- First Year Engagement
First-Year Seminars
Spring 2025
AERSP 1: Aerospace Explorer
Section 001 M 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Section 002 W 3:35-4:25 p.m.
First-Year Seminar explores aerodynamics, structural mechanics, flight mechanics, rotorcraft systems, high performance computers, air/space propulsion, and space systems. AERSP 1 Aerospace Explorer--First-Year Seminar (1) (FYS)Aerospace Engineering deals with vehicles that fly -- airplanes, sailplanes, jets, helicopters, rockets, satellites, the space shuttle, space stations, etc. Students with an interest in these subjects can learn more about the variety of challenges and opportunities in the aerospace field through the small-class environment of the Aerospace Explorer First-Year Seminar. An introduction to both the academic major and career paths in Aerospace Engineering, this seminar deals with the design, analysis and operation of aircraft and space vehicles. Students will learn about aerodynamics, structural mechanics, flight mechanics, rotorcraft systems, high performance computers, air-breathing propulsion, space propulsion, and space systems. The classes will include presentations by the Aerospace Engineering faculty, tours of the Aerospace Engineering laboratories, and presentations by student officers in the Penn State chapters of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), as well as introductions to the use of scientific plotting, graphing, and analysis software.
AERSP 97: Hands on Helicopters
Section 001 Th 6:00-6:50 p.m.
This First-Year Seminar introduces you to the world of vertical flight. You will be introduced to the vocabulary that is unique to helicopters, will discuss the several vertical flight configurations, and will assess the strengths and weaknesses of those configurations. These discussions will be led by an experienced helicopter test pilot. You will have the opportunity to fly a helicopter simulator and will visit a Life Flight helicopter facility, get hands-on with their helicopter, and be briefed by its crew. You will, in addition, discuss goal setting, time management, resume-construction, character development, library skills, and other topics intended to assure success in your studies at Penn State.
BME 100: – Biomedical Engineering Seminar
Section 001 M 12:20-1:20 p.m.
First-year seminar to introduce the students to the field of biomedical engineering, and related opportunities in research, and industry. BME 100S Biomedical Engineering Seminar (1) A first-year seminar designed for students interested in pursuing a career in Biomedical Engineering. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations and problem-solving sessions, the multifaceted world of biomedical engineering will be explored. Students will be: 1) introduced to Penn State as an academic community, including fields of study and research with an emphasis on Biomedical Engineering 2) acquainted with the learning tools and resources available at Penn State 3) given an opportunity to develop relationships with full-time faculty and other students interested in Biomedical Engineering 4) taught about their responsibilities as part of the University community 5) engaged in discussion about Biomedical Engineering and possible career paths that are available to Biomedical Engineering graduates.
CE 100S: – Topics and Cotemporary Issues in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Section 001 M 1:25 – 2:15 p.m.
First-Year Seminar exploring a specific topic or contemporary issue in civil and environmental engineering. CE 100S Topics and Contemporary Issues in Civil and Environmental Engineering: First-Year Seminar (1) (FYS)he first-year seminar in civil engineering will provide an opportunity for students to explore a specific topic or contemporary issue, which may fall within one of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering's technical emphasis areas or include many of the facets of civil engineering. Civil engineers plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain the physical works and facilities essential to modern life: highways, streets, bridges, dams and levees, water distribution and wastewater collection, and treatment systems. Civil engineers work with architects and other engineers in the design and construction of buildings and industrial structures and facilities. They also have a major responsibility for identifying and remediating environmental hazards. The specific course topic, chosen by the course instructor, will vary by section and semester and will be indicated by the section subtitle. Examples of the topics that may form the core of a seminar section include droughts and floods, lessons from structural failures, engineers as environmental change agents, beneficial reuse of treated wastewater, highway accident reconstruction and engineering, and landmark civil engineering projects. Within the context of the specific seminar topic, each section will provide students with an introduction to the civil engineering field, exposure to some of the professional skills and competencies associated with academic study and the practice of engineering, and access to relevant student and professional societies. Each seminar section will include an active learning element that may include laboratory experiments, group projects, class discussions, and possible trips, providing close interaction with the faculty member teaching the course. This seminar course will help incoming students become acclimated to university life and become aware of available resources and support services.
ChE 100: Explore Ch E First Year Seminar
Section 001 W 11:15 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Section 002 W 10:10 – 11:00 a.m.
Designed for students intending to major in Chemical Engineering (ChE), this course is an introduction to ChE. Discussions with faculty and visiting engineers on job selection, patents, licensing, and professional ethics. The exploration of Chemical Engineering and available career opportunities.
CMPSC 111: Logic Comp Science
Section 001 T 1:35 – 2:50 p.m.
Section 002 Th 1:35 – 2:50 p.m.
Section 003 M 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Section 004 W 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
An introduction to logic and its application to problem solving and computer science. CMPSC 111S Logic for Computer Science (1) Computer Science provides the fundamental tools for analyzing problems and designing solutions to these problems which can be implemented on a computer. Logic plays an important role in this process, from a general-purpose tool for reasoning about knowledge to a special-purpose language for specifying the behavior of programs and designing hardware. This course examines the role of logic in problem solving and its application to computer science and computer engineering. Example problems will be drawn from a variety of sources, including brain teasers, puzzles, and mathematics. We will show how these problems and their solutions apply to real problems involving computers. We will also explore a number of important areas of computer science and computer engineering including Boolean and Digital Logic, Designing Arithmetic Hardware, Cryptography and Security Programming Languages, Networking and Wireless Communication, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Ethics.
EE 009S.001
T 1:35 – 2:50 p.m. in 304 EE West
WE ARe . . . DUINO
Are you interested in electronics and computers? In this first-year seminar course, students will learn to create control systems, feedback loops, and fun gadgets using the Arduino microcontroller. This course will provide a gentle introduction to Electrical Engineering as well provide a starting point for future personal projects using this inexpensive microcontroller.
EE 009S.002
M 2:30 – 4:25 p.m. in 309 EE West
BUILD YOUR OWN USB CELL PHONE CHARGER
Do you want to learn how to build a useful circuit? The objective of the course is to give first-year students an introduction to practical design considerations involved in designing, implementing, testing and packaging an electronic device for consumer use. The device to be designed is a portable power bank for USB charging. To avoid safety issues with recharging lithium-ion batteries, the design utilizes primary batteries as the power source. We will provide each student with a NI myDAQ to give each student the capability to make a suite of electrical measurements necessary for testing components in their design. Each student will design and implement a circuit board for their battery bank that regulates the battery power to USB power standards. Students will also design and 3-D print a housing for their battery bank.
ENGR 100: Intro to Engineering
Section 001: W 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Section 002: Th 12:05-1:20 p.m.
Section 004: Th 1:35-2:50 p.m.
Section 005: T 12:20-1:10 p.m.
Section 006: M 9:05-9:55 a.m.
Section 007: W 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
Section 008: Th 3:05 – 4:20 p.m.
Section 009: W 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Section 010: Th 12:20 – 1:10 p.m.
Section 011: W 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Section 012: T 12:20 – 1:10 p.m.
Section 013: W 12:20-1:10 p.m.
Section 014: Th 12:05 – 1:20 p.m.
A seminar providing information about different engineering majors, coping with college life, and exploring educational and career goals. ENGR 100 – is a First-Year Seminar designed as an introduction to the majors available to students in engineering. There are three main goals:
- To introduce students to the areas of study that the college has to offer - this is to assist students in deciding whether engineering is for them. It also helps students decide which major within engineering is for them. This introduction is accomplished through homework exercises and guest speakers - graduates in industry, graduate students, department heads, faculty, and current undergraduates. 2. To introduce students to the university in general - what resources are available and what it means to be a student at a university instead of high school. This is accomplished through guest speakers, lectures by your professor, and homework exercises. 3. To provide students with an opportunity to interact with faculty members, academic advisers, and other students.
ESC 97 — Sustaining and Improving Our Environment—An Introduction to Sustainable Development
W 12:20-1:10 p.m.
The rising global population and global affluence place demands for industrial and technological growth, whereas the eco-system they relied on is reaching its limits. Resources are dwindling. Pollution of air, water and land is creating toxic living conditions. This is a grim and pessimistic description. But it is in our control to reverse the trend.
The FYS will introduce the concept of sustainable development and will also address how modern engineering and its spectrum of interconnected fields are used in meeting societal needs.
Movies, Ted talks, and social media postings will help us in discussing societal impacts of climate crisis and possible remedies — focused on sustainability.
IE 100: Discover Industrial Engineering
Section 001 Tu Th 12:05-1:20 p.m. (6-week course – 01/13/2025 – 02/21/2025)
Informational first-year seminar on Industrial Engineering as a career choice and profession; guest speakers; real world problems. Discover Industrial Engineering: First-Year Seminar (1) (FYS)The objective of this first-year seminar course is to provide information on industrial engineering as a career choice and as a profession. It is a fact that most first-year students have never heard of Industrial Engineering (I E), or the many varied opportunities that exist within the IE major. This course explores the many aspects of the major and offers the opportunity to interact with IE faculty and students, something that is an uncommon occurrence during the first year of engineering study. Class time is used for a variety of activities including: interactive class sessions where students learn about "real-world" problems in industrial and manufacturing engineering; IE faculty guest speakers addressing career opportunities within IE; Lab experiences or demonstrations; Alumni guest speakers or panels; IE student panels on topics. The class atmosphere is relaxed and there are no examinations. Homework assignments are given throughout the semester on relevant topics.
ME 190: First-Year Engagement Program - Special Topics in ME
Section 001: M 1:25 -2:15 p.m.
A First-Year Seminar focusing on issues related to Mechanical Engineering. M E 190S M E 190S Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering: First-Year Seminar (1) (FYS)In this First-Year Seminar, students will explore the Mechanical Engineering profession by means of treatment of a particular topic in M E. Students will be assigned pertinent readings and the professor will lead discussions on the ethical, professional, and societal aspects of the topic area. The seminar will also feature group activities and encourage participation in the classroom setting.
