X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng.]

Program Information

Objectives of the Program

Students in this program obtain a liberal engineering education, which includes a comprehensive core of science, mathematics and engineering science that provides a strong foundation for engineering design and analysis. This enables students to undertake the solution of engineering problems in the areas of biological, biomedical, computer, engineering systems and computing, environmental, mechanical and water resources. Core subjects, combined with elective opportunities, provide an understanding of the connection between engineering and science, coupled with the interdisciplinary skills needed to address the problems and challenges faced by engineers in society today.

The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on engineering design. Students engage in engineering design throughout the program, and gain experience in computer aided design and modeling, conceptual design and physical construction. Emphasis is on teamwork and communications skills, as well as working on interdisciplinary projects.

Career opportunities are open in many segments of the economy. Examples are: consulting services to municipalities, utilities and industry; resource agencies in advisory, regulatory, planning and utilization; service industries of construction, power and water supply and public health; manufacturing, design of computer and control systems, hardware and software development; mechatronics and emerging energy systems; medical devices, pharmaceutical and food industries and industrial ergonomics; academic research and graduate studies within and without the field of engineering.

Many engineers assume management responsibilities after gaining experience in design, development and operations. The balance provided by liberal arts and engineering education allows graduates to enjoy a great deal of career mobility.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree programs in all engineering programs with the exception of Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of Engineers Canada. Graduates from accredited engineering programs have the educational requirements to apply for membership in the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and other provinces after a number of years of acceptable engineering experience and successful completion of a PEO examination in engineering law and ethics.

According to CEAB regulations, the Mechanical Engineering Program is not eligible for accreditation until the first class graduates in June 2013. Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering will be eligible for accreditation in June 2014. However, due to the common core in all B.Eng. programs and the School's experience with the CEAB process, the School expects to achieve accreditation for the first class of all three new programs.

Requirements of the Program

Students combine their required courses in mathematics, physical sciences and engineering with additional credits providing the opportunity for specialization in: one of the programs; complementary studies courses; and elective subjects. A minimum of 23.50 credits must be obtained for the following programs: Biological Engineering, Engineering Systems and Computing, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering. A minimum of 23.25 credits must be obtained for Biomedical Engineering. A minimum of 24.00 credits must be obtained for Computer Engineering. At least 3.00 credits must be complementary studies, which consist of courses in the social sciences, arts, management, engineering economics and communication. They complement the technical content of the curriculum. All credits are selected according to the schedule of studies for the student's chosen program. Restrictions apply to the number of non-core credits which may be at the 1000 level. Further information on approved courses may be obtained from the B.Eng. Program Guide available from the director or program counsellor of the School of Engineering

Programs

Entry into a specific B.Eng. program is done two ways. Students can select their desired program of study (major) at the time of application. If accepted, students will be given an offer to their program of choice. Students also have the option of selecting the Undeclared First Year (Undeclared Stream) entry point due to the similarities of first year. Students in the Undeclared Stream then normally select their specific program of study during course selection for Semester II. . Students in the Undeclared stream are strongly encouraged to meet with their Program Counsellor during Semester I. The School's Associate Director - Undergraduate Affairs or designate approve program selection during the semester add periods. There are no enrollment caps on any program, so students are free to select their programs of choice. Students wanting to make a switch in majors after the above dates are free to do so with prior approval, but will be off sequence and may be required to take additional courses.

The available programs are:

Undeclared First Year: Students selecting this entry point are required to select one of the B.Eng. Majors at the time of course selection in Semester II.

Biological Engineering - the application of engineering to the control and management of biological processes, environments, and human factors in engineering design.

Biomedical Engineering - the application of engineering to health and medicine.

Computer Engineerig - the application of engineering to the design, fabrication, and testing of computing machines and computer systems.

Engineering Systems and Computing - the application of engineering to the design, operation and management of data sensing, transmission and, processing systems, and of control systems.

Environmental Engineering - the application of engineering to protect and restore the environment, through the prevention and treatment of gaseous, liquid and solid wastes.

Mechanical Engineering - The application of engineering to the design, manufacturing and control of mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment, systems and devices.

Water Resources Engineering - the application of engineering to the control and management of water and soil resources to meet human needs while sustaining the natural environment.

The schedule of studies for each program is provided below but guidance in the selection of appropriate courses is available from the program counsellor of the School of Engineering.

Additional Course Requirements

Students lacking specific subject requirements are advised to consult the Recommendations and Notes in Section IV--Admission Information-B.Eng..

Continuation of Study

Students are advised to consult the regulations for continuation of study within the program which are outlined in detail in Section VIII, Undergraduate Degree Regulation & Procedures. Students will be ineligible to continue in the B.Eng. program and will not be readmitted to the degree program if the same course is failed three times.

Normally, students in the B.Eng. program will be permitted only one supplemental privilege during their studies. It will usually be granted for 3000 or 4000 level courses only.

Conditions for Graduation

To qualify for the degree the student must complete the courses required for a B.Eng. program, obtaining a minimum of 23.50 credits for one of: Biological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Systems and Computing Engineering; or 23.25 credits for Biomedical Engineering; or 24.00 credits for Computer Engineering, and must achieve an overall minimum cumulative average of at least 60% and a minimum cumulative average of at least 60% in all ENGG courses.

Co-operative Education

Students studying for the B.Eng. degree may participate in a Co-operative Education program following the completion of the first 4 semesters of study. The Co-operative Education program consists of a minimum of 4 semesters of experience in industry with employers who participate in the program. Reports and assignments are graded by a faculty supervisor with assistance from the employer. Evaluations of Co-op semesters are recorded on the student's academic record. The Co-operative Education program provides an excellent opportunity for students to obtain work experience in industry directly related to their field of study. Interested students should consult their program counsellor.

Students wishing to participate in the Co-operative Education program should indicate their intention to do so by applying for admission to the Co-op program on entrance. Following the completion of semester 2, in-course applicants will be considered for admission to the Co-op program if space permits.

Successful applicants will:

  1. have a minimum cumulative average of 70% in semesters 1 and 2

  2. have successfully completed all of the credits required in the schedule of studies for semesters 1 and 2

  3. be employable in Canada or be in possession of an appropriate work-permit for Co-op students)

  4. have obtained the approval of their Co-op advisor in the school to participate in the program. The Co-op advisor's approval will signify that the schedule of work semesters in the Co-op program as planned by the student is compatible with the schedule of studies in the program in which the student is enrolled.

  5. completion of COOP*1100 is a requirement for entry into the first work term.

Please refer to Co-operative Education Program for Admission requirements into the Co-op Program.

B. Eng. Co-op Work Term Schedule

Semester

Yr. 1

Yr. 2

Yr. 3

Yr. 4

Yr. 5

Fall

1

3

5

6

work

Winter

2

4

work

7

8

Summer

work

work

work

All candidates must complete a minimum of 4 of the preceding 5 work terms with at least one work-term in each of a Fall, Winter and Summer semester. Students are eligible to participate in a maximum of two (2) work terms commencing in the summer and must follow the academic work schedule as outlined in the Co-operative Education & Career Services website.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120