Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Academic Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Academic Catalog THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. LINKS MAY NO LONGER BE ACTIVE AND CONTENT MAY BE OUT OF DATE!

Engineering Major


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Engineering is a 3-2 program in which the student spends three years at Scripps and two years at an engineering school, completing a bachelor’s degree at Scripps and a second one at the engineering school. Both degrees are awarded at the end of five years upon completion of all requirements. An engineering major planning a 3-2 program must petition for participation in the program to the Committee on Academic Review during the fall semester of the junior year. Please refer to Combined Degree Programs section of this catalog.

Learning Outcomes of the Program in 3/2 Engineering

When confronted with an unfamiliar physical system, our students should be able to:

  1. Develop a framework for understanding the system by identifying the key physical principles underlying the system.
  2. Translate the conceptual framework into an appropriate mathematical format.
  3. (a) If the equations are analytically tractable, carry out the analysis of the problem to completion.
    (b) If equations are not tractable, develop a computer code and/or use standard software to numerically simulate the model system.
  4. Analyze and assess the reasonableness of the answers obtained.
  5. Communicate their findings either verbally and/or via written expression.

In a laboratory setting, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a working familiarity with standard laboratory equipment.
  2. Identify and appropriately address the sources of error in their experiment.
  3. Have proficiency with standard methods of data analysis.

Honors Requirements (All Tracks)


To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:

  • Achieve a minimum grade point average of 10.5 in courses in the major.
  • Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
  • Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
  • Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.

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