1. 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

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

3. Q&A Opening Weekend Where can I get help? Other questions?
Department office
EECS: 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

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

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

11. “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

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

13. Syracuse University 12,500 undergraduate students
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)

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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