Engineering Science - Nanotechnology Concentration Chemistry/Bioengineering Emphasis, BSE

Freshman Engineering Program

All engineering freshmen pursue a common academic program, selecting a major upon completion. The freshman-year curriculum includes two specially designed engineering-oriented courses (ENGR 0011 Introduction to Engineering Analysis  and Engineering 0012 Introduction to Engineering Computing ). These courses provide freshman students with an overview of the various areas of engineering, introduce certain engineering skills and tools, and acquaint students with the engineering problem solving process. Freshman students also participate in an engineering seminar, conducted in part by the Freshman Leadership Team’s Peer Advisors. These seminars provide general information on the transition to college and the improvement of study skills and provide an overview of the various engineering fields so that freshmen can make an informed choice of majors at the end of the first year. Students are also given several opportunities to visit the various programs in order to talk to the faculty and learn about the specific academic requirements. All engineering freshmen participate in the Freshman Engineering Conference during the Spring Term. Outstanding freshman students may also participate in the Fessenden Honors in Engineering Program (See Special Academic Opportunities/Programs for details). For more information on the Freshman Engineering Program, visit http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/freshman/

Engineering Science

The Engineering Science Program is designed for students who have a strong interest in science and mathematics as well as a desire to acquire the skills and perspective of engineering. The Engineering Science Program offers flexible curricula in several interdisciplinary areas of concentration. The program is built on sequences of courses from multiple science and engineering programs. All areas of concentration combine in-depth exposure to both science and engineering. All areas of concentration include a two-term capstone design experience. The overall goal of the program is to develop each student’s ability to think analytically across disciplines and develop a knowledge base well suited to tackle future technical challenges that will require a thorough understanding of a discipline in the physical sciences and/or mathematics combined with engineering. Interested students are encouraged to pursue the Engineering Science degree jointly with the University Honors College (UHC) by completing the requirements for Engineering Science and satisfying the special degree requirements of the UHC. The Engineering Science program is ideal preparation for graduate school in a wide range of disciplines, for rewarding careers in industry, and is an excellent background for those who wish to pursue careers in other professions, such as management, law, education, or medicine.

NOTE: The Engineering Physics curriculum (which had been available as a separate Engineering Physics Program until 2010) is now an area of concentration within Engineering Science.

The program objectives for Engineering Science are to produce engineers who build successful, diverse careers based on:

• an understanding of the physical/life sciences, engineering analysis and design, and interdisciplinary problem solving;
• a commitment to ongoing professional development as exemplified by, for example, graduate study, training, conference participation, and certification;
• advancement and leadership in professional and/or community life.

For more information on the program, contact undrmems@pitt.edu or see http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/MEMS/Undergraduate/ESCI/What_is_Engineering_Science_/

Engineering Science Undergraduate Curriculum

The Engineering Science Program currently offers three areas of concentration: Engineering Physics, Nanotechnology, and Nuclear Energy.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology prepares students for engineering practice based on a curriculum designed to develop an understanding of the effect of nanoscale dimensions on the physical behavior of materials, systems, and devices (nanocharacterization and nanometrology), as well as knowledge of processes used to fabricate useful nanoscale materials, systems, and devices (nanomanufacturing). Students take courses in modern physics or chemistry, materials engineering or bioengineering, nanotechnology and nanoscience, fabrication and design in nanotechnology and the materials science of nanostructures. The curriculum culminates with program electives and a two-term Senior Design sequence. Senior Design builds on the knowledge gained in coursework and emphasizes independent and team problem solving under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Nanotechnology has two curricular options, one emphasizing Physics and Materials Science and the other Chemistry and Bioengineering.

Area of Concentration: Nanotechnology