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Recognizing the need for engineering professionals in Puerto Rico’s accelerating economic environment, the AGMUS Board of Trustees approved in August, 1990, the establishment of a School of Engineering at the University of Turabo. The School of Engineering started with an initial enrollment of 75 students in Academic Year (AY) 1990/91 and currently offers associate degrees in technology, baccalaureate programs in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Industrial and Management Engineering, and a Master of Science in Administration of Telecommunications and Network Systems in day and evening sessions. The School is committed to the success of every student and pursues this goal by offering small classes taught by highly qualified faculty, a wide range of student services, modern facilities and equipment, and opportunities for undergraduates to participate in faculty-directed research, special design projects and industrial internships. The School of Engineering is housed in the modern Sandia National Laboratories Engineering Building, named in recognition of the support provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. This facility includes classrooms, instructional and research laboratories, offices for faculty and staff, meeting and conference rooms, and a student study room. It was occupied in August, 1992. The building was expanded in 1998 to house seven Electrical Engineering laboratories designed for instructional and research use.
The School of Engineering has three academic departments: Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering Department of Industrial and Management Engineering In addition, the School of Engineering has two institutes focused on associate and advanced technology degrees
Vision of the School of Engineering The vision of the School of Engineering is to become the school of choice for all students interested in a technology or engineering degree, and to be recognized for its excellence in teaching and research.
Mission of the School of Engineering The mission of the School of Engineering is:
Academic Engineering Programs Each academic department has developed departmental specific vision, mission, and educational objectives jointly with its constituencies.
Engineering Curriculum The
School of Engineering offers academic programs leading to Bachelor of
Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or
Industrial and Management Engineering.
Within these programs, students may select electives that will
provide a concentration in a major area of their chosen field. The
curriculum in each of the School of Engineering’s academic programs
has been developed to achieve the School’s mission and the objectives
of the individual programs. These
curricula provide the student with the necessary skills in mathematics,
science, engineering analysis and design, professional practice, and
communication to successfully pursue a career in engineering. The
program curricula have many aspects in common.
The first four semesters, known as the Engineering Basic Course
Module, are identical except for a second-level programming course
exclusive to the Electrical Engineering curriculum.
This approach permits all students to make a well-informed choice
of major at the end of their second year.
Engineering design skills, crucial for the professional practice
of engineering, are integrated throughout all program curricula,
beginning in the first semester and culminating in a capstone design
project. Students will also
gain considerable experience in engineering computer applications as
they progress through the curricula.
They will find that communication skills, both written and oral,
are emphasized in all programs. All
program curricula also share a common general studies (humanities,
social science, and languages) component.
The aim of these courses is to provide the student with a liberal
arts preparation necessary to integrate their technical knowledge with
their social and cultural environment.
A particular emphasis is placed on communication skills. Full-time
students who follow the recommended course schedules can complete the
engineering curriculum in 9 semesters (4.5 years).
Program duration for part-time and transfer students will vary
based upon course load and previous course work. Upon
the completion of any of the engineering programs, students will be
prepared to take the national Fundamentals of Engineering examination,
one of the requirements for qualification for the Professional
Engineer’s license and for membership in the Association of Licensed
Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (Colegio de Ingenieros y
Agrimensores de Puerto Rico). The
School of Engineering strongly encourages and assists all of its
students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. The
School of Engineering reserves the right to make changes in course
offerings, curricula, and other policies affecting its programs.
In the specific case of a curriculum revision, current students
will be moved horizontally to the new curriculum.
Students will be required to take new courses at a level higher
than that at which the student is currently enrolled but never courses
at a level below. All
current and former students enrolled in the School of Engineering are
subject to these conditions. Engineering Design Each
engineering program emphasizes the development of engineering design
skills, crucial for engineering practice, specially in the local
industrial environment. Beginning
in their first semester, students will learn to devise individual
components, systems and processes while taking into account some
“real-world” constraints, specifications, and requirements.
Students will demonstrate their design abilities through a series
of projects and open-ended problems of increasing sophistication and
complexity, culminating with a capstone design project in their final
semester. They will receive
ample experience in communicating their designs graphically, in writing
and through oral presentations, to other students, faculty and
practicing engineers. The
School of Engineering maintains modern computer-aided design software
applications on its network of computers and a machine shop in support
of these design activities. Research To
enhance the students’ educational experience and to ensure the
continued professional development of the faculty, the School of
Engineering encourages and supports faculty research activities in a
variety of fields. Opportunities
exist for outstanding students to participate as part-time laboratory
research assistants on a number of on-going projects.
In addition to gaining valuable experience and developing crucial
lifelong learning skills, student assistants can receive course credit
and stipends for their efforts. These
research programs are funded by a number of federal, commonwealth, and
private industrial sources. Students
and faculty may also participate in summer internship programs at any of
several national laboratories. Students
gain valuable experience in a research and development environment and
begin to develop the professional contacts that will assist them in
their career development. These
internships include a stipend with travel and housing allowances. In addition, Universidad del
Turabo is a member of the Latin American & Caribbean Consortium of
Engineering Institutions (LACCEI) which fosters partnerships among
academia, industry, government and private organizations. Graduating
Student Profile Students that complete any of the engineering programs at the Universidad del Turabo develop, as a minimum, the following profile which is required by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000 (see section on "ABET Information" for accreditation schedule): · An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering · An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data · An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs · An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams · An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems · An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility · An ability to communicate effectively · The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context · A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning · A knowledge of contemporary issues · An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Application Process The School of Engineering uses the same application procedure as the Universidad del Turabo.
Admission PolicyFreshmenWhile
the actual procedure for admitting students to the Academic Engineering
Programs depends on whether the applicant is a first-time freshman, a
transfer student from another institution, or a UT student from another
program, the fundamental criterion is the same: the applicant must
demonstrate a sufficiently strong background in mathematics and English
so as to have a reasonable chance of successfully completing an academic
engineering program leading to a B.S.
The intention of this criterion is to be inclusive.
The goal of the SOE admissions policy is to ultimately admit
every student with a motivation to study engineering, if not
immediately, then after successful completion of a set of basic
mathematics and English courses. This criterion derives directly from
the UT stated goals (see
2.2 University Mission Statement and Goals) and mandates the SOE to
provide opportunities for professional engineering education to all
interested students in Puerto Rico. Students not satisfying above
requirements are encouraged to enroll in the Associate Degree Programs.
Once they have achieved the necessary verbal, mathematics, or English
language skills as required by the Academic Engineering Programs, the
student may submit a request to the Engineering Advising Office for
reclassification into the Engineering Academic Programs.
The following requirements must be satisfied: Requirements
for Reclassification of Students from the UTSOE Associate Degree
Programs 1.
Have a grade point average (GPA) of not less than 2.5/4.0 in the
associate degree program. 2.
Approve MATH 121
Intermediate Algebra with a minimum grade of B. 3.
Or approve MATH
151 Algebra and Trigonometry I and MATH 152 Algebra and Trigonometry II
with a minimum grade of C in each course.
These two courses are covalidated for MATH 155 Precalculus. Requirements
for Reclassification of Students from Other Academic Programs at
Universidad del Turabo 1.
Have a cummulative
grade point average of not less than 2.5/4.0 at Universidad del Turabo 2.
Approve MATH 121
Intermediate Algebra with a minimum grade of B. 3.
Or approve MATH
151 Algebra and Trigonometry I and MATH 152 Algebra and Trigonometry II
with a minimum grade of C in each course.
These two courses are covalidated for MATH 155 Precalculus. 4.
Or, in the case of
students reclassifying from the Business Administration school, approve
MATH 199 Quantitative Methods I and MATH 200 Quantitative Methods II
with a minimum grade of C in each course.
These two courses are covalidated for MATH 155 Precalculus. Transfer
Students The
Director of the Engineering Advising Office (EAO) in coordination with
the Associate Dean oversees the admission process of transfer students
into the academic engineering programs.
Only these two persons evaluate transfer student candidates which
guarantees consistency in the vital task of evaluating course
equivalencies for transfer credits.
Any other faculty member in the Department, School or University
cannot officially grant transfer credits under any circumstances;
however, they can recommend course equivalencies.
The Associate Dean’s approval is required in all evaluations. General Education, Math and Science Courses Most transfer students enter at the freshman or
sophomore level so the EAO is specially concerned with general
education, math, and science courses.
Course equivalencies for these will be granted as long as the
School/College/University is recognized and accredited by the
appropriate governing bodies and the course descriptions, including prerequisites, agree
with those in the Universidad del Turabo undergraduate catalog.
Of particular importance are the Physics courses which must have
Calculus as a prerequisite. The student must bring a catalog (or photocopies) with the
course descriptions to the EAO. Life
experience credits are not accepted under any circumstances. Engineering Science
Courses The EAO is also specially concerned with the first few engineering science courses which are common to all engineering curricula. These include Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Graphics, Computer Programming, Statics, Dynamics and Electrical Networks. Courses from ABET accredited programs are easily transferable. Still, course descriptions are necessary to assure equivalency. Courses from non-ABET accredited programs (including foreign institutions) are accepted as long as the School/College/University is recognized and accredited by the appropriate governing bodies and the course descriptions, including prerequisites, agree with those in the Universidad del Turabo undergraduate catalog. The student must bring a catalog (or photocopies) with the course descriptions to the EAO. Life experience credits are not accepted under any circumstances. Engineering science courses of a
level higher than those listed above follow the same procedure; however,
it may become necessary for the EAO to consult with an appropriate
faculty member to determine equivalency.
The student may also be required to present a copy of the
syllabus and the textbook if the course description is insufficient to
determine equivalency. Engineering electives are not
transferable. Students must also follow the
graduation requirements which stipulate that transfer students must
complete at the School of Engineering at least the last thirty (30)
credit hours of a bachelor’s degree and the last twelve (12) credit
hours of its major. Engineering Design Courses An engineering design course is
defined for the purpose of this section as a high-level design course
typical of the last two or three semesters that culminate the
curriculum. These courses are not transferable. Students must also follow the graduation requirements which
stipulate that transfer students must complete at the School of
Engineering at least the last thirty (30) credit hours of a bachelor’s
degree and the last twelve (12) credit hours of its major. General procedure The
student supplies a copy of their transcript and course descriptions to
the EAO for an initial advising session.
The EAO checks the student’s records to assure the student is
in the proper major and eligible for the program.
Students in academic probation at other institutions will not be
considered. During the
session, the EAO fills in and discusses an advising sheet (please refer
to the end of the catalog for a copy) with the student.
The EAO explains which courses may be transferred, which courses
could not be accepted and why, and identifies which courses remain to
fulfill the degree requirements. An extra copy of the advising sheet is given to
the student. The student
must still request official transcripts from the institution and fill
the application for admission to complete the transfer process.
This advising session is a service provided free of cost to the
student. A candidate may
opt to skip this advising session and apply to the program by filling
the application for admission and sending it by mail.
After evaluation and approval by the Associate Dean of
Engineering, the transfer process culminates with the approval of the
Admissions Director. Graduation
Requirements Students
of the School of Engineering will be eligible to receive a Bachelor’s
degree after meeting the following requirements: 1.
Completion of all the required course work. 2.
Completion of the number credit hours required for the degree
with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.00 3.
Transfer students must complete at the School of Engineering at
least the last thirty (30) credit hours of a bachelor’s degree. The
student must complete the last twelve (12) credit hours of its major. 4.
The minimum Grade Point Average in their major is 2.30 Prerequisites The
School of Engineering enforces the prerequisites in its engineering
curriculum. Students who
register for a course for which they do not have the necessary
prerequisites will be dropped from the course before the end of the term
receiving a grade of WA. Repeating
Courses Students
may repeat a course in order to improve their Grade Point Average.
Credit will be given for the higher grade, which will be used to
compute the Grade Point Average. If
the grade of the second attempt is the same as the first, they will both
be used for cumulative average, but only once for graduation average. Course
required for graduation with grades of D or F must be repeated.
A student in the School of Engineering must complete all courses
used to fulfill graduation requirements (both engineering and
non-engineering) with a grade of C or better. Students
are permitted three attempts to complete any course used to fulfill
graduation requirements (both engineering and non-engineering) with a
grade of C or better. Courses
for which a student receives a “W”, “WA”, “WR”, or “WN”
are not counted as attempts. Courses
for which a student receives a “WF” are counted as attempts. After two unsuccessful attempts, the student is placed on
academic probation. The
student must meet with his or her academic advisor to develop a plan to
successfully complete the course on the third attempt.
If the student does not successfully complete the course on the
third attempt, the student is suspended from the School of Engineering
but may continue in other academic programs at the University of Turabo.
Readmission to the School of Engineering is at the discretion of
the Dean of the School of Engineering.
Students may not repeat a course until a grade has been given.
Students may be eligible for financial aid when repeating a
course. Repeated courses will be considered in determining a
student’s satisfactory progress. Withdrawals See the
established university policy. Academic Advising
All
engineering students are referred to the Engineering Advising Office to
assure proper course sequencing with respect to prerequisites.
The Engineering Advising Sheet (please refer to the end of the
catalog for a copy) is used for this purpose.
As a supplemental activity, all engineering students are
encouraged to visit faculty during office hours (or ask for an
appointment) to discuss progress, academic goals, career goals and
professional aspects of the engineering profession. Professional
Societies
Engineering
students are strongly encouraged to become student-members of
professional societies and to continue membership after graduation to
facilitate the process of life-long learning.
The following societies have student chapters at the Universidad
del Turabo. American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) ASME is
a 125,000 member worldwide society whose vision is to be the premier
organization for promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical
engineering throughout the world. Membership
provides students with a subscription to the society magazine
‘Mechanical Engineering’, access to technical papers, continuing
education seminars and workshops, employment resources, and the
opportunity to participate in ASME-sponsored national competitions.
In recent years our students have won first place prizes in the
design competition and the technical poster presentation competition. Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SAE is
a 75,000 member world-wide society that provides technical information
and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating
self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.
Membership provides students with a subscription to one
society-sponsored magazine, either ‘Automotive Engineering’ or
‘Aerospace Engineering’, access to technical papers, continuing
education seminars and workshops, employment resources, and the
opportunity to participate in SAE-sponsored national competitions.
Our students have competed in the off-road vehicle Mini-Baja and
the SAE Aero Design remote controlled airplane projects. Association
of Licensed Engineers and Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR) CIAPR
is a 12,000 member association that represents all practicing engineers
and land surveyors in Puerto Rico.
Membership provides students with a subscription to the monthly
newspaper “Tecnomundo’ which features contemporary engineering
issues in Puerto Rico. In
addition, membership provides the opportunity to meet practicing
engineers in monthly technical sessions.
All students that belong to any of the above worldwide societies
automatically become members of the CIAPR chapter. Society
of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) SHPE is
an organization that promotes Hispanics in engineering, math and
science. Membership provides students with a subscription to the
monthly SHPE magazine and SHPE Newsletter, continuing education
seminars, employment resources and scholarships. Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) The
IEEE is a non-profit, technical professional association of more than
380,000 individual members in 150 countries.
Through its members, the IEEE is a leading authority in technical
areas ranging from computer engineering, biomedical technology and
telecommunications, to electric power, aerospace and consumer
electronics, among others. Membership
provides students with a subscription to the monthly IEEE Spectrum and
IEEE Potentials magazines, continuing education seminars to gain a
better understanding of the electrical engineering field, employment
resources and scholarships. In the spring semester or 2002-03, the School of Engineering founded an Engineering Honor Society, with the admission of the first 12 undergraduate members – five of which were fourth year students and seven of which were fifth year students. Tau Alpha Omega is modeled after the National Engineering Honor Society - Tau Beta Pi, and the goal of Tau Alpha Omega is to become an official student chapter of Tau Beta Pi within three to four years. Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation’s second-oldest honor society. It was founded at Lehigh University in 1885 to mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon their alma mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as undergraduates in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster the spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. At the time of the founding of Alpha Tau Omega, Tau Beta Pi had 221 collegiate chapters and a total initiated membership of 429,000. The
Society of Women Engineers provides its members with the opportunity to
grow and to develop in many areas through professional and technical
meetings, joint meetings with other societies, technical tours, and
social activities. SWE members provide services to women in school by
acting as role models and by demonstrating the technical contributions
that women have made, and continue to make, in society. SWE also offers
the opportunity for its members to learn and to practice management,
organizational and leadership skills.
In addition, SWE: Magazine of the Society of Women Engineers
provides a means of sharing technical and professional information.
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