Pre-Engineering: Biosystems, Chemical, Materials Engineering

Engineering is the profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to use economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind (ABET, Inc., 2002).

Hence, engineering and the practice of engineers refer to activities that involve the beneficial application of scientific knowledge to the solution of problems. Notice that this application includes economic considerations, uses of materials (for example, resources), and the forces of nature. Additionally, engineering is a profession. Webster notes that a profession is “the body of people in a learned occupation.” Engineers have a specialized charge of using knowledge, experience, and creativity, to tackle and systematically design solutions to challenges and problems.

The student who graduates with a Bachelor of Science in engineering will complete study of mathematics courses through differential equations, basic classes in chemistry and calculus-based physics, and the normal set of general-education classes during the whole of the first two years of college. During the second year the engineering student will start the study of coursework (for example, statics or dynamics) that bridges the gap between these basic sciences and the engineering applications of the knowledge of the basic sciences. The last two years will be completed at a campus such as the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville. These last two years of courses are largely devoted to the study of engineering applications of science and mathematics to the matters of the student’s chosen engineering discipline. These courses involve design of solutions culminating with a senior design course and project that are specific to the discipline.

Students who expect to transfer to engineering degree programs such as biosystems, chemical, materials engineering should complete the courses from the following list depending upon their choice of engineering plus general education courses. Pre-engineering students should contact the director of pre-engineering for the selection of courses based on their choice of engineering.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.

Recommended Minimum for Transfer to a B.S. Engineering Degree Program (63 credits)

Core Courses

Select 6 credit hours

General education courses (6 credits)

Note:

* Recommended for students who wish to co-op in the area. EGT 212 uses the same design software as UK/UofL, but EGT 212 will not transfer to UK/UofL as engineering credit. However, the co-op experience will transfer.

** For Biosystems, and Materials Engineering

*** For Chemical Engineering

Transfer and degree completion

NKU has transfer programs with the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky and with the JB Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. Students may elect to transfer to other schools or colleges of engineering. Grades of C or better are required for successful transfer of credit. The director of pre-engineering will assist in the transfer for all pre-engineering students.

At the bachelor’s degree level at UK, ABET-accredited degrees are offered in the fields of biosystems and agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, materials, mechanical, and mining engineering. At JB Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville, ABET-accredited degrees are offered in Bio, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering as well an integrated five-year program leading to the Master of Engineering degree.

Dual-degree option for pre-engineers

Transferring from NKU to engineering degree programs elsewhere generally requires at least two years of study at NKU and then an additional two (or more) years of study after transfer to the engineering degree program at the institution of choice. Pre-engineers have the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree in physics (or chemistry) from NKU if they complete three years of study at NKU prior to transferring to an engineering school. The fourth-year requirements for the NKU degree in physics (or chemistry) are obtained after transferring course credit to NKU that was earned at the engineering school. This dual-degree program (one bachelor’s degree from NKU, the other from an engineering school) should be coordinated with the department chair of the academic program (physics or chemistry) prior to transfer from NKU.

A shared cooperative education program with UK is available. The enrolled student works full time and enrolls full time in classes during alternating semesters/sessions. Cooperative education credit earned at NKU may be transferred to other schools.