ENGR 2464: Engineering Fundamentals for Scientists

MW 12:20-1:10 in Hancock 209 (CRN: 13893, 2 Credits)

Instructors:
Bevlee Watford
Deuce@vt.edu
Office hours by appointment

Eric Santure
222 Hancock Hall, erics08@vt.edu
Office hours by appointment

Course Description:
Introduction to the engineering profession and basic engineering skills for students pursuing science
disciplines. Fundamentals of graphing, technical communication, ethics, the design process, project
management, and problem solving as applicable to engineering

Course Learning Objectives:

Having successfully completed this course, students will:

Demonstrate a knowledge of the engineering professions and engineering disciplines

Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics specifically related to engineering
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the engineering design process
Develop and implement algorithms as a problem solving technique
Demonstrate ability to communicate technical information utilizing various methods of
presentation
Demonstrate ability to generate and interpret graphs of empirical data

Subjects Covered:
Lectures and group design activities will cover the following topics:
Topic

Percent of Course

Design Process
Technical Communication
Problem Solving with Algorithms
Graphing
Professional Ethics
Project Management
Engineering Disciplines and Professions

20%
15%
15%
15%
13%
12%
10%

Total

100%

Text:
Required Text: None

Grading:
The course grade will be based on in and out-of-class assignments and exams as follows:
Homework and In-Class Assignments
Tests
Test 1 (February 23rd)
Test 2 (April 13th)
Final Exam

30%
40%
20%
20%
30%

Scale:
A (93-100), A- (90-93), B+ (87-90), B (83-87), B- (80-83), C+ (77-80), C(73-77), C-(70-73), D+ (67-70),
D (63-67), D- (60-63), F (<60)

Late and Missed Assignments:

In place of attendance, several in-class assignments will be collected and graded. These in-class
assignments cannot be made up without a valid reason for the absence.
A maximum of ONE homework assignment will be accepted ONE class late with no grade
penalty. After this allotment, homework assignments will not be accepted late.
Exams can only be moved or made up for university accepted reasons.

Honor Code Statement:

The Virginia Tech Honor Code applies to all work submitted in this course. Submitting work that is not
your own and is not cited will be considered a violation of the Honor Code. Homework assignments may
be discussed with classmates, but all submitted work must be your own.

Accommodations:
Absences for religious or ethnic holidays will be excused if arrangements are made in advance. If you
have special needs/circumstances or require accommodations to support your success in this course,
please let us know as soon as possible. You can obtain a Faculty Letter from Services for Students with
Disabilities (540.231.3788 or ssd@vt.edu). Your notification will remain confidential.