Elective
This elective is intended to provide additional depth or breadth in either aerospace engineering science or another advanced-level technical or professional subject. Students must select one course that is on the list of acceptable courses found on the student’s program planning sheet.
Major in Biomedical Engineering
Quantitative engineering methodology is having an increasing impact on our society. Biomedical engineering is a rapidly changing, interdisciplinary profession that applies engineering principles and technology to medical and biological problems. The undergraduate curriculum provides integrated training in science, engineering, and mathematics as preparation for a variety of careers in the broad range of areas in engineering, science, health care, and business. The program focuses on providing students with the skills necessary to solve problems that impact a wide range of economic, environmental, ethical, legal, and social issues.
The undergraduate program begins with a broad foundation in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Foundational work is followed by more advanced engineering coursework and laboratory experiences that combine the quantitative aspects of engineering analysis and design with the full spectra of biology and physiology, from the molecular and cellular levels to entire systems and organisms. During the freshman and sophomore years, students complete preparatory courses in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, and probability), physics, chemistry, and biology. This preparatory work is complemented by parallel training in engineering computing and introductory courses in electric circuit theory and engineering mechanics. In the junior year, the foundation is used to study electronics, physiology, signals, systems, controls, biomechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. The junior year also incorporates two design-oriented laboratory experiences. The senior year includes a two-semester capstone senior project. Advanced electives allow opportunities for specialization in instrumentation, sensory and neural systems, mechanics, signal processing, and biomolecular engineering. All standard premedical requirements can be satisfied through the program.
In a rapidly changing technological landscape, one of the most important aspects of engineering is the creation of new approaches and solutions. To this end, the Biomedical Engineering Program trains students who are equally comfortable with design and analysis. Design experiences begin in the introductory electric circuit theory and engineering mechanics courses and continue in the junior year, in the required electronics course and the core biomedical laboratory courses. Additional design experiences are included through the restricted electives in the junior and senior years, culminating in the two-semester senior project. The specific goals, methods, results, and conclusions for each project are designed by each student, in conjunction with his or her faculty supervisor. Student progress is documented in a series of written and oral reports. The concluding department-wide senior project conference, which draws representatives from more than sixty biomedical companies and local hospitals, provides a professional-style forum for every student to present his or her project orally.
A total of 136 credits is required for graduation.
Curriculum
Freshman
First Semester (16 credits)
CAS CH 101 General Chemistry 4 cr
CAS MA 123 Calculus I 4 cr
CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar 4 cr
ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar
ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
CAS CH 102 General Chemistry 4 cr
CAS MA 124 Calculus II 4 cr
CAS PY 211 Physics I 4 cr
ENG EK 130/ Introduction to Engineering 4 cr 131/132
Sophomore
First Semester (18 credits)
Linear algebra elective 2 cr
CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus 4 cr
CAS PY 212 Physics II 4 cr
ENG BE 200 Introduction to Probability 2 cr
ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (18 credits)
ENG BE 209 Cellular and Molecular Biology 4 cr
CAS MA 226 Differential Equations 4 cr
ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory 4 cr
CAS MA 142 Linear Algebra 2 cr or
ENG EK 102 Introduction to Linear Algebra 2 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Junior
First Semester (18 credits)
CAS BI 315 Systems Physiology 4 cr
CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar 4 cr
ENG BE 401 Signals and Systems in Biomedical Engineering 4 cr
ENG BE 491 Engineering Physiology Laboratory I 2 cr
ENG EC 410 Introduction to Electronics 4 cr
Second Semester (18 credits)
ENG BE 402 Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering 4 cr
ENG EK 424 Thermodynamic and Statistical Mechanics 4 cr
ENG BE 492 Engineering Physiology Laboratory II 2 cr
Biomechanics elective 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Senior
First Semester (16 credits)
ENG BE 465 Senior Project 2 cr
ENG BE 467 Senior Project 2 cr
Engineering elective 4 cr
Professional elective 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
ENG BE 466 Senior Project 4 cr
Biomedical elective 4 cr
Biomedical elective 4 cr
Professional elective 4 cr
Biomedical Electives
Every student must take two 4-credit biomedical engineering (BE) courses. Specific courses to fulfill this requirement can be found on the program planning sheets.
Professional Electives
Professional electives are intended to provide additional technical and professional depth in areas of special interest to individual students. Most BE courses at the 500 level are acceptable for fulfilling this requirement. Specific courses to fulfill this requirement can be found on the student’s program planning sheet. Please note that a course cannot be used to fulfill both a professional and biomedical elective. CAS CH 203 and CAS CH 204 may be used as professional electives.
Engineering Elective
Every student must take one 4-credit engineering elective. Specific courses to fulfill this requirement can be found on the program planning sheets.
Design Elective
Every student must take a biomedical, engineering, or professional elective comprising one 4-credit or two 2-credit courses from the Design Elective list on the program planning sheets.
Linear Algebra Elective
Every student must take one 2-credit course in linear algebra. Students may take either ENG EK 102 Introduction to Linear Algebra or CAS MA 142 Introduction to Linear Algebra.
Biomechanics Elective
Students must take one 4-credit course in biomechanics. They may take ENG BE 420 Introduction to Solid Biomechanics or ENG BE 436 Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics.
Premedical Requirements
Medical schools require applicants to take certain courses in college. The required writing sequence CAS WR 100 and CAS WR 150 satisfies the requirement for one year of English. Students who place into CAS WR 150 as a result of their performance on the BUWA will need to take an additional English course, either writing or literature. Students choosing to satisfy the premedical requirement with an English literature course may also use that course to fulfill one course requirement in the humanities.
Two courses in organic chemistry are required, CAS CH 203 and CAS CH 204. These courses are to be taken in lieu of social science and humanities courses during the sophomore year; the social science and humanities courses will be taken during the junior and senior years. The two organic chemistry courses can satisfy professional elective requirements.
Other courses necessary to fulfill premedical requirements are integrated into the biomedical curriculum. Students majoring in a discipline other than biomedical engineering may fulfill premedical requirements by taking two English courses, two organic chemistry courses, two inorganic chemistry courses, two biology courses, and two physics courses. Contact the Pre-professional Advising Office, 725 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 for specific details.
Major in Computer Engineering
Modern computers are complex systems that may consist of single machines or many interconnected computers linked by network. In one form or another, computers now control most telephone and communications systems, process control and manufacturing automation systems, management information systems, large household appliances, automobiles, transportation systems, and medical instrumentation. Computers also form the medium for the World Wide Web and the Internet. To work in the constantly evolving discipline of computer systems engineering, the computer systems engineer must acquire competence in both digital computer hardware and the fundamentals of software engineering. The Computer Engineering Program provides training in these critical areas of technology and seeks to produce graduates who have:
- a strong foundation in computer engineering with an appropriate balance between theory and application
- a wide repertoire of techniques and skills for the effective practice of modern computer engineering
- an integrated view of the subfields of computer engineering
- a broad education and ethical awareness to serve as responsible professionals
- an ability to expand their knowledge to adapt to changes in technology
To produce these outcomes, students begin by learning the fundamentals in the physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science. These basic foundations are then used to acquire discipline-specific knowledge and skills in electronics, logic design, computer organization, microprocessors, operating systems, software design, and algorithms. A combination of technical electives allow further specialization in areas such as VLSI, networking, and software design.
Design is integrated throughout the curriculum, providing an important infrastructure for the program. During the senior year, computer engineering students join electrical engineering students in a year-long department-wide capstone design project that draws upon all of their previously learned design skills. Structured to resemble a real engineering company, the capstone project requires students to design products to meet customer specifications. Design teams are responsible for product conception, development, testing, and construction, as well as budget management, oral presentations, and documentation.
A total of 132 credits is required for graduation.
Curriculum
Freshman
First Semester (16 credits)
CAS CH 131 Principles of General Chemistry 4 cr
CAS MA 123 Calculus I 4 cr
CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar 4 cr
ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar
ENG EK 130/ Introduction to Engineering 4 cr 131/132
Second Semester (16 credits)
CAS MA 124 Calculus II 4 cr
CAS PY 211 Physics I 4 cr
CAS WR 150 Writing and Research Seminar 4 cr
ENG EK 127 Engineering Computation 4 cr
Sophomore
First Semester (18 credits)
CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus 4 cr
CAS PY 212 Physics II 4 cr
ENG EK 102 Introduction to Linear Algebra for Engineers (or CAS MA 142) 2 cr
ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
CAS MA 226 Differential Equations 4 cr
ENG EK 307 Electric Circuit Theory 4 cr
ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design 4 cr
ENG EC 327 Introduction to Software Engineering 4 cr
Junior
First Semester (18 credits)
CAS MA 193 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 2 cr
ENG EC 312 Computer Organization 4 cr
ENG EC 381 Probability Theory in Electrical and Computer Engineering 4 cr
ENG EC 410 Introduction to Electronics 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
ENG EC 330 Applied Algorithms for Engineers 4 cr
ENG EC 401 Signals and Systems 4 cr
ENG EC 440 Introduction to Operating Systems 4 cr
ENG EC 450 Microprocessors 4 cr
Senior
First Semester (16 credits)
ENG EC 463 Senior Design Project I 4 cr
Natural science elective (CAS PY 313 or ENG BE 209) 4 cr
Track elective 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Second Semester (16 credits)
ENG EC 464 Senior Design Project II 4 cr
Social science/humanities requirement 4 cr
Technical elective 4 cr
Technical elective 4 cr
Track Elective
Students must select one of the following courses to fulfill this elective: ENG EC 441, ENG EC 447, or ENG EC 571.
Technical Electives
Technical electives are intended to provide additional technical and professional depth in particular areas of special interest to individual students. Specific courses to fulfill this requirement can be found on the student’s program planning sheet.
Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Silber Way
Boston, MA 02215
16 October 2008
Boston University
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