Course descriptionThe HMC engineering program prepares its students for the professional world and advanced study in various disciplines through broad-based, hands-on experience in engineering analysis, synthesis and practice.
The program, designed to produce graduates who are exceptionally competent and whose work is notable for its breadth and technical excellence, emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Based on the premise that design is the distinguishing feature of engineering, it includes applied research as early as students' first year, a curriculum covering applied sciences, systems, and design and professional practice, as well as the Clinic Program—an internationally recognized model of experiential learning.
Engineering majors, who leave HMC fully aware of the impact of their work on society, enjoy the benefit of a flexible curriculum that allows them to spend a semester or entire year studying at domestic and international colleges and universities if they wish, and the opportunity to conduct significant research alongside faculty members, often being named co-authors on published papers.
Curriculum
Offering rigorous analysis of theoretical principles and intensive hands-on experience, the engineering curriculum is divided into three branches—applied science, systems, and design and professional practice.
The applied sciences courses (E82, E83, E84, E85 and E106) establish a broad base of fundamental knowledge needed by an engineer practicing in the field.
The sequence of systems courses (E59 and E101-102) provide analysis and design tools to model and interpret the behavior of general engineering systems. These courses are multidisciplinary in approach, enabling students to gain a unified view of the entire spectrum of engineering disciplines.
The design and professional practice courses focus on working in teams on open-ended, externally-driven design projects. Hands-on exposure to professional practice begins with students undertaking challenging design problems in the first year (E4). It continues with a practicum (E8) on drawing and making objects, a laboratory course in experimental engineering (E80) and a three-semester Clinic experience (E111–113).
To keep the option open for majoring in engineering, a student should have taken E4 and E59 before the fourth semester. Any proposed variation from this program must be discussed in advance with an engineering adviser.