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Among other things, you may be wondering what courses you will take during your first semester, how you will register for them, how to use advanced placement, and whether or not you can change your schedule. We hope this website will provide the answers to most of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Semester Courses What courses will I take my first semester? When and how will I enroll in my courses? Is it possible to enroll in additional courses? What Math should I take and what is the Engineering Math sequence? What are my options for an Intro to Computer Programming course? What are my options for an Intro to Engineering Course? What is the First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050)? What is a First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS)? What about Physical Education (PE)? What are Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs) What if I have advanced placement credit (AP, GCE, IB, etc.) or transfer credit? Are there other ways to obtain credit or does Cornell offer placement exams? What happens if my classes turn out to be the wrong level for me? What courses will I take my first semester? The majority of first-year engineering students will take the following courses (totaling 16-17 credits):
When and how will I enroll in my courses? Based on the information you provide on your Student Advising Profile, Engineering Advising will enroll you in your First- Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050) and, if required, Chemistry. You will enroll in most of your remaining first semester courses in mid-July (tentative dates are July 20-29). More information about course enrollment will be available on the Engineering Advising Orientation website in early July. Additionally, in consultation with your faculty advisor, with whom you will meet during Orientation, you will have the opportunity to plan changes to your course schedule. Such revisions occur during the "Add/Drop" period once you arrive in August. You will learn more about making changes to your schedule during Orientation. Please note: Student Center does not permit students to make changes to their course schedule after the enrollment periods ends in late July and before Add/Drop begins in late August. Is it possible to enroll in additional courses? What Math should I take and what is the Engineering Math sequence? You should select your first Math course based on your high school math background and any standardized advanced placement credit or coursework completed at another accredited college. Learn more about the Engineering Math Sequence and course enrollment. What are my options for the Intro to Computer Programming Course? There are two sequences for beginning computer programming: 1. Intro to Computing Using Java (CS 1110 or CS 1113) followed by Transition to Matlab (CS 1132) Which sequence you choose is entirely up to you. Get details on your options for the Intro to Computer Programming Course. What are my options for an Intro to Engineering Course? The Intro to Engineering course introduces students to the engineering process and provides a substantive experience in open-ended problem-solving. Get a list of course descriptions for the Intro to Engineering courses offered this coming year. What is the First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050)? The First-Year Engineering Seminar (ENGRG 1050) is a one-credit course that provides an opportunity for first-year students to get to know their faculty advisors on a more personal and significant level. Students meet weekly as a group with their faculty advisor to discuss a range of engineering topics, including curriculum, careers, and research. Groups may also visit various academic, engineering, and research facilities on campus. All first-year students will be pre-enrolled in a section of ENGRG 1050. What is a First-Year Writing Seminar? First-Year Writing Seminars are courses that focus on developing English composition skills. Roughly thirty academic departments from across the University offer over 100 seminars covering a variety of topics and interests each semester. All engineering students are required to take two First-Year Writing Seminars, one in each semester of their first year. You will enroll in your FWS over the summer through a ballot process that is distinct from the process to enroll for your other courses (tentative dates for the First-Year Writing Seminar ballot process are 7/30-8/9). Visit the Knight Institute for more information. What about Physical Education? All Cornell students are required to take two semesters of Physical Education (PE) during their first year. Additionally, all students must pass a basic swimming skills test prior to graduation. You may wish to visit the PE website for more information What are Academic Excellence Workshops (AEW's)? The Academic Excellence Workshop (AEW) is an optional, 1-credit weekly collaborative learning session taken in conjunction with select engineering core courses, including: Math 1910, 1920, 2930, 2940; Computer Science 1110, 1112, 2110; and Chemistry 2090. These weekly workshops provide collaborative learning environments facilitated by trained upper-level engineering students. Participants work together on concepts and problems designed to enhance understanding of core course material. The workshops foster peer collaboration and teamwork, and provide a forum for personalized feedback and support. Participation results in increased understanding and confidence as well as higher core course grades. AEWs are listed as ENGRG courses. Grades are S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory), based on attendance. You will be able to enroll in the corresponding AEW for your first-semester Math, Computer Science, or Chemistry course during the enrollment process in mid-July. Get details about Academic Excellence Workshops. What if I have advanced placement or transfer credit? Advanced placement and transfer credit can be used to earn credit towards graduation requirements. Get more information about advanced placement credit, including an advanced placement table. Get information about transfer credit. Are there other ways to earn credit or does Cornell offer placement exams? Yes. During Orientation in August, optional Cornell Advanced Standing Exams (CASE) are offered in areas such as math, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Your performance on these exams may result in advanced placement credit if you demonstrate proficiency in the subject area. Get details regarding the voluntary CASE in Engineering Mathematics. Information about other CASE exams is available in the Engineering Orientation Highlights. |
