208 Holmes Hall
http://www.fgcu.edu/eng/index.html
(239) 590-7390
Founding Director: Susan M. Blanchard, PhD
Academic Program Director: Lisa Zidek, PhD
The U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering was named in honor of Uncas A. Whitaker, founder of the AMP Corporation. A generous gift from The Whitaker Foundation, which was established in his honor, helped bring the Engineering School to life by providing the initial funding for Holmes Hall, a state-of-the-art building that houses the engineering and computer science programs. Holmes Hall was named in honor of Dr. G. Burtt Holmes and Dr. Ruth Whitaker Holmes in recognition of their many generous gifts to the University.
Vision
The U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University will be internationally recognized for excellence in interdisciplinary engineering and computing education.
Mission
The mission of the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering is to graduate engineers and community leaders in selected engineering and computing disciplines with superior technical competence and business skills to meet the engineering and computing challenges of Southwest Florida and beyond. This is accomplished in an entrepreneurial and innovative educational environment that values diversity, service, integrity, leadership, and collaborations.
Academic Advising and Records
(239) 590-1445
Academic Advisor: Diana Stoppiello, MBA
Students do not need to select a major prior to admission to the university. The first three semesters of coursework are common to all undergraduate programs, providing students with time for thoughtful selection of a major. The engineering course, “EGN 1006L Intro to the Engineering Prof.,” which is required of all engineering students, provides an introduction to selected fields of engineering and focuses on hands-on laboratory activities and exploration of professional opportunities associated with the engineering degree programs offered at FGCU.
The U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering provides the following services for students:
- Academic advising and program information for current and potential students
- Referral to faculty mentors and campus resources for career planning
- Communication regarding internship opportunities
- Orientation for students applying for admission to the school
- Assistance with issues related to registration and academic standing
- Evaluation of academic transcripts and articulation of transfer credits
- Maintenance of academic advising records and degree audits
- Certification of graduation
Students are expected to take primary responsibility to meet with their academic advisor on a regular basis to ensure completion of all requirements for graduation.
The engineering degree programs help prepare students to be successful when taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, the first step to-wards professional licensure. Although the engineering and computer science degree programs are offered by the Lutgert College of Business, they are non-business degrees.
Department of Bioengineering
Chair: James D. Sweeney, PhD
Faculty: K. Csavina, PhD; C. Geiger, PhD; J. Torres, PhD; L. Zidek, PhD
Degree: Bioengineering (B.S.)
Minor: Bioengineering
Bioengineering plays an important role in transforming discoveries at the intersection of engineering, the life sciences, and health care into innovative products and capabilities by applying new technologies to biomaterials, biomechanics, and biomedical instruments and procedures. Bioengineering combines engineering principles with biology and physiology from the molecular, cell, and tissue level up to the human form. Bioengineers solve problems to help improve human health and quality of life. Bioengineers can work in the medical device and biotechnology industries, in health care and research, and for government agencies, such as the FDA. Job opportunities in this field are expected to increase substantially by 2012.
The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering emphasizes the application of new technology to biomaterials, biomechanics, and biomedical tools and procedures. Students learn how to solve problems associated with interactions between living and non-living materials and systems. Bioengineering students complete core courses common to all engineering majors as well as specialized courses in bioengineering. With the addition of another 4-credit general biology course, graduates will meet the pre-requisites for most medical schools.
Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering
Chair: Robert O’Neill, PhD, PE
Environmental Engineering Program Director: S. Komisar, PhD
Faculty: A. Badir, PhD; D. Bondehagen, PhD; J-Y. Kim, PhD; T. Kunberger, PhD, EIT; C. Orndoff, PhD; C. Vil-liers, PhD, EIT
Degrees: Environmental Engineering (B.S.Env.E.), Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
Minor: Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering involves the application of engineering principles to the design and development of systems, processes, and tools needed for the protection of the environment, human health, and natural ecosystems in order to foster sustainable development. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (B.S.Env.E.) emphasizes municipal, natural, and industrial environments with focus on the core competency areas of water and wastewater treatment, water resources engineering, solid and hazardous waste management, and air and water quality control. This program employs a team-based interdisciplinary learning philosophy. This approach provides students with the critical thinking skills required for effective and innovative engineering practice.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (B.S.Env.E.) focuses on both natural and human-designed environments. This program provides students with knowledge for leadership in sustaining our world with particular emphasis on technologies needed to solve problems related to water, soil, and air pollution. B.S.Env.E. students complete core courses common to all engineering majors as well as specialized courses in environmental engineering.
Civil Engineering concerns the study of the conception, design, construction, and maintenance of large public and private projects. Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the building of bridges, highways, railways, tunnels, airports, dams, water treatment and distribution systems, buildings, and many other types of structures. Environmental consider-ations, such as water supply, pollution control, and preservation of soil quality, are also important.
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.) focuses on the core competency areas: environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering. This program employs a team-based interdisciplinary learning philosophy. This approach provides students with the critical thinking skills required for effective and innovative engineering practice. Students will be prepared to combine social awareness and an interest in humanity with the technical expertise of the engineering profession as they plan, design, and construct a built environment. B.S.C.E. students complete core courses common to all engineering majors as well as specialized courses in civil engineering.
Job opportunities in environmental engineering and civil engineering should grow by 25% and 18%, respectively between 2006 and 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#outlook), which is faster than the average of 11% anticipated for all occupations as well as all engineering disciplines.
Computer Science Program
Faculty: D. Guo, PhD; J. Zalewski, PhD
Degree: Computer Science (B.S.)
Minor: Software Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS) prepares students in the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the application of computing and networking technologies in business and science. The program focuses on aspects of software and hardware development. A concentration in Software Engineering is available.
CS students complete core courses in programming languages, computer organization, data structures, database administration, networking, operating systems, software engineering, and algorithms. Further specialized courses in programming systems, data acquisition and control, simulation and modeling, and computer graphics are among the possible CS electives. In addition, students can take electives in computer information systems. CS students build on general education courses with a significant component in math and physics, as a prerequisite for programming courses and hardware-oriented courses, respectively. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm#outlook), the computer science and database administrator occupation is expected to grow by 37% between 2006 and 2016 so job prospects for these graduates are excellent.
