Common First Year
Michigan Tech has a common first-year engineering program.
Within this program, every engineering student takes the same foundational courses:
- math
- engineering
- chemistry
- physics
- composition
- global issues
Two Math-based Pathways
A student’s mathematics placement is determined by the Department of Mathematics. Based on math placement, there are
two course pathways through first-year engineering.
Two-semester Sequence for Calculus-ready
Students are considered calculus-ready if they are placed upon enrollment into MA
1160 Calculus with Technology I or MA 1161 Calculus Plus with Technology I or higher.
Calculus-ready students have a two-semester sequence in which to complete the first-year
engineering program.
Here is a sample plan for your first two semesters.
Fall 15–17 Credits
MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I
An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680
MA 1161 - Calculus Plus w/ Technology I
An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, data and numerics, and graphical concepts and is similar to MA1160, going at a different pace.
- Credits:
5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1032 or MA 1031 or MA 1120 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 76 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 26 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 610
ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving
An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I
Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)
CH 1150 - University Chemistry I
Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I
Laboratory to accompany CH1150.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Spring 15–18 Credits
MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II
Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3
ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design
Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002)
PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics
A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Take MA 1160 or MA 1161 in fall.
- A learning community is scheduled for MA 1160, MA 1161, ENG 1101, CH 1150, and CH
1151.
- Students with AP or transfer credits for math will be placed into the next appropriate
math course.
Three-semester Sequence for Not Calculus-ready
Students are considered not calculus-ready if they are placed upon enrollment into
MA 1032 Precalculus. Students who are not calculus-ready have a three-semester sequence,
or 1.5 years, in which to complete the first-year engineering program.
Here is a sample plan for your first three semesters.
Fall One 15–17 Credits
This course examines the behavior of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving
An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
CH 1000 - Introductory Chemistry
Introduces fundamental concepts of chemistry to students who are interested in how chemical processes shape the world. Covers fundamental chemical concepts and integrates applications of chemistry that are relevant to the global community. High school chemistry is not required.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
CH 1150 - University Chemistry I
Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I
Laboratory to accompany CH1150.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Take CH 1000 or CH 1150/1.
- A learning community is scheduled for MA 1032 and ENG 1101.
Spring One 15–18 Credits
MA 1161 - Calculus Plus w/ Technology I
An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, data and numerics, and graphical concepts and is similar to MA1160, going at a different pace.
- Credits:
5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1032 or MA 1031 or MA 1120 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 76 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 26 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 610
ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design
Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002)
PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I
Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)
Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Take CH 1150/1 if not taken in Fall 1 or General Education/HASS.
Fall Two 14–17 Credits
MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II
Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3
PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics
A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
Other Placements
Students placed into MA 1030 College Algebra I will start the three semester sequence
when they begin MA 1031 College Algebra II with Trigonometry.
MA 1030 - College Algebra I
This course is the first of a two semester sequence. It examines the behavior of linear, polynomial, and rational functions. In addition, algebraic methods commonly needed in calculus are reviewed.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 40 or ACT Mathematics >= 18 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 500
MA 1031 - College Algebra II with Trigonometry
This course is the second of a two semester sequence. It examines the behavior of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Also, algebraic and trigonometric methods commonly needed in calculus are reviewed. MA1030 and MA1031 together are equivalent to MA1032.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1030
