Introduction to Engineering

Course Description

EGN1002C – Introduction to Engineering is a 3-credit, combined lecture and laboratory course in the Engineering: General taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides an overview of the engineering profession, introducing students to the major engineering disciplines, the engineering design process, fundamental problem-solving methods, and the technical and professional skills used by practicing engineers. Through hands-on laboratory and design activities, students apply concepts of mathematics, science, computer tools, and teamwork to address real-world problems.

EGN1002C is required for completion of the engineering A.A. transfer pathway in Florida and is a common first course for students entering engineering programs at Florida public colleges. The "C" indicator denotes integrated lecture and laboratory experiences, with students typically completing team-based design projects, computer-tool tutorials, and written and oral communication exercises throughout the term.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the major engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, aerospace, biomedical, industrial, environmental, computer, and others) and identify representative problems and career paths within each.
• Apply the engineering design process — including problem identification, conceptual design, analysis, prototyping, evaluation, and iteration — to a defined design problem.
• Use computer and application software (typically a spreadsheet, MATLAB, Python, or specialized engineering software) to formulate and solve simple engineering problems.
• Apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve introductory engineering problems with appropriate units, significant figures, and dimensional analysis.
• Communicate technical information clearly through written reports, oral presentations, and engineering graphics.
• Function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, including assigning roles, managing project tasks, and resolving conflicts.
• Discuss the role of professional ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in engineering practice.
• Describe the path to professional licensure (FE/PE), professional engineering societies, and lifelong learning expectations in the field.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Apply basic programming concepts in MATLAB, Python, or another language to solve introductory computational problems.
• Use data acquisition tools and sensors (e.g., Arduino, LEGO Mindstorms, or NI myDAQ) in introductory experiments.
• Apply 3D printing or rapid prototyping techniques to fabricate design artifacts.
• Conduct basic engineering economics calculations (time value of money, simple payback) on a design alternative.
• Investigate the societal and environmental impact of engineering decisions through case studies.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• The Engineering Profession: History of engineering; major disciplines and sub-specialties; the role of engineers in society; professional engineering societies (ASME, IEEE, ASCE, AIChE, AIAA, SWE, NSBE, SHPE).
• The Engineering Design Process: Problem definition, requirements gathering, concept generation, analysis, prototyping, testing, evaluation, and iteration.
• Engineering Problem Solving: Systematic problem-solving methodology; estimation; unit analysis; significant figures; problem documentation.
• Mathematical Foundations: Algebra, trigonometry, basic vectors, and linear equations applied to engineering contexts.
• Computer Tools: Use of spreadsheets (Excel) for engineering calculations; introduction to MATLAB or Python for numerical computation; engineering software conventions.
• Engineering Communication: Technical writing principles; engineering reports; technical presentations; engineering sketches and drawings.
• Teamwork and Project Management: Roles in engineering teams; project planning; Gantt charts; meeting management.
• Professional Ethics: NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers; case studies in engineering ethics; safety and public welfare.
• Sustainability and Societal Context: Engineering's role in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and global challenges.
• Path to Licensure and Career: Engineering accreditation (ABET); the FE and PE exams; engineering career planning.

Optional Topics

• Introduction to Programming: Variables, control flow, and functions in MATLAB or Python.
• Data Acquisition and Sensors: Reading sensor data; basic instrumentation in introductory experiments.
• 3D Printing and Prototyping: Workflow from CAD model to fabricated part.
• Engineering Economics Basics: Time value of money; simple and compound interest; cost-benefit comparisons.
• Statistics in Engineering: Mean, standard deviation, and basic data interpretation.
• Major Selection and Career Exploration: Industry guest speakers, site visits, and discipline-specific lab rotations.

Resources & Tools

• Recommended Textbooks: An Engineer's Guide to Problem Solving series; Introduction to Engineering by Wright; Studying Engineering: A Roadmap to a Rewarding Career by Landis
• Software Tools: Microsoft Excel; MATLAB or Python; introductory CAD software (often introduced for one or two assignments)
• Hardware (when offered): Arduino starter kits; LEGO Mindstorms or VEX kits; basic prototyping materials and 3D printer access
• Professional Society Resources: ASME, IEEE, ASCE, AIChE, AIAA, SWE, NSBE, and SHPE student chapters offer guidance, scholarships, and networking
• Florida-Specific Resources: Florida Engineering Society (FES); Florida Board of Professional Engineers (PE licensure information)
• NSPE Resources: National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics; NSPE BER (Board of Ethical Review) case studies

Career Pathways

EGN1002C orients students to the full breadth of engineering career paths and supports progression into all engineering majors offered through Florida's public university system. Specific pathways include:

• Engineering A.A. Transfer Pathway – Required first course for transfer to ABET-accredited engineering programs at Florida public universities (UF, USF, UCF, FAU, FIU, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, FGCU, Florida Polytechnic University, UNF).
• Engineering Technology A.S. Pathways – Foundation for students continuing into engineering technology specializations.
• STEM Career Awareness – Useful preparatory course for students exploring whether engineering is the right fit before committing to a specific major.
• Florida Industry Sectors: Course exposes students to careers in Florida's aerospace and space industries (Space Coast, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman), defense, advanced manufacturing, biomedical and pharmaceutical, civil infrastructure, environmental engineering (water, coastal), and emerging tech sectors (AI, autonomous systems, semiconductors).

Special Information

Course Equivalence Across Florida

Some Florida institutions offer related introductory engineering courses under different SCNS numbers, including EGS1006 – Introduction to Engineering, EGN1001C – Introduction to Engineering, and EGN1007C – Engineering Concepts and Methods. Course content overlaps significantly, but credits, hours, and articulation depend on the specific institution; students should consult the Florida SCNS or the receiving university's articulation tables before transferring.

Required for A.A. Engineering Pathway

Per Palm Beach State College and other Florida college guidance, EGN1002 is required for completion of course requirements for an engineering degree under the Florida A.A. transfer pathway. This designation makes the course a key gateway for engineering-bound students and influences scheduling at many institutions.

Course Format

EGN1002C is offered as either a 3-credit combined lecture/lab course (60 contact hours) or, at some institutions, as a 1-2 credit lecture-only course. The 3-credit combined format is most common across Florida public colleges and is the basis for this guide.