Engineering

College of Science and Engineering
Dean: Sheldon Axler

School of Engineering
SCI 163
415-338-1228
E-mail: engineer@sfsu.edu
Director: Shy-Shenq Liou

Graduate Coordinator: WenShen Pong

Faculty

Professors—Abo-El-Ata, D'Orazio, Franco, Ganji, Holton, Hu, Krishnan, Liou, Owen, Pfaelzer, Shahnasser, Sinha, Tarakji, Wheeler

Associate Professors—Enssani, Pong

Assistant Professor—Cooklev, Holden

Programs

B.S. in Civil Engineering
B.S. in Computer Engineering
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Minor in Engineering
M.S. in Engineering

Mission and Goals

The mission of the School of Engineering is to educate students from a diverse and multicultural population to become productive members of the engineering profession and society at large. The following four educational objectives stem from this mission: (1) graduates from the engineering programs will have the analytical and technical abilities necessary to work in the profession of engineering; (2) graduates from the engineering programs will be prepared for their field of specialty and will be informed of recent technical advances in their field; (3) graduates from the engineering programs will be cognizant of societal issues and their role as future professional engineers working for the general benefit of society; (4) the School of Engineering will provide a culture that supports students in their academic and professional development, and will continue development of existing and new programs.

Program Scope

The School of Engineering offers four Bachelor of Science programs in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. A Minor in Engineering is also available. Descriptions of the four major programs and minor program follow this general introduction.

Civil engineering is concerned with the building of civil and environmental facilities, which are essential for the commerce of our society. Civil engineers design and construct bridges, buildings, wastewater treatment plants, water supply facilities, hazardous waste facilities, and transportation systems. The program at San Francisco State University provides a broad and practical education which prepares students for civil engineering employment and (for those who qualify) for graduate studies.

Computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science and deals with the design and application of computer systems. These computer systems can range from super computers to tiny microprocessors that are embedded in all kinds of apparatus such as automobiles, appliances, cellular phones, medical devices, office equipment, etc. A computer engineering program teaches students about computer hardware, software, integration, interfacing, and application with a strong emphasis on analysis and design. Hence, students pursuing a computer engineering degree must have a solid foundation in mathematics and physical sciences. Students must develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as an appreciation for the impact of technology in society. Graduates of the program can seek employment immediately, or to continue studies for an advanced degree in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or other areas such as business, law, or medicine.

Electrical engineering is the profession that deals with the processing of information and energy. It is the branch of engineering that covers the many diverse electrical, electronic, and magnetic devices and systems from conceptual design through manufacturing to applications in the field. Graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering have a number of options available to them. They may engage in the analysis, modeling, simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment. Persons interested in research, development, or college-level teaching may return to universities for advanced degrees in a specified area of electrical engineering.

Mechanical engineering is the field responsible for the design of machines and devices used throughout society. Industries involved in the generation of electricity; in petroleum production; and in the design and manufacture of electronics, aircraft, automobiles, consumer and industrial products typically employ large numbers of mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers are also employed by companies involved in automated manufacturing as well as robotics and control. The program at San Francisco State University prepares the student to enter into professional employment directly after graduation in addition to providing the needed foundation for graduate study.

Recognizing the value to certain students majoring in science for broadening their education to include applications of their backgrounds in science to real-world physical systems, the Minor in Engineering is offered.

The master's program includes three primary curricular areas of specialization in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering from which the student may choose his/her program of study upon advisement. The objectives of the program are to provide students with advanced engineering education necessary for solving complex problems in engineering practice and to provide opportunities for updating and upgrading the skills of practicing engineers. These objectives are accomplished by a flexible program to meet individual student needs.

Career Outlook

Graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering may engage in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, water supply facilities, and environmental facilities for treating wastewater and hazardous wastes. Civil engineers find employment with industrial firms, government agencies, utilities, and public works departments, as well as engineering firms which consult for these enterprises. After gaining practical experience, some civil engineers form their own consulting firms.

Computing engineering is the profession that deals with computer hardware/software design, integration, interfacing, and application. It is the fastest growing engineering profession, and it impacts all aspects of our lives. Since computers are everywhere, from super computers to embedded microprocessors, computer engineers are needed in design, development, testing, marketing, and technical support of a wide variety of industries. Examples of major industries that employ computer engineers include computers, semiconductors, instrumentation, communications, networks, medical equipment, manufacturing, automobile, etc.

Graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering may engage in the analysis, modelling, simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment. They may also engage in the operation and maintenance of facilities for electrical power generation or telecommunication. High technology companies, in the fields of electronic and computer manufacturing as well as utilities in power generation and communications employ electrical engineers.

Graduates with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering may immediately engage in the design, analysis, testing, production, and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems. Most industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, chemical, power generation, agriculture, food processing, textile, and mining employ mechanical engineers.

Engineers interested in research, development, or college-level teaching return to college for an M.S. or Ph.D. in their specified field. Engineers interested in management and business aspects may return to college for a Master of Business Administration.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING

Freshman applicants should complete four years of mathematics, one year of chemistry, and one year of physics in high school. Students are also encouraged to include courses in mechanical drawing and computer programming.

Community college transfers should complete the sequence of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering courses listed in freshman and sophomore years under the "sample sequence of courses," if available at the community college.

The Bachelors of Science in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering require 132 semester units. Major requirements including mathematics, chemistry, and physics prerequisites are 99 units. For civil and mechanical engineering, 51 of the required units are lower division and 48 units are upper division. For electrical engineering, 50 of the required units are lower division and 49 units are upper division. For computer engineering, 47 of the required units are lower division and 52 units are upper division. The remaining 33 units satisfy the balance of the university requirements including communication skills and general education in humanities and social sciences. Students are advised that, except for some G.E. courses, all courses which are to be counted toward completion of an engineering degree must be taken for a letter grade; the CR/NC option may not be used in this context.

Recognizing the need of the professional engineer to participate in facets of problem solving that extend beyond technical and economic considerations, the General Education requirement for engineering students includes 33 units in courses other than mathematics, natural sciences, and business. Students have the option of following either the university General Education program or the School of Engineering General Education program. The School of Engineering G.E. program permits a student to use courses required for the engineering majors to satisfy some of the G.E. requirements, so that the total number of units outside of major requirements is reduced. Students should inquire at the School of Engineering office about the approved General Education requirements for engineering majors.

Courses are scheduled during the day as well as in the late afternoon and evening. Other information and assistance in selecting courses can be obtained from a major adviser in the School of Engineering, or by calling 415/338-1174, by e-mail to engineer@sfsu.edu, or by writing to School of Engineering, San Francisco State University, Science Building, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132.

On-line course descriptions are available.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The curriculum provides a broad-based common core of engineering science and the essential civil engineering subjects. The students conclude with eleven units of electives where primary emphasis is placed on design, practical applications, and computer solutions in selected areas of civil engineering.

At least fifteen units of 400-level courses and engineering electives must be completed at SFSU, except with prior approval from an adviser and the head of the civil engineering program. Upper-division courses in the major must be completed within ten years of graduation.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are described elsewhere.

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student's adviser and the program head of civil engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of fourteen units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the minimum number of units specified for each group. Courses numbered 800 and above are available to qualified undergraduates.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Computer engineering is a multidisciplinary field that has grown and become discipline by itself. The first two years of the program are designed to build a strong background in mathematics and science to provide a basis for understanding the underlying analysis and modeling tools and physical principles that are common to all engineering. The last two years cover a rich set of hardware and software subjects to give students a broad background in computer engineering. This broad foundation enables students to adapt and extend their knowledge and skills more easily in the future. The curriculum also stresses problem solving skills and teamwork. Through electives, students can choose to develop further breadth or in-depth knowledge in one of three areas: embedded systems, network systems, or multimedia systems.

Upper Division Technical Electives

Choice of upper division electives must demonstrate a clearly identifieable educational objective and with an adviser's approval. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student's adviser and the program coordinator for computer engineering prior to registering for ENGR 691. In addition to ENGR 691 and ENGR 692, at least 15 of the senior-level (400 or above) computer engineering units must be completed at SFSU. Upper division (300 or above) computer engineering courses must have been taken within five years of graduation.

A total of six units from the following list of courses is required.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The required upper division courses provide a broad and basic understanding of the main fields in electrical engineering. Upon advisement, each student may choose an area of specialization in the senior year in communications, computers, electronics, control/robotics, or power engineering.

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide . A study plan of intended upper-division electives must be approved by the student's adviser and the program coordinator for Electrical Engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program and must include at least two senior-level laboratories. At least fifteen of the 400-level engineering units must be completed at SFSU. Upper division courses must have been taken within five years of graduation.

A total of sixteen units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the minimum number of units specified for each group.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The required courses provide a thorough grounding in the essentials of mechanical engineering. Elective courses taken as part of one of the areas of emphasis allow for specialization. The areas of emphasis currently offered are mechanical design, thermal-fluids systems, and robotics and control.

Thirty units must be earned in residence at SFSU. Twenty-four of these units must be upper division courses and twelve of these upper division units must be in the major.

Core Electives

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is given in the Advising Guide. A study plan of intended upper division electives must be approved by the student's adviser and the program head for mechanical engineering prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of seven units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the minimum number of units specified for each group.

NOTE: Students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher may take graduate courses as electives with the approval of the course instructor.

MINOR IN ENGINEERING

Students intending to qualify for this minor must meet with the director of the School of Engineering to plan a projected program and complete the Engineering Minor Approval form. When this form is completed and approved by the director, it will serve as an agreement between the student and the School of Engineering which assures qualification for the minor upon completion of the courses designated on the form. Revision of the form requires the approval of the director.

Prerequisite knowledge requires completion of MATH 228, CHEM 115, and PHYS 240/242 or acceptable equivalents prior to commencing this minor. The minor may be satisfied by a minimum of 21 units distributed as follows.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in upper division major classes, in addition to meeting general university requirements for graduate standing. The School of Engineering also requires two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the student's previous academic work or professional accomplishments.

Advancement to Candidacy

The applicant is advanced to candidacy when the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) has been signed and approved by the Dean of the Graduate Division.

Written English Proficiency Requirements

Level One: is satisfied by passing either the Graduate Essay Test (GET) which is administered by the university Testing Center or an approved English writing course. Level Two: is satisfied by the completion of a written thesis (ENGR 898) or research project (ENGR 895).

Curriculum

The program is based on 30 semester units. It includes nine units of required courses, six units for individual research and thesis, and a minimum of fifteen units of electives. Among the electives, no more than six units are to be taken from areas other than engineering, and they must be consistent with the overall career objectives of the student as provided in the program of study. At least 21 units must be earned in graduate level courses.

NOTE: Engineering electives are number-coded as follows: 820-839 are civil, 840-859 are electrical, and 860-879 are mechanical engineering.