Explore Course 2-A
Introduction to Engineering (Course 2-A)
As is often the case, the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering is leading the way. This time, it's in the area of undergraduate education, with the newly revamped Engineering, Course 2-A program. One of the first programs in the world to offer a customizable curriculum alongside a rigorous core consistent with our mechanical engineering program, and including the ability to concentrate in one of several modern engineering areas, the Department's Engineering, Course 2-A program is garnering a lot of attention in the US and around the world.
Many of the core requirements related to fundamental mechanical engineering coursework are the same across all three of our degree programs (Mechanical Engineering, Course 2; Engineering, Course 2-A; and Mechanical and Ocean Engineering, Course 2-OE). To make room for the flexible portion of the Course 2-A program, some of these requirements are relaxed, building the space for students to assemble their own "concentration," a collection of at least 72 units in an area of their choosing.
The Engineering, Course 2-A program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Engineering, Course 2-A Concentration Information
The Course 2-A concentration is a set of classes that includes 72 units or more of a subject related to a single cohesive focus area within the field of engineering. Students choose these subjects in consultation with the Course 2-A Coordinator, Professor Rohan Abeyaratne (rohan@mit.edu). A proposed course of study is developed and submitted online for review and approval. Certain restrictions do apply, and are outlined below.
Bear in mind that the Course 2-A program was designed to be flexible. Many different concentrations are possible, and a student’s individual program may be unique. The example concentrations listed below serve only as a starting point. Students are encouraged to design and propose technically oriented concentrations that reflect their own needs and those of society. To reference the detailed guidelines regarding the Course 2-A concentration, please visit the link provided below.
Example Concentrations
Course 2-A Objectives
The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Course 2-A are that:
Within a few years of graduation, a majority of our graduates will have completed or be progressing through top graduate programs; advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-profit organizations, or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. In these roles they will:
- Apply a deep working knowledge of technical fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, electromechanical, and thermal systems to address needs of the customer and society.
- Develop innovative technologies and find solutions to engineering problems.
- Communicate effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams.
- Be sensitive to professional and societal contexts and committed to ethical action.
- Lead in the conception, design, and implementation of new products, processes, services, and systems.
These objectives have been developed by the faculty and students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of MIT, with input from other constituents, in an attempt to comply with the mission of MIT as an institution. That mission, as stated in the current edition of the MIT Bulletin is:
The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.
The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world’s great challenges. MIT is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse campus community. We seek to develop in each member of the MIT community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.
Student Outcomes
Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying fundamental principles of mechanical engineering, science, and mathematics including the steps of abstracting essential information, critically assessing its validity, and making appropriate assumptions.
Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
Communicate effectively with a range of audiences by diverse means including written reports, public speaking, and visual media.
Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Implement computer and simulations tools in mechanical engineering practice.
Specify manufacturing and fabrication techniques and other engineering processes needed to implement thermal and mechanical systems.
Design and take responsibility for individualized program that integrates mechanical engineering with another discipline, and master material within the chosen discipline.