LANDSCAPE,ENVIRONMENT,DESIGN

Through readings and a series of lectures by Smith faculty and guests, we examine the history and influences out of which landscape studies is emerging. We look at the relationship of this new field with literary and cultural studies, art, art history, landscape architecture, history, biological and environmental sciences. What is landscape studies? Where does it come from? Why is it important? How does it relate to, for instance, landscape painting and city planning? How does it link political and aesthetic agendas?

SEM:RETHINKING LANDSCAPE

This capstone course in the study of the built environment brings history and theory alive for those students with interests in diverse fields such as art, architecture, American studies, engineering and the natural sciences. Designed as an advanced-level seminar, it explores key concepts and theoretical debates that have shaped the interdisciplinary field of landscape studies. In particular, students investigate how the field has changed over time and critically consider where it is likely to go in the future. Classic texts from thinkers such as J.B.

SEM: MODELING PROCESSES

The goal of this seminar is to introduce students to several approaches used to model, understand, simulate and forecast engineering processes. One approach covered is the use of artificial neural networks—a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) with connections to the brain. Other approaches covered are based upon probability and statistics and include auto-regressive moving average (ARIMA) processes. Although students learn about the theory behind these approaches, the emphasis of the course is on their application to model processes throughout the field of engineering.

SEM: WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

Our world is being transformed by networked communications and pervasive data gathering. Underlying this transformation are three major technologies: computer networks, wireless communications and sensors. This seminar will introduce students to the theory and implementation of these technologies, including the use of basic sensors, microprocessors, and wireless transmitters. Students will analyze privacy and security concerns raised by these technologies, as well as their social, political and economic benefits.

DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

Dynamic systems are systems that evolve with time. They occur all around us, throughout nature and the built environment. Understanding dynamic systems leads to the ability to control them, so they behave according to the engineer's design. This course introduces students to both linear dynamic system and modern control theories, so that students will be able to design and control simple dynamic systems. Through design projects, students gain practical experience in designing a simple controller for a dynamic system.

DESIGN CLINIC

This two-semester course leverages students’ previous coursework to address an engineering design problem. Students collaborate in teams on real-world projects sponsored by industry and government. Regular team design meetings, weekly progress reports, interim and final reports, and multiple presentations are required. Prerequisites: Senior standing in engineering, EGR 220, 270, 290, 374 and at least one additional 300-level engineering course, or permission of instructor. This course requires an ability to work on open-ended problems in a team setting. Corequisite EGR 410D.

DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

This two-semester course focuses on the engineering design process and associated professional skills required for careers in engineering. Topics include a subset of the following: the engineering design process, project definition, design requirements, project management, concept generation, concept selection, engineering economics, design for sustainability, design for safety and risk reduction, design case studies, teamwork, effective presentations, professional ethics, networking, negotiation and intellectual property.

SEM: AERIAL VEHICLE DESIGN

Remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft are increasingly being used in scientific research, agriculture, disaster mitigation and national defense. These small and efficient aircraft offer major environmental benefits while, at the same time, raise complex ethical and policy issues. This seminar introduces the rapidly growing field of aerial vehicle design and low-Reynolds number aerodynamics through a major project in which students design, fabricate and test a remotely piloted aircraft. Prerequisites: EGR 374, CSC 111, and either EGR 220 or CSC 270. Enrollment limit of 12.

FLUID MECHANICS

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to introduce students to fundamental theoretical principles and analysis of mechanics of continuous media, including solids and fluids. Concepts and topics to be covered in this course include intensive and extensive thermophysical properties of fluids; control-volume and differential expressions for conservation of mass, momentum and energy; dimensional analysis; and an introduction to additional topics such as aerodynamics, open-channel flow, and the use of fluid mechanics in the design process. Required concurrent laboratory.

FLUID MECHANICS

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to introduce students to fundamental theoretical principles and analysis of mechanics of continuous media, including solids and fluids. Concepts and topics to be covered in this course include intensive and extensive thermophysical properties of fluids; control-volume and differential expressions for conservation of mass, momentum and energy; dimensional analysis; and an introduction to additional topics such as aerodynamics, open-channel flow, and the use of fluid mechanics in the design process. Required concurrent laboratory.
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