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College of Engineering
Bahram Nassersharif, Dean
Otto J. Gregory, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Mercedes A. Rivero-Hudec, Associate Dean for Students and Diversity
The mission of URI’s College of Engineering is to provide high quality, undergraduate and graduate engineering programs that prepare students to work in a diverse, global marketplace; to establish and maintain nationally and internationally recognized programs of excellence in research; to provide professional services and outreach that support the college’s constituencies; and to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect for all students, faculty, and staff that allows them to realize their full potential.
Furthermore, as required by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering criteria, graduates receiving baccalaureate degrees in all engineering disciplines will demonstrate:
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, 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.
Engineers from all fields are heavily involved in the solution of technological and socio-technological problems; industry’s needs are for balanced teams of both men and women from different engineering areas. Therefore, the college’s goal is to stimulate our students to become creative, responsible engineers, aware of the social implications of their work, and flexible enough to adjust to the rapid changes taking place in the world and, consequently, in all branches of engineering.
The College of Engineering (COE) offers undergraduate majors in biomedical, chemical, chemical and ocean, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and ocean engineering. In addition, an ocean option is available in mechanical engineering. Because the same fundamental concepts underlie all branches of engineering, the freshman-year courses are quite similar for all curricula, and the choice of a specific branch of engineering may be delayed until the beginning of either the second term or the second year of study. Students electing one of the programs that include ocean options follow the curriculum for chemical or mechanical engineering for two or three years and enroll in several ocean engineering courses in the junior and senior years. All of the engineering curricula are based on an intense study of mathematics and the basic sciences supporting the fundamentals of each engineering discipline. These principles are applied to the understanding and solution of problems of current interest and importance in the field. Each curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge and ability necessary for practice as a professional engineer, or for successful graduate study, which may include law, business administration, or medicine, as well as engineering and science disciplines.
Curriculum Requirements
Entering engineering students who have chosen a specific major should follow the particular program listed in this section. It is recommended that those students who have decided to major in engineering but have not selected a specific program take the following courses: CHM 101 and 102, EGR 105, MTH 141, PHY 203 and 273, and a general education requirement during their first semester. Students who are still undecided about their choice of major after completing the first semester should review their choice of courses for the second semester with their advisor to be certain that they meet the prerequisites for the sophomore year.
Students who are undecided about engineering but wish to keep it open as an option should note that MTH 141, 142; PHY 203, 204 and 273, 274; and a course in chemistry are required for graduation from the College of Engineering, and are prerequisites for many engineering courses. They must be taken before transferring from University College (UC) to the COE.
To transfer from UC to the COE, students must not only complete 24 credits with a quality point average of 2.00 or better, they must also complete all of the required mathematics, science, and engineering courses for the freshman year with a quality point average of 2.00 or better.
To meet graduation requirements, students enrolled in the COE must satisfactorily complete all courses of the curriculum in which they are registered and obtain a quality point average of 2.00 or better in all required science, mathematics, and engineering courses (including professional electives). Students are also required to complete an exit survey at least one semester prior to their anticipated graduation date. At the discretion of the dean, students who do not demonstrate satisfactory progress may be required to leave the COE.
Student Advisement. Engineering students are advised by engineering faculty members. While the student is in UC, the advising takes place at UC; once the student transfers to COE, advising takes place at the departmental level. The office of the Associate Dean of Students provides non-routine advising.
General Education Requirements. Engineering students must meet URI’s general education requirements listed on pages 34-35, except that only three credits are required in the foreign language or culture component. In these courses, students are exposed to and challenged by concepts from the humanities and social sciences to ensure that the social relevance of their engineering activities will never be forgotten. In selecting courses to satisfy these requirements, students should consult with their advisors to be certain that they have met department-specific course requirements. The requirements in mathematics and natural sciences are satisfied by required courses in the engineering curricula.
Computers. The COE’s Computer Center (ECC) is located in the Kirk Building; it has two dual processor SUN Enterprise 450 servers and a Windows 2003 server supporting 85 Pentium-based PCs plus a number of printers and scanners. These and all other departmental computers are linked to each other, and to the Internet, by a 100MB switched Ethernet network. The ECC has three classrooms for instructional use and maintains a wide selection of software to support all undergraduate, general purpose computing needs. Wireless networking is also available within some of the buildings.
The Department of Chemical Engineering has a senior computing room with PCs and a junior computing room, also with PCs. Several specialized software packages such as Aspen and FEMLAB are available on these computers for undergraduate teaching and research. Printers are located in all the computer rooms and a dedicated large-scale plotter is available in the department.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has two computational facilities. The CADD Laboratory contains 22 state-of-the-art computers, two large-format plotters, and several printers; it is also equipped with a direct projection multimedia system. In addition to AutoCAD, other software packages are available in this laboratory including CIVIL, COGO, CONSOL, Darwin, Haestad Methods, HCS, Land Development Desktop, MicroPaver, RSS, PCSTABL, RamSteel, Seep/W, Sewer-CAD, Slope/W, SRWALL, STAADPro, SURVEY, Synchro, TransCAD, TSIS, WaterCAD, ZStress, and others. Modern geomatics and surveying equipment (funded by the Champlin Foundations) including electronic Total Station and GPS for field data acquisition are linked to the CADD lab computers, printers, and plotters for graphic GIS representation and analysis. The senior Capstone Design Project Studio has six computers used by the design teams during the integrated capstone design project.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has three main servers, including a six-processor SUN Ultra Enterprise 3000 with 1.5 GB RAM, a dual processor SUN Ultra Enterprise 450, and a quad-processor SUN SPARC server 450 with combined high-speed disk storage of over 125 GB. These use a fully switched fast-Ethernet network to serve a dual-processor SGI Origin 200, two SGI Indy workstations, over 25 SUN Ultra SPARC and SPARC 5 workstations, 20 X-terminals, and a variety of PCs and Macintoshes. The department also has the ACES Laboratory (Advanced Champlin Foundations-funded Computer Engineering and Science Laboratory) consisting of 25 high-end Dell PCs running Windows NT with high-end data/video projection capabilities. ACES is a joint project with the Department of Computer Science and Statistics.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a computer classroom that includes 25 networked PC workstations, two high-speed laser printers, and a direct projection system for classroom and seminar presentations. Application software includes SolidWorks, Working Model, Matlab, Abaqus, Algor, Excel, FEMLAB, Maple, Engineering Equation Solver, Compact 2-D (CFD) and others. In addition, laboratories in the Mechanical Engineering Department are equipped with a variety of computers for computational modeling studies, high-speed data acquisition and control of mechanical devices.
Minors and Double Majors
Students wanting to obtain strengths in other areas of academic specialization and yet remain in engineering are encouraged to do so by either completing a minor (please refer to p. 36) or double major.
The College of Engineering in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences also offers a five-year International Engineering Program (IEP) in which students earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in a foreign language. The foreign languages currently offered by the IEP are German, French, and Spanish. In addition to their engineering and language-related courses, students spend six months abroad in a professional internship in Europe, Latin America, or the Caribbean. Upon graduation, students are well prepared to compete in the global marketplace. To enroll, an engineering student simply registers and follows the recommended outline of courses for the specific language. In 1992, the IEP was selected as the recipient of the Award for Educational Innovation by ABET, the national Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Cooperative Education Program. Optional for juniors and seniors (with a GPA of at least 2.50) in all engineering departments, the Cooperative Education Program assists students with placements for part-time or full-time work directly related to a student’s field of study. Enrollment information may be obtained from the Dean’s Office, 102 Bliss Hall.
Engineering and M.B.A. Program. This five-year program offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in engineering and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). Students with a GPA of 3.00 or better may enroll during their senior year with successful completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
Accreditation. A national accrediting organization, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), established in 1933 and composed of representatives from technical societies, assures professional standards through periodic evaluations of the programs of the college. (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology may be contacted at: 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 or by phone at 410-347-7700.
Continuous accreditation of URI’s engineering programs by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has been in place since 1936 for the curricula of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, 1954 for chemical engineering, 1957 for industrial engineering, 1992 for computer engineering, 1995 for ocean engineering, and 1989 for the M.S. in manufacturing engineering.
The college is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education.
Graduate Degrees. Graduate study is available in the College of Engineering at the Master of Science and Doctorate (Ph.D.) level. For a listing of advanced degrees, see the “Graduate Programs” section of this catalog.
Biomedical Engineering
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biomedical engineering is offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Specialization in biomedical engineering is also available within the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in electrical engineering.
Coordinator: Professor Ying Sun (Electrical and Computer Engineering). Professors Boudreaux-Bartels, Jackson, Kumaresan, Mardix, Ohley, and Tufts; Assistant Professor Vetter; Adjunct Professor Chiaramida.
Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary area in which engineering techniques are applied to problem solving in the life sciences and medicine. Biomedical engineers design medical instruments for diagnosis and the treatment of various diseases as well as for research in biology. Examples of instruments for diagnosis include electrocardiographs, electroencephalographs, automatic blood analyzers, and medical imaging systems such as X-ray imaging, radio-nuclide imaging, ultrasound imaging, computer-assisted tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Examples of instruments for treatment include radiotherapy machines, pacemakers, cardiac-assist devices, intelligent drug delivery systems, and lasers for surgery. Biomedical engineers develop artificial organs for prosthesis and various computer software and hardware systems to help provide high-quality, cost-effective health care.
Biomedical engineers are employed in the medical instrument industry, where they invent, design, manufacture, sell, and service medical equipment; hospitals, where they evaluate, select, maintain, and provide training for the use of complex medical equipment; and medical and biological research institutes, where they use unique analytical ability and instrumentation skills to conduct advanced research.
URI’s biomedical engineering program combines study in the biological sciences with the areas of engineering that are particularly important for the application of modern technology to medicine. This curriculum is designed to provide students with not only a general background in biomedical engineering but also a special focus on the skills in electrical engineering necessary for developing medical devices. With a few minor elective changes, the program also satisfies the entrance requirements of most medical schools, but students who plan to go on to medical school should consult the premedical advisor and the coordinator of the biomedical engineering program.
For transfer from University College to the College of Engineering in the biomedical engineering program, students must have completed all science, mathematics, and engineering courses required during the first two semesters with a quality point average of 2.00 or better.
Minimum Requirements
The major requires 133-135 credits.
Humanities and Social Sciences (27 credits): see the general education requirements for the College of Engineering. Students should consult with their advisors regarding distribution of credits and approved courses.
Mathematics (17 credits): MTH 141, 142, 243, 362, three credits of an MTH elective (215 or any 300- to 500-level mathematics course except MTH 381).
Basic Sciences (23 credits): CHM 101, 102, 124; PHY 203, 273, 204, 274; BIO 121, 442, 444.
Computer Science (4 credits): CSC 200.
Engineering Sciences and Design (59-61 credits): EGR 105, 106; ELE 201, 202, 205, 207, 212, 215, 282, 313, 314, 322, 342, 343, 382, 400, 482, 488, 489; two engineering electives (chosen from CHE 333, 347, 547; CVE 220, 374; ELE 331, 423; IME 404, 411, 412; MCE 323, 341, 354); two electrical engineering design electives (chosen from ELE 401, 405, 408, 427, 432, 436, 437, 444, 447, 457, 458).
Free Elective: 3 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ECN 201 (3), EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), and BIO 121 (4).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 18 credits
CHM 124 (3), CSC 200 (4), ELE 201 (3), 202 (1), 282 (1), MTH 362 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ELE 207 (3), 212 (3), 215 (2), MTH 243 (3), and general education requirements (6).
Junior YearFirst semester: 18 credits
ELE 205 (3), 313 (3), 342 (4), 382 (1), BIO 442 (3), 444 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ELE 314 (3), 322 (3), 343 (4), 482 (1), engineering elective1 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Senior YearFirst semester: 16-17 credits
ELE 488 (4), electrical engineering design elective2 (3-4), engineering elective1 (3), mathematics elective3 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 14-15 credits
ELE 400 (1), 489 (4), electrical engineering design elective2 (3-4), free elective (3), and general education requirement (3).
Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in chemical engineering that is accredited by ABET.4 In cooperation with the Department of Ocean Engineering, the department offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in chemical and ocean engineering (unaccredited). The department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Faculty: Professor S. Barnett, chairman. Professors Bose, R. Brown, Gregory, Knickle, and Lucia; Associate Professors Gray, Greenfield, and Rivero-Hudec; Associate Research Professors Crisman and Park; Adjunct Assistant Professor Trottier; Professors Emeritus Rockett, and Rose.
Department Mission Statement and Program Objectives. Consistent with missions of the University and the College of Engineering, URI’s Department of Chemical Engineering seeks to prepare students to practice professionally in the fields of chemical engineering through the provision of high quality undergraduate and graduate educational programs, to provide an environment for satisfying faculty career development, and to maintain a world-renowned scholarly research program.
URI’s Chemical Engineering program is more than just a collection of courses and credit hours whose content reflects the required criteria. The program has also been carefully designed to prepare students for the profession of chemical engineering through study, experience and practice. Through eight specific program goals, the Department of Chemical Engineering at URI seeks to:
1) provide the necessary background in science, particularly in chemistry and in physics and advanced mathematics through the study of differential equations so that students will be able to continue their education in the engineering sciences, with depth of understanding, and learn to apply these subjects to the formulation and solution of engineering problems;
2) provide a broad cross section of fundamental engineering science courses, including some from other engineering disciplines so that our students will acquire an understanding of the way in which chemistry, physics and mathematics have been and continue to be used to solve important engineering problems relevant to the general chemical engineering and engineering design;
3) provide students experience in conducting and planning experiments in the modern engineering laboratory including interfacing experiments with computers as well as interpreting the significance of resulting data and properly reporting results in well-written technical reports;
4) provide experience in the process of original chemical engineering design in the areas of equipment design, process design, and plant design through the process of formulating a design solution to a perceived need and then executing the design and evaluating its performance, including economic considerations and societal impacts if any, along with other related constraints, culminating in both written and oral presentations of results;
5) provide students experience with the multifaceted aspects of using computers to solve problems and present results with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and professional-level applications software used for design and analysis and to provide for obtaining and the use of information on the World Wide Web;
6) provide students a familiarity with professional issues in chemical engineering including: ethics, issues related to the global economy and to emerging technologies, and fostering of important job-related skills such as improved oral and written communications and experience in working in teams at a number of levels;
7) encourage students to become actively engaged in the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and other student organizations, and to continue these associations after graduation with an emphasis on the importance of lifelong professional development including the desirability of attending graduate school or otherwise obtaining continuing or advanced education; and
8) make available continuous individual advising throughout the entire undergraduate educational experience to insure that each student makes the most of the educational opportunities provided by URI, particularly those related to general education electives that might enhance an engineering education, and special programs such as internships, cooperative experience and especially the International Engineering Programs in German, French and Spanish which are a unique opportunity available to globally motivated URI engineering students.
The chemical engineer is concerned with the application and control of processes leading to changes in composition. These processes are most frequently associated with the production of useful products (chemicals, fuels, metals, foods, pharmaceuticals, paper, plastics, and the like), but also include such seemingly unrelated matters as removal of toxic components from the blood by an artificial kidney, environmental cleanup, and semiconductor processing. The chemical engineer’s domain includes more efficient production and use of energy, processing of wastes, and protection of the environment.
Chemical engineers have a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and basic engineering. Chemical engineering courses include the use of digital computers, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, mass transfer operations, metallurgy, materials engineering, process dynamics and control, kinetics, and plant design. The student has the opportunity to operate small-scale equipment to determine efficiencies and operating characteristics, and to visit local industry. Intensive work in the solution of complex problems is given in which economics and optimization of engineering design are emphasized.
A chemical engineer with a background in both chemistry and engineering can apply knowledge of research and development, design, production, and manufacturing not only to the areas listed above, but to many others such as textiles, dyes, petroleum, ceramics, paint, and rubber, as well as biomedical, biochemical, ocean, space, nuclear energy, and environmental problems and processes. About 25 percent of graduates work in each of the following areas: chemical/energy, environment/ocean, biotechnology/pharmaceutics, and materials. While pursuing their undergraduate degrees, many are employed by the department’s Pollution Prevention, Thin Film and Interfacial Research, and Process Engineering Centers on projects with industry.
The major requires 131-133 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 1015 (3), 1025 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), PHY 273 (1), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CHM 1125 (3), 1145 (1), EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), and ECN 201 (3).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 15-16 credits
CHE 212 (3), CHM 291 (4) or CHM 227 (3), MTH 243 (3), and general education requirements6 (6).
Second semester: 15-16 credits
CHE 272 (3), 313 (3), 332 (3), CHM 292 (4), BCH 311 (3), or an approved advanced chemistry course (3), and MTH 244 or 362 (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 17 credits
CHE 314 (3), 347 (3), CHM 431 (3), 335 (2), approved mathematics elective (3), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CHE 322 (2), 348 (3), 464 (3), CHM 432 or approved department elective7 (3), and general education requirements6 (6).
Senior YearFirst semester: 17 credits
CHE 328 (1), 345 [capstone] (2), 349 (2), 351 [capstone] (3), 425 (3), and approved professional elective (3), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CHE 346 [capstone] (2), 352 [capstone] (3), one 3-credit approved professional elective (3), CVE 220 or an approved professional elective (3), ELE 220 (3), and general education requirement6 (3).
Chemical and Ocean Engineering. Students enrolled in this curriculum follow the program of study for chemical engineering during their freshman, sophomore, and junior years. The senior year curriculum follows.
The major requires 134-136 credits.
Senior YearFirst semester: 18 credits
CHE 328 (1), 349 (2), 351 [capstone] (3), 403 [capstone] (3), 464 (3), ELE 220 (3), and approved professional elective (3).
Second semester: 19 credits
CHE 352 [capstone] (3), 404 [capstone] (3), 534 (3), OCE 311 (4), and general education requirements6 (6).
Chemical Engineering Biology Track
The Department of Chemical Engineering has introduced a new biology track into its curriculum. The primary motivation is to respond to advances in our understanding of biological processes at the molecular and macroscopic levels, and to develop the unique opportunity for chemical engineers to translate that understanding to useful processes. Students opting for this track will take a series of five courses in the Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology departments. The new curriculum is founded on the core principles of transport phenomena and unit operations, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics. The application of the chemical engineering paradigm to biology will enable graduates to develop new molecular biology tools; drug delivery systems; artificial skin, organs, and tissues; sensors; and alternative fuels and to integrate new bio-products into existing materials. Besides preparing students for the biotechnology industry, this combination of biology, chemical engineering, and chemistry courses is relevant to those considering graduate or medical school.
This track in the chemical engineering major requires 136-139 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 1015 (3), 1025 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), PHY 273 (1), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
BIO 101 (3), CHM 1125 (3), 1145 (1), EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), and general education requirement6 (3).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 18-20 credits
BIO 102 (3) or 121 (4), CHE 212 (3), CHM 291 (4) or CHM 227 (3), MTH 243 (3), and general education requirements6 (6).
Second semester: 15-16 credits
CHE 272 (3); 313 (3); 332 (3); BCH 311* (3), CHM 228* (3), or CHM 292 (4); and MTH 244 (3) or 362 (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 17 credits
CHE 314 (3), 347 (3), MIC 211 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CHE 348 (3), 464 (3), BCH 312 (2) or CHM 226* (2), BIO 341 (3), approved mathematics elective (3), and general education requirement6 (3).
Senior YearFirst semester: 17 credits
CHE 328 (1), 345 [capstone] (2), 349 (2), 351 [capstone] (3), 425 (3), approved professional elective (3), and general education requirement6 (3).
Second semester: 20 credits
CHE 346 [capstone] (2), 352 [capstone] (3), BIO 352 or 437 (3), CVE 220 or an approved professional elective (3), ELE 220 (3), and general education requirements6 (6).
*It is recommended that premedical students take BCH 311, CHM 228, and CHM 226.
Chemical and Ocean Engineering
See Chemical Engineering.
Civil Engineering
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in civil engineering. The department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in civil and environmental engineering. The Bachelor of Science program in civil engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Faculty: Professor Veyera, chairperson. Professors Lee, Tsiatas, and Distinguished Engineering Professor R. Wright; Associate Professors Karamanlidis and Thiem; Assistant Professors Baxter, Gindy, Hunter, and Thomas; Adjunct Professors Harr and T. Wright; Adjunct Associate Professors Apostal, Mogawer, and O’Neill; Adjunct Assistant Professors Badorek, Franco, George, and Osborn; Professors Emeriti McEwen, Moultrop, Poon, and Urish.
Department Mission Statement. Consistent with the missions of the University of Rhode Island and the College of Engineering, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering seeks to: prepare students to practice professionally in the national and international marketplace in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering through the provision of high quality undergraduate and graduate educational programs and research opportunities; provide an environment that encourages and supports faculty career development and professional/community service; actively promote diversity; and maintain a nationally recognized research program.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) Program Mission Statement. Consistent with the mission of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the BSCE Program will prepare graduates for successful careers, advanced studies at the graduate level, and lifelong learning based upon a solid foundation of technical ability, high standards of professional ethics, and strong communication skills.
BSCE Program Educational Objectives. URI’s Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering will prepare graduates for successful careers and advanced graduate studies based upon a solid foundation of technical ability, high standards of professional ethics, and strong communications skills. The program has a number of objectives. Graduates with the B.S. degree in civil engineering will have:
1) an appropriate fundamental understanding of mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and other basic sciences;
2) basic computer skills consistent with applications to civil engineering problem solving;
3) basic engineering knowledge across a range of subjects including mechanics, mechanics of materials, engineering construction materials, statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and CADD;
4) an understanding of basic economics, together with approaches to economics based decision-making;
5) a working knowledge of probability and statistics as applied to civil engineering problems;
6) basic technical proficiency in at least four of the recognized civil engineering focus areas;
7) an understanding of the intra-disciplinary approach in civil engineering problem-solving and design at the design project level through an integrated capstone design project experience;
8) experience with individual and team based approaches to civil engineering problem solving in the classroom, laboratory, and through an integrated capstone design project experience;
9) practical and hands-on laboratory experience solving civil engineering problems involving measuring physical phenomena and interpreting results;
10) an understanding of ethics of engineering activities, professional standards and responsibilities, the relationships between engineering and society in general, and the necessity for lifelong learning;
11) well-developed written communication skills, and experience with oral communications both individually and on teams;
12) a broad understanding and global perspective of society in general by exposure to fine arts, literature, letters, foreign language or culture, social science, and English communication; and
13) an opportunity to obtain membership in and become active in the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and participate in service activities related to the local community and the civil engineering professional society.
Civil engineers are responsible for researching, developing, planning, designing, constructing, and managing many of the complex systems and facilities essential to modern civilization. These include: environmental engineering systems; water supply and pollution control systems; all types of transportation systems, from pipelines to city streets; structural systems from residential buildings to city skyscrapers, power plants, and offshore platforms; and all types of geotechnical systems from foundations to dams. Civil engineers play important roles in planning and administration with government agencies at all levels, especially those dealing with public works, transportation, environmental control, water supply, and energy.
The curriculum provides students with an excellent background to pursue graduate study or to enter directly into professional practice in industry or government after graduation. The first year is devoted largely to courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering science common to all engineering curriculums. During the sophomore year, students take five courses in civil engineering including CADD, Geomatics, Mechanics of Materials and two laboratories. In their last two years, students develop a proficiency in environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. They can also meet their own professional goals through the selection of professional electives in these areas as well as construction management. Professional electives are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor to satisfy ABET accreditation requirements.
The major requires 129 credits.
Freshman Year First semester: 16 credits
CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), ECN 201 (3) (S), and general education requirement (3).
Sophomore Year First semester: 15 credits
CVE 240 (2), 241 (1), 250 (3), MCE 262 (3), MTH 243 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CVE 220 (3), 221 (1), GEO 103 (4), MCE 263 (3), MTH 244 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Junior Year First semester: 18 credits
CVE 346 (3), 354 (3), 355 (1), 374 (3), 375 (1), 381 (3), 382 (1), and MCE 354 (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
CVE 370 (3), 371 (1), 347 (3), 348 (1), STA 409 (3), general education requirement (3), and one 3-credit professional elective (list of professional electives follows).
Senior YearFirst semester: 15 credits
CVE 465 (3), 466 (1), 497 [capstone] (2), general education requirements (6), and one 3-credit professional elective (list of professional electives follows).
Second semester: 15 credits
CVE 483 (3), 498 [capstone] (3), free elective (3), general education requirement (3), and one 3-credit professional elective (list of professional electives follows).
Professional Electives. Three of the nine credits of required professional electives must be selected from the following courses: CVE 470, 471, 475, 478. The remaining six credits are to be selected from the list in the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook. It is recommended that students consider selecting from the Civil Engineering professional elective courses to satisfy the free elective requirement.
General Education Courses. Civil engineering students, in conjunction with their advisor, select their general education courses in accordance with University and College of Engineering approved courses.
Computer Engineering
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in computer engineering is offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Specialization in computer engineering is also available within the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in electrical engineering.
Coordinator: Professor Lo (Electrical and Computer Engineering). Professors Ohley, Ying Sun, Tufts, and Qing Yang; Assistant Professor Sendag; Advance Assistant Professor Yan Sun; Professor-in-Residence Uht.
To transfer from University College to the College of Engineering’s computer engineering program, students must have completed all science, mathematics, and engineering courses required during the first two semesters with a quality point average of 2.00 or better.
Minimum Requirements
Humanities and Social Sciences (27 credits): see the general education requirements for the College of Engineering. Students should consult their advisors regarding distribution of credits and approved courses. (ECN 201 is included in the 27-credit total.)
Mathematics (20 credits): MTH 141, 142, 243, 362, 447, 451 (or IME 411).
Basic Sciences (12 credits): CHM 101, 102; PHY 203, 273, 204, 274.
Computer Science (at least 12 credits): CSC 211, 212, 412, and CE electives.
Engineering Sciences and Design (42 credits): ELE 201, 202, 208, 212, 215, 305, 306, 313, 342, 400, 405, 408, 437. 480, 481.
Computer Engineering Elective (9-12 credits): From the following courses: Any ELE 300- to 400-level course not otherwise required by the major, any ELE 500-level course with petition, and CSC 301, 305, 402, 406, 415, 436, and 481.
Free Elective (3 credits): Any course may be used as a free elective.
College of Engineering (3 credits): EGR 105, 106.
The major requires 128-131 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
MTH 141 (4), CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), EGR 105 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
ELE 208 (3), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), ECN 201 (3), and EGR 106 (2).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 17 credits
ELE 201 (3), 202 (1), MTH 362 (3), CSC 211 (4), and general education requirements (6).
Second semester: 15 credits
ELE 212 (3), 215 (2), MTH 243 (3), CSC 212 (4), and general education requirement (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 16 credits
ELE 305 (3), 313 (3), 342 (4), MTH 451 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ELE 306 (4), MTH/CSC 447 (3), CSC 412 (4), and general education requirements (6).
Senior Year: (31-34 credits)
ELE 400 (1), 405 (4), 408 (4), 437 (3), 480 (2), 481 (2), computer engineering elective 9 (9-12), free elective (3), and general education requirement (3).
Electrical Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Faculty: Professor Boudreaux-Bartels, chairperson. Professors Daly, Fischer, Jackson, Kay, Kumaresan, Lo, Mardix, Mitra, Ohley, Sun, Sunak, Swaszek, Tufts, Vaccaro, and Q. Yang; Assistant Professors Sendag and Vetter; Advance Assistant Professor Yan Sun; Professor-in-Residence Uht; Adjunct Professors Banerjee, Cooley, Middleton, and Turtle; Adjunct Assistant Professors Davis and Sepe; Professors Emeriti Haas, Lengyel, Lindgren, Sadasiv, and Spence.
The objectives of URI’s electrical engineering program are to produce graduates who can practice electrical engineering in service to state and regional industries, government agencies, and national and international industries; give our students the necessary background and technical skills to work professionally in analog electronics, digital electronics, communication systems, computer-based systems, and/or control systems; prepare them for personal and professional success with awareness and commitment to their ethical and social responsibilities, as individuals and in team environments; and to prepare graduates for success in advanced degree programs such as engineering, science, or business.
Since electrical instrumentation is at the heart of modern science and technology, electrical engineers are not only employed in the computer, electronics, communications, and power industries, but may also be found in diverse enterprises such as transportation, the chemical industry, large hospitals, and government laboratories.
The curriculum emphasizes the scientific basis of electrical engineering and the application of mathematical analysis to engineering problems. Work is required in network and systems theory, atomic physics and solid state, electromagnetic theory, and electronics. Creative use of scientific principles in problems of engineering design is stressed, particularly in the senior year. The development of computer hardware and software is a part of many electrical engineering courses.
Extensive laboratory work serves to bridge the gap between mathematical analysis and the real world of “hardware.” Separate undergraduate laboratories are available for electrical measurements, electronics, pulse and digital circuits, microprocessors, control systems, optics, and electronic materials.
Electrical engineering students should note that the four-year electrical engineering curriculum allows for three credits of completely free electives that do not have to satisfy any of the general education requirements. Although the natural science requirement will be satisfied automatically by courses specified in the electrical engineering curriculum, it is recommended that students take some additional courses in mathematics or physics for which the prerequisites have been satisfied.
To transfer from University College to the College of Engineering’s electrical engineering program, students must have completed all science, mathematics, and engineering courses required during the first two semesters with a quality point average of 2.00 or better.
Minimum Requirements
Humanities and Social Sciences (27 credits): see the general education requirements for the University. Two courses in English Communication (C,Cw) (at least one writing course), two courses in Fine Arts and Literature (A), two courses in Letters (L), two courses in Social Sciences (S) (one is ECN 201), one course in Foreign Language or Culture (F).
Mathematics (14-17 credits): MTH 141, 142, 243, 362, 451.
Basic Sciences (19 credits): CHM 101, 102; PHY 203, 273, 204, 274, 205, 275, 306.
Computer Science (4 credits): CSC 200.
Technical Elective (3-4 credits): Chosen from ELE 305, 325, IME 404, 412, MTH 215, 244, or any 300- to 500-level mathematics course except MTH 381, or an additional electrical engineering design elective.
Engineering Sciences and Design (58-63 credits): EGR 105, 106; ELE 201, 202, 205, 212, 215, 306, 313, 314, 322, 331, 342, 343, 400, 480, 481; IME 411, four electrical engineering design electives (chosen from ELE 401, 405, 408, 423, 427, 432, 436, 437, 444, 447, 457, 458, 488, 489; two of these courses must be chosen from ELE 405, 408, 427, 436, 444, 447, 458, or 489).
Free Elective: (3 credits): Any course may be used as a free elective.
The major requires 131-134 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
EGR 105 (1), CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
EGR 106 (2), ECN 201 (3), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), and CSC 200 (4).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 17 credits
MTH 362 (3), PHY 205 (3), 275 (1), ELE 201 (3), 202 (1), and general education requirements (6).
Second semester: 17 credits
ELE 205 (3), 212 (3), 215 (2), MTH 243 (3), PHY 306 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 16 credits
ELE 313 (3), 331 (3), 342 (4), MTH 451 (3) or IME 411 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ELE 306 (4), 314 (3), 322 (3), 343 (4), and general education requirement (3).
Senior Year9Total credits for two semesters: 31-34
ELE 400 (1), technical elective10 (3-4), general education requirements (6), free elective (3), and four electrical engineering design electives11 (14-16).
Industrial Engineering
The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering offers an ABET-accredited curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in industrial engineering. The department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in manufacturing engineering, which is ABET-accredited, and the Doctor of Philosphy (Ph.D.) in industrial and manufacturing engineering.
Faculty: Professor Sodhi, chairperson. Professors Dewhurst and Knight; Associate Professors Shao and J. Wang; Assistant Professor Maier-Speredelozzi; Adjunct Associate Professor Jones.
Program Mission Statement and Educational Objectives. Consistent with the mission of the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, URI’s B.S. program in industrial engineering will prepare students for a successful career in any field that requires a foundation of technical ability, high ethical standards, and good communication skills. Graduates of this department are well prepared to pursue careers in service and manufacturing engineering, areas that are becoming increasingly important in efforts to improve productivity in the United States. The curriculum also provides an excellent background for further formal study at an advanced level. Graduates from the B.S. program will have:
1) appropriate fundamental understanding of mathematics, physics, chemistry and other basic sciences;
2) basic computer skills consistent with application to industrial engineering problem solving;
3) basic engineering knowledge across a range of subjects including mechanics, materials, thermodynamics and electrical circuits;
4) understanding of basic economics and accounting, together with approaches to economics based decision-making;
5) thorough grounding in probability and statistics as applied to industrial engineering problems;
6) practice in designing, developing, and analyzing integrated systems that involve people, materials, equipment and energy;
7) knowledge of basic manufacturing processes and the relationship between product design and manufacturing efficiency;
8) advanced knowledge in student-selected topics in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and other related disciplines;
9) experience with individual and team-based engineering problem solving;
10) practical and hands-on experience solving engineering problems involving measuring physical phenomena and interpreting results;
11) understanding of ethics of engineering activities;
12) understanding of the relationships between engineering and society in general;
13) understanding of the necessity for lifelong learning;
14) well-developed written communication skills and experiences of oral communications both individually and in groups; and
15) broad understanding of society in general by exposure to fine arts, literature, history, philosophy, social science, and foreign cultures.
Program Curriculum. The industrial and manufacturing engineering curriculum is designed to provide significant strength in mathematics, basic science, and engineering science, together with a carefully coordinated set of courses of particular importance to the professional industrial or manufacturing engineer. Mathematical modeling of production systems and fundamental treatments of important manufacturing processes and assembly are included. Robotics, computer-aided manufacturing, and product design for manufacturability and assembly are areas that receive considerable attention.
The major requires 129 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
ECN 201 (3), EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 16 credits
ECN 202 (3), IME 240 (3), 241 (1), 325 (3), MCE 262 (3), MTH 243 (3).
Second semester: 18 credits
CVE 220 (3), ELE 220 (3), IME 220 (3), MCE 263 (3), MTH 362 (3), and basic science elective12 (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 18 credits
CHE 333 (3), IME 404 (3), 411 (3), 432 (3), and MCE 341 (3), and free elective (3).
Second semester: 15 credits
ACC 201 or 321 (3), IME 412 (3), 433 (3), 392 (3), and EGR 316 (3).
Senior YearFirst semester: 15 credits
IME 451 (3), 449 (3), professional elective (3), and general education requirements (6).
Second semester: 15 credits
IME 452 (3), professional electives (6), and general education requirements (6).
General education (indicated in several places above) refers to the electives in the University’s general education program, required in all curriculums leading to a bachelor’s degree.
Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics offers a curriculum leading to the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering and, in cooperation with the Department of Ocean Engineering, a curriculum leading to the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering with an ocean engineering option. The B.S. degree in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The department also offers the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics.
Faculty: Professor Shukla, chairperson. Professors Datseris, Faghri, Ghonem, Jouaneh, T. Kim, Lessmann, Palm, Sadd, Taggart, and Zhang; Assistant Professors Chelidze, Meyer, and Rousseau; Adjunct Associate Professor Tucker; Adjunct Assistant Professor Gomez.
Department Mission and Program Objectives. URI’s Mechanical Engineering department fully follows the college’s mission statement. The University’s mechanical engineering program is more than just a collection of courses and credit hours; it has been carefully designed to prepare students for the profession of mechanical engineering through study, experience and practice. Although strong educational objectives existed in the program for many years, the department recently carefully reviewed and redeveloped its objectives. URI’s mechanical engineering program is structured to:
1) provide the necessary background in science, particularly in physics and chemistry, and in advanced mathematics so that students will be able to successfully pursue and complete their education with a depth of understanding to allow for proper formulation and solution of engineering problems;
2) provide a broad cross section of fundamental engineering science education from several other engineering disciplines, so that students will acquire an understanding of the way in which science and math are used to solve engineering problems relevant to not only mechanical but other engineering fields;
3) develop competency in conducting and in planning experiments in the engineering laboratory including interfacing experiments with computers as well as interpreting the significance of resulting data and properly reporting results in well written technical reports;
4) provide design experience in the two core areas of mechanical systems and thermal systems by formulating a design solution to a perceived need, executing the design and evaluating its performance, possibly including manufacturing, economic and societal impact considerations, and culminating in effective communication of results;
5) develop competency in the use of computers to solve design and analysis problems, and to effectively present results using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
6) provide a broad educational experience which will allow students to understand the impact and interaction of engineering activities within the local and global society, including business, economic, ethical and societal issues.
7) initiate and encourage professional development and other job-related skills through activities including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and other student organizations, University Career Services programs, and working in teams; and emphasize the importance of continuous lifelong professional development including graduate school and/or other post-baccalaureate education;
8) furnish individual advising to insure that each student makes the most of the University’s educational opportunities, particularly those related to general education electives, special internship/cooperative work experience programs, and especially our unique International Engineering Programs; and
9) provide an understanding and appreciation of diversity, and maintain an educational environment of mutual respect that will allow students of varying background, gender, race and culture to perform to the best of their abilities, prepared to work in a diverse and global marketplace.
The curriculum provides a thorough and well-rounded foundation in basic science, mathematics, engineering science, and general education to prepare the graduate for a professional engineering career. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for graduate school. The program is strong in providing a background in design, solid and fluid mechanics, systems engineering, and the thermal sciences, including energy and energy transfer. Computer applications are stressed throughout the curriculum. All undergraduates are invited and encouraged to join the student section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which sponsors industrial plant visits, special lectures, and other activities. Students may also join chapters of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Society for Experimental Mechanics.
The work in the first two years consists of basic courses in science (math, physics, chemistry), applied science (mechanics, electricity and magnetism, basic computer literacy and computer-aided problem solving), and general education requirements (humanities, social sciences, English communication). A pair of introductory engineering courses are included in the freshman year.
The junior year concentrates on fundamental courses in mechanical engineering (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, systems engineering, engineering analysis), materials sciences, and design of machines. Further general education studies are also covered.
The senior year in mechanical engineering includes heat transfer, manufacturing processes, mechanical systems design, thermal systems design, and a wide variety of professional electives such as mechanical control systems, advanced fluid mechanics, advanced mechanics of materials, microprocessor applications, internal combustion engines, alternate energy systems including solar and wind energy, power plants, air conditioning, heating and ventilation, vibrations, finite element method, and experimental stress analysis. The program also includes three laboratory courses in the junior and senior years, which introduce experimental techniques and provide practical experience with the engineering phenomena covered in the classroom.
Computer techniques are integrated throughout the curriculum. Computational facilities including personal computers and workstations are available in the College of Engineering’s Computer Center and the University’s Office of Information Services. The department’s computer classroom provides state-of-the-art hardware and software for simulation, design, and product development.
To receive the Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, the student must satisfactorily complete all the courses in the following curriculum, which requires 129 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), and a general education requirement (3)18.
Second semester: 16 credits
ECN 201 (3), EGR 106 (2), MTH 142 (4), PHY 204 (3), 274 (1) and a general education requirement (3)18.
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 16 credits
MCE 201 (3), 262 (3), MTH 243 (3), PHY 205 (3), 275 (1), and general education requirement (3).
Second semester: 15 credits
CVE 220 (3), ELE 220 (3), MCE 263 (3), MTH 244 (3), and general education requirement (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 15 credits
EGR 316 (3), CHE 333 (3), MCE 301 (3), 341 (3), and 372 (3).
Second semester: 18 credits
MCE 302 (3), 313 (3), 354 (3), 366 (3), and general education requirements (6).
Senior YearFirst semester: 18 credits
IME 340 (3), MCE 401 [capstone] (3), 414 (3), 448 (3), and professional electives13 (6).
Second semester: 15 credits
MCE 402 [capstone] (3), professional electives13 (6), free elective (3), and general education requirement (3).
Mechanical Engineering with an Ocean Engineering Option. Students enrolled in this curriculum follow the mechanical engineering program above for their freshman and sophomore years, and then the following curriculum. This major requires 130 credits.
Junior YearFirst semester: 15 credits
CHE 333 (3), MCE 301 (3), 341 (3), 354 (3), and 372 (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
MCE 302 (3), 366 (3), OCE 307 (3), 311 (4), and OCG 451 (3).
Senior YearFirst semester: 18 credits
IME 340 (3), MCE 401 [capstone] (3), 448 (3), ocean engineering elective14 (3), and general education requirements (6).
Second semester: 18 credits
MCE 402 [capstone] (3), OCE 471 (3), professional elective15 (3), free elective (3), and general education requirements (6).
Ocean Engineering
The Department of Ocean Engineering offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in ocean engineering; this program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and is open to qualified students under the New England Regional Student Program. URI’s Department of Ocean Engineering is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the leaders in ocean engineering, and also offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Faculty: Professor Grilli, chairperson. Professors Hu, Miller, Spaulding, Stepanishen, and Tyce; Associate Professor Moran; Assistant Professor Baxter; Research Professor Silva; Adjunct Professors Shonting and Sullivan; Adjunct Associate Professor Uhlman; Adjunct Assistant Professor Vincent; Professors Emeriti Kowalski, Middleton, and Sheets.
Department Mission StatementandEducational Objectives. The Department of Ocean Engineering’s missions are to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare our students for professional careers in ocean engineering in industry, academia, and government; to develop and maintain internationally recognized research programs in selected areas of ocean engineering; to actively serve the profession and community in our areas of expertise; and to provide a challenging work and learning environment where diversity, community, scholarship, professional development, and excellence are valued and rewarded.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong base in fundamental sciences, mathematics, and engineering; a broad base in ocean engineering; opportunities for the integration of theory, experimentation, and design; appreciation of ethical, social and environmental issues in the practice of the profession; and strong oral and written communication skills. The educational goals for the B.S. program—developed in consultation with the department’s advisory board, alumni, graduate employers, and students—are to provide:
1) appropriate fundamental understanding of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and other basic sciences;
2) computer skills appropriate to ocean engineering problem solving, design, and data collection and analysis systems;
3) basic engineering knowledge across a range of subjects including mechanics, dynamics, materials, and electrical circuits;
4) understanding of fundamental probability and statistics as applied to ocean engineering problems;
5) understanding and use of ocean instrumentation;
6) practice in the design, execution and analysis of laboratory and field experiments;
7) knowledge of advanced applied mathematics;
8) knowledge of wave dynamics and forces;
9) understanding of marine geomechanics, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, oceanography and underwater acoustics;
10) understanding of ocean engineering design including sonars, marine structures, and ocean data collection systems;
11) experience in design of an integrated ocean engineering system with exposure to economic considerations;
12) advanced knowledge in selected topics in ocean engineering through professional electives;
13) experience with individual and team-based engineering problem solving;
14) understanding of ethics in the practice of engineering and the relationship between engineering and society, as well as knowledge of contemporary issues;
15) understanding of the necessity of lifelong learning;
16) well-developed written and oral communication skills; and
17) understanding of the need for diversity in the national and international engineering workplace.
URI’s curriculum provides a basic ocean engineering program that gives students a firm base in engineering fundamentals and prepares them for direct entry into a professional career or continued study toward a graduate degree. The required ocean engineering courses begin at the freshman level and include laboratory, analysis, and design courses. The total design component must include at least 17 credits. There is a strong emphasis on the application of scientific principles in the ocean environment gained through laboratory courses. Experiments covering several basic areas are employed and provide an integrated approach to investigations into ocean phenomena and processes. Students are involved in the planning and execution of experiments, including collection and analysis of data and the reporting of results. This hands-on experience provides graduates with an understanding of ocean engineering activities in scientific and industrial fields. Two ocean engineering professional elective courses are also required.
The broad-based program exposes students to the following topics: ocean instrumentation and data analysis, underwater and sub-bottom acoustics, marine hydrodynamics, coastal and near shore processes, marine geomechanics, coastal and offshore structures, and corrosion.
To ensure that each student gains an in-depth knowledge of one of the ocean engineering disciplines, the curriculum allows sequences of courses in hydrodynamics, structures, geomechanics, acoustics, instrumentation, and data analysis. An Ocean Systems Design Project course in the senior year integrates previously obtained knowledge in a comprehensive design project. This experience may be obtained through an on-campus course, by participating in an ongoing research project, or through an off-campus internship in an ocean-oriented private company or government laboratory; this internship allows interested students to take advantage of the many opportunities available in the region.
The Department of Ocean Engineering is located at the University’s Narragansett Bay Campus. Computational facilities include personal computer and workstation rooms networked and connected to the Engineering Computer Laboratory and Office of Information Services. Extensive laboratory facilities are also available. The department operates an 80-foot research vessel equipped with a fully integrated side-scan sonar mapping system. This vessel is used for both lab courses and research. A 100-foot tow and wave tank and a large acoustics tank are located on the Bay Campus, as well as an electronics shop, machine shop, and the Marine Geomechanics Laboratory.
This major requires 128 credits.
Freshman YearFirst semester: 16 credits
CHM 101 (3), 102 (1), EGR 105 (1), MTH 141 (4), PHY 203 (3), 273 (1), and general education elective (3).
Second semester: 17 credits
ECN 201 (3), EGR 106 (2), MCE 262 (3), MTH 142 (4), OCE 101 (1), PHY 204 (3), and 274 (1).
Sophomore YearFirst semester: 16 credits
MCE 263 (3), MTH 243 (3), OCE 215 (1), PHY 205 (3), and general education electives (6).
Second semester: 16 credits
CVE 220 (3), ELE 220 (3), MTH 244 (3), OCE 216 (1), OCG 451 (3), and general education elective (3).
Junior YearFirst semester: 15 credits
CHE 333 (3), IME 411 (3), MCE 354 (3), OCE 301 (3), and 310 (3).
Second semester: 16 credits
EGR 316 (3), OCE 307 (3), 311 (4), 471 (3), and general education elective (3).
Senior Year First semester: 17 credits
OCE 416 (2), 421 (3), 49516 (3), general education elective (3), and professional electives17 (6).
Senior YearSecond semester: 15 credits
OCE 49616 (3), free elective (3), professional electives17 (6), and general education elective (3).
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