Overview
Engineering I
McMaster’s undergraduate Engineering program, with a common first year, allows students to explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline.
At McMaster, all undergraduate students take a common first year program, Engineering I. This provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines.
Engineering I gives you the opportunity to widen your perspective by taking electives from other faculties. This is important for developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live and work. Students choose to take courses in subjects such as philosophy, music, languages, social science and history.
You’ll also have the opportunity to bond with all of your peers, regardless of their future area of study. You’ll have tutorial classes with as few as 30 students in first year which will help you transition from high school.
After first year, students choose from one of the widest ranges of engineering program options in Canada, some with specializations such as nano- and micro- devices, nuclear engineering & energy systems, photonics, aerodynamics, and bioengineering, all with co-op options, and all (except Chemical and Bioengineering) have five-year Management and Society options.
The McMaster Difference: Supporting Student Success
- A director of Engineering 1, instructional coordinator, academic advisors, and specially trained teaching assistants
- The student-run McMaster Engineering Society (MES) and the many student groups and activities associated with it provide social, academic and personal peer support for engineering students
- The Engineering Student Services team provides support for our students, with an aim to specifically assist first year students with academic concerns
- Dedicated first year Academic Advisors
- Engineering Co-op and Career Services offers career planning and co-op program assistance
- Small tutorial and lab groups led by specially trained senior students who appreciate the challenges first year students face
- A dedicated Engineering I ‘elliptical’ computer lab. One of only four in North America
- The new Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning
Engineering I – Courses
At McMaster, Engineering students take a common Level I program with the following courses:
- General Chemistry for Engineering I (CHEM 1E03)
- Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering (ENGINEER 1P13)
- Engineering Mathematics (MATH 1ZA3, 1ZB3, 1ZC3)
- Introductory Mechanics (PHYSICS 1D03)
- Waves, Electricity, and Magnetic Fields (PHYSICS 1E03)
- Safety Training (WHMIS 1A00)
Typical Timetable
Engineering I – Director’s Message
Welcome First Year students to McMaster Engineering! You are now officially a member of the Fireball Family and beginning a journey towards a career in the Engineering profession. You are part of a community that promotes engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
We are delighted to introduce for the first time in Fall 2020 a new teaching and learning approach to First Year Engineering: ENGINEER 1P13 . In this integrated experiential learning experience, replacing traditional engineering courses, you will learn engineering fundamentals, develop practical skills, and learn how to apply your knowledge to real life situations through a series of five cornerstone design projects that cover a variety of key topics relevant to all engineering disciplines.
While much of the future is unknown as a result of COVID-19 one thing we do know is that the Fall 2020 term is set to take place entirely online. Over these past few months, our First Year Engineering team (faculty, staff and senior undergraduate students) have been working hard to deliver a safe and rewarding integrated experiential learning course for you all in a virtual setting! We will be using Microsoft teams to connect you with your peers for collaboration as well as offer virtual real-time interactive design studios, labs and lectures.
We understand that the transition to Level I can be very challenging, but we want to position every student in this community for success. In doing so, there are many options available to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The Faculty of Engineering’s Experiential Learning Office, which includes the First Year Engineering team, provides support personnel and services specifically designed to assist first year students. Our office is located in the Engineering Technology Building (ETB); please stop by to say hi once in-person classes resume.
For assistance or academic advice please contact Mr. Nathan Butterworth, the Engineering I Advisor. He is available by e-mail at butterw@mcmaster.ca.
Student Affairs offers a number of supports for all McMaster students. If you need support for a diagnosed disability or disorder, please refer to Student Accessibility Services. The Student Success Centre provides convenient access to an array of student services in the areas of Career and Employment, Transition and Academic Success, and Community Service- Learning, Civic Engagement and Leadership. The Student Wellness Centre provides support to the whole student – mind, body, spirit through a range of wellness services such as personal and psychological counselling, medical and health services, and wellness education resources.
And finally, the McMaster Engineering Society (MES), a group you are now part of and one of the largest student groups on campus, is available to support you academically, professionally, and socially.
Although your first year will look different than anticipated, know that our top priority remains the same: to introduce you to the engineering profession; provide you with fundamental engineering skills; and offer guidance and support as you navigate first year of University.
I wish all of you a successful and memorable first year of engineering,
Dr. André Phillion
Engineering I – Our Team
Faculty
André Phillion
Director of the Experiential Learning office (formerly Engineering 1), Associate Professor
