Western Michigan University

Nov 22, 2024

Undergraduate Catalog 2011-12

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Undergraduate Catalog 2011-12 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Anthony J. Vizzini
Dean

Osama Abudayyeh
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs

Edmund Tsang
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Assessment

Sandra F. Blanchard
Director of Undergraduate Advising and Admissions

Fred Sitkins
Director of Cooperative Education

College Vision

A scholarly community dedicated to excellence through student-centered education and research emphasizing professional practice in engineering and applied science.

A scholarly community means we are an academic community of students, faculty, staff, and other constituents who demonstrate scholarship in one or more of its forms known as discovery, integration, application, and teaching.
Dedicated to excellence points out our desire and commitment to top performance in all we do.
Through student-centered education and research emphasizes that our University and our College place the student at the center in two primary areas of education and research, and we intend to achieve excellence through this focus.
Emphasizing professional engineering practice acknowledges and embraces our traditional strength of providing our students with knowledge and experience that enables them to easily transition to the workplace and rapidly become contributing members of their profession.

Mission

To educate our learning community for life-long excellence in responsible professional leadership. Our primary mission is education for the entire learning community which includes students, faculty, staff, and the other constituencies we embrace.
To increase knowledge through collaborative discovery, integration, application, and teaching. Our second mission of knowledge generation can be expressed through the fourfold scholarship model of discovery, integration, application, and teaching.
To serve as a resource and partner to our constituents. Our service mission calls us to be source and sustenance as we support our constituents both on and off campus in win-win partnerships.
To prepare job-ready graduates for the global market. We have consistently scored high in the ability of our graduates to adjust to the workplace and quickly contribute at a high level to their profession. We want to ensure they are prepared to meet the challenges of a global economy.

Academic Units:

Computer Science
Civil and Construction Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging

Programs
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers undergraduate programs in several curricula and majors that prepare graduates for productive careers in a wide variety of fields. Students should refer to the programs listed throughout the College section of this Catalog for specific information relative to the academic program of interest.

The College also offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Paper and Imaging Science and Engineering, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Paper and Imaging Science and Engineering, and in Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students interested in a graduate program should see the WMU Graduate Catalog for more information.

Computer Aided Engineering Center
Dr. Karlis Kaugars, Director

Serving both WMU faculty and students as well as regional business and industry is the Computer Aided Engineering Center. The Center employs state-of-the-art CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) equipment that enhances technical educational programs and provides training for regional industrial personnel.

Academic Advising
Sandra F. Blanchard, Director

A central advising office is maintained for the convenience of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences students. Because prerequisites are strictly enforced and it is essential to follow the program plans that appear in the curricula descriptions, students must contact their academic advisor in the first semester of enrollment at Western Michigan University. Failure to meet with the advisor on a regular basis may result in difficulty receiving requested class schedules and/or in delayed graduation.

Advisors are available to assist in program planning, to recommend electives appropriate to the student’s educational objectives, to discuss employment opportunities, and to help with general academic problems. Transfer credit and all course substitutions must be recommended by the advisor and approved by the appropriate department curriculum committee.

Prerequisites Prerequisites are designed both to increase the probabilities of successful completion of the course and to insure the proper conduct of the course. Therefore, prerequisites will be strictly enforced in all departmental courses. Exceptions must be approved by the department no later than the end of the “add” period of the semester or session.

Credit Hour Definition for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
An undergraduate credit hour is a unit of academic measurement nominally equivalent to 3 hours of work per week on the part of the student. Thus, for a course in which 3 credits are earned, a student can expect to work 9 hours per week (4 credits, 12 hours per week, etc.) in various combinations of lecture hours (50 minutes), laboratory hours, and home study.

Standard of Academic Honesty
All courses offered by the College will be conducted in concert with the high standards of the University as stated in the Student Guide to Academic Honesty. Each student is expected to support these standards by neither giving nor accepting assistance on tests, and by submitting only his or her own work for credit. Violations of the standard of academic honesty will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action may include a failing grade in the course, reassignment of work, dismissal from the curriculum, probation, or dismissal from the University.

Computer Use in College Programs
Most degree programs offered in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences require extensive use of computers. Although Western Michigan University and the College provide adequate computer facilities for student use, many students find it advantageous to have their own laptop computer (students are not required to purchase one). The University maintains special marketing arrangements with several major computer manufacturers and is therefore able to offer substantial discounts to students and faculty for the purchase of micro-computers and software. Interested students may obtain current information about the purchase of computing equipment from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Advising Office (Room E102, CEAS) or from their academic advisor.

Professional and Honorary Societies
The College and each department have student branches of professional and honorary societies whose purpose is to provide opportunities for students to become more directly involved with specific activities in their areas of interest. Students interested in enlarging their understanding of the professional field in which they intend to work are encouraged to participate in one of these societies. Students may obtain further information by contacting their academic advisor or department chair.

A majority of engineering technology and applied science students are involved in one or more of the several professional organizations that have student chapters on campus. Such involvement enhances the “textbook learning” by providing students with opportunities to interact with other students having similar interests, to gain a closer look at the profession they have chosen to enter, and to plan and direct programs and projects.

Scholarships Many scholarships are available to both first-year and upperclass students in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The majority of these scholarships available specifically for students in the College are administered by the individual departments of the College. For the most current and accurate information on each of these many scholarship opportunities, call the individual department office or visit the website of the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at www.wmich.edu/finaid

Engineering Students
Three common characteristics are prevalent among students who are attracted to engineering. All show an interest in problem-solving - not only to know how, but why, something works. Second, engineering students possess a degree of technical aptitude - the ability to think in mathematical and scientific terms - which, third, is coupled with a strong interest in mathematics and the sciences.

Graduates
Undergraduate programs offered by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences prepare graduates for immediately productive careers and for continued professional practice in industry. A survey of graduates indicated WMU engineering alumni held positions of president, vice president, owner, plant manager, chief engineer, senior design engineer, sales manager, lawyer, and doctor.

Students interested in advanced studies in engineering may pursue at WMU a Master of Science in Computer Science, Engineering Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or Paper and Imaging Science and Engineering; or a Master of Science in Engineering in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, the College of Engineering offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Evaluation, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Paper and Imaging Science and Engineering, and in Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Graduation Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Engineering
The baccalaureate programs in engineering are designed to be completed in four consecutive years. A student must meet all the requirements listed in any one of the catalogs in effect during the four-year period immediately prior to the date of graduation.

Graduation Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Students interested in an undergraduate degree in computer science may complete one of two programs and receive either a B.S. in Computer Science or a B.S. in Computer Science, Theory and Analysis. Both programs require a minor in mathematics and can be completed in four consecutive years.

Graduate students interested in computer science may pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science or a Ph.D. in Computer Science.

Students interested in degrees in computer science should read abut the specifics of undergraduate computer science programs elsewhere in this undergraduate catalog or refer to computer science in the graduate catalog.

Professional Registration
Graduates of engineering programs are encouraged to seek professional registration. Eligibility requirements in Michigan are established by the State Board of Professional Engineers. In general, only graduates of EAC/ABET (www.abet.org)accredited engineering programs are eligible to be licensed in Michigan. Students interested in professional registration should consult with their department advisor.

Repeated Courses in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Students in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences may enroll in a course that is required in their curriculum only three times. Any additional enrollments require prior written approval of their department chair. This is consistent with the University Repeated Course Policy as stated elsewhere in this catalog.

Appeal Procedure for Dismissal from a CEAS Program
This procedure applies when a student wants to appeal the decision to dismiss the student from a CEAS program. For a detailed explanation of the process of appeal, see Course Grade and Program Dismissal Appeals in the section entitled Students Rights and Responsibilities in Academic Policies.

Admission To Engineering Programs

Admission to Pre-engineering

All students admitted to the University and planning to pursue one of the following curricula will be enrolled in the Pre-engineering curriculum:

Aeronautical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Paper Engineering

University admission standards are used for enrollment in the Pre-engineering curriculum. Students admitted to the Pre-engineering curriculum should have appropriate academic preparation.

Academic Advising
All students enrolled in the Pre-engineering curriculum will receive academic advising by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Enrollment Restrictions
Pre-engineering students will not be permitted to enroll in any course offered by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the 3000-level or above that is required in any of the engineering curricula.

Pre-engineering Curriculum Requirements Displayed below are the courses required in the Pre-engineering curriculum for all students planning to pursue one of the engineering curricula listed above. See the respective department catalog entry for full degree requirements.

Common Requirements For All Curricula
MATH 1220 or 1700, 1230 or 1710, and 2720 12 hours
CHEM 1100 and 1110 4 hours
General Education AREA I, II, III, IV, or V 6-8 hours

Additional Courses Required By Curricula

Aeronautical Engineering CS 1022 or 1023; ECE 2100; IME 1020; ME 2560; PHYS 2050 and 2060; PHYS 2070 and 2080; and PHYS 3090 or CHEM 1120. See the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering for complete Aeronautical Engineering curriculum requirements.

Chemical Engineering CHEM 1120 and CHEM 1130; CHEG 1010, CHEG 1810, CHEG 2810; IME 1020; and PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060. See the Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging for complete Chemical Engineering curriculum requirements.

Civil Engineering IME 1420; CS 1022 and 1023; IME 1020; ME 2560 and ME 2570; PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060; and PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2080. See the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering for complete Civil Engineering curriculum requirements.

Computer Engineering CS 1110; ECE 2100; ECE 2500; IME 1020; PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060; and PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2080. See the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for complete Computer Engineering curriculum requirements.

Construction Engineering CS 1022 and 1023; IME 1020; IME 2610; ME 2560; ME 2570; PHYS 2050 and 2060; PHYS 2070 and 2080. See the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering for complete Construction Engineering curriculum requirements.

Electrical Engineering CS 1110; ECE 2100; ECE 2500; IME 1020; PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060; PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2080; and PHYS 3090 and 3100 or CHEM 1120 and CHEM 1130 or STAT 3640. See the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for complete Electrical Engineering curriculum requirements.

Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering IME 1020; IME 2050; and PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060. See the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering for complete Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering curriculum requirements.

Manufacturing Engineering CS 1040 or CS 2000; IME 1020; MATH 3740; MFE 1200; PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060; and PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2080. See the Department of Manufacturing Engineering for complete Manufacturing Engineering curriculum requirements.

Mechanical Engineering CS 1022 or 1023; IME 1020; ECE 2100; ME 2320; ME 2560; PHYS 2050 and PHYS 2060; PHYS 2070 and PHYS 2080; and PHYS 3090 and PHYS 3100 OR CHEM 1120 and CHEM 1130. See the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering for complete Mechanical Engineering curriculum requirements.

Paper Engineering CHEG 1810; CHEG 2610; CHEM 1120 and CHEM 1130; IME 1020; PHYS 2050; and PAPR 2040. See the Department of Paper Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Imaging for complete Paper Engineering curriculum requirements.

Admission to an Engineering Curriculum
The student seeking a baccalaureate degree in Aeronautical, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Paper Engineering may apply for formal admission to one of these engineering curricula after successfully completing the pre-engineering curricular requirements. Only students who have demonstrated the potential for success will be admitted to an engineering curriculum.

All students seeking admission to a degree-granting engineering curriculum must submit an application, following procedures established by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Upper level transfer students may complete an application prior to their first semester of enrollment. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences processes admission applications to engineering curricula and makes admission decisions to these programs.
Admission to an engineering curriculum is dependent on successful completion of all required courses or approved alternatives in the Pre-engineering curriculum with no grade less than “C.” Only students in good academic standing as defined by the University are eligible for consideration for admission to an engineering curriculum.
Students in an engineering curriculum will be advised by a faculty advisor from that curricular area.
There are currently no established enrollment limits for admission to engineering curricula.

Off-Campus Degree Programs
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers complete undergraduate (Manufacturing Engineering) and graduate (described in The Graduate Catalog) degree programs off campus.

General Programs General programs in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are designed to meet specific student needs not satisfied by any other curricula in the college.

General College Curriculum
Non-engineering students who have not decided on a particular program in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences may initially enroll in the General College Curriculum.

Written permission of the academic advisor is required to enroll in this curriculum beyond the second year.

Related Academic Programs

Cooperative Education Program

Fred Sitkins, Director

Students enrolled in engineering and related degree curricula may gain experience and knowledge about a professional field of interest by enrolling in the cooperative education program. Additional information may be obtained from the Director in Room E-102 CEAS.

Students on the alternating plan will alternate by semester between campus and industry. While on the job, students can enroll in Cooperative Education course in their disciplines. During their employment periods, Co-op students are paid an appropriate salary by their employer. Single semester internships and parallel co-op work experiences are also available.

Cooperative education students work in such areas as manufacturing, assembly, research, design, quality control, and safety. They may perform tests, prepare engineering drawings, collect and record data, design tools and fixtures, and assist in supervision. The student’s cooperative program is supervised by a college coordinator.

Foundry Program

Any student enrolled in an engineering or related curriculum and interested in a career in the metal casting industry may be admitted into the Foundry Program. While engaged in this special program, the student must also meet the requirements for a B.S. degree offered by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The Foundry Program is designed to allow the student an opportunity to elect various specific interest courses while earning a degree in any standard curriculum.

Foundry Program students must join the student chapter of the American Foundrymen’s Society and register with the Foundry Educational Foundation. Upon reaching the sophomore year, it is recommended that all students apply for the Cooperative Education Program by contacting the Director of Cooperative Education in agreement with many sponsoring industries.

Students following the Foundry Program are eligible to be considered for scholarship awards made available each semester by the Foundry Educational Foundation.