Courses
The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.
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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. Cannot be used for credit towards an engineering degree. -
ENG EK 241: Directed Study
Students may, under the direct supervision of a faculty member, undertake individual study of an engineering topic not covered in a regularly scheduled course. Directed study is primarily for freshmen and sophomores engaged in supervised research projects; juniors and seniors should register for department-specific directed-study courses. -
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 304: no longer offered
no longer offered -
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. -
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. -
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. Cannot be taken for credit in addition to ENG ME 366, CAS MA 381 or CAS MA 581. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. -
ENG EK 406: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture
Manufacturability of high-tech products has grown and excelled in the present digital era due to enormous advances in computation, communication, control, and software. Computer-integrated design and manufacturing (CIM) concepts are first introduced, followed by a heavy emphasis on computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing (CAM), and engineering (CAE) tools. Topics include geometrical tolerancing and specification, transformation and manipulation of objects, description of curves and surfaces, solid modeling, tooling and fixturing, computer numerical-control (CNC) of machine tools, rapid prototyping technologies, optimization of designs, introduction of finite element methods (FEM) and application to stress/strain, deformations, and thermal engineering problems, and testing of parts while incorporating CAD/CAE methods. Projects are selected from a variety of engineering areas. The course includes a lab with extensive use of Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks, plus exposure to COSMOSWorks and COMSOL. -
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 409: Engineering Economy
Analysis of engineering alternatives for replacement. Present worth analysis. Cost control,budgeting, and indirect costs and their allocation. Company startups, stock ownership, and annual reports. Cost optimization, economic life, taxes,inflation, inventories, and depreciation accounting. Contract negotiations,professional ethics, and cost proposal preparation. Evaluation of public projects. -
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. -
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. -
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 505: Introduction to Robotics and Autonomous Systems
This course will provide the foundation for the study of robotics and autonomous systems. Topics to be covered include modeling techniques (kinematics and dynamics) for a variety of robotic systems, ranging from manipulator arms and car-like vehicles to soft robots, an introduction to control and motion planning for such systems, and concepts of sensing and perception. The course will also discuss the basics of machine learning techniques in robotics and the ethical implications of the field as robotics and automation continue their progression into commonplace tools. -
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.
