UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 2001–2002
 Brigham Young University
Back College of Engineering and Technology

   


270 CB, (801) 378-4326

Dean: Douglas M. Chabries, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate Dean: Richard W. Christiansen, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate Dean: Jordan J. Cox, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

The College of Engineering and Technology is composed of the following four departments and the School of Technology:

Chemical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
School of Technology

As we approach the twenty-first century, the world's expectation of its engineering and technical personnel will range from providing for interplanetary exploration and travel to solving such earthly problems as pollution, transportation, efficient energy use, new materials, and new products and manufacturing processes, as well as many other exciting and challenging needs.
The solution to man's present and future problems will require people trained as craftsmen, technicians, technologists, and engineers working together as a team. Each of the departments in the College of Engineering and Technology has a faculty with special training and advanced education, including years of work experience, which qualify them to prepare students for these technical careers. Each department also has modern, well-equipped laboratories that provide exciting and valuable hands-on experience.
It is very important that students understand the differences among the various college programs and decide on a career as early as possible. Information regarding scheduling and course requirements leading to a timely graduation can be obtained in the college advisement center.

Professional Bachelor's Program

The Chemical, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering Departments and the School of Technology (except for facilities management and technology teacher education) each offer a bachelor of science degree composed of a preprofessional program and a professional program. Approximately the first two years in these departments are considered to be preprofessional, and the remaining two years constitute the professional program. Any student who is admitted to the university may select a program in any department as a possible major, and all students are encouraged to declare their intended major on first entering the university. Facilities management and industrial arts teacher education majors may proceed into the junior year without restriction, but engineering technology and construction management majors may not register for upper-division departmental courses (300 level and above) until they are formally accepted into a professional program. Industrial design students must apply to the major as early as their senior year in high school.

Students should refer to the department sections of this catalog for specific department requirements. Additional details and application forms may be obtained from the college advisement center.

College Advisement Center (CAC)

Pamela O. Williamson, Supervisor (264 CB, [801] 378-4325)

As a center for students, the CAC provides up-to-date records and information and help with registration, graduation requirements, policies and procedures, fields of study, changes of major, and many other aspects of the college's academic life.

College Programs

The alignment of engineering with technology and technology education and construction management makes it possible to offer, in a single college, a broad spectrum of educational opportunities within which students can prepare for a career in our challenging technological world. This offering encompasses four-year baccalaureate degree programs, one-year master of science and master of industrial education programs, and a program that leads to a doctor of philosophy degree in engineering.

The bachelor's degree program in engineering is also excellent preparation for other professional careers such as law, medicine, and business.

General Education Requirements

All students who receive a baccalaureate degree must satisfy the university's General Education requirements. Summaries of these requirements are available in the advisement center.

It is important to maintain constant progress in the major technical area because of prerequisite structure. Students are cautioned against devoting early semesters solely toward the completion of General Education requirements, thus falling behind in technical areas. Instead, follow an integrated study program of General Education and technical requirements.

Engineering

Engineering, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and the basic sciences, has been offered at Brigham Young University since 1952. Graduates find acceptance in the best graduate schools and in top industrial organizations. Many are in key positions in leading industries or have important assignments with government agencies. With the evident need extending well into the future for those skilled in solving technological problems, an engineering degree from BYU is a valuable professional accomplishment.

Students who plan to enroll in engineering fall semester should have successfully completed the following high school courses or their equivalents:

Students who have not completed these requirements should plan to enter BYU summer term, beginning in June. If deficiencies are not too serious, they can probably be made up by fall semester.
Each of the five engineering programs (chemical, civil and environmental, electrical, computer, and mechanical) leads to a four-year bachelor of science degree. Each degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).
To complete these programs in less total time, students can take advantage of the spring and summer terms' offerings.

Professional Registration

Engineering graduates are encouraged to become registered professional engineers. Professional registration promotes the engineering profession, enhances employment opportunities, protects the public welfare, and in many instances is a requirement. State boards have set minimum standards of competence and conduct for engineers and have established a process whereby one may become registered. There are four steps in this process: graduation from an approved four-year engineering program, passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, completion of four years of acceptable engineering experience, and passing of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Offered twice a year, in April and October, the FE exam should be taken in October because the April schedule may conflict with finals. Application must be made through the State Board of Registration. Those who pass the PE exam attain the status of a registered professional engineer and earn the right to publicly represent themselves as an engineer. Further details on professional registration can be found in the departmental sections of this catalog and at the College of Engineering and Technology Advisement Center.

Prearchitectural Curriculum

Because BYU does not offer an architecture degree, it is suggested that students identify an architectural school from which to receive a degree. Then, by carefully studying its program, a student can enroll in a limited number of applicable classes at BYU. Early transfer to this selected school (unless it requires a bachelor's degree for admission) will allow a minimum credit loss. A list of accredited architecture schools and additional information can be obtained in the advisement center. Interested students should talk to a faculty advisor in the construction management program within the School of Technology.

Academic Internships—Work While You Learn

The value of on-the-job working experience cannot be overemphasized when obtained during the learning process. It adds materially to understanding and incentive and also assists with educational expenses. Several kinds of work experiences are available. Perhaps the simplest arrangement is technical employment during the summer. Departments and the college cooperative education office work together to help students find suitable employment. BYU also has arrangements with several companies for co-op placement, wherein students work in industry for a period of time and then return to school for a period, sometimes alternating work and learning experiences several times. Students interested in work-while-you-learn opportunities should contact their major department chair or the cooperative education office within the College of Engineering and Technology Advisement Center.

In addition to cooperative education internships within the United States, internships in international settings are also available for students who are pursuing majors that focus on international curricula.






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Please report any errors. Updated 1 June 2001 by web_ugrad_cat@byu.edu