Engineering
Engineering
uses the knowledge provided by science to solve practical,
real-world problems. Because of constraints, which may range
from laws and ethics to costs and environmental impact,
the optimal engineering approach may vastly differ from
the best scientific solution. Engineers need to evaluate
strategies offered by science in the societal context in
which the engineering problem arises; moreover, engineers
must communicate effectively as part of a team.
The 3-2 Engineering
Program is designed to give students both technical knowledge
and a broad grounding in the humanities and social sciences.
In the program, students spend the first three years at
Oberlin and then attend one of the affiliated engineering
schools for two years. At the end of five years, students
receive two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin and
a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the engineering
school. Oberlin's partners for the 3-2 program are Case
Western Reserve University (Cleveland), the California Institute
of Technology (Caltech, Pasadena, California), Washington
University (St. Louis), and the University of Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia).
To ensure fulfillment
of entry requirements at partner engineering schools, students
are encouraged to discuss their interest in the program
as early as possible with Oberlin's engineering advisor,
Taylor Allen, who is trained as a biomedical engineer (specialization
in chemical engineering) and who is an Assistant Professor
of Biology.
Advanced
Placement.
AP credit for the courses listed under Major Requirements,
below, may be granted by the individual departments.
Entry-Level
Course Sequence Suggestions.
It is suggested that first-year students interested in engineering
take a mathematics course (MATH 133, 134, 231, or 234),
as well as either chemistry or physics during their first
year at Oberlin.
Major.
A student may declare 3-2 Engineering as her or his major
at Oberlin and take a schedule which includes the courses
listed below. To be accepted by the engineering school, a
student normally must maintain a grade point average of 3.0
or greater. If a student does not proceed to an engineering
school, she or he must satisfy the requirements for some other
major at Oberlin.
The recommendations
of the three engineering schools differ slightly; however,
it is generally required that a 3-2 engineering student
take the following courses at Oberlin:
Chemistry
101 Structure
and Reactivity
102 Chemical
Principles
For qualified
students, the above two courses may be replaced by:
103 Topics
in General Chemistry
Computer
Science
150 Principles
of Computer Science, unless proficiency in computer programming
is obtained by some other means.
Mathematics
133 Calculus
I
134 Calculus
II
231 Multivariable
Calculus
234 Differential
Equations
Physics
110 Mechanics
and Relativity
111 Electricity,
Magnetism, Optics, Waves
112 Modern
Physics
For some engineering
specialties, such as chemical engineering or biomedical engineering,
additional courses are recommended, as well.
Minor.
There is no minor in engineering.
Graduation Requirements.
Because students
in this program spend only three years at Oberlin, they
must satisfy modified general requirements for the Oberlin
degree:
1. At least
84 credit hours, no more than 63 hours of which may be
in a single division and no more than 42 hours of which
may be in a single department or program.
2. Two Winter
Term credits.
3. At least
four semesters in residence at Oberlin or on Oberlin College
programs, completing not less than 56 hours of College
work. Ordinarily, the last 12 Oberlin credit hours must
be taken while in residence.
4. The following
general requirements more completely specified in the section
"Requirements for Graduation" of the College of Arts and
Sciences:
a.
Writing proficiency;
b.
Quantitative proficiency;
c.
Nine credit hours in each of the three divisions of the
College;
d.
Nine credit hours in courses dealing mainly with cultural
diversity.
Honors.
There is no honors program in engineering.
Other
Programs.
Students interested in engineering may spend four years
at Oberlin, major in an appropriate natural science or
in mathematics, and then work toward a Bachelor of Science
in Engineering degree or an advanced degree at an engineering
school. Please note that generally it is the B.S.E. degree,
not an advanced degree, that is needed for one to become
a licensed professional engineer.
Winter
Term.
Students may arrange engineering internships with companies
during January. In addition, Washington University offers
intensive courses in several engineering fields during January,
and one of these may be taken for Oberlin Winter Term credit.
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