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Pre-Engineering

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Engineering has always been a popular field for people who are mathematically and scientifically inclined. Obtaining a solid mathematical and scientific background at Iowa Central can be your first step on the road that leads to a career in engineering. In addition to mastering a full range of math and science courses, pre-engineering students are expected to learn how to use technological tools such as computer algebra systems, graphing calculators and spreadsheets. Students at Iowa Central have the opportunity to use the Maple computer algebra system in many of their math classes.  Pre-engineering students use this technology to reduce the amount of tedious, manual work as they explore and learn more about mathematics.

Graphing calculators are also used extensively in math classes at Iowa Central. They have revolutionized the presentation of mathematics in the classroom since they allow for much greater participation by students and less formal lecturing by instructors. Students are expected to have their own graphing calculators in pre-calculus, calculus and differential equations classes and are encouraged to use them in several other math and science classes.  Spreadsheets and several special purpose computer programs are used in such courses as Engineering Problems.

Engineering Careers

• Aerospace
• Agricultural
• Architectural
• Bioengineering
• Chemical
• Civil
• Computer
• Construction
• Electrical
• Environmental
• Industrial
• Materials
• Mechanical
• Mining/Geological
• Naval/Marine
• Nuclear
• Petroleum

Course Schedule

Pre-engineering students complete a sequence of courses in calculus as well as related courses. For students who need to strengthen their background in math, Iowa Central has a pre-calculus sequence, which includes two algebra courses, trigonometry and pre-calculus. This set of courses prepares students for the calculus sequence.

Iowa Central offers three courses in calculus and a course in differential equations in its calculus sequence. Pre-engineers should also plan on taking Engineering Problems and at least one course in computer programming, such as C++, during their first two years of study. Chemistry and physics are also commonly required in all fields of engineering. Iowa Central offers seven chemistry and four physics courses. Sociohumanistic and communication courses are also required in most engineering curricula to help engineering students develop an appreciation for the impact of engineering projects on society and communicate with fellow engineers as well as the general public. Iowa Central has a wide range of courses available in these areas.

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