Engineering Sequence Encounter During Fall Semester of BSE Coursework
In an article penned by Shannon Yeow, Engineering Correspondent, the first-year Computer Science BSE student at Princeton University expresses their enthusiasm for the EGR Sequence, considering it an academic highlight of their first year.
The EGR Sequence, or Engineering Sequence, is designed to provide a more applied, engineering-focused foundation. It emphasises practical problem-solving, design, and application to real-world systems. This makes it an attractive choice for Computer Science BSE students seeking a curriculum more directly aligned with engineering principles and interdisciplinary applications, offering potential hands-on experience and direct relevance to engineering practice.
In contrast, the Math/Physics Sequence offers a stronger foundation in theoretical and mathematical principles, which can be valuable for students interested in more theoretical computer science areas, research, or fields that require deep mathematical rigor.
For Computer Science BSE students at Princeton, the advantages of taking the EGR Sequence over the Math/Physics Sequence might include:
- A more emphasis on practical engineering skills and design.
- Greater focus on applied problem-solving relevant to engineering contexts.
- Possible integration with other engineering disciplines and projects.
However, for detailed and specific advantages tailored to Princeton's program, it's best to consult the Princeton Computer Science undergraduate advising resources, curriculum guides, or talk directly with academic advisors at Princeton.
EGR 151, a course that fulfills the first semester of BSE physics requirements, is offered through the Engineering Sequence. Taught by Professor Claire Gmachl, the course includes weekly lectures and labs. The first lab in EGR 151 involved designing a puzzle using Creo, a computer-aided design software. The second lab focused on data-gathering and analysis, culminating in a lab report written using LateX.
The final lab in EGR 151 was a design project where students created a lecture desk extender, known as the Unfold Behold. EGR 152, which fulfills the second of four BSE math requirements, is recommended for students who seek to fulfill their BSE requirements with an application focus. This course includes guest speakers from Princeton's Graduate School, each focusing on a different sector of engineering and speaking on how the concepts learned apply to their research.
Shannon Yeow encourages current EGR sequence students to attend professor or TA office hours for better understanding of problem sets and forming bonds with classmates. They also recommend utilising resources such as PAA, Assistant Dean in residential college, and academic advisers for students considering the EGR sequence.
In their article, Shannon Yeow highlights the EGR Sequence's ability to provide a foundation for applying engineering concepts in the future, particularly for computer science majors. It offers hands-on opportunities to apply physics to engineering and shows the ways in which math appears in various engineering disciplines. The sequence also provides insight into a broad range of math and physics concepts, industry software, and current engineering innovations.
McGraw drop-in tutoring, individual tutoring, and general office hours are resources available for the EGR sequence. Shannon Yeow did not mention any specific courses or events in their BSE Spring Semester Experience in the Engineering Sequence article or their How to Take Summer Classes article. However, they found the focus on application-based learning in EGR courses useful in shaping their perspective on how math and physics fundamentals shape the world today.
In conclusion, the EGR Sequence at Princeton University offers a practical, engineering-focused foundation for Computer Science BSE students, providing opportunities for hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and integration with other engineering disciplines. For students considering the EGR Sequence, Shannon Yeow recommends utilising available resources and seeking advice from academic advisors.
- By choosing the EGR Sequence, Computer Science BSE students at Princeton can prioritize their education-and-self-development towards a more practical, engineering-focused foundation, enhancing their career paths and personal-growth.
- The EGR Sequence encompasses learning opportunities such as hands-on design projects, industry software exposure, and real-world problem-solving, fostering a comprehensive understanding of engineering applications and promoting long-term learning and growth.