Exploratory Studies: Exploring Physical Sciences and Engineering

About

Majors in this track explore the physical sciences like engineering, sustainability, computer science. data science, geology, watershed science, and more.

This is a guide and should be used in conjunction with advising.


MATH Placement:

All majors in this track require calculus. Students should complete all pre-calculus courses (or test out of them) in the first semester so that they are calculus-ready for spring semester. Students should complete Math Placement prior to enrollment.

English Composition Placement:

Students should consult the composition placement website to determine if the placement survey is needed and work with an advisor on building it into the first-year plan.  


Foundational First Year Courses

1st Year Courses

  • CO150 College Composition (3cr)
  • MATH (8-9 cr) – see placement and consult with advising professional
    • 1-credit Pre-Calculus courses (MATH117, 118, 124, 125, 126)
    • 4-credit Pre-Calculus (MATH127)
    • 4-credit Calculus 1 (MATH155 or MATH160)
  • Science: AUCC Biological & Physical Sciences (7-10 cr)
    • CHEM105: Problem Solving in General Chemistry
    • CHEM111/112: General Chemistry
    • PH141: Physics for Scientists & Engineers 1
    • Other sciences to explore
  • First-Year Seminar (1-3cr)

Then, fill schedule with AUCC and Exploratory Courses to get to 14-16 total credits per semester.

Remember, CO150 should be done in the 1st year, not necessarily the 1st semester

Extra-curricular Exploration

Exploratory Studies students should engage in at least 2 exploration activities in the 1st semesterSchedule an Exploring Majors advising appointment 

Join the Engineering Learning Community

Join an Engineering-related student organization

Join a student organization that aligns with your major(s) interests

Attend an event in the major(s) you are exploring 

Tour the Engineering labs in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering



Exploratory Course Options

  • ATS350 & 351: Introduction to Weather and Climate / Lab (fall only)
  • CON 101:  Introduction to Construction Management ) **have to change to pre-CM major**  
  • CS152/162: Python for Stem / Introduction to Programming Java
  • CS163/164: Computer Science 1 – Computational Thinking with Java
  • ECE102:  Digital Circuit Logic (if space is available) 
  • ENGR 101: Grand Challenges of Engineering (fall only)   
  • GES 101: Foundations of Environmental Sustainability
  • GES 120: Water Sustainability in the Western US (fall only)  
  • GES 141: Introduction to Sustainable Energy (fall only)  
  • IU 172: New Student Seminar section for EXPE students (fall only)  
  • MECH103:  Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

6-12 CREDITS AUCC & Exploratory Courses each semester depending on foundational credits