UB, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

• Course Descriptions

You are here: Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006 > Academic Programs > Engineering And Applied Sciences, School Of

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

410 Bonner Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1900

Phone: 716.645.2774
Fax: 716.645.2495
Web: www.eng.buffalo.edu/

About the Program

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers eight programs leading to the degree of bachelor of science (BS) in engineering: — aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering. These programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Engineering Accreditation Commission
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
111 Market Place, Suite 1050
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-347-7700
Fax: (410)-625-2238
E-mail: accreditation@abet.org
Web: www.abet.org

BA and BS degrees in computer science are offered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and a BS degree in engineering physics is offered jointly with the Department of Physics.

To meet accreditation requirements, engineering programs must demonstrate that graduates can:
(a) Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) Design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
(d) Function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) Understand professional and ethical responsibility
(g) Communicate effectively


In addition, graduates must have:
(h)The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Candidates from secondary schools (high schools) must have completed mathematics through trigonometry, and should have completed physics and other higher-level courses, including computer science. High school grades, class standing, Regents exam scores, and either Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores are considered in the admission process. Incoming freshmen are admitted directly to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences or to departments within the school.

The undergraduate engineering program is intended to provide a solid background in engineering fundamentals and to give students an opportunity for hands-on experience throughout the engineering curriculum. The program provides students with a strong technical foundation, enables them to integrate their engineering education within the broader economic and technological environment, and provide students with a desire for continued learning. The curriculum is designed to provide students with flexibility in their individual programs of study and to foster interaction between students and faculty. The undergraduate educational experience is intended to facilitate placement of graduates in a challenging engineering career or to prepare students for advanced study.

SEAS Mission Statement. The mission of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is to provide effective and high-quality engineering education at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels. Integral to this mission is an infrastructure of expertise and facilities that can support professional engineering education, advanced degree programs and research in important areas of applied science and technology. We will be a leader in forging and maintaining significant, mutually committed partnerships between our faculty and staff and students, alumni, industry, government, and other national and international educational institutions. Our specific mission objectives are to:
(1) Educate students to think critically and creatively, to identify and solve important technological problems, and to practice engineering with technical skill, a high regard for ethical principles and an understanding of economic and environmental realities.
(2) Perform high-quality research that advances applied science or technology while preparing future researchers for industrial, academic, and government positions.
(3) Contribute to interdisciplinary educational and to meet complex technological and societal needs.
(4) Perform high-quality research that advances applied science and technology while preparing future researchers for industrial, academic and government positions.
(5) Provide and coordinate educational, technical, and information services to industry, government, practicing engineers, educators, and the public.
(6) Become a leading catalyst for attracting and increasing the private sector to Western New York and New York State.
(7) Reach out internationally for cooperation in education and research.

Degree Options

The University at Buffalo offers undergraduate study in eight engineering programs leading to the B.S. degree, as well as degree options in computer science leading to a B.A. or B.S. These programs are designed to prepare students to become effective practicing professionals by providing them with solid technical preparation and expertise, exposure to current engineering issues and practice, and the necessary background and training to deal with assignments confidently and professionally.

Acceptance Information

Students are admitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) or directly to a particular engineering major. Students from other colleges and universities are considered for program admission at the time they apply to the engineering school. Acceptance to a program is based on the grade point average (GPA) for all courses completed, GPA in technical courses, and GPA in engineering courses. It is recommended that students have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in each category. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each category in order to remain in good standing. Students following the computer science and computer engineering programs must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to remain in good standing. Failure to maintain the required GPA in any of these categories may result in a student being placed on probation or dismissed from the program. When there is heavy demand for a program, it may be necessary to raise the GPA requirement for that program to accommodate demand.

Course requirements for all engineering programs are similar in the first three semesters. Specific requirements for each degree program are listed in that programs undergraduate catalog entry: aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, engineering physics, environmental, industrial, and mechanical. Course requirements for computer science are listed in that program's undergraduate catalog entry.

General Education. Entering engineering freshman and transfer students must meet the general education requirements of the University at Buffalo. (See General Education section in this catalog). Engineering students must also satisfy ABET requirements relating to depth and breadth in the humanities and social sciences. Information regarding these requirements is available in the Engineering Office of Student Services, 410 Bonner Hall.

Advisement

Students obtain academic advice and guidance either from the senior academic advisors in the Engineering Office of Student Services or the faculty advisors in their program of study. Students not yet admitted to a program are advised by the Office of Student Services.

All students are required to see a program advisor prior to registering for the fall semester in the senior year. At this mandatory advisement, the remaining courses in a student’s program are selected so that general education, engineering design, and other program requirements are satisfied.

To satisfy the requirements for any of the accredited engineering degrees, students must demonstrate a proficiency in design through a major design exercise and through design efforts in several disciplines. Advisors in each department explain these requirements and assist in the selection of appropriate courses.

Academic Requirements

Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall, as well as in technical and engineering courses taken at the University at Buffalo. In addition, the student must satisfy general education and specific program requirements.

Transfer Policy

Admission of transfer students into an engineering program is granted on the basis of previous college academic performance. Student transcripts are evaluated by the Office of the Dean of Engineering. Course content, contact hours, and grades are evaluated to determine acceptance. Courses completed at other universities and colleges are not automatically accepted for credit. GPA minimums for admission may vary from year to year. In general, transfer students should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission to an engineering program.

Notices of acceptance are sent by the university Office of Admissions. Normally, transfer students who have completed an engineering science program at a community college or the first three years of a 3+2 program at a four-year college can expect to enter the third year of an engineering program at the University at Buffalo. Graduates of technology programs receive limited transfer credit and can expect three to four additional years of study at the university to complete the engineering degree requirements.

Practical Experience and Special Opportunities

Students may obtain practical work experience during their program of study.

Internship programs are available in each department. Students typically work at a local company eight to twelve hours per week for a semester and receive academic credit. More information can be obtained from the departmental representative. The Engineering Career Institute (EAS 495) provides career-effectiveness skills during the summer following completion of a students junior year. Work assignments are paid and extend from the first week of June to the first week of August. Additional information regarding the Engineering Career Institute (ECI) may be obtained from the director of ECI, 415 Bonner Hall.

The Cooperative Engineering Educational Program is available through each department to qualified students following the first semester of the junior year. The cooperative program (co-op) typically involves three paid work sessions that extend the time required to complete the degree requirements of the program by an additional semester. Additional information regarding the co-op program is available from the department representative or from the director of the co-op program, 415 Bonner Hall.