School of Engineering and Computer Science

301 ENGINEERING CENTER
(248) 370-2217
Fax: (248) 370-4261

School website: oakland.edu/secs

Dean: Louay M. Chamra; Executive Secretary: Jane Dietrich

Interim Associate Dean: Qian Zou; Administrative Secretary: Haroldeane Perzyk

Business Manager: Keith Harvey; Accounting Clerk IV: Barbara Kline

Director of Undergraduate Advising: Carmen Etienne

Academic Advisers: Patrick Bennett; Jason Pennington

Office Assistant I: Marlene McKean

Computer Support - Computer Network Administrator: Eric Stevens

Computer Technologist: Terrence P. Heinz

Communications Manager: Emily Prawdzik-Genoff

Director of Recruitment and Outreach: Krzysztof Kobus

Laboratory Manager: Matt Bruer

Project Engineer: Pete Taylor

Director of Development: Richard Rachner

SmartZone Business Incubator:
Executive Director - Amy Butler
Director of Clean Energy Systems - Jim Leidel
Finance and Operations Coordinator - Stephen Kent

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board for the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) is composed of leaders in industry. They assist the school in developing educational and research programs to meet the rapidly expanding requirements in the technical world. The board is available as a body or individually for consultation on such matters as curriculum, research, facilities, equipment requirements, special subjects and long-range planning. Board members are:

Ron A. May, Chairperson, Advisory Board; Executive Vice President, DTE Energy

David Agnew, Technology Strategy, Research & Regulations NAFTA, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., Chasis & Safety

     Division, Systems & Technology

Hadi A. Akeel, Ph.D., Consultant

Thomas Anderson, Director, Automation Alley Technology Center

Michael Bolon, Retired Senior Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems

Flavia De Veny, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Strategy, Development & Implementation

Glenn Denomme, Vice President of Engineering, Automotive Solutions Group, A123 Systems

Robert Fascetti, Vice President, Powertrain Engineering, Powertrain Product Development, Ford Motor Company

Robert Fisher, Vice President of Purchasing Core Engineering & Program Management, Takata

Grant R. Gerhart, Ph.D., Retired Senior Research Scientist, TARDEC

Richard Haller, President and Chief Operating Officer, Walbridge

Philip Headley, Chief Engineering, Brake Systems, N.A., Continental Teves

Fred Killeen, Interim Chief Technology Officer, General Motors Corporation

Joseph Long, Chief Engineer, Door Systems, Inteva Products

Rob Martin, Director, Engine Electrical Engineering, Denso International America, Inc., Engineering Division

William H. Mattingly, Vice President, Business Development, ESG Automotive Inc.

William Mihalic, Executive Coordinator, Denso International America, Inc.

Yogen Rahangdale, Retired President & COO, American Axle & Manufacturing

James Toeniskoetter, Chief Operating Officer, Hirotec America

Jeff Van Dorn, Partner, Partner, Android Industries, L.L.C

Diana Wagner, Head of Vehicle Cost Engineering & Methods, Chrysler

Mazin Yousif, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, Shell Global Account, Chief Technology Officer, T-Systems International

Mission

The overall mission of the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) is threefold:

• to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of instruction in engineering and computer science to prepare graduates for careers in the coming decades,
• to advance knowledge through basic and applied research in relevant branches of engineering and computer science, and
• to provide service to both the engineering profession and public in the State of Michigan.

In carrying out its mission, the School will address the needs of the automotive and related industries in southeast Michigan for the:

• education of engineers and computer scientists,
• development of research programs, and
• fulfillment of the demands for professional service.

General Information

Accreditation

The undergraduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The undergraduate computer science program and software engineering and information technology program are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. Note: The engineering biology program is currently in the process of transitioning into a bioengineering program, which is expected to be under ABET accreditation review in the fall of 2015.

Undergraduate programs

The School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) offers instruction leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with majors in computer, electrical, industrial and systems, and mechanical engineering, and Bachelor of Science, with a major in computer science, and information technology. In addition, programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering chemistry, engineering physics and bioengineering are offered jointly with the College of Arts and Sciences.

Through its engineering programs, the SECS prepares students for careers in an industrial-based society. Recognizing that today’s engineers must be able to solve complex, highly focused problems, as well as those transcending narrow fields of specialization, the SECS blends an interdisciplinary core with specialized study in the elected major for each program.

Oakland University engineering graduates are prepared to enter the traditional fields of government, product design, development, manufacturing, sales, service and systems analysis - as well as specialized areas, such as robotics, transportation, pollution control, energy systems, computer engineering, communications, medical electronics and automotive engineering. They are also prepared to pursue graduate study for careers in research and teaching. A growing number of students find their undergraduate engineering education is excellent preparation for careers in business, law and medicine.

The baccalaureate program in computer science provides a solid foundation for a career in that field. Since both the engineering and computer science programs are offered within the school, computer science majors are exposed to the software as well as the hardware aspects of the profession. Thus, students in the computer science program prepare themselves for careers in the traditional fields of systems programming, data processing and systems analysis, as well as in such interdisciplinary fields as artificial intelligence, robotics, bioinformatics, computer architecture, computer graphics, pattern recognition and scientific computation. The baccalaureate program in information technology is focused on the applied aspects of software technology. The program provides sufficient technical depth and a comprehensive understanding of information technology in the context of problem solving relevant to both engineering and service industries. The SECS also offers minors in computer science and in computing or information technology.

Professional Societies

The school has a number of professional societies such as the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), Aerial Systems Club (ASC), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), Engineering Society at Oakland University (ESOU), For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST Robotics), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE), Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), Oakland Robotics Association (ORA), SAE (formerly known as Society of Automotive Engineers) , Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Theta Tau fraternity and honor societies Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi. Students are encouraged to become active members of one or more of these organizations.

Graduate programs

The SECS offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree in 1) computer science, 2) software engineering and information technology, 3) electrical and computer engineering, 4) embedded systems, 5) mechatronics, 6) industrial and systems engineering, 7) mechanical engineering, and 8) systems engineering. The SECS also offers programs leading to Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 1) computer science and informatics, 2) electrical and computer engineering, 3) mechanical engineering, and 4) systems engineering; the Ph.D. in Systems Engineering program is a school-wide program allowing for a blending of various disciplines. The school also offers a Master of Science degree in engineering management in cooperation with the School of Business Administration. For more information, see the Oakland University Graduate Catalog.

Centers/Institutes

Center for Robotics Unmanned and Intelligent Systems (CRUIS)

The Center will facilitate opportunities for OU faculty to lead start-up initiatives to work with business & government agencies to transition technical knowledge from academia to industry commercialization opportunities by enabling a research, development, test and evaluation capabilities. CRUIS will seek opportunities to support robotics and unmanned systems challenges in the defense industry that will lead to development of expertise that can be translated to various sectors - security, commercial, social, medical and others that are main stream to our daily lives.

Fastening and Joining Research Institute (FAJRI)

Fastening and joining significantly affects the safety, quality and reliability of many mechanical and structural systems, machinery and equipment. The FAJRI is the only known academic facility of its kind in the world dedicated solely to the research and development of fastening and joining of materials in industries such as automotive, aerospace and nuclear. The research programs at FAJRI benefit both the commercial and defense sectors of the economy, while improving the safety of the public.

Automotive Tribology Center (ATC)

The Automotive Tribology Center is an academic research unit within the Mechanical Engineering department. It is the only university research center in the United States that is dedicated to automotive tribology research and is uniquely positioned to advance the reliability, mobility and efficiency of automotive components. The ATC is mainly dedicated to performing fundamental and applied research that lowers frictional energy losses. Particular emphasis is placed on engine and transmission tribology. The research results of ATC benefit the US military and different governmental and industrial sectors of the economy.

Clean Energy Research Center (CERC)

Energy affects all aspect of our lives from the economy to recreation to health care. The Clean Energy Research Center explores sustainable ways to meet our future energy needs utilizing unique renewable energy feed sources, from biomass to wind to solar with a focus on overall energy conservation. The CERC has launched an academic effort to teach and train the next generation of students on energy issues, has begun the green campus initiative to demonstrate the benefit of alternative energy technology on campus, and continues to perform research towards developing environmentally friendlier technologies.

Chrysler Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming Technology (CLIC-form)

Composed of university faculty, scholars, students, and industry experts, the Chrysler Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming is an academic center at which training, applied research, and intellectual property management in the area of sheet metal forming are carried out. Collaborative initiatives at CLIC-form are open to all domestic and international entities. A unique feature of CLIC-form is its highly selective, industry-hosted internship program in which OU undergraduate students participate in research projects during the summer. In addition to providing educational training and engaging in collaborative research, the team at CLIC-form seeks to develop and commercialize intellectual property related to sheet metal forming technology.

Hardware in the Loop (HIL)

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is used widely in the development and testing of complex real-time embedded systems, such as automotive engine controllers. The OU HIL Lab is a unique multi-disciplinary academic facility, which was established in 2012 with support from Chrysler LLC, and is located in Dodge Hall of Engineering. The HIL lab contains five automotive-hardware-in-the-loop simulators that allow testing and development of production and prototype engine and transmission controllers using simulated (software) automobiles. Current research projects include fuel economy strategies, engine thermal modeling, and advanced control techniques for transmission shift control.

Admission

High school preparation

Entering engineering and computer science freshmen should have taken at least four years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry, and should have a strong grasp of English composition. Additional preparation should include course work in chemistry and physics. Exposure to computer aided design (CAD), machine shop tooling, computer programming and electronics shop devices is useful, but is not required for admission. Entering information technology freshmen should have at least three years of high school mathematics with some preparation in science. Normally, a 3.0 (B) grade point average is required for admission into the SECS programs.

Transfer policy

The programs offered by the SECS are designed to meet accreditation criteria, as well as to reflect the Oakland University philosophy of education. The programs are more than an assemblage of courses; they are designed to blend theory and experiment, and to integrate fundamental mathematical and scientific background into advanced analysis and design work.

To ensure the integrity of its programs, the SECS has adopted the following transfer policy: Records of students transferring to Oakland University from other academic institutions are evaluated and transfer credit is granted as appropriate. Students may transfer applicable community college credits at any time during their course of study. However, at least one-half of the credits required for completion of a specific baccalaureate degree program must be from regionally accredited four-year institutions, with at least 32 credits earned at Oakland University.

Students planning to transfer into one of the engineering programs should present the following: four semester courses in analytic geometry and calculus, including linear algebra and differential equations; two semester courses in introductory calculus-based college physics; and one or two semester courses in chemistry. Other credits in mathematics, science or engineering will be evaluated with reference to engineering graduation requirements. Technician course credits generally do not apply to these requirements. Community college students who plan to transfer into an engineering program are advised to follow the transfer equivalency guides found on the Oakland University’s web site. Students planning to transfer from Macomb Community College (MCC) under the two-plus-two program must meet specific requirements that are available in detail from the Admissions Office at MCC or SECS Advising Office at Oakland University. Students planning to transfer into the computer science program should complete one year of course work in calculus, one course in linear algebra, one course in discrete mathematics if possible and two semester courses in introductory college physics using calculus. A course in programming in a high-level language is desirable. Whenever possible, further course work in computer science should be planned with an Oakland University adviser to ensure compatibility with university requirements. Students transferring into the information technology program should include a course in calculus, a course in statistics, and a course in science elective. A course in programming in a high level language is also desirable.

Transfer students from non-ABET-accredited foreign institutions must complete a minimum of 20 credits in their major program of study (professional subjects) at Oakland University including the capstone design course. All of the courses presented for transfer from such programs must receive school approval, before student receives official transfer credit. See Transfer student information for additional information.

Internal transfer

Oakland University students wishing to transfer into engineering or computer science programs in the SECS from other majors, undecided status, or engineering/computer science candidate status will be considered upon the completion of the following courses: MTH 154 , MTH 155 ; PHY 161  and PHY 162 . Engineering physics students must complete PHY 151  and PHY 110  as well as PHY 152  and PHY 111  in addition to MTH 154 , MTH 155 . Similarly, students wishing to transfer into the information technology program will be considered upon completion of MTH 154  or MTH 122 , STA 227 , APM 163  and an approved science elective. An overall Oakland University GPA of 2.6 is also required.

Academic Advising and Plans of Study

The programs of study for all entering freshmen are focused toward acquiring math, science, writing and programming skills. One of the early courses taken by engineering students is EGR 120 , Engineering Graphics and CAD which introduces students to the special software tools used in engineering. In consultation with the faculty mentors and advising office, students should ensure that they satisfy all of the requirements of their programs of study.

The school’s academic advising office oversees specific program requirements. Students who have questions about transfer credit, academic standing, major standing, petitions or the details of degree requirements should consult the academic adviser in in the Undergraduate Advising Office. Students of the SECS must complete a Plan of Study form, which is a timetable of courses to be taken for undergraduate credit. They should complete the form as early as possible, but no later than the end of the semester in which they complete 48 credits. Transfer students should consult with an academic adviser when they enter Oakland University, and complete a Plan of Study form. Students are responsible for updating their plans regularly, preferably each semester. Although advisers are obligated to help students plan their programs, the responsibility for fulfilling degree requirements remains with students. The SECS Undergraduate Advising Office is located in 255 Engineering Center, (248) 370-2201.

Degree Requirements

General requirements for the baccalaureate degrees

The following general requirements must be met by students seeking a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering chemistry, engineering physics, bioengineering, computer science, and information technology:

1. Complete at about 128 - 130 total credits. (See the program description for the exact total.) At least 32 credits must be in courses at the 300 level or above.
2. Complete at least 32 credits at Oakland University. (Refer to the transfer policy of the SECS for further clarification.) The credits taken at Oakland must include the following for students majoring in: Computer, electrical, industrial and systems, mechanical engineering: at least 24 credits in engineering core or professional subjects required for the major, Engineering chemistry, engineering physics, and bioengineering: at least 16 credits in required engineering courses, and 16 credits in chemistry or physics or biology courses required for the major; Computer science: at least 24 credits in computer science courses required for the major. Information Technology: at least 24 credits in information technology courses required for the major.
3. Take the last 8 credits needed to complete baccalaureate requirements at Oakland University.
4. Fulfill the university general education requirement (see below and Undergraduate degree requirements).
5. Be admitted to major standing in the major of the student’s choice.
6. Complete the requirements specified for the elected major.
7. Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses taken at Oakland University.
8. All students must apply to graduate by submitting an Application for Degree online.

Writing foundation, writing intensive, and U.S. diversity

The baccalaureate degree requirements include completion of WRT 160 , with a grade of 2.0 or higher to satisfy the university general education requirement in writing as part of the foundations area. Students who believe their skills warrant exemption from WRT 160 may also submit a portfolio. (Refer to the Oakland University Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of this catalog). Students must also satisfy requirements for a writing intensive course in general education, a writing intensive course in the major, a U.S. diversity course, and a capstone course (please refer to the Oakland University Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of this catalog).

General education requirements

The General Education requirements are comprised of three parts: Foundations, Exploration, and Integration. In addition, Diversity requirements must also be met. For details, refer to the General Education section of the catalog.

Foundations:

1. Writing foundations as indicated above.
2. Formal Reasoning (Satisfied by MTH 122  or MTH 154  for IT majors. Satisfied by MTH 154  for all other majors.)

Exploration:

3. Art
4. Foreign Language and Culture
5. Global Perspective
6. Literature
7. Natural Science and Technology (Satisfied by EGR 240 or EGR 250 for engineering and computer science majors. Satisfied by BIO 111, PHY 151 and PHY 110, CHM 157 or ENV 308 for IT majors.)
8. Social Science (Engineering majors must take one of the following: ECN 150, ECN 201, ECN 202 or ECN 210.)
9. Western Civilization (All Engineering, Engineering Science, Computer Science and Information Technology majors are required to take PHL 104 - Introduction to Ethics in Science and Engineering to satisfy the general education requirement in Western Civilization.)

Integration:

10. Knowledge Applications (Satisfied by MTH 155 for engineering and engineering science majors. Satisfied by APM 163 for IT majors.)

Capstone: SECS students with majors in engineering and computer science, satisfy these areas by virtue of their required courses. However, information technology majors must take a course from the natural science and technology knowledge exploration area.
Diversity: May be met by an approved course in the Explorations area.

Engineering core

All engineering programs in the SECS have a common core program consisting of the following courses:

EGR 120 - Engineering Graphics and CAD  (1)
EGR 141 - Computer Problem Solving in Engineering and Computer Science  (4)
EGR 240 - Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering  (4)
EGR 250 - Introduction to Thermal Engineering  (4)
EGR 260 - Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering  (4)
EGR 280 - Design and Analysis of Electromechanical Systems  (4)

This core program introduces students to the nuances of the interdisciplinary nature of engineering and lays the foundations for the specialized studies in the student’s major fields of study. These courses also provide substantial, real world laboratory experiences to students. It is important that students successfully complete these courses in order to achieve major standing (see below).

Major standing

To enroll in 300- or 400-level courses and to become candidates for the baccalaureate degree, students of the SECS must gain major standing in their selected majors. An application for major standing should be submitted during the semester in which students complete all requirements for major standing. Students lacking major standing may enroll in 300- or 400-level engineering, computer science and information technology courses only by presenting at registration an approval form signed by the academic adviser. The purpose of this process is to ensure that students can complete outstanding deficiencies preventing achievement of major standing. Forms may be obtained in the Undergraduate Advising office.

To gain major standing requires satisfactory completion of course work in mathematics, science and the major, as designated below.

Engineering:

Mathematics: MTH 154 -MTH 155, APM 255. Science: CHM 143; PHY 161, PHY 162. Engineering Core: EGR 120, EGR 141, EGR 240, EGR 250, EGR 260 and EGR 280.

Computer science:

Mathematics: MTH 154-MTH 155, MTH 275; APM 263, Science: PHY 161, PHY 162, Major: EGR 240; CSE 230, CSE 280.

Information technology:

Math/Science: MTH 154 or MTH 122, STA 227; APM 163, science elective. Major: CIT 120, CIT 131, CIT 230, CIT 247, CIT 252, CIT 280.

Bioengineering:

Math/Science: MTH 154-MTH 155, APM 255, Science: PHY 161, PHY 162, BIO 111, BIO 113. Major: EGR 120, EGR 141, EGR 240, EGR 250, EGR 280.

Engineering physics:

Mathematics: MTH 154-MTH 155, APM 255. Science: CHM 143; PHY 151, PHY 110, PHY 152, PHY 111. Major: EGR 120, EGR 141, EGR 240, EGR 250, EGR 260, EGR 280.

Engineering chemistry:

Mathematics: MTH 154-MTH 155, APM 255. Science: [CHM 144, CHM 147, CHM 145, CHM 148] or [CHM 162, CHM 163]. Major: EGR 120, EGR 141, EGR 240, EGR 250, EGR 260, EGR 280.

To complete the requirements for major standing satisfactorily a student must a) have an average of at least 2.0 in each of the mathematics, science or math/science (for IT) and core/major course groupings, b) have no more than two grades below 2.0 in the required courses; c) not have repeated any course more than two times; and d) not have repeated more than three different courses. Courses in which a W (withdrawal) grade is recorded will not be counted. Conditional major standing may be granted in the semester in which the student is enrolled in the EGR 280 (for engineering majors), CSE 280 (for CS majors) or CIT 280 (for IT majors). Transfer students may satisfy the requirements for major standing by using transfer credits.

Typical schedule for first two years (The following is a sample schedule for Mechanical Engineering students)

Scheduling depends on students’ selected majors, but should be tailored to meet the requirements for admission to major standing promptly. For sample schedules, refer to the department listings in this catalog or to the student handbook of the SECS. Students who are not prepared to enter the mathematics and science courses without additional preparation in these subject areas must modify their schedules accordingly. Such students may require additional time to complete degree requirements, unless they make up the deficiencies by enrolling during the summer semester following the freshman year.

Course load

Students should strike a balance between course load and other commitments. In general, students carrying a full load of 16 credits per semester should not be employed for more than 10 to 20 hours per week. Students who are employed 40 hours per week generally should not carry a course load of more than 4 credits per semester. The university’s maximum course load policy is detailed in the Academic Policies and Procedures section (see Course and credit system).

Graduation check

To ensure that students have met all requirements, they must participate in a final program audit during the semester preceding the one in which they expect to graduate. A preliminary Graduation Review form should be submitted to the Academic Adviser in the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Internships

Many employers seek SECS students for internship employment. Therefore, those SECS students who wish to combine relevant work experience with their college education are encouraged to participate in internship programs in association with engineering or computer science related employers. Participation in job fairs, which are hosted by the Oakland University Career Services, is often helpful for securing internships. To prepare for internship opportunities, SECS students should list their resume and participate in interview skills training through the Career Services office in 154 North Foundation Hall.

Double Major

To earn two majors in engineering or in engineering and computer science, students must complete all requirements of both programs. Further, in addition to the credit hours needed for one major, the student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in pertinent technical courses applicable to the second major. Students seeking two degrees should consult the university’s requirements (see Additional undergraduate degrees and majors).

Minors and Concentrations

Students who wish to add a minor or concentration or otherwise participate in an interdepartmental program must apply for admission and seek assistance in planning a program. Application may be made to the coordinator of the appropriate program committee or department involved. Students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science might be interested in the following minors or concentrations: Applied mathematics, applied statistics, biology, chemistry, economics, environmental studies, linguistics, and physics. For details see Other Academic Options in the College of Arts and Sciences portion of the catalog. Other areas of interest might be: accounting, finance, general business, management information systems, production and operations management, and quantitative methods. For details on these, see Minors in the School of Business Administration portion of the catalog. The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers the following minors:

Minor in International Orientation (for SECS students)

Coordinator: Lunjin Lu
In view of the ever-increasing globalization of industry, students in engineering and computer science need to be aware of their international opportunities and also to develop an intellectual background that enhances their ability to respond to professional challenges in the global environment. To obtain a minor in international orientation, engineering/computer science students must complete the following courses with a grade of at least 2.0 in each course:

Requirements

• ECN 200 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4) or ECN 202 - Principles of Global Macroeconomics (4)
• ECN 210 - Principles of Economics (6)
• Foreign language consistent with the introductory course (8)
• One advanced course (4 credits) from PS 314 or ECN 373
• EGR 496 (4), which requires eight weeks of study/work abroad.

Introductory course - 4 credits

• IS 210 - Introduction to China (4)
• IS 220 - Introduction to Japan (4)
• IS 230 - Introduction to Africa (4)
• IS 240 - Introduction to India (4)
• IS 250 - Introduction to Latin America (4)
• IS 260 - Introduction to Russia and Eastern Europe (4)
• HST 341 - Europe Since 1914 (4)

Note: Some of the courses listed above also satisfy general education requirements. This minor is open to the students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Additional Minors (not open to computer science, computer engineering or information tech. students)

• Minor in Computer Science (See description in Department of Computer Science section.)
• Minor in Computing (See description in Department of Computer Science section.)
• Minor in or Information Technology (See description in Department of Computer Science section.)

Additional Information

Prerequisite courses

In planning their schedules, students should ensure that they satisfy prerequisite and corequisite conditions for courses, as listed under “Course Offerings.” Students will have their registrations canceled if they register for courses for which they do not meet the conditions. Students will be liable for any financial penalties incurred by such cancellation.

Project and independent study courses

Project and independent study courses numbered 490 and 494 are available to provide enrichment opportunities to qualified students. They are not intended as substitutes for regular course offerings; rather, they allow students to investigate areas of interest outside the scope of regular courses, examine subjects more deeply than can be accommodated in regular courses, or gain educational experiences beyond that of regular course work. To register for a project or independent study course, students must first submit a plan of work to the faculty member who will supervise the course. The plan must be approved in writing by the faculty member and the chair of the major department before students may register for the course.

Application forms are available in the departmental offices.

Petitions

Waivers of specific academic requirements may be initiated by submitting a petition of exception (see Petition of exception). Students seeking a review of their academic standing within the school or students who wish to make a formal complaint should submit a written petition to the chair of their major department or to the associate dean. Petitions will be processed according to established university procedures.

Academic conduct

Students are expected to abide by the principles of truth and honesty, which are essential to fair grading. Academic misconduct in any form is not permitted. Students who are found guilty of academic misconduct as determined by the university Academic Conduct Committee, in any course offered by the school, may be subject to penalties that range from a reduced grade for the assignment, a grade of 0.0 for the entire course, academic probation, suspension or dismissal from the university. All assignments must be the independent work of each student, unless the professor of the course gives explicit permission relaxing this requirement.

See the Academic Conduct Policy section of the catalog for more detailed information.

Academic standing

The performance of students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science will be reviewed at the end of each semester to determine academic progress. Good academic standing in the school requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in: a) courses required for the major; b) cognate courses in mathematics and science; and c) all courses taken at Oakland University. Students whose cumulative grade point averages fall below 2.0 in one or more of the three categories will be placed on probation status.

Students who fail to correct the conditions leading to probation after one semester are generally ineligible to continue their programs. However, probation status may be continued if students are judged to be making substantial progress toward correcting the deficiency. (For part- time students, 12 consecutive credits of course work will be considered equivalent to one semester.)

Students on probation status may not serve on committees of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Students who become ineligible to continue enrollment in the School of Engineering and Computer Science may transfer to another school or college within the university subject to their requirements.

The above rules were established by the undergraduate curriculum committee of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Students wishing to appeal a ruling on their academic status must address a written petition to the School’s committee on academic standing. Petitions may be submitted to the academic adviser or the associate dean.

Unsatisfactory performance

Unsatisfactory (U) grades and grades less than 2.0 are considered substandard. A student within the School of Engineering and Computer Science who repeats a course in which a grade below 2.0 has been earned must repeat that course at Oakland University. Courses in which a grade below 2.0 has been earned may not be subsequently passed by competency examination or independent study. See repeating courses for additional information.

Honors, awards and scholarships

The School of Engineering and Computer Science may, at its discretion, confer departmental honors on students who have completed a minimum of 62 credits in the School and demonstrated a high level of scholarly accomplishment by achieving a GPA of 3.5 in SECS courses.

Each year the faculty selects graduating seniors to receive four special awards: Exceptional Achievement, Academic Achievement, Professional Development, and Service. Details are described in the SECS undergraduate student handbook available on the SECS web site. In addition to scholarships available to all Oakland University students, the School of Engineering and Computer Science offers additional scholarship opportunities. Information about these opportunities may be found on the SECS website.

Course Offerings

Courses offered through the School of Engineering and Computer Science carry the following designations: information technology courses, CIT; computer science and engineering courses, CSE; electrical and computer engineering courses, ECE; industrial and systems engineering courses, ISE; mechanical engineering courses, ME. Courses offered under the general title of engineering are listed under EGR. For some of the courses, the semester(s) in which they are usually offered is indicated at the end of the course description. However, this is subject to change. To register for 300- and 400-level courses, students must have attained major standing.