Catalog - Engineering

Department Information

Associate in General Engineering (058)

Associate in Chemical Engineering (198)

Associate in Civil Engineering (199)

Associate in Electrical Engineering (200)

Associate in Mechanical Engineering (201)

Course Descriptions

Department Information

Victor G. Forsnes, Department Chair
Charles E. Cartmill, (Division Chair, Engineering)
William B. Cooley, Neil W. Morgan
Departmental Office (208) 356-1862

Engineering is an exciting major which offers professional job satisfaction, high salary and excellent placement potential. The Department of Engineering has designed a program for students to complete the first two years of their engineering education at Ricks College and then transfer to a four-year university to complete their baccalaureate degree in two additional years.

Curriculum options for Engineers include Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical-Electronics, Environmental, Materials, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Nuclear, or General Engineering. Engineering students receive a strong foundation in science, mathematics, computer, and engineering science courses which are common to all engineering programs during the first two college years. Practical experience in engineering design projects will prepare the graduates for continued studies at a university.

Students intending to major in specific fields of engineering should follow the outlined programs for those specific majors, e.g., mechanical (including aerospace, manufacturing and materials), electrical (including electronics, power and computer engineering), chemical, civil, (including environmental engineering), or general. Students undecided on a particular engineering discipline should follow the “General/ Undesignated” program. The programs for different fields of engineering are so similar for the first two years of study that students often select a particular field of engineering only upon transfer to a four year school after two years of study at Ricks. Students should also differentiate between “engineering technology” and actual “engineering” programs listed in their catalog, e.g., “Electronics Engineering Technology” and “Electrical Engineering”.

Engineering students should consult the Department Chair or an Engineering department advisor concerning classes appropriate for their two years at Ricks. High school preparation, area of interest in engineering, and the intended four-year transfer school are factors which will be used to tailor the program to the needs of the individual students. Remedial course work for students with inadequate high school preparation and achievement is also available.

The normal entry level mathematics class for Engineering Students is Math 162: Plane Analytic Geometry and Calculus. The prerequisite for enrollment in Math 162 is three years of high school mathematics, including geometry; two years of algebra; trigonometry; and experience with the mathematical topics of exponentials, logarithms, matrices and systems of linear equations. Students with weak skills in these topics should begin with Math 110/111 (in the same semester), or lower-level mathematics classes (Math 100B, 100C, 101). The normal entry level chemistry class for engineering students is Chem 105: General Chemistry. The prerequisite for enrollment in Chem 105 is concurrent enrollment in (or completion of) Math 110 and a high school chemistry class (or Chem 101). Inadequately prepared students in chemistry should either take Chem 101 (but not Chem 103) and prepare themselves by completion of Math 110/111. Such remedial classes taken are in addition to the normal graduation requirements.

A two-year associate degree in engineering from Ricks is a Specialized Associate degree (S.A.), not an Associate in Arts and Sciences. Hence Engineering Students do not complete all General Education requirements for the Baccalaureate while at Ricks College.

NOTE: Additional programs in engineering technology are available within the Division of Engineering and Technology for students whose interests are more closely related to a hands-on implementation rather than Engineering Analysis and Design. See the programs listed in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Design Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Welding Engineering Technology, and Technology Education and Building Construction.

Associate in General Engineering (058)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 General Chem 4
DT 172 Engr Graphics 3
Engr 102 Intro Engr Des Comp Software 3
Engr 100 1
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Total Credits 17

Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 General Chem 4
Engr 103, 140, 222 or 240 Computer Classes 1-3
Eng 111 College Comp 3
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Total Credits 17-19

Third Semester
Religion 2
Engr 201 Statics 3
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Ph 122 Prin Physics 3
Electives (or Engr 231/250/260) 5-7
Total Credits 16-18

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Engr 204 Dynamics 3
Engr 217 Strength/Mtrls 3
Math 274 Diff Equations 3
Ph 221 Prin Physics 3
Electives (or Engr 231/250/260) 3
Total Credits 17

General Education Requirements

GE Courses: Only Eng 111 and eight hours of religion are required for graduation. However, courses in the Arts and Letters or Social Sciences areas should be used as elective credit with the approval of your advisor. The intent is to complete about half of transfer university General Education requirements before graduation from Ricks.

Courses for Majors

The DT 172 is strengthened by DT 111 or equivalent. DT 111 may be waived by special examination. High school drafting courses such as mechanical drawing, architectural drafting, or CAD classes are often sufficient preparation for testing out of DT 111.

There are several computer classes (Eng 103, 140, 222, and 240) appropriate for Engineering Students. Enroll in the class appropriate to your level of preparation and experience with computer programming. Select from the classes listed below:

Engr 103 Introduction to Engi-neering Computer Programming 1
Engr 140 Structured Programmingin Engineering 2
Engr 222 “C” Programming andEngineering Numerical Methods 3
Engr 240 FORTRAN Programming& Engineering Numerical Methods 3

Technical Electives: Select your technical elective courses from those listed below:
CS 233 Assembly Language 3
CS 240 Data Communication 3
CS 251 Data Structures 3
CS 265 Num Math Comp 3
DT 112 Intermed Engr Graph 3
DT 134 DataCAD 2
DT 234 AutoCAD 2
DT 238 Adv MicroCAD 2
Engr 250 Intr to Environmental Engr 3
Engr 260 Engineer Matls 3
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Ph 222 Prin Physics 3

Associate in Chemical Engineering (198)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 4
Econ 111 Econ Prin 3
Engr 102 Intro Engr Des Comp Software 3
Engr 100 Intro to Engr 1
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Total Credits 17

Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 4
Engr 103, 140, 222 or 240 (Computer Classes ) 1-3
Eng 111 College Comp 3
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Electives 2
Total Credits 16-18

Third Semester
Religion 2
Chem 251 Organic Chem 4
Engr 217 Strength/Mtrls 3
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Electives 3
Total Credits 18

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Chem 252 Organic Chem 4
Engr 273 Chem Eng Proc 3
Math 274 Diff Equations 3
Ph 122 Prin Physics 3
Electives 2-3
Total Credits 17-18

General Education Requirements

GE Courses: Only Eng 111, eight hours of religion, and Econ 111 are required for graduation. However, courses in the Arts and Letters or Social Sciences areas should be used as elective credit with the approval of your advisor. The intent is to complete about half of transfer university General Education requirements before graduation from Ricks.

Courses for Majors

Electives: Select electives from the following list:
CS 233 Assembly Language 3
CS 240 Data Communications 3
CS 251 Data Structures 3
CS 265 Num Meth Comp 3
DT 134 DataCAD 2
DT 234 AutoCAD 2
DT 238 Adv MicroCAD 2
Engr 231 Engr Thermodyn 3
Engr 250 Intro to Environ Engr 3
Engr 260 Engineer Matls 3
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Ph 222 Prin Physics 3

Associate in Civil Engineering (199)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 Gen Chem 4
DT 172 Engr Graphics or DT 212 3
Engr 102 Intro Engr Des Comp Software 3
Engr 100 Intro to Engr 1
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Total Credits 17

Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 General Chem 4
Engr 103, 140, 222 or 240 (Computer Class) 1-3
Eng 111 College Comp 3
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Total Credits 17-19

Third Semester
Religion 2
Engr 201 Statics 3
Engr 211 Elem Survey 3
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Ph 122 Prin Physics 3
Electives 3
Total Credits 17

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Engr 204 Dynamics 3
Engr 217 Strength/Mtrls 3
Engr 231 Engr Thermodyn or Engr 260 Engr Materials 3
Math 274 Diff Equations 3
Ph 221 Prin Physics 3
Total Credits 17

General Education Requirements

Courses for Majors

The DT 172 is strengthened by DT 111 or equivalent. The DT 111 may be waived by special examination. High school drafting courses such as mechanical drawing, architectural drafting, or CAD classes are often sufficient preparation for testing out of DT 111. Also enroll in the computer class (Eng 103, 140 , 222, 240) appropriate to your preparation and experience with computer programming. Select from the classes listed below:
Engr 103 Introduction to Engineering Computer Programming 1
Engr 140 Structured Prog in Engr 2
Engr 222 ”C“ Programming and Engineering Numerical Methods 3
Engr 240 FORTRAN Programming& Engineering Numerical Methods 3

Electives: Select your elective from those listed below:
CS 233 Assembly Language 3
CS 240 Data Communications 3
CS 265 Num Math Comp 3
DT 112 Intermed Engr Graph 3
DT 134 DataCAD 2
DT 234 AutoCAD 2
DT 238 Adv MicroCAD 2
Engr 250 Environmental Engr 3
Engr 260 Engineer Matls 3
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Ph 214 Prin of Ph Lab 1
Ph 222 Prin Physics 3

Associate in Electrical Engineering (200)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 General Chem 4
Engr 102 Intr Engr Des & Comp Software 3
Engr 140 Structured Prog in Engr 2
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Engr 100 Intro to Engr 1 Electives 2
Total Credits 18

Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 General Chem 4
Eng 111 Composition 3
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Ph 121 Prin Physics 3
Electives 1-2
Total Credits 17-18

Third Semester
Religion 2
Engr 204 Dynamics or Engr 217 Strength/Materials 3
Engr 220 Digital Logic 5
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Ph 122 Prin Physics 3
Elective 1- 3
Total Credits 17-19

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Engr 224 Circuit Analy 5
Math 274 Diff Equations 3
Ph 221 Prin Physics 3
Engr 222 ”C“ Programming and Engineering Numerical Methods 3
Electives 1-3
Total Credit 17-19

General Education Requirements

GE Courses: Only Eng 111 and HS 131 are required for graduation. However, courses in the Arts and Letters or Social Sciences areas should be used as elective credit with the approval of your advisor. The intent is to complete about half of transfer university General Education requirements before graduation from Ricks.

Courses for Majors

Electives: Select your elective courses from those listed below:
CS 233 Assembly Language 3
CS 240 Data Communications 3
CS 251 Data Structures 3
CS 265 Num Meth Comp 3
DT 112 Intermed Engr Graph 3
Engr 231 Engr Thermodyn 3
Engr 250 Intro to Environ Engr 3
Engr 260 Engineer Matls 3
Engr 273 Chem Engr Proc 3
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Ph 222 Prin Physics 3

Associate in Mechanical Engineering (201)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
Chem 105 General Chem 4
Engr102 Intro to Engineering Design & Computer Software 3
DT 172 Engr Graphics 3
Engr 100 Intro to Engr 1
Math 162 Plane Geo Cal 4
Total Credits 17

Second Semester
Religion 2
Chem 106 General Chem 4
Engr 103, 140, 222 or 240 Computer Class 1-3
Eng 111 College Comp 3
Math 263 Ana Geom-Calc 4
Phy 121 Prin Physics 3
Total Credit 17-19

Third Semester
Religion 2
Engr 201 Statics 3
Math 264 Mult-Dim Calc 3
Phy 122 Prin Physics 3
Electives (Technical & GE) 6-7
Total Credits 17-18

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
Engr 217 Strength/Mtrls 3
Math 274 Diff Equations 3
Phy 221 Prin Physics 3
Engr 204 Dynamics 3
Engr 231 Thermodynamics or Engr 260 Engr Materials 3
Total Credits 17

Courses for Majors

The DT 172 is strengthened by DT 111 or equivalent. The DT 111 may be waived by special examination. High school drafting courses such as mechanical drawing, architectural drafting, etc., are often sufficient preparation for testing out of DT 111. There are several computer classes (Eng 103, 140, 222, and 240) appropriate for engineering students. Enroll in the class appropriate to your level of preparation and experience with computer programming. Select from the classes listed below:
Engr 103 Intro to Engineering Computer Programming 1
Engr 140 Structured Prog in Engr 2
Engr 222 “C” Programming and Engineering Numerical Materials 3
Engr 240 FORTRAN Programming & Engineering Computer Methods 3

Electives: Select your elective courses from those listed below:
CS 233 Assembly Language 3
CS 240 Data Communications 3
CS 251 Data Structures 3
CS 265 Num Meth Comp 3
DT 112 Intermed Engr Graph 3
DT 134 DataCAD 2
DT 234 AutoCAD 2
DT 238 Adv MicroCAD 2
Engr 260 Engineer Matls 3
Eng 216 Tech Rept Writ 3
Math 243 Linear Algebra 3
Ph 222 Prin Physics 3

Course Descriptions

Engr 100 Intro to Engineering 1
Introduction to the profession of engineering; detailed investigation of the engineering curriculum; transfer to four-year schools; fields of engineering; job opportunities in engineering; career planning; engineering case studies; guest speakers. (First or Second Block, Fall and Winter Semesters).

Engr 102 Intro to Engineering Design & Computer Software 3
Prerequisite: 2 years of high school mathematics
Three instruction/laboratory hours per week
One laboratory hour per week
Introduction to the engineering design process and to computer software used in engineering analysis and design.

Engr 103 Introduction to Engineering Computer Programming 1
Introduction to microcomputers in engineering analysis and design. Programming techniques using the “C” language. Application to engineering systems design problems. Intended for students with no previous experience with computer programming or with a weak background in microcomputers.

Engr 140 Structured Programming in Engineering 2
Introduction to programming in the “C” language applied to engineering analysis and design problems. Especially intended for students anticipating a major in electrical engineering.

Engr 201 Engineering Mechanics -Statics 3
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Math 162, Physics 121
Three instruction hours per week; two hours problem-solving laboratory
Equilibrium force systems; particle and rigid body statics; forces and moments; free body diagrams; centroids; trusses and frames; structures and machines; friction. Vector analysis used.

Engr 204 Engineering Mechanics -Dynamics 3
Prerequisite: Engr 201 or Physics 121; Math 162, or consent of instructor
Three instruction hours per week; two hours problem-solving laboratory
The study and application of the concepts of dynamics to particles, systems of particles, rigid bodies, and vibrating systems of particles. Vector analysis used.

Engr 211 Elementary Surveying 3
Prerequisite Math 111 and DT 111 or 172
Two instruction hours per week, two hours field laboratory
Theory and use of instruments dealing with measurements pertaining to plane surveying. Application of surveying methods of practical problems. (Fall only)

Engr 216 Statics and Strengthof Materials 4
Prerequisite: Math 111 or equivalent; consent of instructor
Five instruction hours per week
Application of the principles of statics to machine design and structural engineering problems. Forces, moments and couples. Static equilibrium of force systems. Free body diagrams. Friction. Elementary strength of materials. Stress, strain, torsion, shear, bending moment. Stresses and deflections in beams. Pressure vessels. Stress concentrations. Equations of elasticity. Combined loading. Mohr’s circle. Columns. (Primarily for drafting and design technology students and construction management majors) (Winter only)

Engr 217 Solid Mechanics: Strength of Materials 3
Prerequisite: Math 162, and Engr 201 or Physics 121
Three instruction and two problem-solving laboratory hours per week
Concepts of elastic stress and strain; normal, shear, bending and torsional stresses. Beam and column design. Combined stress problems. Thermal stress. Beam deflections. Mohr’s circle. Design of connectors; stress concentrations.

Engr 220 Digital Logic and Digital State Machines 5
Prerequisite or co-prererequisites: Math 263, Physics 122
Four hours lecture per week, two hours lab
Theory and technology of digital logic circuits, devices and microcomputer fundamentals. Discrete arithmetic concepts. Microcomputer systems architec-ture. Synchronous and asynchronous state machines. For electrical engineering majors and other interested engineering students (Fall Only).

Engr 222 “C” Programming and Engineering Numerical Methods 3
Introduction to programming and numerical analysis in the "C" language applied to engineering analysis and design problems. Intended for students with experience in a structured high level computer language.

Engr 224 Circuit Analysis I 5
Prerequisite: Math 263, Phy 122
Four hours lecture per week, two hours lab
Analysis and design of electrical and electronic circuits. Power and energy concepts. Analysis of AC/DC electrical networks. For electrical engineering majors and other interested engineering students. (Winter only)

Engr 231 Engineering Thermodynamics 3
Prerequisite: Math 263
Fundamentals of classical thermodynamics. Energy and entropy concepts in power and refrigeration cycles; ideal gas mixtures; psychrometrics; combustion; irreversibility; availability. For general engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering majors and other interested engineering majors.

Engr 240 FORTRAN Programming and Engineering Numerical Methods 3
Introduction to numerical computing systems in engineering analysis and design. Programming techniques using FORTRAN. Application to engineering systems analysis and design problems. Intended for students with some experience in programming in a structured language.

Engr 250 Introduction to Environmental Engineering 4
Prerequisite: Math 263, Chem 105, Engr 102 (or equivalent computer/design skills)
An introduction to engineering modeling of environmental topics, including heat and mass transfer; environmental chemistry; water quality and management; hazardous materials handling; noise pollution; and selected topics in environmental modeling, monitoring and design. Group design projects required.

Engr 260 Engineering Materials 3
Prerequisites or co-prererequisites: Chemistry 105; Physics 121; Mathematics 263
Three hours lecture per week
Microstructure of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites. Factors influencing the selection of materials in engineering analysis and design. For general engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering majors and other interested engineering majors.

Engr 273 Chemical EngineeringProcesses 3
Prerequisites or co-prererequisites: Chemistry 106; Physics 121; Mathematics 162
Three hours lecture per week
Mass and energy balances used in chemical engineering process analysis. For chemical engineering majors and other interested engineering students.

EngineeringTech@ricks.edu