ECE Undergraduate Advising Blog

2020 Spring Advising Series

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Spring Advising Meeting Videos are ready!

Have your flowchart handy and go to appropriate link. Prepare for registration of next set of classes and plan for next two+ semesters.

First-year and new transfer students who began Fall 2019 or Spring 2020:

Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors not yet graduating: Prepare for 3rd/4th/5th years:

How to transfer credits from elsewhere one-page instructions pdf.

How to read your Degree Audit Report

Co-op: how to take a co-op semester.

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Calculus I, II grades, Physics 1, and rumors

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There are “rumors” and misinformation flying around about grades and what is considered “passing”, especially for Calculus II (MA2160) and Calculus I (MA1160/1161) and University Physics I (PH2100)

Please call, email or meet with your academic advisor if you are concerned or affected by these situations. DO NOT listen to advice from friends and roommates, especially those in other majors. Pay close attention to emails regarding physics and the calculus 1 grade, and those from your advisor, instructors and the Dean of Students Office.

Get to know the university policy on grades and what they mean.

1) It is rumored that a “C” grade or higher is required to pass Calculus II, MA2160, and/or move on to subsequent courses. Fact: “D” or higher is a passing grade. A course with a “D” grade should be carefully considered for a repeat, especially calculus, but know that is is not required to repeat it. Consult with your academic advisor if you are considering repeating a course.
2) Rumor: You cannot take Physics 1 if you earned less than a C in Calculus 1. Fact: Students who earned a CD or D in Calculus 1, can take Physics 1, but must also take PH2110, the Physics 1 workshop, and Calculus II, and can take ENG1102. If you decide to repeat Calculus 1, then you will take University Physics 1 and Calc II (MA2160) and ENG1102 later. You can take the Physics 1 lab either way, PH1100.
3) Fact: Mechanical Engineering majors must earn a C grade or higher in Calculus II (MA2160) in order to move onto their Statics course, MEEM2110. This does not apply to Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering majors.
Please involve your academic advisor for help with planning and knowing all of your options so that you do not get off track from where you can be or should be.
It is very important to understand your own situation. As always, please contact the academic advisor if you have questions or are unsure what to do.
Judy and Liz 1/7/2020

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Transfer credits from elsewhere

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Transfer Services
Registrar’s Office
130 Administration Building
transfer@mtu.edu
906-487-2319

Getting Started
To take classes elsewhere and transfer them to Michigan Tech, use Michigan Tech’s online Transfer Equivalency Link along with the course schedules and catalogs from the other college. Choose courses that will transfer to an equivalent course at Tech that are required for your degree  (such as an appropriate HASS List course).

Remember: a grade of C or higher grade is required to transfer in a course!

  • To access list of courses already approved for transfer use the Michigan Tech Transfer Equivalency System.
  • If the course you want or need is not on the Transfer Credit Equivalency list, you may request to have it evaluated for transfer credit by sending the following details to the Transfer Services Office, for each course (email transfer@mtu.edu):
    • The other university or college name
    • Course ID and title
    • Syllabus – REQUIRED!
    • Textbook(s) used (usually on the syllabus)
    • Detailed Description (usually on the syllabus)
  • If all this information is available online, you can send the link to transfer@mtu.edu.  A short catalog description is not enough information to evaluate for Michigan Tech credit; you must provide the course syllabus.
  • Michigan students: complete a Guest Student Application and work with the Registrar’s office. You will need to check in with the other institution to see if anything else is required.
  • Enroll in courses. If the course(s) are prerequisites to classes you need to register for next semester, have a copy of your transcript from the transfer college sent to Michigan Tech’s office of the Registrar so that our system knows the courses you plan to transfer.

Prerequisite? If a course you are taking elsewhere is a prereq for something you want to add to your next semester’s schedule, contact Transfer Services. They can mark a course as “in session” so that your registration can proceed as normal. You still must have an official copy of your transcript from the other institution sent to Michigan Tech as soon as the prereq course is complete!

To find out if a course may count as a “UN” course, consult the Transfer Services Office before taking the course.

Michigan Tech General Education HASS Requirements. Don’t forget: 6 credits of HASS must be numbered 3000-4999 (“upper level”).

After Completing the Course
Have an official copy of your transcript sent to the Michigan Tech Registrar’s Office:

Office of Student Records & Registration
Administration Building
1400 Townsend Avenue Houghton, MI 49931-1295

For generic transfer course numbers, ex. HU9300L and SS9300U: “L” in the 7th position indicates the course is Lower Level, and “U” indicates Upper Level. New in 2020: transfer courses come in with a new format that looks like HU1XXX, EC4XXX, or HU3XX5. 

Here is the Tutorial on how to transfer credits from elsewhere, to Michigan Tech. Slides only .pdf

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How to Register in Club Sports (PE0330 and PE0430)

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Yes! You can use your qualifying club sports as co-curricular credits. This does require an approval process.

If you want to register in PE 0330 (club sports) or PE 0430 (club sports leadership), fill out this Google Form with the info about your club. The Student Leadership and Involvement (formerly Student Activities) office will approve/reject it from there.

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2019 Spring advising series

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Spring Advising Meetings – videos- Have your flowchart handy and go to appropriate link. Prepare for registration of next set of classes and plan for next two+ semesters.

First-year and new transfer students who began Fall 2018 or Spring 2019:

Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors not yet graduating: Prepare for 3rd/4th/5th years:

How to transfer credits from elsewhere video; slides w/links; one-page instructions pdf.

How to read your Degree Audit Report

Co-op: how to take a co-op semester.

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Enterprise – How to Register

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Getting Started in Enterprise

1.  Figure out your course number.
How many semesters do you have remaining at Tech, on campus? This will determine which course number to register in. Then, find the section number and CRN on the Schedule of Classes.

2. Get permission.
Every semester, you must seek permission to join or continue in Enterprise. Use the fillable Approval / Waiver form for permission to enroll in ENT project work EXCEPT for ENT4950 (see below). Select “Special Approval” and then see the Enterprise advisor:

BMSE – Blue Marble Security  – Dr. Glen Archer, EERC 629
WCE – Wireless Communication – Mr. Kit Cischke, EERC 520
RSE – Robotic Systems – Dr. Jeremy Bos, EERC 623
Open Source Hardware – Rick Berkey (M&M 722E) & Shane Oberloier, EERC
AE – Aerospace – Dr. Brad King, AE registration instructions, MEEM 1014

Other enterprises:  Enterprise Program.
Also see: Schedule of Classes

3. Turn in the form.
Email the completed, signed approval/waiver form to the Student Services Center, at schedule@mtu.edu, or bring to the Registrar’s Office. Once the Approval has been entered, you will be able to go into Banweb and register in your Enterprise.

Meet with your Academic Advisor if you are uncertain which course number to register in for project work, to stay on track with your graduation semester.

Capstone Enterprise Work (4950-4960)

Once you get to your senior year, registering in ENT 4950 requires a different process. To register in ENT4950, go here: ENT4950 Registration for instructions. You will start by completing Part A, which is an online form under the tab:  Enterprise Student Resources (click forms).

For ABET accreditation standards, join an Enterprise that will provide you with an appropriate project work and responsibilities to meet design standards throughout ENT4950 and ENT4960:

  • EE Majors: must apply EE knowledge and skills in engineering design
  • CpE Majors:  must apply hardware/software integration skills in engineering design
  • CpE/EE Double Majors: apply EE knowledge/skills and hardware/software integration skills in engineering design

ECE Department Rules

The department does have some rules for completing your Enterprise Design requirements. For starters, you must plan to complete a four-semester sequence: ENT3950, ENT3960, ENT4950, then ENT4960.

  • If you to take a semester off to co-op or study abroad, do it before you take ENT4950.
  • Your last year of project work in enterprise must be consecutive semesters to apply to senior design requirements.
  • ENT4950 and ENT4960 need to be in the same enterprise.

Plan carefully and plan well in advance of graduation.  Pre-requisites required for senior-level project work (4000 level):

  • EE Majors: complete EE3901 and EE3131 before enrolling in ENT4950. Take EE3171 before or in same semester as ENT4950.
  • CpE Majors: complete EE3901 and EE3131 before enrolling in ENT4950. Take EE3173 before or in same semester as ENT4950.
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Should I join Enterprise ?

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Enterprise is project work, not a class.  You will be a team member working on a project for industry, competition or student ideas.  Many enterprises will require a Approval / Waiver Form signed by the faculty advisor of the enterprise you wish to join. The faculty advisor is the instructor listed in the Schedule of Classes.

The enterprise course numbers are synced with a 4-year plan beginning with semester two. The latest you should join is that point in time when you have 4 semesters left until graduation – ENT3950 – if you plan to use enterprise project work for your ENGINEERING DESIGN requirement.  Each enterprise has a unique section number as listed in the Schedule of Classes.  Ensure you are enrolling in the correct course number – This guide will help you determine that:

Enterprise Course Number REGISTRATION GUIDE

To register, bring a signed Special Approval (waiver) form to the Student Services Center in the Admin Bldg.   See your advisor if you need help determining which course number to enroll in. (see above link)

List of enterprises

There are one-credit ENT modules, which are classes that you may take as part of an Enterprise minor or concentration. ENT courses may count as “approved electives” for EE majors; or Free Electives.  A couple of these modules are on the HASS Supplemental List.

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EE Electives / Focus Areas

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The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree requirements contain a number of credits for  “EE Electives“. You will see “boxes” for these credits listed on the 8-semester flowcharts, and an area of the degree audit report for EE elective coursework. This is a way to choose classes you most prefer from different focus areas or areas of specialization.

The number of credits required in EE (Technical) Electives varies depending on without or with a concentration, and the catalog year you are following. Your degree audit report shows the minimum number of “EE Electives” credits you need and how your registered and completed courses are applied toward degree requirements.

What are “EE Electives”? also called “EE Technical Electives“.

The ECE Department groups EE courses by “Focus Area” (area of specialization): Signal Processing, Power, Control, Computer, Electronics, Photonics, etc… See here for the latest list. If you plan ahead, you should be able to get all or most of the courses you prefer. Each course is typically offered once per year, either in fall or spring, so plan ahead for your next two or three semesters. Look up course prerequisites in the undergraduate course descriptions link. View the Schedule of Classes to see what courses are offered in a particular semester, when that schedule is available.

You do not have to choose one focus area, and you can mix and match the courses as you like. A concentration may use some of these courses as required courses for the concentration.

What can count?  EE courses that are mainly lecture and/or lab-based courses with the subject code of “EE”. These types of credits will not count: project, research, and independent study credits.  Specifically required courses such as EE2112 or EE3131 will not count in “EE Electives” (see “major requirements” on the degree audit report).

When should you choose EE Elective courses and how?  This advising tutorial will help.
Begin to get familiar with the EE Electives list as early as the sophomore year, and ideally, no later than the end of the third year, to plan for the courses you’d prefer by the time you graduate.

Meet with Judy if you’d like help with planning future semesters with your EE Elective choices.

Take the time to consider these explorations:

– join an enterprise project team that deals with a area or two that you might be interested in

– join IEEE and/or SPIE for access to world-wide information in the field and the various focus areas; talk with mentors (ieee@mtu.edu for more info)

– become involved with undergraduate research in one of the areas you’d like to explore

– talk with faculty who teach or do research in areas you’re curious about. They are the experts.

– take a co-op semester or summer internship. This can expose you to one or more areas of specialization, and help you decide which electives you might take after you return.

– ask an acquaintance, senior student, or someone you know working in industry; inquire about job-shadowing at a company near your hometown

Summary:
“EE (Technical) Electives” are courses in topics from the various areas of specialization (focus areas) in ECE. You can mix and match them as you like. You do not have to take all the classes listed under a focus area. Choose the courses you most prefer. Plan ahead (2nd and 3rd year). 
Each concentration has a different number of “EE Elective” credits required. 

Where to find:
Focus Areas: EE electives listed by focus area and by semester in which they are offered.

Concentration flowcharts — Expand “8-Semester Flowcharts”.

All on the ECE Electrical Engineering advising page

Selecting EE Elective  courses for the BSEE (EE Technical Electives)

CpE Technical Elective  courses for the BSCpE.

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CpE Technical Electives – Selecting

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Although there aren’t “official” concentrations in Computer Engineering the same way there are in Electrical Engineering, you can still develop your own specialty or focus area(s) in within the degree. Choose classes you are most interested in, will help you get a CpE job you enjoy, or prepare you for a graduate degree down the road.  You can choose more classes in one area for a stronger focus, or choose a variety to have a broader knowledge base.

You may take more CpE technical elective credits than the minimum that is required.

Plan ahead to get the electives you’d like.  Most Technical Elective courses are offered in Fall or Spring (not both) so plan ahead and know what the pre-requisites are for the elective courses you want AND which semester they are offered in.  When you are in your junior-level required courses (if not before), start familiarizing yourself with the list of valid electives and identify the classes you are interested in.  Look up and know the pre-reqs.  If you’d like to know more about specific CpE skills/knowledge, ask the CpE faculty.  They are happy to talk about their areas of specialty and recommend classes!

Here you will find a list of faculty recommended courses listed by area or industry (click “Technical Electives” to open).

When selecting courses, be sure to use the list that applies to your degree requirements. Your online degree audit lists which courses fit in which categories, so review it after registering to see if things are counting where you’d like. If you have questions, contact your advisor!

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Co-op

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Courses: UN3002, UN3003, UN3004, UN3005

A co-op or internship experience is highly recommended.  Students gain experience  they cannot get in the classroom or labs, not only with technical experience, but just as importantly – with professionalism.  Co-op can help you decide which focus area(s) in your field you’d like to pursue with your CpE or EE Electives, or not.  Students work side by side with engineers and are usually a part of a team. Co-op experience is great for your resume – it helps you get interviews, and can lead to a permanent job offer or another co-op offer.

When is the best time to go?   Work with your academic advisor to determine the best time for you to go.  As a general recommendation, after EE2112, and for CpE’s – after CS1141/42, 2321, and perhaps CS3421, is probably ideal.  If students co-op earlier in the program, they will become familiar with what certain jobs entail. By co-oping after taking a few junior level core classes, students may find more meaningful work. Start planning early and attend career fairs as early as your 1st year, but certainly in your 2nd year and beyond.

The best place to get details about finding and setting up a co-op is at the Co-op Office in the Career Center – Second Floor of the Admin Building.   http://www.mtu.edu/career/students/jobs/co-ops/

Required forms are available in the Career Services Center or Co-op webpage.

  • Checklist
  • Student Information Form
  • Co-op Education Agreement Form
  • a copy of your offer letter from your company

Bring or submit above items to Career Services – 2nd Floor Admin bldg. You are considered a full-time MTU student while on co-op for credit.

Meet with your academic advisor to find out how your plans to complete your degree are affected by taking a semester off, and how co-op credits may apply to your degree requirements. If you are in Enterprise for completing engineering design requirements, do not co-op between ENT4950 and ENT4960. Co-op prior to taking ENT4950.

Credits Earned: (optional)
2 credits per semester of course UN3002,3,4 can be earned. Co-op office assignments are completed in Canvas. Follow instructions from the Co-op Office and assignment deadlines, diligently.
For EE majors, the up to 6 credits of UN3002-5 can be applied to the Approved Electives requirements (not SELECT) and/or Free electives.

CpE majors may use up to 2 credits UN3002-5 in CpE technical electives with limits. See degree audit report and/or your academic advisor.

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