Undergraduate Engineering & Science Courses at Stevens Institute of Technology

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Undergraduate Courses

Biomedical Engineering

BME 234	Biology/Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Thermodynamic laws and functions with particular emphasis on systems of variable composition and chemically reacting systems. Chemical potential, fugacity and activity, excess function properties, standard states, phase and reaction equilibria, reaction coordinate, chemical-to-electrical energy conversion.
BME 281	Introductory Quantitative Biology
Topics in general biology are discussed from a quantitative point of view to develop an appreciation for biology, mathematics, and the connections between them. Living systems are viewed through an engineering perspective as open systems with mass, energy, and flow entering and leaving. The interaction of the component parts of living systems at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organism, and ecosystem levels are explored through descriptive and quantitative models. Modules will include cellular processes and human physiology. The diversity and evolution of living organisms is explored. Interactions among organisms and with their environment, including toxic substances, are examined in the module on ecology and ecotoxicology. No previous exposure to biology is assumed. A basic understanding of the derivative is assumed, such as may be obtained from a concurrent first semester course in differential calculus. Other relevant mathematical principles are introduced at the beginning of each module.
BME 306	Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Overview of the biomedical engineering field with applications relevant to the healthcare industry such as medical instrumentation and devices. Introduction to the nervous system, propagation of the action potential, muscle contraction and introduction to the cardiovascular system. Discussion of ethical issues in biomedicine. Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing.
BME 322	Engineering Design VI
Introduction to the principles of wireless transmission and the design of biomedical devices and instrumentation with wireless capabilities.(e.g. pacemakers, defibrilators. EKG). Electrical safety (isolation, shielding), and equipment validation standards for FDA compliance are introduced. Use of LabView to provide virtual bioinstrumentation. The course culminates in group projects to design a biomedical device that runs on wireless technology.
BME 342	Transport in Biological Systems
A study of momentum, mass and heat transport in living systems. Rheology of blood. Basic hemodynamics. Use of the equations of continuity and motion to set up complex flow problems. Flow within distensible tubes. Shear stress and endothelial cell function. Mass transfer and metabolism in organs and tissues. Microscopic and macroscopic mass balances. Diffusion. Blood-tissue transport of solutes in the microcirculation. Compartmental models for pharmacokinetic analyses. Analysis of blood oxygenators, hemodialysis, tissue growth in porous support materials. Artificial organs. Energy balances and the use of heat to treat tumor growth (radio frequency ablation, cryogenic ablation). Laboratory exercises accompany major topics discussed in class and are conducted at the same time.
BME 423	Senior Design I
Senior design courses. Senior design provides, over the course of two semesters, a collaborative design experience with a significant biomedical problem related to human health. The project will often originate with an industrial sponsor or a medical practitioner at a nearby medical facility and will contain a clear implementation objective (i.e. for a medical device). It is a capstone experience that draws extensively on the student’s engineering and scientific background and requires independent judgments and actions. The project generally involves a determination of the medical need, a detailed economic analysis of the market potential, physiological considerations, biocompatibility issues, ease of patient use, an engineering analysis of the design, manufacturing considerations and experimentation and/or prototype construction of the device. The faculty advisor, industrial sponsor or biomedical practitioner works closely with the group to insure that the project meets its goals in a timely way. Leadership and entrepreneurship are nourished throughout all phases of the project. The project goals are met in a stepwise fashion, with each milestone forming a part of a final report with a common structure. Oral and written progress reports are presented to a panel of faculty at specified intervals and at the end of each semester.
BME 424	Senior Design II
Senior design courses. Senior design provides, over the course of two semesters, a collaborative design experience with a significant biomedical problem related to human health. The project will often originate with an industrial sponsor or a medical practitioner at a nearby medical facility and will contain a clear implementation objective (i.e. for a medical device). It is a capstone experience that draws extensively on the student’s engineering and scientific background and requires independent judgments and actions. The project generally involves a determination of the medical need, a detailed economic analysis of the market potential, physiological considerations, biocompatibility issues, ease of patient use, an engineering analysis of the design, manufacturing considerations and experimentation and/or prototype construction of the device. The faculty advisor, industrial sponsor or biomedical practitioner works closely with the group to insure that the project meets its goals in a timely way. Leadership and entrepreneurship are nourished throughout all phases of the project. The project goals are met in a stepwise fashion, with each milestone forming a part of a final report with a common structure. Oral and written progress reports are presented to a panel of faculty at specified intervals and at the end of each semester.
BME 445	Biosystems Simulation and Control
Time and frequency domain analysis of linear control systems. Proportional, derivative and integral control actions. Stability. Applications of control theory to physiological control systems: biosensors, information processors and bioactuators. Mathematical modeling and analysis of heart and blood pressure regulation, body temperature regulation, regulation of intracellular ionic concentrations, eye movement and pupil dilation controls. Use of Matlab and Simulink to model blood pressure regulation, autoregulation of blood flow, force development by muscle contraction and integrated response of cardiac output, blood pressure and respiration to exercise.
BME 453	Bioethics
This course focuses on professional ethical conduct in the biomedical field. It will enable students to understand the ethical challenges they may encounter as biomedical engineers, allow them to practice biomedical engineering in an ethical manner and conduct themselves ethically as contributing members of society. Case discussions and presentations by practitioners in the field illustrate ethical norms and dilemmas.
BME 482	Engineering Physiology
Introduction to mammalian physiology from an engineering point of view. The quantitative aspects of normal cellular and organ functions and the regulatory processes required to maintain organ viability and homeostasis will be discussed. Topics include: Neuro, muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine physiology.
BME 498	Research in Biomedical Engineering I
Individual investigation of a substantive character undertaken at an undergraduate level under the guidance of a member of the departmental faculty. A written report is required. Hours to be arranged with the faculty advisor. Prior approval required. These courses can be used as general electives for degree requirements.
BME 499	Research in Biomedical Engineering II
Individual investigation of a substantive character undertaken at an undergraduate level under the guidance of a member of the departmental faculty. A written report is required. Hours to be arranged with the faculty advisor. Prior approval required. These courses can be used as general electives for degree requirements.

Chemical Engineering

CHE 210	Process Analysis
Introduction to the most important processes employed by the chemical industries, such as plastics, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and biochemical. Major emphasis is on formulating and solving material and energy balances for simple and complex systems. Equilibrium concepts for chemical process systems are developed and applied. Computer courseware utilized where appropriate.
CHE 234	Bio/Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Thermodynamic laws and functions with particular emphasis on systems of variable composition and chemically reacting systems. Chemical potential, fugacity and activity, excess function properties, standard states, phase and reaction equilibria, reaction coordinate, chemical-to-electrical energy conversion.
CHE 322	Engineering Design VI
The objectives of this course are to learn modern systematic design strategies for steady state chemical processing systems and at the same time to gain a functional facility with a process simulator (Aspen) for design, analysis and economic evaluation. A process is constructed stepwise, with continuing discussion of heuristics, recycle, purge streams and other process conditions. Aspen is used for design and analysis of the process units. From the viewpoint of the process simulations, the course is divided into four categories: component, property and data management; unit operations; system simulation; and process economic evaluation. The equations used by the simulator are discussed as well as convergence methods, loops and tear streams and scrutiny of default settings in the simulator. The factored cost method and profitability measures are reviewed and compared to simulator results. Work on a capstone design project is begun in the last section of the course.
CHE 332	Separation Operations
The design of industrial separation equipment using both analytical and graphical methods is studied. Equilibrium based design techniques for single and multiple stages in distillation, absorption/stripping and liquid-liquid extraction are employed. An introduction to gas-solid and solid-liquid systems is presented as well. Mass transfer considerations are included in efficiency calculations and design procedures for packed absorption towers, membrane separations and adsorption. Ion exchange and chromatography are discussed. The role of solution thermodynamics and the methods of estimating or calculating thermodynamic properties are also studied. Degrees of freedom analyses are threaded throughout the course as well as the appropriate use of software. Iterative rigorous solutions are discussed as bases for Aspen simulation models used in Design VI.
ChE 336	Fluid Mechanics
An exploration of the important concepts of fluids (gases and liquids) for all sub-disciplines within chemical engineering. Underlying principles and practical applications. Application of appropriate computer methods to solving fluids problems. Topics include hydrostatics, mass and energy balances in fluid flow, laminar and turbulent flows, fluid friction and basic approaches to designing flow systems.
CHE 342	Heat and Mass Transfer
Heat conduction, convection and radiation. General differential equations for energy transfer. Conductive and convective heat transfer, equipment and radiation heat transfer. Molecular, convective and interface mass transfer. The differential equation for mass transfer. Steady state molecular diffusion and film theory. Convective mass transfer correlations. Mass transfer equipment.
CHE 345	Process Control, Modeling and Simulation
Development of deterministic and non-deterministic models for physical systems, engineering applications and simulation tools for case studies and projects.
CHE 351	Reactor Design
Chemical equilibria and kinetics of single and multiple reactions are analyzed in isothermal and non-isothermal batch systems. Conversion, yield, selectivity, temperature and concentration history are studied in ideal plug flow, laminar flow, continuous stirred tank and heterogeneous reactors. The bases of reactor selection are developed. Consideration is given to stability and optimization concepts, and the interaction of the reactor with the overall processing system.
CHE 423	Senior Design
Senior Design provides, over the course of two semesters, a collaborative design experience with a problem of industrial or societal significance. Projects can originate with an industrial sponsor, from an engineering project on campus or from other industrial or academic sources. In all cases, a project is a capstone experience that draws extensively from the student's engineering and scientific background and requires independent judgments and actions. Advice from the faculty and industrial sponsors is made readily available. The projects generally involve a number of unit operations, a detailed economic analysis, simulation, use of industrial economic and process software packages and experimentation and/or prototype construction. The economic thread initiated in Design VI is continued in the first semester of Senior Design by close interaction on a project basis with E 421. Leadership and entrepreneurship are nourished throughout all phases of the project. The project goals are met stepwise, with each milestone forming a part of a final report with a common structure.
CHE 424	Senior Design
Senior Design provides, over the course of two semesters, a collaborative design experience with a problem of industrial or societal significance. Projects can originate with an industrial sponsor, from an engineering project on campus or from other industrial or academic sources. In all cases, a project is a capstone experience that draws extensively from the student's engineering and scientific background and requires independent judgments and actions. Advice from the faculty and industrial sponsors is made readily available. The projects generally involve a number of unit operations, a detailed economic analysis, simulation, use of industrial economic and process software packages and experimentation and/or prototype construction. The economic thread initiated in Design VI is continued in the first semester of Senior Design by close interaction on a project basis with E 421. Leadership and entrepreneurship are nourished throughout all phases of the project. The project goals are met stepwise, with each milestone forming a part of a final report with a common structure.
CHE 432	Chemical Engineering Systems Laboratory
A laboratory course designed to illustrate and apply chemical engineering fundamentals. The course covers a range of experiments involving mass, momentum and energy, transport processes and basic unit operations such as distillation, stripping and multi-phase catalytic reactions.
CHE 480	Biochemical Engineering
Integration of the principles of biochemistry and microbiology into chemical engineering processes, microbial kinetic models, transport in bioprocess systems, single and mixed culture fermentation technology, enzyme synthesis, purification and kinetics, bioreactor analysis, design and control, product recovery, and downstream processing.
ChE 498-499	Research in Chemical Engineering I-II
Individual investigation of a substantive character undertaken at an undergraduate level under the guidance of a member of the departmental faculty. A written report is required. Hours to be arranged with the faculty advisor. Prior approval required. This course cannot be used for degree requirements.

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

CH 115	General Chemistry I
Atomic structure and periodic properties, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, chemical bond types, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids, chemical kinetics and introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry.
CH 116	General Chemistry II
Phase equilibria, properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, strong and weak acids and bases, buffer solutions and titrations, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, properties of the elements and nuclear chemistry.
CH 117	General Chemistry Laboratory I
Laboratory work to accompany CH 115: experiments of atomic spectra, stoichiometric analysis, qualitative analysis, and organic and inorganic syntheses, and kinetics.
CH 118	General Chemistry Laboratory II
Laboratory work to accompany CH 116: analytical techniques properties of solutions, chemical and phase equilibria, acid-base titrations, thermodynamic properties, electrochemical cells, and properties of chemical elements.
CH 189	Seminar in Chemistry and Biology
Introduction to chemistry as the "central science" and its impact on other fields, particularly biology. Areas to be explored include the interaction of radiation with matter, the effect of symmetry on chemical and physical properties of molecules, hyphenated methods of analysis, the chemistry of biological signals, biochemical cycles, the physiology of exercise, and chaotic reactions.
CH 243	Organic Chemistry I
Principles of descriptive organic chemistry; structural theory; reactions of aliphatic compounds; and stereochemistry.
CH 244	Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of CH 243; reactions of aromatic compounds; infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
CH 245	Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Laboratory includes introduction to organic reaction and separation techniques, reactions of functional groups, and synthesis.
CH 246	Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Laboratory work in synthesis, spectroscopy and chromatographic separation techniques.
CH 281	Biology and Biotechnology
Biological principles and their physical and chemical aspects are explored at the cellular and molecular level. Major emphasis is placed on cell structure, the processes of energy conversion by plant and animal cells, genetics and evolution, and applications to biotechnology.
CH 282	Introductory Biology Laboratory
An introductory laboratory illustrating basic techniques and principles of modern biology by means of laboratory experiments and simulated experiments. This laboratory does not satisfy medical school admission requirements.
CH 321	Thermomodynamics
Laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic functions, and the foundations of statistical thermodynamics. The chemical potential is applied to phase equilibria, chemical reaction equilibria, and solution theory, for both ideal and real systems.
CH 322	Theoretical Chemistry
Quantum mechanics of molecular systems are developed. The techniques of approximation methods are employed for molecular binding and spectroscopic transitions. Examples are taken from infrared, visible, ultraviolet, microwave, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
CH 341	Biological Chemistry
The content of this course alternates between the chemistry of natural products and methods and mechanisms of synthetic organic chemistry.
CH 360	Spectra and Structure
Interpretation of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra. Emphasis is on the use of these spectroscopic methods in identification and structure determination of organic compounds.
CH 362	Instrumental Analysis I
Experimental approach to spectroscopy. Topics include Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet, visible and fluorescence measurements, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
CH 381	Cell Biology
The structure and function of the cell and its subcellular organelles is studied. Biological macromolecules, enzymes, biomembranes, biological transport, bioenergetics, DNA replication, protein synthesis and secretion, motility, and cancer are covered. Cell biology experiments and interactive computer simulation exercises are conducted in the laboratory.
CH 382	Biological Systems
Physiochemical principles underlying the coordinated function in multicellular organisms are studied. Electrical properties of biological membranes, characteristics of tissues, nerve-muscle electrophysiology, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and excretory systems are covered. Computer simulation experiments and data acquisition methods to evaluate and monitor human physiological systems are conducted in the laboratory.
CH 412	Inorganic Chemistry
Lecture and laboratory; ionic solids, lattice energy, and factors determining solubility; thermodynamics in inorganic synthesis and analysis; acid-base equilibria; and systematic chemistry of the halogens and other non-metals.
CH 421	Chemical Dynamics
Chemical kinetics, solution theories with applications to separation processes, electrolytes, polyelectrolytes, regular solutions and phase equilibria, and laboratory practice in the measurements of physical properties and rate processes.
CH 422	Supplemental Topics in Physical Chemistry
Additional work in physical chemistry for transfer students to cover topics omitted from physical chemistry courses taken elsewhere.
CH 461	Instrumental Analysis II
Theory and practice of analytical chemistry. Topics include sampling techniques, potentiometric and conductometric titrations, chromatographic separations (gas and high-performance liquid chromatography), polarimetry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
CH 484	Introduction to Molecular Genetics
Introduction to the study of molecular basis of inheritance. Starts with classical Mendelian genetics and proceeds to the study and function of DNA, gene expression and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genome dynamics and the role of genes in development, and cancer. All topics include discussions of current research advances. Accompanied by laboratory section that explores the lecture topics in standard wet laboratory experiments and in computer simulations.
CH 496	Chemical Biology Project I
Participation in a small group project, under the guidance of a faculty member, whose prior approval is required. Experimentation, application of chemical knowledge and developmental research leading to the implementation of a working chemical process. Individual or group written report required. Open to juniors and seniors only.
CH 497	Chemical Biology Project II
Participation in a small group project, under the guidance of a faculty member, whose prior approval is required. Experimentation, application of chemical knowledge and developmental research leading to the implementation of a working chemical process. Individual or group written report required. Open to juniors and seniors only.
CH 498	Senior Chemical / Biological Research I
Individual research project under the guidance of a chemistry faculty member, whose prior approval is required. A written report in acceptable journal format and an oral presentation are required at the end of the project. Senior students only. Ch 498 and Ch 499 cannot be taken simultaneously.
CH 499	Senior Chemical / Biological Research II
Individual research project under the guidance of a chemistry faculty member, whose prior approval is required. A written report in acceptable journal format and an oral presentation are required at the end of the project. Senior students only. Ch 498 and Ch 499 cannot be taken simultaneously.

Civil Engineering

CE 304	Water Resources Engineering
Principles of engineering hydrology, the hydrologic cycle, rainfall-runoff relationships, hydrographs, hydrologic and hydraulic routing, groundwater resources, planning and management of water resources, probabilistic methods in water resources, reservoir design, and water distribution systems.
CE 322	Engineering Design VI
The main objective of the project is to design, construct, and test bench-scale water treatment systems composed of a metallic iron reactor, an aeration tank, and a sedimentation basin. The system should be able to remove phosphate and nitrate from simulated agricultural wastewater to below the discharge limit. The students will learn chemical reactions between metallic iron and pollutants, reduction and oxidation reactions involving iron, and mass transfer of oxygen; perform literature searches; use a spectrophotometer and ion chromatography for phosphate and nitrate analyses; and carry out batch experiments to determine the kinetics of reactions between phosphate, nitrate, and iron filings. The parameters obtained in laboratory experiments will be used to design a full-scale water treatment system.
CE 342	Fluid Mechanics
Fluid properties: fluid statics, stability of floating bodies, conservation of mass, the Euler and Bernoulli equations, the impulse-momentum principle, laminar and turbulent flow, dimensional analysis and model testing, analysis of flow in pipes, open channel flow, hydrodynamic lift, and drag. Practical civil engineering applications stressed.
CE 345	Modeling and Simulation
Introduction to linear systems and eigenvalue problems. Matrix analysis of trusses and frames, stress analysis, and free and forced vibrations of structures. Introduction to nonlinear ODEs and PDEs with applications to civil engineering problems. Use of MATLAB or equivalent to simulate solutions.
CE 373	Structural Analysis
Shear and bending moment diagrams for beams and frames. Statically determinate trusses influence lines and moving loads, deflection of beams using moment-area and conjugate-beam methods, introduction to energy methods, deflection of beams and frames using unit-load method, introduction to statically indeterminate structures, approximal methods, moment-distribution, and slope-deflection methods.
CE 377	The Art of Structural Engineering
At its best, creativity in structural engineering leads to forms that are notable for their sculptural and aesthetic quality as much as for their structural intelligence. Structures that express this behavior clearly and elegantly achieve the highest levels of artistic creation, and become cultural symbols that exceed historical and cultural boundaries. This course explores Art in Structural Engineering as it evolves in modern history, beginning with the Cast Iron bridges of the Industrial Revolution. It progresses through the works of Eiffel, Roebling, Freyssinet, and Maillart to modern-day innovators like Menn, Khan, and Calatrava. Students learn engineering concepts through technical presentations on structural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Guggenheim Museum, George Washington Bridge, and the Hearst Tower. The course studies beautiful works of structural art and takes site visits in the metropolitan area to supplement the classroom material. These trips will include the Brooklyn Bridge, Skyscraper Museum, Cast Iron District, Flatiron Building, Guggenheim Museum, and Hearst Building. The course converges engineering, architecture, design, and art into one distinguished field. It teaches the concepts and designs behind structural engineering, so high a quality in imaginative conception and execution, that the engineering itself takes on the aspects of art.
CE 381	Surveying
Use of surveying instruments; measurement of angles, distances, and elevations; field notebook keeping; traverse computations; and topographic data gathering and map making. Construction surveys, horizontal and vertical curves, and slope staking. Introduction to land surveying, photogrammetry, and electronic surveying.
CE 410	Transportation Engineering Design
Description of design elements of system components of transportation, including the driver, vehicle, and roadway. Traffic flow design elements including volume, density, and speed. Intersection design elements including delay, capacity, and accident counter-measures. Terminal design elements.
CE 423	Engineering Design VII
Senior design courses. Complete design sequence with a required capstone project spanning two semesters. While the focus is on the capstone disciplinary design experience, it includes the two-credit core module on E 421 Engineering Economic Design during the first semester.
CE 424	Engineering Design VIII
Senior design courses. Complete design sequence with a required capstone project spanning two semesters. While the focus is on the capstone disciplinary design experience, it includes the two-credit core module on E 421 Engineering Economic Design during the first semester.
CE 483	Geotechnical Engineering
Elementary concepts of engineering geology and solid mechanics: applications to the solution of design problems, classification of soils, theory of soil strength, lateral pressure and retaining walls, slope stability, stress distribution theory and settlement predictions, bearing capacity and design of shallow foundations, seepage analysis, consolidation theory, and laboratory tests. The course is accompanied by concurrent weekly laboratory sessions where students are introduced to the basic concepts of geotechnical testing in a hands-on fashion.
CE 484	Reinforced Concrete Design
Ultimate strength design for bending and shear of rectangular sections, slabs, "T" sections and continuous beams, girders, columns, retaining walls, and footings. Code requirements.
CE 486	Structural Steel Design
Design of steel structures according to the latest specifications, tension and compression members, beams, beam-columns, connections, composite beams, design examples, bridges, building frames, and footings.

Computer Engineering

CPE 322	Engineering Design VI
This course addresses the general topic of selection, evaluation and design of a project concept, emphasizing the principles of team-based projects and the stages of project development. Techniques to acquire information related to the state-of-the-art concepts and components impacting the project, evaluation of alternative approaches and selection of viable solutions based on appropriate cost factors, presentation of proposed projects at initial, intermediate and final stages of development and related design topics. Students are encouraged to use this experience to prepare for senior design project courses.
CPE 345	Modeling and Simulation
Development of deterministic and non-deterministic models for physical systems, engineering applications and simulation tools for deterministic and non-deterministic systems. Case studies and projects.
CPE 358	Switching Theory and Logical Design
Digital systems, number systems and codes, Boolean algebra, application of Boolean algebra to switching circuits, minimization of Boolean functions using algebraic, Karnaugh map and tabular methods, design of combinational circuits, programmable logic devices, sequential circuit components, design and analysis of synchronous and asynchronous sequential circuits.
CPE 360	Computational Data Structures and Algorithms
The role of data structures and algorithms in the real world; principles of programming including the topics of control flow, recursion and I/O; principles of computational intelligence; topics from elementary data structures including arrays, lists, stacks, queues, pointers, strings; searching and sorting; data structures for concurrent execution; topics from elementary algorithms including analysis of algorithms and efficiency, computational complexity, empirical measurements of computational complexity of algorithms, proof techniques including induction; selected topics from advanced algorithms including distributed algorithms; programming laboratory exercises and projects.
CPE 390	Microprocessor Systems
A study of the implementation of digital systems using microprocessors. The architecture and operation of microprocessors is examined in detail along with I/O interfacing, interrupts, DMA and software design techniques. Specialized controller chips for interrupts, DMA, arithmetic processing, graphics and communications are discussed. The laboratory component introduces hardware and software design of digital systems using microprocessors. Design experiments include topics such as bus interfacing, memory decoding, serial communications and programmable ports.
CPE 423	Engineering Design VII
Senior design course. The development of design skills and engineering judgment, based upon previous and current course and laboratory experience, is accomplished by participation in a design project. Projects are selected in areas of current interest such as communication and control systems, signal processing and hardware and software design for computer-based systems. It includes the two-credit core module on Entrepreneurial Analysis of Engineering Design (E 421) during the first semester.
CPE 424	Engineering Design VIII
A continuation of CpE 423 in which the design is implemented and demonstrated. This includes the completion of a prototype (hardware and/or software), testing and demonstrating performance, and evaluating the results.
CPE 437	Interactive Computer Graphics
Introduction to computer graphics. Designing a complete 2-D graphics package with an interface. Graphics hardware overview. Drawing of 2-D primitives (polylines, polygons, and ellipses). Character generation. Attribute primitives (line styles, color and intensity, area filling, and character attributes). 2D transformations (translation, general scaling, general rotation, shear, reflection). Windowing and clipping. 3-D concepts (3-D transformations, 3-D viewing, and 3-D modeling). Selected topics.
CPE 440	Current Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering
This course consists of lectures designed to explore a topic of contemporary interest from the perspective of current research and development. In addition to lectures by the instructors and discussions led by students, the course includes talks by professionals working in the topic being studied. When appropriate, team-based design projects are included.
CPE 441	Introduction to Wireless Systems
Review of history, concepts, and technologies of wireless communications; explanations and mathematical models for analyzing and designing wireless systems; description of various wireless systems, including cellular systems, wireless local area networks, and satellite-based communication systems; and wireless design projects using Matlab, LabView, and software-defined radio.
CPE 442	Database Management Systems
Introduction to the basic principles of relational database systems, their structure, and use. Topics include the use of the entity-relationship model in specifying a database, the relational model, and the translation of entity-relationship graphs into relations, relational algebra, relational calculus, equivalence among relational query languages, SQL, integrity constraints, and relational database design (normal forms).
CPE 450	Embedded Systems for Real-Time Applications
Unlike typical software-based systems, real-time systems must complete their tasks within specified timeframes. Unlike general purpose computing platforms, embedded systems must perform their tasks while minimizing tight resource constraints. This course addresses the considerations in designing real-time embedded systems, both from a hardware and software perspective. The primary emphasis is on real-time processing for communications and signal processing systems, but applications to seismic and environmental monitoring, process control, and biomedical systems will be addressed. Programming projects in a high level language like C/C++ will be an essential component of the course, as well as hardware design with modern design tools.
CPE 462	Introduction to Image Processing and Coding
This course introduces the basics of signal and image processing. Topics include: digital signal processing fundamentals; 2-D signal filtering and transforms; image perception, formation, sampling, color representations; image smoothing and sharpening, histogram equalization; image analysis, edge detection, thresholding and segmentation; geometric image processing; digital halftoning; introduction to information theory, Huffman coding, image and video compression standards such as JPEG and MPEG.
CPE 485	Research in Computer Engineering III
Individual investigation of a substantive character taken at the undergraduate level under the guidance of a faculty advisor leading to a thesis with a public defense. The student's thesis committee consists of the faculty advisor and one or more readers. Prior approval from the faculty advisor, a faculty member who has agreed to supervise the research, and the Department Director is required. Hours to be arranged with the faculty advisor. For information regarding a Degree with Thesis, see the "Academic Procedures, Requirements, and Advanced Degrees" section of this catalog. The thesis option is a two-semester program requiring completion of CPE 485 and CPE 486. Continuation into CPE 486 is contingent on demonstrating adequate progress in CPE 485.
CPE 486	Research in Computer Engineering IV
Individual investigation of a substantive character taken at the undergraduate level under the guidance of a faculty advisor leading to a thesis with a public defense. The student's thesis committee consists of the faculty advisor and one or more readers. Prior approval from the faculty advisor, a faculty member who has agreed to supervise the research, and the Department Director is required. Hours to be arranged with the faculty advisor. For information regarding a Degree with Thesis, see the "Academic Procedures, Requirements, and Advanced Degrees" section of this catalog. The thesis option is a two-semester program requiring completion of CPE 485 and CPE 486. Continuation into CPE 486 is contingent on demonstrating adequate progress in CPE 485.
CPE 487	Digital System Design
Design of complex digital CMOS/VLSI circuits. Introduction to MOS transistor characteristics and fabrication, digital circuit design and layout for integrated circuits, major categories of VLSI circuit functions, design methodologies including use of Hardware Description Languages (HDL), FPGA, verification, simulation, testability. The course includes a project using VHDL for the design of a significant system function.
CPE 488	Computer Architecture
The design and evaluation of modern computer architecture. Topics covered include analytic models for computer system evaluation, memory design, including a study of cache memories and support for virtual memory, pipelined systems, RISC architectures, vector computers and parallel and distributed architectures.
CPE 490	Information Systems Engineering I
The focus of the course is on data networks and end-user software environments for information systems. Topics include the TCP/IP protocols, organization of large-scale data networks, end-to-end operation over heterogeneous networks and the software foundation of client-server application programs. The students complete a project using TCP/IP protocols to create a basic client-server application.
CPE 491	Information Systems Engineering II
This course emphasizes a major component of contemporary networked information systems, namely visually rich information, including multimedia, virtual reality, human-machine interactions and related topics. The students complete a project in which they demonstrate competency in creating and manipulating the information and the resources used to store, transfer and present the information.
CPE 493	Data and Computer Communications
Introduction to information networks, data transmission and encoding, digital communication techniques, circuit switching and packet switching, OSI protocols, switched networks and LANs, introduction to ISDN and ATM/SONET networks, system architectures.
CPE 494	Networked Systems Design: Principles and Practices
Basic elements in local and wide-area network infrastructures, architecture and protocols at all layers; client-server systems programming using sockets and remote procedure cells; concurrency and coordination issues and techniques; concepts and tools for fault tolerance, failure detection, checkpointing, disaster recovery and rejuvenation in networked applications; overview of network systems middleware facilities such as .NET and Weblogic to illustrate the above principles and techniques.

Computer Science

CS 105	Introduction to Scientific Computing
This is a first course in computer programming for students with no prior experience. Students will learn the core process of programming: given a problem statement, how does one design an algorithm to solve that particular problem and then implement the algorithm in a computer program? The course will also introduce elementary programming concepts like basic control concepts (such as conditional statements and loops) and a few essential data types (e.g., integers and doubles). Exposure to programming will be through a self-contained user-friendly programming environment, widely used by the scientific and engineering communities, such as Matlab. The course will cover problems from all fields of science, engineering, and business.
CS 115	Introduction to Computer Science
This is an introductory programming course using the Java language. The topics include: basic facts about object-oriented programming and Java through inheritance and exceptions; recursion; UML diagrams and how to read class diagrams; ethics in computer science; and some basic understanding about computer systems: the compile/link/interpret/execute cycle and data representation.
CS 146	Web Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the infrastructure underlying the Web, including protocols and markup languages. It also addresses the question of how one presents large volumes of information to people who need to find out what they are looking for quickly. The scope of the course ranges from mechanics to aesthetics. Social and ethical issues are also discussed, including the concept of information ecologies for social acceptance. Networks and protocols; pervasive computing; Web protocols; markup languages and XML; defining information architecture; understanding information needs and information-seeking behaviors; organizing Web sites and intranets; navigation systems; search systems; thesauri; from research to design: strategies for information architecture; enterprise information architecture; ethics on the Web; and information ecologies.
CS 181	Introduction to Computer Science Honors I
Getting acquainted with C++: data types, input and output, functions, writing simple C++ programs, flow control, Boolean expressions, decision statements, if/then, and switch/case. Loop operations, while, do/while, and for loops. Arrays and pointers. Defining structs and classes, constructors and destructors, and operator overloading using an example String class. Templates. Abstract data types: vectors, lists, stacks, queues, and priority trees with applications. Trees and simple sorting with searching algorithms. By invitation only. Students who complete this class are exempt from CS 115 and CS 284.
CS 182	Introduction to Computer Science Honors II
An overview of the C++ language. Algorithm design and computational complexity. Abstract data types. Review of fundamental data structures: vectors, lists, stacks, and queues. Trees and binary trees. Heaps and priority queues with applications. Dictionaries with applications. Implementation of dictionaries using binary search trees, AVL trees, and red-black trees. Sorting algorithms. Graphs and networks with applications. Graph implementations and depth-first and breadth-first searching with applications. Other graph algorithms. Students who complete this class are exempt from CS 385.
CS 284	Data Structures
This is a course on standard data structures, including sorting and searching and using the Java language. The topics include: stages of software development; testing; UML diagrams; elementary data structures (lists, stacks, queues, and maps); use of elementary data structures in application frameworks (e.g., JFC); searching; sorting; and introduction to asymptotic complexity analysis.
CS 334	Automata and Computation
Introduction to recursive functional programming and equational reasoning; lists as inductive types and list induction; introduction to formal languages, automata, and the theory of computation; regular expressions, finite state machines, and pumping lemma; context free grammars and push down automata; turing machines, recursive enumerability, and unsolvable problems; and complexity and intractability. A number of models of computation are considered, as well as their relation to various problem classes (e.g. solvable problems and polynomial time solvable problems). Some experiments are performed that involve writing small Scheme programs.
CS 335	Computational Structures
This course uses functional programming to study discrete mathematics, building on MA 134. It begins with an introduction to a small subset of a functional language used in the course to explore examples and implement some basic algorithms. Operations on relations are explored by the use of lists to represent finite sets, functions and relations, as well as operations of composition, transitive closure, direct image, etc. Some algebraic structures, such as monoids and semirings, are introduced; lists and relations are used as primary examples of monoids; and trees are introduced as inductive data types. Other topics: structural recursion and induction; abstract syntax as data type; interpreters for simple languages (monoid expressions, Boolean expressions, integer expressions, and relational expressions) without variable binding; inductively defined relations; transition rules for configurations of simple machine; partial orders and lattices; simple abstract interpretations of expressions; and equational logic.
CS 347	Software Development Process
This course provides a general introduction to the essentials of the software development process, that series of activities that facilitate developing better software in less time. The course introduces software development and deployment life cycles, requirements acquisition and analysis, software architecture and design, and resource management and scheduling in the implementation phase. Students gain experience with tools and methodologies for configuration management and project management. Security engineering is considered as an essential part of the software development process, particularly from the standpoint of applied risk management.
CS 383	Computer Organization and Programming
Basic structure of the stored program computer, addressing methods and program sequencing, instruction sets and their implementation, the CPU and microprogrammed control, input/output organization, peripherals and interfacing, and main memory. Detailed study of a small machine. Assignments are devoted to assembly language programming.
CS 385	Algorithms
This is a course on more complex data structures, and algorithm design and analysis, using the C language. Topics include: advanced and/or balanced search trees; hashing; further asymptotic complexity analysis; standard algorithm design techniques; graph algorithms; complex sort algorithms; and other "classic" algorithms that serve as examples of design techniques.
CS 392	Systems Programming
Introduction to systems programming in C on UNIX. Students will be introduced to tools for compilation, dynamic linking, debugging, editing, automatic rebuilding, and version control. Some aspects of the UNIX system call interface will be studied, drawn from this list: process creation, signals, terminal I/O, file I/O, inter-process communication, threads, network protocol stacks, programming with sockets, and introduction to RPC. Style issues to be covered include: naming, layout, commenting, portability, design for robustness and debugability, and language pitfalls. X programming and GUI design will be covered, if time allows.
CS 437	Interactive Computer Graphics
A comprehensive introduction to the field of Computer Graphics. Students study the conceptual framework for interactive computer graphics: transformations, viewing, shading, clipping, rasterization, curves and surfaces, and selected topics. OpenGL is used as an application-programming interface.
CS 442	Database Management Systems
Introduction to the design of relational databases and the use of standard relational query languages. Topics include: relational schemas; keys and foreign key references; relational algebra (as an introduction to SQL); SQL; Entity-Relationship (ER) database design; translating from ER models to relational schemas and from relational schemas to ER models; functional dependencies; and normalization.
CS 465	Selected Topics in Computer Science
A participating seminar on topics of current interest and importance in computer science.
CS 482	Artificial Intelligence
An introduction to the large and diverse field of artificial intelligence. Topics include: problem solving by search and constraint satisfaction; alpha-beta search for two-player games; and logic and knowledge representation, planning, learning, decision theory, statistical learning, and computer vision.
CS 488	Computer Architecture
An introduction to the functional level structure of modern pipelined processors and the empirical and analytic evaluation of their performance. Topics include: empirical and analytic techniques for measuring performance (use of various means, Amdahl's Law, and benchmarks); tradeoff analysis; principles of instruction set design and evaluation (memory addressing, operations, types and sizes of operands, instruction set encoding, CISC vs. RISC, and related compilation issues); pipelining (basics, data hazards, and control hazards); and memory systems.
CS 492	Operating Systems
The use and internals of modern operating systems. Lectures focus on internals whereas programming assignments focus on use of the operating system interface. Major topics include: the process concept; concurrency and how to program with threads; memory management techniques, including virtual memory and shared libraries; file system data structures; and I/O.
CS 494	Compiler Design
Design and implementation of compilers and principles of languages translation. Each student implements a complete compiler for a small but substantial language. The stages of a compiler. Boot-strapping a compiler. Lexical analysis, regular expressions, and finite state machines. Syntactic analysis, context free grammars, and parsers. Semantic analysis, type checking, and symbol tables. Syntax-directed translation. Data flow analysis and peephole optimization. Code generation.
CS 496	Principles of Programming Languages
An introduction to programming language design and implementation, with an emphasis on the abstractions provided by programming languages. Assignments involve problem-solving issues in principles of programming languages such as Scheme and ML; recursive types and recursive functions; structural induction; abstract data types; abstract syntax; implementing languages with interpreters; static vs. dynamic scoping, closures, state; exceptions; types: type-checking, type inference, static vs. dynamic typing; object-oriented languages: classes and interfaces, inheritance and subtyping; polymorphism and genericity; and design patterns and the visitor pattern.
CS 498	Senior Research I