Pre-Engineering

Introduction

For students who would like to enter the engineering field but also want a liberal education. Dickinson College offers such an opportunity through two options: the Binary Engineering Program (or 3/2 Program) and preparation for regular admission to an engineering school after completion of the Dickinson degree. Although both of these programs require some planning, the Binary Engineering Program requires careful planning for the three years at Dickinson.

 

Advice to Students New to the Program

Contact Prof. Hans Pfister, Department of Physics and Astronomy (ext. 1413), pfister@dickinson.edu.  Note carefully the requirements for the two options and discuss your program with him.

Binary Engineering (3/2) Program

General

In the Binary Engineering Program, a student completes three years at Dickinson and two years at one of three engineering schools in the Binary Program. At the end of five years, the student receives two B.S. degrees, one from Dickinson and one from the engineering school. The two engineering schools participating in the program are Case Western Reserve University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Requirements for the Program

Requirements of the Engineering schools: The engineering schools require a 3.00 grade point average during the three years at Dickinson and the satisfactory completion of the following courses:

Mathematics: Two years, including Differential and Integral Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, and Differential Equations. (These are satisfied by MATH 161, 162, 261, and 262.)

Physics: One and one-half years of calculus-based Physics, including Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Medical and Radiation Physics. This may be satisfied by taking PHYS 131, 132, and 212.

Chemistry: One year, including States of Matter, Atomic and Molecular Structure, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium and Kinetics, and Chemistry Laboratory. (These are satisfied by CHEM 141, 241.)

Computer Science: One course in the use of computers for numerical analysis. (This is satisfied by COSCI 131.)

Humanities and Social Sciences: Six to twelve courses in the humanities and social sciences, depending on the engineering school. (These are normally satisfied by the regular Dickinson distribution requirements.)

Other science courses: Additional courses in the area of the expected field of engineering.

Requirements for the Dickinson Degree: In addition to the requirements for the engineering school, a student must complete the Dickinson distribution requirements and the major requirements during the three years at Dickinson. Some of these requirements may be satisfied by courses taken at the engineering school, but these courses must be approved before leaving Dickinson. Because the distribution requirements consist of about ten courses, the major consists of ten courses, and some science courses are sequential, the three years at Dickinson require careful planning. Note: A student must begin his/her major in the first year.

Application to Engineering School: During the first semester of the junior year the student applies to one of the participating engineering schools. With a grade point average of 3.00 or higher, the student can expect to be admitted to full standing and be able to complete the requirements for the engineering degree in two years. During spring semester of the junior year, pre-registration for off-campus study for the subsequent two academic years must take place.

Engineering Programs Available: The following engineering programs are available at the participating schools. The schools that offer each program are listed.

Aeronautical Engineering (RPI)

Biomedical Engineering (RPI, Case)

Chemical Engineering (RPI, Case)

Civil Engineering (RPI, Case)

Computer Engineering (Case)

Electric Power Engineering (RPI)

Electrical Engineering (RPI, Case)

Engineering Science (RPI)

Environmental Engineering (RPI)

Fluid and Thermal Sciences (Case)

Management Engineering (RPI)

Mechanical Engineering (RPI, Case)

Metallurgy and Materials Science (RPI, Case)

Nuclear Engineering (RPI)

Polymer Science (Case)

System and Control Engineering (Case)

Suggested Four-Year Program

Physics Major:

First Year       PHYS 131, 132; MATH 161, 162 (or 151, 152)

Second Year   PHYS 211, 212; MATH 261, 262 (or 162, 261)

Third Year      Major courses*; CHEM 141, 241; COSCI 131

Chemistry Major:

First Year       CHEM 141, 241; MATH 161, 162 (or 151, 152)

Second Year   Major courses*; PHYS 131, 132; MATH 261, 262 (or 162, 261)

Third Year      Major courses*; PHYS 212; COSCI 131; (MATH 262)

Computer Science Major:

First Year       COSCI 131, 132; MATH 161, 162 (or 151, 152)

Second Year   Major courses*; PHYS 131, 132; MATH 261, 262 (or 162, 261)

Third Year      Major courses*; PHYS 212; COSCI 131; (MATH 262)

Biology Major:

First Year       BIOL 131, 132; CHEM 141, 241; MATH 161, 162 (or 151, 152)

Second Year   Major courses*; PHYS 131, 132; MATH 261, 262 (or 162, 261)

Third Year      Major courses*; PHYS 212; COSCI 131; (MATH 262)

*The choice of major courses should be made in consultation with the major advisor and the binary engineering director.

Regular Admission to Engineering School

General: A student who does not decide on an engineering career until the senior year, or wishes to attend an engineering school other than those cooperating institutions in the Binary Program, may apply to an engineering school for admission after graduating from Dickinson. Students with a 3.00 or higher grade point average are generally admitted to quality engineering schools. Most students can complete the requirements for an M.S. degree in two years after graduation from Dickinson.

Requirements: Students planning on engineering must satisfactorily complete a science major, preferably in the area of the intended field of engineering. If the major is a science other than physics, course work should include PHYS 131, 132, 212, and probably 213, plus two years of mathematics. Physics majors should include CHEM 141, 241.

Application: Application to the engineering school should be made during the senior year, after consultation with the major advisor about appropriate selection of schools.

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Updated June 21, 2005