2011-2012 Bulletin – PDF - SEAS Bulletin - Columbia University

196
Interdisciplinary Engineering Courses
Of the following courses,
some may be requirements
for degree programs, and
others may be taken as electives. See
your departmental program of study
or consult with an adviser for more
information.
ENGI E1102x and y Design fundamentals
using advanced computer technologies
4 pts. Lect: 4. Professors Stolfi and Vallancourt.
Core requirement for all entering Engineering
students. Students attend design lectures and
work on “real engineering” projects with socially
responsible themes. Students learn how math and
science integrate into design solutions. Aligned
with the technical components of design, students
develop collaboration, communication, problemsolving,
and project management skills. Lab fee:
$325.
SCNC E1820y Topics in community
engagement
1 pt. Professors McGourty and Montás.
Prerequisite: instructor approval. This colloquium
prepares students for community-based
internships. With a focus on problem-solving, it
examines the theoretical paradigms and principles
underlying community engagement efforts and
provides students with some of the practical skills
necessary to make these efforts successful. The
specific context and challenges posed by the city
of New York are addressed through readings and
discussions with local community leaders. Class
meets biweekly. Enrollment limited to 15 students.
IEOR E2261x Introduction to accounting
and finance
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Webster.
Prerequisite: ECON W1105. For undergraduates
only. This course examines the fundamental
concepts of financial accounting and finance, from
the perspective of both managers and investors.
Key topics covered include: principles of accrual
accounting; recognizing and recording accounting
transactions; preparation and analysis of financial
statements; ratio analysis; pro-forma projections;
time value of money (present values, future values
and interest/discount rates); inflation; discountedcash-flow
(DCF) project evaluation methods;
deterministic and probabilistic measures of risk;
capital budgeting.
SCNC W3010x and y Science, technology
and society
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor McGourty.
Prerequisite: Students must have declared their
concentration/major. By investigating the scientific
and technical evolution and subsequent diffusion of
contemporary technological innovations, students
learn how science and technology fit into the
bigger picture; i.e., how technologies technically
develop from concept to diffusion into society, how
they work, and how they are bidirectionally related
to social forces, cultural values, economic trends,
environmental factors, and political influences. An
essential part of the course work is participation in
a community-based learning project, working with
local not-for-profit organizations.
URBS V3310x Science and technology in
urban environments
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor McGourty.
Prerequisite: Students must have declared
their concentration/major. Examines the role of
science and technology in urban settings, using
examples from modern cities. Explores how
technology shapes towns and cities, and how
urban environments, including politics, economics,
culture, and the natural environment, have
influenced the development, acceptance, and
application of technology. An essential part of the
course work is participation in a community-based
learning project, working with local not-for-profit
organizations.
EEHS E3900y History of telecommunications:
from the telegraph to the internet
3 pts. Lect: 3.
Historical development of telecommunications from
the telegraphy of the mid-1800s to the Internet
at present. Included are the technologies of
telephony, radio, and computer communications.
The coverage includes both the technologies
themselves and the historical events that shaped,
and in turn were shaped by, the technologies.
The historical development, both the general
context and the particular events concerning
communications, is presented chronologically. The
social needs that elicited new technologies and
the consequences of their adoption are examined.
Throughout the course, relevant scientific and
engineering principles are explained as needed.
These include, among others, the concept and
effective use of spectrum, multiplexing to improve
capacity, digital coding, and networking principles.
There are no prerequisites, and no prior scientific
or engineering knowledge is required. Engineering
students may not count this course as a technical
elective.
CHEN E4020x Protection of industrial and
intellectual property
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor Pearlman.
To expose engineers, scientists, and technology
managers to areas of the law they are most likely
to be in contact with during their career. Principles
are illustrated with various case studies together
with active student participation.
IEOR E4998x and y Managing technological
innovation and entrepreneurship
3 pts. Lect: 3. Professor McGourty.
Focus on the management and consequences of
technology-based innovation. Explores how new
industries are created, how existing industries
can be transformed by new technologies, the
linkages between technological development
and the creation of wealth, and the management
challenges of pursuing strategic innovation.
engineering 2011–2012