The
Freshman Engineering Program is the
designated engineering program for incoming freshman students as well
as new transfer students at the University of Alabama College of Engineering.
This comprehensive program was developed by engineering educators to
increase engineering student success and retention, enhance the
sense of community and belonging by the students, and
to improve the instruction of and the introduction to the
disciplines of engineering. The Freshman Engineering Program
creates and incorporates curriculum and living-learning environments centered on
Teaming, Integration, Design, and
Engineering. Entry-level engineering students immediately begin to
work in close junction with other engineering students, teaching assistants and faculty in core university subjects - mathematics, chemistry, physics, English and engineering - during their initial semesters at the university.
Benefits of UA Freshman Engineering Program
Teaming
- New engineering students are advised and encouraged to schedule their core university freshman classes in groups of 20-25 helping them meet and connect with other engineering students, quickly forming friendships and study groups. The result is a small school atmosphere within a large university environment, which helps ensure successful student transition to college life.
- Free tutoring for core math, science, and engineering courses is a service provided by the College of Engineering and conducted by upper-level engineering students. New students are exposed to successful engineering student role models, leaders and mentors while also obtaining a student’s insight and perspective in their engineering discipline.
Integration
- Faculty and student teaching assistants from the core freshman courses coordinate lecture material and topics allowing the students to better understand the relationships and applications of these subjects to each other and to the field of engineering.
- Designated on-campus residential life facilities are available for both male and female engineering students whereby the students are on common floors or wings in dorms located near the College of Engineering portion of the campus.
- Technical and social organizations in all engineering majors allow freshman and transfer students to readily become involved with and exposed to other engineering students and professionals within their career discipline.
Design
- Freshman level courses engage students in the engineering design and problem solving process through hands-on projects with applications to existing situations. Entry-level students receive immediate exposure to the issues and problems that engineering professionals confront on an everyday basis.
- Teaming and integration are reinforced throughout the freshman engineering design projects. Students from the various engineering disciplines work as teams of 4-6 reflecting the engineering workplace environment.
Engineering
- Inclusive of advising and coursework, students interact with engineering faculty from the beginning of their college career, gaining an immediate exposure to the discipline of engineering.
- Computer proficiency and programming are utilized to enhance engineering problem solving, critical thinking and data analysis. Freshman engineering students begin developing essential written and verbal technical communication skills utilizing graphics, computer aided drafting, word processing, computational spreadsheets, and audiovisual presentation packages.
- The Cooperative Education Program is initiated at the freshman level allowing students to gain immediate access to job opportunities and internships with local, state, regional, and national engineering employers. Students gain and incorporate valuable engineering work experience with their coursework helping them to better focus and choose the correct engineering career path early.
Program Selection and Participation
The Freshman Engineering Program is designated for all students entering the College of Engineering. The program is structured to handle students entering with a wide variety of backgrounds, including all engineering and computer science majors. All new students will take a math and computer placement test at UA orientation to determine program eligibility. A supplemental pre-engineering course is available for those students placing below the Calculus I math level, which will help to prepare them for success in engineering.
Engineering Student Services
The University of Alabama
112 H.M. Comer Hall
Tuscaloosa, AL
Phone: 205/348-1598
E-mail:gsingleton@eng.ua.edu
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