engineering sciences areas

Each area within Engineering Sciences offers both common and distinct opportunities for learning and exploration.

To find out more about a particular area, we suggest reading about related faculty and research, consulting with your advisor, or visiting the Academic Office in Pierce 110.

BIOMEDICAL sciences and ENGINEERING

Investigate problems in neuroengineering, biomaterials, biomechanics, and medical instrumentation.

Many courses emphasize lab work, such as exploring the properties of a frog muscle or using computers to model neural networks.

The area provides excellent preparation for medical school or a wide range of other graduate programs.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Learn and master important aspects of the analysis, design, and synthesis of the devices and systems that make possible modern computation, communications, and control.

In Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, more emphasis is placed on understanding hardware and building devices than on software or theory. While developing solid programming skills is necessary, that is not the end goal.

Engineering Physics (A.B. Only)

Explore “the ever more complex” world of quantum phenomena and study, or even manipulate, materials atom by atom.

Rrelevant courses cover multiple areas, including the intersections of applied physics, biology, chemistry, engineering sciences, geophysics, and physics.

The program is Honors Only, requiring 14-16 technical courses, depending on prior preparation. General requirements are for 2 courses in math/applied math, 2 in physics and CS 50. For more details, see the Undergraduate Studies Handbook.

Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Rreceive rigorous training in computer modeling and mathematical, chemical, and biological analysis of natural systems, with cases drawn from aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments.

Mechanical and Materials Sciences and Engineering

Learn about the areas—dynamics, fluids, materials, solids, and thermodynamics—that form the core of mechanical engineering and related engineering fields, such as aerospace and civil engineering, and study mechanical engineering topics such as computer-aided design (CADcad), computer-aided manufacturing (CAcaM), and robotics.