Engineering
The Engineering degree program gives students the option to pursue new areas of engineering and interdisciplinary combinations of engineering and other fields. Each student in the Engineering degree program designs a concentration that has depth, breadth, coherence, and rigor and also satisfies the Olin College graduation requirements. All paths to graduation with the Engineering degree provide for all outcomes required by the ABET General Criteria.
Students submit a plan of study when they declare a major. The plan lists the courses the student intends to take to fulfill graduation requirements, and demonstrates that these courses (along with additional required courses) constitute a major in engineering that has depth, breadth, coherence, and rigor.
A set of predefined concentrations in Bioengineering, Computing, Design, Robotics, and Sustainability are provided below. Students may design their plan of study using one of these predefined concentrations or may create a new concentration that addresses their own interests. Students choose a name for their Design, and self-designed concentrations. This concentration name appears on the diploma but not on the official transcript.
The plan of study must be signed by the student’s advisor and two faculty members whose area of expertise is relevant to the proposed area of study (if the advisor’s area is relevant, the advisor can count as one of the two).
Plans of study are reviewed by faculty and follow this criteria:
- Do the proposed courses constitute a major in Engineering that has breadth, depth, coherence and rigor?
- Do the faculty who approved the plan have relevant expertise? Should other faculty be consulted?
- Is the plan feasible based on a reasonable forecast of course offerings? The availability of faculty and other resources determines which classes are offered and their schedule, which may limit a student’s ability to complete a particular concentration.
- Is the plan comparable to the sample concentrations and previous student-designed concentrations? Additionally, when a student-designed concentration is named, is the proposed name accurate and appropriate?
All course plans go through the same review process whether they are modeled after one of the sample concentrations or self-designed. The plan of study is provisional. If approved and completed, a student may use it to graduate.
Engineering: Bioengineering (E:Bio)
Bioengineering (also called Biomedical Engineering) is a broad field. As such, the concentration is meant to be an interdisciplinary one, rooted in engineering problem solving and a deep understanding of biology. Bioengineering subspecialties include areas such as medical devices, biomechanics, assistive technology, bioinformatics, cell and tissue engineering, neurotechnology, computational biology, drug delivery, medical imaging, and many more. The Engineering major with a concentration in Bioengineering (E:Bio) prepares students to approach problems important to biology, medical research, and clinical studies, regardless of the subspecialty they choose to pursue. Note that some students interested in Bioengineering will take Bioengineering-relevant courses while pursuing another concentration (i.e. Mechanical Engineering, Computing, or Electrical and Computer Engineering).
Students wishing to pursue the E:Bio concentration should develop a program of study in consultation with bioengineering faculty. As Bioengineering encompasses many subspecialties, students develop a course plan that supports their area of study. E:Bio course plans may include classes at Babson, Brandeis, Wellesley, or other institutions.
Some of the courses that may be included in an E:Bio course plan are listed below. Students must take at least 4 credits of advanced Math and advanced Biology in addition to at least 16 credits of relevant Bioengineering courses.
E:Bio Bioengineering
Sixteen credits of coursework appropriate to the Bioengineering program of study form the core of a BioE focus. These courses may have the designation of 36xx (the Bioengineering prefix) but do not need to do so. They do not all need to be ENGR courses; however all students do have to meet the minimum number of engineering credits required for graduation. Relevant SCI (advanced Biology, relevant Physics, Chemistry), Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computing courses that build relevant skills can be used for certain Bioengineering subspecialties.
Example courses include, but are not limited to:
(note: courses not hyperlinked are offered at Wellesley College)
| ENGR2330 | Introduction to Mechanical Prototyping | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR2510 | Software Design | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3232 | Biomedical Device Design | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3260 | Design for Manufacturing | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3520 | Foundations of Computer Science | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3610 | Biomedical Materials | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3650 | Structural Biomaterials | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3699 | Special Topics in Bioengineering | Variable Credits ENGR |
| | |
| ENGR3635 | Neurotechnology, Brains and Machines | 2 ENGR |
| MTH2135 | Neurotechnology, Brains and Machines | 2 MTH |
| | |
| BISC303 | Bioinformatics | 4 SCI |
| CS313 | Computational Biology | 4 ENGR |
E:Bio Advanced Biology
Four credits of advanced Biology appropriate to the program of study, examples include, but are not limited to:
(note: courses not hyperlinked are offered at Wellesley College)
| SCI2210 | Immunology | 4 SCI |
| SCI2214 | Microbial Diversity | 4 SCI |
| SCI2215 | Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research, Diagnosis and Treatmt w/ Laboratory | 4 SCI |
| SCI2299 | Special Topics in Biological Sciences | Variable Credits SCI |
| | |
| BISC203 | Comparative Physiology and Anatomy of Vertebrates with Laboratory | 4 SCI |
SCI2299 Special Topics in Biological Sciences offerings may be used as advanced biology by petition only (often the registration materials will specify if it will satisfy; otherwise students should petition to have it count via their plan of study).
E:Bio Math
A course in advanced Mathematics appropriate to the program of study, examples include, but are not limited to:
| MTH2110 | Discrete Math: Combinatorics and Graph Theory | 4 MTH |
| MTH2131 | Data Science | 2 MTH |
| MTH3120 | Partial Differential Equations | 4 MTH |
Engineering: Computing (E:C)
The Computing concentration integrates the study of computer science and software engineering within a broad interdisciplinary context. The E:C concentration offers significant flexibility, particularly with courses taken off-campus.
E:Computing - All of:
| ENGR2510 | Software Design | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3525 | Software Systems | 4 ENGR |
| AND | |
| One of: | |
| ENGR3515 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3520 | Foundations of Computer Science | 4 ENGR |
| | |
| or approved substitutions | |
E:Computing Electives
Eight additional credits in computing, examples include:
| ENGR3220 | User Experience Design | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3410 | Computer Architecture | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3540 | Complexity Science | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3590 | A Computational Introduction to Robotics | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3599 | Special Topics in Computing | Variable Credits ENGR |
| advanced computer courses at Babson, Brandeis, Wellesley, or study away institutions by petition | |
E:Computing Math
| MTH2110 | Discrete Math: Combinatorics and Graph Theory | 4 MTH |
Engineering: Design (E:D)
E:Design is an interdisciplinary concentration emphasizing synthesis, processes, and methods of practice that blends engineering and Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Entrepreneurship (AHSE). The E: Design concentration prepares students to address important societal and environmental needs through design thinking.
E:Design students work closely with the design faculty at Olin to define individually customized programs of studies that meet Olin credit requirements. It remains the student’s responsibility to ensure that their program of study also meets the requirements for graduate programs or professional practice.
Courses used by a student to meet the Design General Requirements, such as the Design Depth requirement, may not simultaneously be used to meet the E:Design or E:Design Electives requirements.
E:Design Elective courses may be drawn from any area including AHSE, Engineering, Science, or Math. Students are strongly recommended to consider one or more AHSE courses to meet this requirement. Design Research may be accomplished through an Independent study course advised by design faculty. Design Research may count toward the E:Design requirement with approval by design faculty.
E:Design courses may be drawn from cross registration or study away institutions with prior approval by design faculty. Note that courses at design schools will often meet the E:Design Electives requirement and not the E:Design requirement.
All E:Design programs of study should be consistent with the student’s educational goals and must contain sufficient depth, breadth, coherence, and rigor. Each E:Design concentration must have an approved title consistent with the area of design represented by the coursework in the program of study. All programs of study must receive prior approval by design faculty.
All E:Design programs of study must fulfill the General Graduation Requirements.
E:Design
Eight credits of approved Intermediate or Advanced Design courses; four credits may be met by Design Research
E:Design Electives
Sixteen credits of approved coursework appropriate to the program of study
Engineering: Robotics (E:Robo)
E:Robo is an interdisciplinary engineering concentration that prepares students to design, construct, operate, and apply robots and computer systems to challenging automation problems drawn from diverse application spaces. Students will build a strong technical foundation with an emphasis on robotics ethics and the fusion of electrical, software, and mechanical engineering, and have the opportunity to pursue sub disciplinary interests in, among other areas, actuation, control, artificial intelligence, sensory feedback and perception, information processing, and technology integration.
E:Robo students will work with robotics faculty members to develop a specific program of study that contains a statement of goals that identifies a sub disciplinary area of focus and outlines sufficient course material to support those goals.
E:Robotics Foundation
All of the following:
| ENGR3390 | Fundamentals of Robotics | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3590 | A Computational Introduction to Robotics | 4 ENGR |
E:Robotics-Software
Four (4) credits of coursework in software from the following options:
Other computing courses may be substituted if approved on a plan of study by a robotics faculty.
E:Robotics - Mechanical
Four (4) credits of coursework in mechanical engineering from the following:
| ENGX2134 | Engineering Systems Analysis | 2 ENGR |
| AND | |
| ENGR2340 | Engineering Systems Analysis: Dynamics | 2 ENGR |
| | |
| ENGR2330 | Introduction to Mechanical Prototyping | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3260 | Design for Manufacturing | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3330 | Mechanical Design | 4 ENGR |
Other mechanical engineering courses may be substituted if approved on a plan of study by a robotics faculty.
Students who have taken ENGR2410, ESA: Signals can use that as a substitute for ENGR2340, ESA: Dynamics
E:Robotics Electives
Eight (8) additional credits in robotics depth courses from the following:
| ENGR2330 | Introduction to Mechanical Prototyping | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3260 | Design for Manufacturing | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3330 | Mechanical Design | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3370 | Controls | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3392 | Robotics Systems Integration | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3430 | Eclectronics | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3515 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3525 | Software Systems | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3537 | Machine Learning | 2 ENGR |
| ENGR3560 | Scientific Computing | 4 ENGR |
| ENGR3997 | Directed Research in Robotics | Variable Credits ENGR |
| ENGR3999 | Special Topics in Robotics | Variable Credits ENGR |
| ENGR33XX | any level 3000 or higher ME course | |
| ENGR34XX | any level 3000 or higher ECE course | |
| ENGR35XX | any level 3000 or higher E:Computing course | |
Courses listed above cannot be used as an elective if used in another category of E:Robotics requirements, e.g., ENGR3330 can be used in either the E:Robo Mechanical requirement or the E:Robo Electives requirement, but not both.
Any 3000+ level E:C, ECE, or ME course with approval from robotics faculty
(courses represented above as ending in XX)
E:Robotics Applied Mathematics
Four (4) credits of advanced Applied Mathematics appropriate to the program of study.
| ENGX2011 | Quantitative Engineering Analysis 3 | 4 ENGR |
| MTH2110 | Discrete Math: Combinatorics and Graph Theory | 4 MTH |
| MTH3120 | Partial Differential Equations | 4 MTH |
| | |
| MTH2135 | Neurotechnology, Brains and Machines | 2 MTH |
| AND | |
| ENGR3635 | Neurotechnology, Brains and Machines | 2 ENGR |
| | |
| MTH2137 | Machine Learning | 2 MTH |
| AND | |
| ENGR3537 | Machine Learning | 2 ENGR |
| | |
| MTH3XXX | any level 3000 or higher Mathematics course | |
Engineering: Sustainability (E:Sust)
E:Sust is an interdisciplinary concentration that embraces a broad definition of sustainability to prepare students for a wide range of personal and professional pathways. Sustainability is an inherently transdisciplinary field, drawing on engineering and science as well as social sciences, humanities, business, and the arts for various aspects of sustainability practice.
E:Sust students work closely with sustainability faculty at Olin to define individually customized programs of studies that meet Olin credit requirements. It remains the student’s responsibility to ensure that their program of study also meets the requirements for graduate programs or professional practice.
Courses used by a student to meet the General Requirements may not simultaneously be used to meet the E:Sust concentration-specific requirements.
E:Sust courses may be drawn from cross-registration or study away institutions with approval by the CSTB, in consultation with sustainability faculty.
As with all Engineering programs of study, E:Sust programs of study should be consistent with the student’s educational goals and must contain sufficient depth, breadth, and coherence. All programs of study must receive approval by the ARB, in consultation with sustainability faculty.
All E:Sust programs of study must fulfill the General Graduation Requirements.
E:Sustainability Requirements Overview
E:Sust programs of study require a four-credit introductory sustainability course, four credits of advanced sustainability coursework, and sixteen credits of approved elective coursework.
Sustainability coursework is defined for the purposes of this concentration as having a substantial component of sustainability theory and/or methods, or as having a substantial component addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
E:Sust Introductory
An introductory course as noted in the registration materials.
E:Sust Advanced
Coursework will be approved as “advanced” by the ARB in consultation with sustainability faculty. Advanced coursework generally adheres to four criteria in addition to being upper-level:
1. The course focuses primarily on one or more major themes in sustainability--involving causes and consequences for human and/or environmental justice, well-being, or flourishing--and covers them at an advanced level.
2. The course involves substantial consideration of sustainability principles, systems, processes, or methods, and/or experiential engagement with the practice of sustainability.
3. The course covers material in a way that is interdisciplinary as well as relevant and accessible to multiple disciplines.
4. The course engages students in reflective sustainability self-awareness, including
attention to identity development.
Examples of approved, advanced courses include (but are not limited to):
|
Course Number
|
Course Name
|
Sustainability Elements
|
|
ENGR3290
|
Affordable Design and Entrepreneurship
|
Sustainability theory and development; UN SDGs vary by project, includes UN SDGs 1-6, 8-10, 13 and 16
|
|
ENGR3235 / SCI2235
|
Biomimicry
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs vary by project, includes UN SDGs 9, 11 and 12
|
|
AHSE2599
ENGR3299
ENGX2199
|
Environmental Consulting at Olin
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDG 13 Climate Action
|
|
ENGR3180
|
Renewable Energy
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, 1 No Poverty, 13 Climate Action, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
|
|
ENGR3210
|
Sustainable Design
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs vary by project, includes UN SDGs 1-5 and 8-16
|
E:Sust Electives
Sixteen credits of approved elective coursework should support the depth, breadth, and coherence of the plan of study; we recommend including four credits of social sciences or humanities along with physical or life sciences or engineering. Electives can include courses that are not primarily centered on sustainability that nevertheless support the student’s learning goals in sustainability. E:Sust elective courses may be drawn from any area including Arts, Humanities, Social Science and Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Science, or Math, and may include up to four credits of research with a sustainability faculty member as the research advisor or disciplinary advisor. Courses counted as E:Sust electives cannot be double-counted for other graduation requirements.
Examples of elective courses include advanced courses taken in addition to the advanced requirement (outlined above) and the following courses:
|
Course Number
|
Course Name
|
Sustainability Elements
|
|
MTH2188A / SCI2099A
|
Decision-Making in Sustainable Systems
|
Sustainability theory; systems thinking; applications to UN SDGs of students’ choice
|
|
SCI1399
|
Paper Panacea
|
Sustainability theory; holism; system dynamics principles; transformational action; UN SDGs 3 Good Health and Well-Being, 5 Gender Equality, 10 Reduced Inequalities, 17 Partnership for the Goals
|
|
SCI1420
|
Metals, Mining, and the Environment
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 10 Inequalities, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, 15 Life on Land
|
|
SCI1430
|
Plastic Planet
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 10 Reduced Inequalities, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, 14 Life Below Water
|
|
SCI1440
|
Materials Creation, Consumption, and Impact
|
Sustainability theory; UN SDGs 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 10 Reduced Inequalities, 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, 14 Life Below Water, 15 Life on Land
|
|
ENGR3232
|
Biomedical Device Design
|
UN SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being
|
|
ENGR2141 / AHSE2141
|
Engineering for Humanity
|
UN SDGs 3 Good Health and Well-Being, 10 Reduced Inequalities
|
|
AHSE2199 |
Change the World: Personal Values, Global Impacts and Making an Olin GCSP
|
Systems theory; UN SDG framework and goals
|
|
AHSE2199A
|
Democracy in Action: Election 2020
|
UN SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
|