Engineering Department

Faculty Members:

Edith Fork
Ben Rezutek TM 93
Sharon Tomski

Engineering students can earn college credits!  To find out how, click Credits now!

To view the Engineering Department Newsletter, please click here!

Project Lead the Way

A partnership with St. Thomas More High School and Marquette University College of Engineering focuses on Engineering with an emphasis on math and science. The four-year program, when combined with college preparatory math and science courses, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of Engineering and Engineering Technology. PLTW's curriculum makes math and science relevant for students. By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students understand how the skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in everyday life. Students must maintain a grade of C or better each quarter in all engineering courses in order to remain in the class.

As students progress through the Project Lead the Way sequence they will become proficient in:

• working as a contributing member of a team
• leading a team
• using appropriate written and visual mediums to communicate with a wide variety of audiences
• public speaking
• listening to the needs and ideas of others
• problem solving
• managing time, resources and projects
• researching
• going beyond the classroom for answers
• data collection and analysis

To learn more about Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and to read their newsletter, click here!

1600/01 Introduction to Engineering Design - Grades 9, 10, 11 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Requisite: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics.  This course is a prerequisite for all the following Engineering courses.
This course emphasizes the development of a design.  Students use computer software to produce, analyze and evaluate models of project solutions.  They study the design concepts of form and function, and then use state-of-the-art technology to translate conceptual design into reproducible products. 
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1602/03 Principles of Engineering - Grades 10, 11, & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Requisites: Current enrollment in college preparatory mathematics and Introduction to Engineering Design.
This course provides an overview of Engineering and Engineering Technology.  Students develop problem-solving skills by tackling real-world engineering problems.  Through theory and practical hands-on experiences, students address the emerging social and political consequences of technological change.
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1604/05 Digital Electronics - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Requisite: Current enrollment in college preparatory mathematics.
This course introduces students to applied digital logic, a key element of careers in engineering and engineering technology.  This course explores the small circuits found in watches, calculators, video games and computers.  Students use industry-standard computer software in testing and analyzing digital circuitry.  They design circuits to solve problems, export their designs to a printed circuit auto-routing program that generates printed circuit boards, and use appropriate components to build their designs.  Students use mathematics and science in solving real-world engineering problems. 
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1606/1607 Computer Integrated Manufacturing - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
(Introduced: TBD)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
Requisite: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics
This course teaches the fundamentals of computerized manufacturing technology and applies principles of robotics and automation.  It builds on the solid-modeling skills developed in the Introduction to Engineering Design course.  Fundamental concepts of robotics used in automated manufacturing and design analysis are included.  Students use 3-D computer software to solve design problems.  They then asses their solutions through mass property analysis, the relationship of design, function and materials, modify their designs, and use CNC prototyping equipment to produce 3-D models.  
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1608/09 Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Requisite: Current enrollment in college preparatory mathematics.
The major focus of the Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) course is a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site.  As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of this property.  The course provides freedom to the teacher and students to develop the property as a simulation or as students to model the real-world experiences that civil engineers and architects experience when developing property.  The CEA course is intended to serve as a specialization course within the Project Lead the Way sequence.  The course is structured to enable all students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of both fields.  Students work in teams, exploring hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture.  In addition, students use Rivet, which is a state-of-the-art 3-D design software package from AutoDesk, to help them design solutions to solve their major course project.  Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture.
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1610/11 Capstone Course: Engineering Design and Development - Grade 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering Design, Digital Electronics, Principles of Engineering, and a PLTW Speciality Course.
Requisite: Concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics.
In this course students apply what they have learned in academic and pre-engineering courses as they complete challenging, self-directed projects.  Students work in teams to design and build solutions to authentic engineering problems.  An engineer from the school's partnership team mentors each student team.  Examples of projects may include a robotic mascot for the school, a remote-controlled hovercraft, or a solar-powered device. Students keep journals of notes, sketches, mathematical calculations and scientific research.  Student teams make progress reports to their peers, mentor, instructor and exchange constructive criticism and consultation.  At the end of the course, teams present their research paper and defend their projects to a panel of engineers, business leaders and engineering college educators for professional review and feedback.  This course equips students with the independent study skills that they will need in postsecondary education and careers in engineering and engineering technology.
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1612/13 Biotechnical Engineering - Grades 11 & 12 - 1.0 credit (Elective)
Prerequisite: consent of science and engineering department chairs
Requisite: concurrent enrollment in college preparatory mathematics
Biotechnical Engineering hones more advanced skills in biology, physics, technology, and mathematics and applies them to real-world biotech fields.  Topics include:

• Engineering applications to forensic science including facial reconstruction and DNA components; students will function as a forensic team to solve a crime
• Creating alternative energy via controlling biological processes
• Investigation of the biomedical field by designing a replacement joint, developing its insertion technique, and designing a cardiac valve
• Researching a major industry that utilizes genetic technology and creating a stock portfolio that will teach them how biotechnically engineered products have applications in the fields of agriculture, the environment, and medicine

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1432 Computer Programming 1  - Grades 10, 11, 12 - 0.5 credit Elective, 1st Semester only 
Prerequisite: Algebra I (B level) or consent of instructor
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of creating computer applications using a high level programming language such as Visual Basic (VB) or C++.  Students will be learning programming topics such as variables, decision structures, looping, and sub-procedures.
NOTE: This class is offered after school, with independent study during the week.
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1433 Computer Programming 2  - Grades 10, 11, 12 - 0.5 credit Elective, 2nd Semester 
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 (B level) or consent of instructor and Computer Programming 2.
A continuation of Computer Programming I.  Topics covered will be chosen from the following computer programming concepts:

• Arrays
• File Input and Output
• Computer Graphics
• Mathematical Functions
• Searching and Sorting techniques

NOTE: This class is offered after school, with independent study during the week.
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