ECS 101 Introduction to Engineering and Computer Science L. C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science Syracuse University August 31, 2011 & September 2, 2011 www.ecs101.syr.edu

Lecture Objectives Questions, answers, assistance Overview: Engineering Computer Science Background information SU LC Smith ECS 101: goals, organization

Q&A Opening Weekend Where can I get help? Other questions? Department office EECS: 4-206 CST (Prof. Mohan) BMC: 121 Link (Prof. Sureshkumar) MAE: 263 Link (Prof. Messac) CIE: 151 Link (Prof. Johnson) Deans’ Office (Link 223) Assoc. Dean Costello (Link 223E) Student Support (Link 123) Other questions?

Engineering & Computer Science Consider: What are engineering and computer science? What is engineering? What is computer science? What do you expect to get from your education in engineering or computer science at SU?  Outcomes

Engineering engineering “the putting of scientific knowledge in various branches to practical uses” “systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, etc.” “the science dealing with quantities, forms, etc. and their relationships by the use of numbers and symbols” science mathematics --Webster’s New World Dictionary

Engineering Application of science and math to create products useful to society Rules + Tools Products Society science math engineering health security productivity sustainability … “We bring good things to life”

Comments on Engineering “Mature” profession consisting of more than 50 individual disciplines Civil engineering Mechanical engineering Chemical engineering Electrical engineering ...

Engineering Disciplines Each discipline can be defined by its underlying science and/or products All engineering disciplines share common design techniques problem-solving methods Undergraduate education is “learning how to learn”

Computer Science “Adolescent” field Science component (systematized knowledge) Engineering component (creation of products) Early roots in late 1800s First academic programs in 1960s Application of math and logic to create rules and tools needed to “engineer” information processing systems Rules + Tools Products Society

Comments on E&CS Prerequisites Math skills Science skills Creativity, problem-solving skills Communication skills Not everyone can do it, but you CAN!!! 10% of undergraduates nationally

“Stealth” professions Not “visible” to the public nor easily understood No TV shows or movies… No regular interaction with engineers like doctor’s or dentist’s visits, accountants, lawyers, etc. Notable exceptions: “Bill Nye the Science Guy”, Sid the Science Kid Apollo 13 Soul of a New Machine, Tracy Kidder, 1981, 2000 A Civil Action, Jonathan Harr, 1996 October Sky, 1998 Visible failures Space Shuttle Columbia, WTC, Tacoma Narrows bridge, New Orleans levee system, Minneapolis I-35 bridge August 1, 2007

Special features Satisfying and rewarding professions Special obligations of the professions Quality Safety Integrity

Syracuse University 12,500 undergraduate students 11 + 2 service schools and colleges: Architecture Arts & Sciences Education Human Ecology Information Studies L.C Smith Engineering & Computer Science Law Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Newhouse School of Public Communications Visual and Performing Arts Whitman Management + University College (part-time students) +Graduate School (all grads)

L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science L. C. Smith College founded in 1901 Vision: Prepare leaders/Engineering in Action Excellence in engineering and computer science knowledge and skills: Mastery, not memory Complementary non-technical knowledge/skills Multidisciplinary & diverse learning experiences An attitude of discovery (research) as a basis for lifelong learning

SU LCS “Fast Facts” 411 entering first-year undergraduates 1300 undergraduate students total 500 graduate students total 70+ faculty members 40 staff members 9 undergraduate ABET-accredited degree programs 4 departments

SU LCS Academic Departments Dept. of Biomedical & Chemical Engineering (BMC) Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CIE) Dept. of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS) Dept. of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

College-Wide Services & Programs Administration Dean, Associate Deans, staff Student Records & Study Abroad Maria Marceau, Nicole Adkins Computer and Information Technologies Center Kevin Barnett, staff Opportunities Center Karen Davis Student Support Programs/PRIDE Kate Pynn Student Recruitment Kathleen Joyce 223 Link 130 Link 204 Link 123 Link

ECS 101 Purpose: lay the foundation for your success understanding of engineering and computer science disciplines problem solving skills communication skills math skills computer skills ethics and professional responsibility

ECS 101 Organization Wednesday and Friday large-group lectures Topical interest Key for understanding breadth of LCS A weekly chance for you to talk to a dean, chair, director, alumni, … Attendance required Small-group sections Problem solving in the context of a discipline Attendance in class is mandatory

The Dean’s Advice 3 hrs “on task” for each 1 class hr Get help when you need it! Leverage your E&CS knowledge & skills Breadth of the University Extracurriculars (experiential learning) Be an informed citizen – New York Times; Read a book Be a leader Make wise choices Master knowledge in your discipline Speak and write effectively Exemplary behavior: integrity, civility, courtesy

The LCS Challenge Engineering and Computer Science: critically important professions, serving society Not everyone can do it… YOU CAN!