Engineering Core
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ENG EK 100: Freshman Advising Seminar
This first-year experience course introduces students to Boston University,the College of Engineering, and the field of engineering. Students meet with faculty and student advisors and attend lectures to broaden their knowledge of the inner workings of the College and to gain a better understanding of engineering as a discipline and the ethical responsibilities of an engineer. Includes academic policies and special programs along with support services. -
ENG EK 103: Computational Linear Algebra
This is a course on understanding, manipulating, and applying linear systems of equations and, more broadly, linear relationships between variables. The ideas and tools you will learn are immensely useful in a wide variety of application domains, including physics, engineering, big data, data visualization, and more. You will become familiar with vectors and matrices, linear systems of equations, vector spaces, inner products, eigenvectors and eigenvalues and the more general singular values. You will also learn to interpret matrices as linear transformations and to understand the geometrical interpretation for operations such as solving linear systems of equations and least-squares fitting of data to models. Throughout the course, the tools will be related to specific applications to show how linear algebra is used to solve real-world problems. Examples include Google's PageRank algorithm, cryptography, coding theory, genetics, bioinformatics, image compression, linear programming (optimization), networks, and Markov chains. -
ENG EK 125: Introduction to Programming for Engineers
An introduction to programming concepts and modern computational environments used to solve engineering problems. Basic procedural programming concepts including input/output, selection, looping, functions, data structures (arrays, strings, structures), pointers, and memory management. Introduction to object-oriented programming concepts and terminology and event-driven programming. Emphasis on programming style, debugging, top-down design and modular code. Introduction to a command line interface and a high-level language. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Creativity/Innovation. -
ENG EK 131: Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to engineering analysis and/or design through a sequence of two modules or minicourses chosen from a selection of modules offered by participating engineering faculty. Each module presents students with key concepts and techniques relevant to an applied area of engineering. Limited to freshmen and sophomores (students with less than 64 credits toward degree requirements). 2 cr, either sem. -
ENG EK 210: Introduction to Engineering Design
A two credit introductory course to the principles of engineering design, intended to give second-year undergraduates a basic understanding of the process of converting a product from concept through design and deployment. Students will work in multi-disciplinary teams with time and budget constraints on externally sponsored design projects. Web-based lectures will cover topics concurrent with specific phases of the projects. The course will culminate in a "Design Competition". Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration. -
ENG EK 225: Introduction to Energy Conversion and Environmental Engineering
This class examines the existing state of the world's energy use and its impact on society and the planet. A quantitative framework is provided in order to evaluate current and potential technologies. Individual energy generation, conversion, and end use options are evaluated within this framework. Both renewable energy generation technologies: wind, solar, biomass, and hydro, and conventional sources such as nuclear and fossil fuels will be compared. Energy conversion is discussed with regards to batteries and fuel cells, liquid bio- fuels, and grid level storage systems. These technologies are then put into a social context and their use around the world is discussed. Evaluations are based on homework and class discussions, midterms, and a final. 4 cr. Cannot be used for credit towards an engineering degree. -
ENG EK 301: Engineering Mechanics I
Fundamental statics of particles, rigid bodies, trusses, frames, and virtual work. Distributed forces, uni-axial stress and strain, shear and bending moment diagrams. Application of vector analysis and introduction to engineering design. Includes design project. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. -
ENG EK 307: Electric Circuits
Introduction to electric circuit analysis and design; voltage, current, and power, circuit laws and theorems; element I-V curves, linear and nonlinear circuit concepts; operational amplifier circuits; transient response of capacitor and inductor circuits, sinusoidal-steady-state response, frequency response, transfer functions; Includes design-oriented laboratory. 4cr. -
ENG EK 335: Introduction to Environmental Engineering
This course provides a technical introduction to a wide range of environmental engineering topics to quantitatively understand and analyze environmental problems. Topics covered include mass and energy balance for analyzing environmental engineering concepts, population growth, models for resource consumption and risk analysis, energy systems, air pollution and prevention strategies, water quality assessment and supply issues, drinking and waste water treatment, solid waste treatment and management strategies, and resource recovery and recycling. Relevant existing laws and regulations are also reviewed in the context of the topics covered. 4 cr. -
ENG EK 340: Introduction to C Programming for MATLAB Programmers
An introduction to C programming for students who have learned programming concepts using MATLAB. Syntax for constructs such as I/O, selection, loops, data structures, program organization and functions. New concepts include I/O buffers, type definitions, pointers, call-by-reference, dynamic memory allocation, and linked lists. May not be taken for credit in addition to ENG EK 125. -
ENG EK 341: Advanced MATLAB Applications Programming
Programming applications for students who have learned programming constructs using MATLAB. Topics include Object Oriented Programming, user-defined classes, graphics primitives, Graphical User Interfaces, event-driven programming, sound and image processing, use of API keys to transfer data to and from websites. May not be taken for credit in addition to ENG EK 127. -
ENG EK 381: Probability, Statistics, and Data Science for Engineers
Provides a strong foundation in probability and an introduction to statistics and machine learning. Includes experience with translating engineering problems into probabilistic models, and working with these models analytically and algorithmically. Prepares students for upper-level electives that use probabilistic reasoning. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. -
ENG EK 408: Introduction to Clean energy Generation and Storage Technologies
This course covers a wide variety of modern energy generation and storage technologies. The engineering principles that govern thermomechanical, thermoelectric,photvotaic and elctrochemical energy conversion processes will be discussed along with the challenges of hydrogen storage and hybrid batteries. The consequences of using renewable energy resources such as solar, hydrogen, biomass, geothermal, hydro, and wind versus non-renewable fossil fuels and nuclear resources will also be covered. -
ENG EK 424: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Fundamental laws of thermodynamics and their application to mechanical and chemical processes. Energy, entropy, and kinetic theory. Chemical equilibrium and thermodynamic potentials. Phase transitions and colligative properties. Introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Problems of biomedical interest will be emphasized. 4 cr. -
ENG EK 481: Introduction to Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology encompasses the understanding and manipulation of matter with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers with novel, size-dependent physical properties as a result. This course explores the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of material at the nanoscale and their applications in nano-scale devices. Wave-mechanics and wave optics are reviewed and used to understand confinement and energy quantization. The parallels of confined light, mechanical and electron waves are emphasized in terms of resonator physics, and normal modes, resonances and quality factors are disussed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The different energy dispersion of light and electrons are introduced to relate energy and wavelength. Nano-devices, such as nano-resonators and nano- biosensors, and their applications are discussed. Fabrication using top- down and bottom-up methods are discussed, as well as characterization using scanning probe methods, electron microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques. In the labs, students will build digital microfluidics chips, and synthesize plasmonic nanoparticles and quantum dots. The students will use scattering and spectroscopy to characterize the novel optical properties emerging at the nanoscale. -
ENG EK 497: Undergraduate Part-Time Co-op Experience
Students work part-time, as defined by their employing company, while registering for 8-11 credits. Registration for 12 or more credits requires the written approval of the director. Students registered in ENG EK 497E are assessed a fee upon placement. -
ENG EK 498: Undergraduate Co-op Experience
Students register only upon receiving a cooperative education position. The Cooperative Education Program helps students to integrate classroom theory with actual engineering experience. Under professional supervision, students learn firsthand about the engineering environment by working in a paid, full-time position in a medical or research facility, private business, industry, or governmental agency. Through seminars on topics such as self-assessment, identification of work skills, resumé writing, interview skills, and understanding the corporate world, students learn the broad career skills required to obtain co-op and permanent employment. -
ENG EK 500: Probability with Statistical Applications
A first course in probability, random processes, and statistics for students with a level of mathematical maturity and experience comparable to that normally found in entering graduate students. Sample spaces, probability measures, random variables, expectation, applications of transform methods, stochastic convergence and limit theorems, second order statistics, introduction to random processes, estimation, filtering, and elementary hypothesis testing. May not be taken for credit in addition to ENG EC 381 or ENG ME 308. 4 cr -
ENG EK 501: Mathematical Methods I: Linear Algebra and Complex Analysis
Introduction to basic applied mathematics for science and engineering, emphasizing practical methods and unifying geometrical concepts. Topics include linear algebra for real and complex matrices. Quadratic forms, Lagrange multipliers and elementary properties of the rotation group. Vector differential and integral calculus. Complex function theory, singularities and multi-valued functions, contour integration and series expansions. Fourier and Laplace transforms. Elementary methods for solving ordinary linear differential and systems of differential equations with applications to electrical circuits and mechanical structures. -
ENG EK 546: Assessment of Sustainable Energy Technologies
Critical to launching new energy ventures and implementing new energy policies is developing a broad understanding of how technically feasible the proposed project/technology in meeting the economic, environmental, and end-use requirements. This course will provide students with the background needed to assess the potential for energy efficiency and effectiveness of different technologies, the related economics, as well as identify the key technical risks in emerging technologies. Examples will be drawn from a variety of emerging technologies such as solar photovoltaics, fuel cells, advanced transportation technology, as well as conservation options such as motors, cogeneration, building automation and HVAC. This course will also address evaluating the life cycle implications of emerging technologies, including manufacturing issues, end-of-life, as well as estimating performance. 4cr. 2nd sem.
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