ACADEMICS

Quantitative Engineering Analysis is a pivotal course for dozens of first-year students that requires solving a series of robotics challenges while learning linear algebra, optimization, physics, multivariable calculus, and vector calculus. It’s centered around completing three projects, including building a boat, learning facial recognition software, and programming a mobile robot to accomplish a task.

The course uses these projects to contextualize material and emphasizes self-directed learning.

Experimental

Students are invited to opt in to experimental courses at Olin where we try new pedagogical approaches and regularly solicit feedback from students enrolled in the new classes. Typically there one is offered per year.

Sustainability: Science, Society, and Systems (4Ss) and Social Technology Enterprise with Purpose (STEP) are two of our most recent experimental courses.

By integrating natural science, social science, humanities, and engineering, 4Ss provides an introduction to concepts and tools that are useful for understanding sustainability holistically, developing responsible solution strategies, and situating ourselves within the dynamic web of complex systems.

STEP is better preparing students to make positive changes in the world by reimagining the scope of a college course. In STEP students and faculty work as teammates on a project that combines user-centered design, wearable computing, and machine learning to create impactful technology. The STEP team is building wearable technology that enables the blind and visually impaired to interact with their smart devices in an inconspicuous and possibly hands-free way. olin.edu/articles/bigstep-toward-engineering-purpose

Yearlong projects solving real-world problems

All students complete a yearlong capstone experience that applies what they have learned to real-world problems. Olin offers three capstone alternatives:

Senior Capstone Program in Engineering (SCOPE) projects are sponsored by companies and other institutions that bring us problems that require engineering solutions. Examples include medical equipment design, automated farm equipment, software development for mobile and social applications, and electronic communication systems.

Affordable Design and Entrepreneurship (ADE) students work with people in communities around the world to address challenges endemic to poverty and to democratize opportunity. Together they create new products and social ventures to reduce burden, increase yields, expand education, improve health and generate income.

Entrepreneurial Engineering Capstone (EEC) students work on a prospective new venture while gaining an understanding of user pain points and the value of a solution; the market and segmentation; and how to go from a prototype to a manufacturable product for a specific customer; and ultimately are prepared to face the challenges of productizing prototypes to match market needs.