Widener

GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ENGR 600  MUNICIPAL AND CIVIL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project management skills for conceptual planning, budgeting, decision making, estimating and scheduling, financing, and client relations. Project feasibility and market forces. Project delivery teams and the role of owners, developers, and contractors. The plan submission and review process. Project monitoring and control. Private versus public clients, dealing with the public and professional liability. Project evaluation and close-out.

ENGR 601  LAND DEVELOPMENT
An integrated theory and applications course on urban area site planning, including the methodology used to subdivide, develop, or redevelop a property. Site planning analysis, zoning and municipal ordinances, subdivisions, site density, physical constraints, sustainability, environmental concerns, techniques for acquisition of data (mapping, traffic studies, ordinance requirements and approval process), storm water management and erosion control, site grading, sanitary sewers and water systems, streets and parking lots, specifications and plans, and construction layout and inspection.

ENGR 602  PROCESS DYNAMICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes governing the fate and transport of pollutants in natural and engineered environmental systems. It serves as a basis for continued study in specialized areas such as air pollution control, water and wastewater treatment, hazardous waste management, and groundwater pollution remediation. Topics include material balances, transport processes, and chemical and biological reactions. Prerequisite: ENGR 617 or knowledge of calculus and differential equations. 3 semester hours

ENGR 603  TOPICS IN SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY MODELING
Selected topics in hydrologic engineering and water quality modeling, including frequency analysis of hydrologic events and rainfall-runoff analysis; design and analysis of storm sewers and storm water detention basins; water quality impacts of storm water runoff; development and application of water quality models to assess pollutant impact and transport in lakes, streams, and estuaries; analysis of pollutant reaction kinetics. Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in hydrology and water/wastewater treatment systems. 3 semester hours

ENGR 604  ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR ENGINEERS
Local, state, and federal acts and regulations and their effect on environmental restoration and waste management. Topics include the history of environmental regulations and the environmental regulatory process as well as the major requirements for compliance under the following environmental statutes: CAA, CWA, CERCLA, RCRA, SARA, TSCA, OSHA, NEPA, SDWA, and others. Potential areas of modification of environmental laws. 3 semester hours

ENGR 605  INNOVATIVE WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
This course provides a background in the design and analysis of innovative water and wastewater treatment systems with an emphasis on the design of small system for new developments or retrofitting existing treatment systems.  A review of conventional water and wastewater treatment practices will be provided as an introduction. 3 semester hours

ENGR 606  WASTE INCINERATION and ENERGY RECOVERY
Basic principles of combustion, including the theory of several processes, fundamentals and design of equipment for waste incineration, and design principles and their application to municipal and hazardous waste incineration facilities. 3 semester hours

ENGR 607  HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
A comprehensive introduction to hazardous waste management, including laws and regulations, identification and analysis, risk assessment, and techniques and technologies for control and treatment. 3 semester hours

ENGR 608  MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Generation, storage, collection, transport, processing, recovery, and disposal of municipal solid wastes including economic and environmental aspects. Integrated municipal solid waste engineering is stressed. 3 semester hours

ENGR 609  AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
The nature of the air pollution problem and its effects on the public at large; air quality standards; characterization of particles and aerosols; particle dynamics; principles and design of control devices including centrifuges, electrostatic precipitators, filters, and wet scrubbers. 3 semester hours

ENGR 610  GROUNDWATER POLLUTION REMEDIATION
This course presents the nature of subsurface pollution and the sources of the pollution, along with techniques of analyzing pollution movement and monitoring. Methods of design for control of subsurface migration and treatment of contaminated groundwater are also covered. 3 semester hours

ENGR 611  DETERMINISTIC OPTIMIZATION
Techniques for producing an optimal design of a deterministic system are presented. Topics include classical optimization methods, nonlinear and linear programming, search techniques, the transportation and assignment algorithm, dynamic programming, and geometric programming. Examples are taken from engineering and business applications. 3 semester hours

ENGR 612  STOCHASTIC OPTIMIZATION
Modeling, analysis, and optimal design of stochastic engineering, management, and operational systems. The techniques of operations research are used. Topics include steady state analysis of single and multiple server queues; economic decisions in queuing systems; stochastic inventory models and effect of set-up cost; Markov chains and Chapman-Kolmogorov equations; Markov decision problems; policy improvement and discounted costs; system reliability and redundancy; decision analysis under risk and uncertainty and decision trees; and simulation, random number generation, and the Monte-Carlo technique. Prerequisites: An introduction to probability, e.g., ENGR 611; ENGR 618 is recommended. 3 semester hours

ENGR 613  GEOSYNTHETICS
Applications of geosynthetics including geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geonets, geocomposites, and geosynthetic clay liners. Geosynthetics functions and mechanisms including separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, and containment. Design with geosynthetics for roadways, embankments/slopes, earth retaining structures, landfills, and site remediation. Prerequisite: Undergraduate soil mechanics course.

ENGR 614  ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT I
This course introduces students to the fields of management and business analysis in both industrial and consumer markets. The course also exposes students to the multidisciplinary nature of engineering management and covers the different functional areas with an emphasis on the “engineering” manager. Topics include management tasks and responsibilities, organizational structures, managing change, ethical considerations, strategy formulation, decision-making processes, statistical analysis, mathematical models, forecasting profitability, budgets, and financial controls. The course integrates case studies and projects, as well as provides opportunities for students to develop their writing and communication skills. 3 semester hours

ENGR 615  ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT II
The course builds upon the basic management skills developed in ENGR 614. Emphasis extends to the global economy and covers global operations, investment decisions, cost accounting, production planning, quality issues, marketing management, leadership, and team building. The course builds on case studies and projects within the engineering field. Written reports, conclusions, and recommendations will be included with oral presentations. Prerequisite: ENGR 614. 3 semester hours

ENGR 616  ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS I
Introduction to linear algebra, including vector spaces, linear dependence and independence, linear transformations, matrices, and determinants. Topics include solution of systems of linear equations and eigenvalue problems; complex variables, power series, complex integration, and residue theorem; and Fourier series and transforms. Elements of numerical analysis, numerical methods for systems of linear equations, and interpolation are also covered. 3 semester hours

ENGR 617  ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS II
Topics include vector calculus and differential operators; line and surface integrals; Green’s theorem, Divergence theorem, and Stokes’ theorem; ordinary differential equations; and initial value problems and linear boundary value problems. Partial differential equations and the solution of initial and boundary value problems are also covered. 3 semester hours

ENGR 618  ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS III
Topics include probability and random variables; sets, events, and probability space; joint, conditional, and total probability; Bayes’ theorem; combinatorics; distributions and densities; continuous and discrete distributions; stochastic processes; expected values and moments; conditional expectation; moment-generating and characteristic functions; joint distributions and densities; covariance matrices; statistical inference and decision-making with applications. 3semester hours

ENGR 619  TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS
This Web-enhanced engineering course provides practical experience in written and oral communication techniques for technical material. A major focus is analyzing audiences and purpose for individual situations: Audiences range from expert and technical to lay; purpose varies from simply describing and informing to deftly instructing and persuading. Through didactic materials, text examples, and online activities, students will craft documents and presentations on their own topics. Students will also review the practical elements of grammar and syntax critical for controlling flow, emphasis, and clarity. 3 semester hours

ENGR 621  TRANSPORT PHENOMENA
Topics include continuum and molecular theories of matter; velocity distributions in laminar and turbulent flow; boundary-layer analysis; simultaneous momentum, energy, and mass transport; transport analogies; convective and radiative heat transfer; molecular and turbulent diffusion; simultaneous diffusion and chemical reaction. 3 semester hours

ENGR 622  MASS-TRANSFER OPERATIONS
Topics include the theory of equilibrium stage and continuous-contact operations; equilibrium relationships; stage efficiencies and mass-transfer rates; selection of separation processes and equipment configurations; and applications to binary and multicomponent distillation, gas absorption, liquid extraction, air-water operations, and adsorption. 3 semester hours

ENGR 623  CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS
Topics include equations of state for mixtures; thermodynamics of non-ideal solutions; phase equilibria in complex systems; chemical equilibria in homogeneous, heterogeneous, and electrolytic systems; thermodynamic consistency; estimation of thermochemical and thermophysical data; entropy and probability; the Third Law; thermodynamics of energy conversion; and introduction to irreversible thermodynamics. 3 semester hours

ENGR 624  APPLIED REACTION KINETICS and CATALYSIS
Topics include reaction-rate theory; kinetics of complex homogeneous reactions; effects of temperature and residence-time distribution; characterization of porous catalysts; kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic gas-solid reactions; external and internal coupled transport processes in porous catalysts; design of fixed- and fluidized-bed catalytic reactors; kinetics of fluid-fluid reactions with applications to reactor design; and laboratory reactors, analysis of experimental data, and scale-up. 3 semester hours

ENGR 625  BIOSEPARATIONS
This course is an exploration of the principles, approaches, and techniques relevant to the separation and downstream processing of biologically produced molecules. Protein purification, recovery of small biomolecules (amino acids and antibodies), and the isolation of primary metabolites will be covered. Particular attention will be paid to the physical chemistry of biological molecules in solution. This approach will result in the development of efficient separation techniques for biomolecules while maintaining biological activity. 3 semester hours

ENGR 626  PROCESS MODELING and SIMULATION
Topics are modeling and simulation of chemical engineering systems including distillation columns, gas absorbers, chemical reactors, and heat exchangers. Process identification techniques are also studied. 3 semester hours

ENGR 627  PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF CONSTRUCTED FACILITIES
This course covers the techniques and methods of analysis for evaluating the performance of a wide range of constructed facilities including highways, bridges, dams, buildings, tunnels, sewers, water distribution systems, and landfills. Various instrumentation systems and/or observational techniques are included, along with sample analyses to determine both structural and functional performance. 3 semester hours 

ENGR 628  REPAIR & REHABILITATION OF CONSTRUCTED FACILITIES
There are a growing number of bridges, buildings, and special-purpose (e.g., towers, chimneys, pipelines) structures which have deteriorated over many years of service and/or as the result of unforseen environmental conditions or too-long-deferred maintenance. In addition, better understanding of structural behavior under seismic loads has led to the identification of serious shortcomings in a significant number of structures constructed prior to the mid 1970s. This course investigates repair and strengthening techniques for masonry, concrete, wood, and steel structures; mechanics of behavior and methods of analysis/evaluation for beams, columns, walls, slabs, and connections; and construction methodologies. 3 semester hours

ENGR 629  BRIDGE INSPECTION and REHABILITATION
A significant number of bridge structures, which performed well for many years, show deterioration under severe service and environmental conditions. These structures can remain serviceable with proper rehabilitation and maintenance. This course investigates inspection, repair, and strengthening techniques for various types of bridge structures. Topics include maintenance policy principles, types of distress, bridge inspection and diagnostic testing, bridge structure repair and strengthening methods, bridge foundation rehabilitation, and load capacity evaluation. 3 semester hours

ENGR 630  ADVANCED COMPOSITES IN CONSTRUCTION
Advanced composites for use in the construction industry have begun to generate considerable worldwide interest and expectation. This course will provide an overview of how composites may be used as stand-alone structural shapes, and as reinforcement for prestressed and non-prestressed concrete. Course topics will include the physical and chemical properties of constituent materials and resins and the manufacturing processes commonly used in producing composite materials for the construction industry; engineering properties of typical structural composites; test methods and performance-based standards; techniques for analysis; design considerations and philosophy; serviceability and durability; applications of composite materials in large integrated structural systems, and for the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated structures; barriers to implementation, legal/liability concerns, and economics. 3 semester hours

ENGR 631  ADVANCED STRUCTURAL STEEL DESIGN
This course covers behavior and design of columns, beam-columns, and single and multistory frames with a review of the latest building specifications. Selected topics include the design of structural systems, system stability, torsion effects, deflection analysis, plate girders, building connections, composite construction, and computer-aided designs. Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in structural steel design. 3 semester hours

ENGR 632  ADVANCED REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN
This course covers behavior, analysis, and design of reinforced concrete elements and structures for flexure, shear and diagonal tension, axial compression and bending, and development of reinforcement. Techniques for calculating deflections and a review of current ACI code requirements are also covered. Selected topics include torsion, slab systems, yield line analysis, and composite construction. Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in reinforced concrete design. 3 semester hours

ENGR 633  STRUCTURAL MECHANICS
Students analyze framed structures using matrix flexibility and stiffness methods. Topics include analysis of structural systems using substructures, nonprismatic and curved members, secondary effects, elastic foundations, and plastic and large-deflection analysis. Prerequisite: ENGR 616 or knowledge of matrix algebra. 3 semester hours

ENGR 634  STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS
This course covers the dynamic response of structures modeled as single degree of freedom systems, shear buildings, discrete multidegree of freedom systems, and distributed properties. Topics include earthquake analysis by response history and response spectrum, and structural dynamics in building codes. Prerequisite: ENGR 617 or knowledge of differential equations. 3 semester hours

ENGR 635  DESIGN OF TIMBER STRUCTURES
Topics include basic wood properties and design considerations for a variety of timber structures; behavior and design of beams, columns, and beam-columns members; plywood and glue-laminated members; design of structural diaphragms and shear walls; connection design. 3 semester hours

ENGR 636  FINITE ELEMENTS
This course covers mathematical foundations of the finite element method and its relation to the Rayleigh-Ritz method, including application of the finite element techniques to the field problem of a continuum, with special emphasis on the numerical aspects of the method. Element types covered include displacement-based isoparametric elements, and formulation of plane, three dimensional, and plate and shell elements. Prerequisite: ENGR 616 or knowledge of matrix algebra and numerical methods. 3 semester hours

ENGR 637  ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT
This course provides tools for the planning of environmental management programs and the assessment of environmental impacts. Topics include sources of environmental degradation, economic implications, standards, environmental impact statements, and methods for the assessment of land, water, air, and noise pollution impacts. 3 semester hours

ENGR 638  PRESTRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN
Topics are prestressed materials, methods, and systems; behavior and design of members subjected to axial forces, flexure, shear, and torsion; effect of various prestress losses; partial prestressing, load balancing, and composite design; anchorage-zone design; and applications to continuous beams and frames, slabs, and bridge design. Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in reinforced or prestressed concrete design. 3 semester hours

ENGR 639  STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Topics include principles and theory of structural stability; analytical and numerical methods for the treatment of elastic instability; buckling problems in beams, columns and plate elements, and frames; lateral and torsional instability; and energy and numerical methods. Prerequisite: ENGR 616 or knowledge of differential equations and matrix algebra. 3 semester hours

ENGR 640  THEORY OF PLATES & SHELLS
Topics include the classical theory of bending of thin plates of various shapes and boundary conditions; energy principles and approximate methods of solution; thick plates and large deflection theory; and membrane and bending theories of shells of revolution and shallow shells. 3 semester hours

ENGR 641  DESIGN OF WATER DISTRIBUTION & SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS
This course covers the theory and practice of designing water distribution systems and sanitary sewer systems for pump stations, hydrodynamics of pipe flow, the design and analysis of water distribution networks, flow in open channels, and sanitary sewer design. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics course.

ENGR 642  BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR STORMWATER CONTROL
This course provides a review of recommended best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater control for new and existing developments including the design of stormwater conveyance systems, storm detention ponds for water quality and quantity control, infiltration and recharge zones, and riparian buffers for erosion control.

ENGR 643  GROUND IMPROVEMENT
The mechanisms of soil stabilization by mechanical methods (compaction, explosives, vibroflotation, vibroreplacement), hydraulic methods (groundwater lowering, preloading, electro-osmosis), physical/chemical methods (admixtures, grouting, freezing), and inclusion (geosynthetics, reinforcements).  Prerequisite: Undergraduate Soil Mechanics course.

ENGR 644  MICROWAVE DEVICES & CIRCUITS
This course presents the basic principles, characteristics, and applications of commonly used microwave devices and techniques for analyzing and designing microwave circuits. Topics include aspects of plane wave propagation, reflection and transmission, transmission line theory, Smith charts, impedance matching, waveguides, microwave cavities, S-parameters, hybrid circuits, couplers, isolators, transistors, tunnel diodes, TEDs, ATTDs, linear beam tubes (Klystrons), strip lines and microstrip. Prerequisites: Undergraduate background in electromagnetics and solid state electronics. 3 semester hours

ENGR 645  OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONSSYSTEMS
This course explores the operation of generic optical communication systems through an in-depth treatment of both the individual system components, such as optical sources (LED/LD), detectors (PIN/APD), and optical fiber (Multimode, SI, GRIN, DSF), as well as the integrated system characteristics (rise-time, bandwidth, data rate, eye diagrams, attenuation, PB). In addition, the course will cover optical amplifiers (EDFA), which have been responsible for the current trend toward wave-division multiplexing (WDM) in long haul, large capacity data systems. Fundamental principles in semiconductor concepts, electromagnetic theory, communications theory, and electronics will be discussed. Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in electrical engineering recommended. 3 semester hours

ENGR 649  DIGITAL NETWORK SWITCHING
This course covers the following: Switching fundamentals—matrix, multistage, shared memory, bus, and multiple bus switching fabrics; blocking, strictly nonblocking, and rearrangeable nonblocking switches. Space-division, time-division, and combined space- and time-division switching. Controller-based and self-routing switching; synchronous, frame, and cell/packet switching; Clos, Benes, Banyon, Knockout, Multistage Batcher-Banyon, Tandem Banyon, shuffle, toroidal, and recirculating switches. Buffer strategies, cut-through switching, multicasting, and priority handling; optical switching. Throughput, delay, and complexity performance analysis and implementation issues. Switching architectures for telephone, local-area to broadband networks, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, and communication satellites, and their interconnections. 3 semester hours

ENGR 650  ADVANCED COMPUTER NETWORK DESIGN
Topics include data communication and high speed network essentials; in-depth study of physical data; network and transport layer protocols covering Ethernet, token ring, FDDI, X.25, frame relay, leased lines, ATM, SDLC, HDLC, LLC frames, MAC addressing, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, DECnet and other bridging, switching, routing techniques; connectivity from LAN to LAN, LAN to WAN, and WAN to WAN; design of Internet and intranet connectivity using OP and other protocols; introduction to firewall and security; and network management, as time permits. Students will be encouraged to use COMMNET III for network simulation and testing. Prerequisite: ENGR 658. 3 semester hours

ENGR 651  MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY and SYSTEMS
This course covers: Core technologies and systems for multimedia services. Multi­media representations, timing, synchronization, delivery and storage of images, video, speech, audio, and music. Digitization (sampling and quantization) and quantization noise. Mathemat­ical models for media generation; Shannon’s theorem; entropy; statistical and source coding of multimedia signals; role of human perception. Related aspects of telecommunication distant and local area networks and protocols, operating system process scheduling and memory management, distributed processing, and processor and terminal architectures. Multimedia industry and international standards, quality of service, and legal and commercial aspects relating to multimedia system engineering. Prerequisite: Programming knowledge through appropriate course work at the undergraduate or graduate levels. 3 semester hours

ENGR 652  WIRELESS AND CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATION
Topics include: Mobile and fixed wireless systems—cellular and point-to-point technologies. Wireless LANs, wireless STM (synchronous transfer mode), wireless cable, wireless local loops, microwave and satellite systems, cordless telephones, PCS (personal com­mu­nication systems), and multimedia and video mobile services. Cellular concepts for macro-, micro-, and picocellular networks; frequency reuse, hand-offs, channel interference. Radio propagation effects of reflection, diffraction and scattering; use of microwave, millimeter, and optical infrared frequencies; climatic effects, directional and multiple antennas. Large-scale propagation models of path loss in irregular terrain, urban areas, microcells, and buildings. Small-scale models of fading, time-delay spread, and Doppler spread due to multipaths, movement of transmitter/ receivers, or of surrounding objects and transmission bandwidth; statistical models of fading. Digital modulation—QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), MSK (minimum shift keying), Gaussian MSK, spread spectrum, adaptive and multicarrier modulation. Signal processing to improve quality; adaptive equalization, diversity techniques, block and convolutional coding, trellis-coded modulation. Access methods—time, frequency, and space-division, frequency hopping and code division, and random access packet radio. Inter­networking, signaling, and national and international standards. Prerequisite: ENGR 657.

ENGR 653  INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
This course covers methodologies for the efficient and orderly specification and production of software in a team environment. Tools for specification and design including data flow and object-oriented methods are compared, as are detailed analytical and synthetic methods such as structured programming, state and Petri diagrams, and syntax diagrams. Specification and design projects are special features of this course. 3 semester hours

ENGR 654  ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES
Fundamental algorithms and data structures for list and tree processing and for sorting, searching, traversing, and backtracking are discussed. More advanced algorithms for engineering use, such as graph processing, inference engines, network flow, and shortest path algorithms are also covered. Extensive programming in a structured language is required. Prerequisite: Program-ming experience in a structured language, such as C, C++, Java, or Ada. 3 semester hours

ENGR 655  MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUIT DESIGN
This course covers integrated circuit design and fabrication; devices and models; analog and digital circuit design, simulation, and fabrication layout. A special feature of this course is actual fabrication of student-designed integrated circuits. 3 semester hours

ENGR 656  MICROELECTRONIC SYSTEM DESIGN
This course covers VLSI circuit design; hierarchic layout techniques; circuit building blocks, including computing elements; testing, and testability design. A special feature of this course is laboratory testing of integrated circuits fabricated in ENGR 655. Prerequisite: ENGR 655. 3 semester hours

ENGR 657  COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
This course is an advanced level presentation of the fundamental concepts employed in modern communications. Topics include linear and nonlinear analog modulation; pulse code modulation methods; digital modulation (OOK, PSK, FSK, etc.), and coding methods; system concepts and system performance in the presence of noise. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Fourier analysis, probability, and statistics through appropriate course work. 3 semester hours

ENGR 658  COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS
Students learn advanced concepts in modern computer communications systems with emphasis on the OSI layered protocol model, including an introduction to network software modules. Additional topics include physical layer standards, bit stuffing and error control through checksums and protocol design with Petri-net modeling in the data link layer, the functions of repeaters and bridges, and the development of routing algorithms in the network layer, as well as shortest path and maximal flow algorithms. Treatment of the transport layer includes an introduction to the control protocol and internet protocol (TCP/IP). A special feature of the course is an introduction to the use of commercial network simulation tools. 3 semester hours

ENGR 659  DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
Topics include a review of sampling; properties of discrete-time signals and linear systems; Fourier analysis of continuous and discrete-time signals; the z-transform and its properties; sampling in time and frequency; the discrete-time Fourier transform (DFT); implementation of FIR and IIR discrete-time systems; design of FIR and IIR digital filters. Prerequisites: Knowledge of the continuous-time Fourier transform; some familiarity with discrete-time systems and the z-transform is recommended. 3 semester hours

ENGR 660  OPERATING SYSTEM KERNEL INTERNALS
Topics include architecture, algorithms, and data structures of the kernel, the inner core of an operating system, with primary study of UNIX and examples from other operating systems, such as Windows. Operating system layered design; relation of the kernel to the hardware, shells, program libraries, system call interfaces, and user programs. Entry into the kernel through system calls and hardware interrupts; interrupt vector table/system control block. Timesharing concepts, clocks, quantum (time slice), context switching, clock interrupt handler. Process definition, properties, and states (user mode, kernel mode, sleeping, swapped, preempted, zombie, etc.). Kernel process data structures; virtual addressing, paging and swapping policies. Creation of child processes using system calls (fork and exec). Shell operation and kernel start-up. Algorithms and data structures for scheduling processes. Software signal mechanism. Kernel implementation and uses of interprocess communication—pipes, messages, semaphores, shared memory, sockets. Other possible topics include file and I/O subsystems and device drivers, and extensions for distributed and real-time operating systems. 3 semester hours

ENGR 661  DATABASE ENGINEERING I
Topics include database systems theory and applications to engineering problems; hierarchical, network, and relational database models; relational query languages, optimization of relational queries, and relational normalization; deductive, object-oriented, and distributed databases; and issues of security and integrity. 3 semester hours

ENGR 662  KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Topics include representation of knowledge, interface through formal logic, expert systems, inexact knowledge, Baysian interface, fuzzy logic, frame-based systems, neural networks, and the engineering design of interface systems, with examples. Some knowledge of computer programming is strongly recommended.  3 semester hours

ENGR 663  OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
This course covers abstraction and object-oriented programming and their role in achieving software reusability, assuring software quality and, where applicable, safety, as in medical, communication, military, and robotics applications. Extensive laboratory examples and exercises. Prerequisite: ENGR 654 or extensive C++ experience. 3 semester hours

ENGR 664  SIMULATION OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
This course will present the techniques needed for the simulation of mobile computing systems.  This includes the generation of random variables for simulation, modeling, and evaluation of mobile computing configuration.  Results will be displayed using object oriented graphical methods, using a commerical simulation language.  An extensive simulation project will be completed during the course.  Prerequisite:  Knowledge of probability and statistics.  3 semester hours

ENGR 665  TELECOMMUNICATION SOFTWARE
Software system design and implementation for telecommunication systems and components, with focus on optimizing software performance. Software for layered communication protocols, including finite-state machines for protocol implementation, buffer pool management, timer service routines, interlayer interfaces, and application program interfaces. Interrelated operating system mechanisms, including process models (context switching vs. procedure calls), interprocess communication, remote procedure calls, process scheduling and priority. Use in telecommunication software of linked lists, queues, stacks, tables and control blocks, and implementation of algorithms for tasks such as event handling using software clocks, delta lists, and timing wheels, message fragmentation and reassembly, encryption and cyclic redundancy coding. Software design of high speed protocols for lightwave networks, and multiprocessor implementation of protocols. Telephone network software for call processing, control of modern distributed switching systems, Signaling System No. 7 protocol and the services it supports, such as the Advanced Intelligent Network, mobile roaming capabilities, personal communication services, and asynchronous transfer mode. Software modems. Prerequisites: ENGR 654 or programming experience in a structured language. 3 semester hours

ENGR 666  DATA COMPRESSION
Topics include compression of text, image, video, speech, and audio data, with emphasis on computer and telecommunication applications. Concepts of statistical modeling, entropy, scalar quantization, lossy and lossless methods, human perception. Statistical coding, basic and adaptive Huffman coding, usage in facsimile standards, arithmetic coding, usage in IBIG binary image coding standard. Dictionary techniques, methods of Lempel and Ziv (LZB), adaptation by Welch (LZW) usage in the UNIX compress command, graphic interchange format (GIF), and V.42 bis modem standard. Differential coding, basic and adaptive differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) and delta modulation. Decomposition methods of sub-band and wavelet coding; usage of sub-band coding in MPEG-Audio standard. Transform coding, including discrete cosine transform (DCT); usage in JPEG image coding standard. Linear predictive coding (LPC) of speech; code-excited linear prediction (CELP) and sinusoidal coding. Vector quantization coding methods. Video compression; motion compensation algorithms; usage in standards for video (MPEG) and teleconferencing (H.261); model-based coding for videophones. Fractal image coding. System issues: quality encoder/decoder complexity, processing delay, robustness to channel errors, coding for multimedia and wireless systems. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Fourier analysis, probability, and statistics through approprite course work. 3 semester hours

ENGR 667  DESIGN OF COMPUTER STRUCTURES
Focus is on hardware design and test of digital systems at the logic and register levels of design, with emphasis on review of fundamental concepts; design of combinational, asynchronous and synchronous logic structures; programmable logic structures; algorithms and hardware descriptive languages, arithmetic algorithms, and arithmetic logic structures, both fixed and floating point; memories; error detecting and correcting codes (EDAC); logic and memory test; introduction to design of systems on a chip (SOC). Prerequisite: Undergraduate background in electronics and logic circuit design. 3 semester hours

ENGR 668  COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Basic concepts of raster graphics algorithms and systems, geometrical transformations, 3D viewing, halftoning techniques, color models, illumination models, interactive graphics, and curve and surface representation. Advanced topics selected from shading and ray-tracing, visible-surface determination, representation of solids, texture modeling using fractals, image processing, and animation. Prerequisites: Programming experience in C/C++, ENGR 616, or undergraduate background in engineering or science including basic linear algebra. 3 semester hours

ENGR 669  COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
An overview of computer systems, architectural classification schemes, system attributes to performance, instruction set design and examples, arithmetic logic unit, memory system design, introduction to pipelining, pipeline performance measures, instruction and arithmetic pipelines, pipeline hazards, scheduling pipelines, RISC versus CISC architecture, introduction to interconnection networks, network topologies, interconnection design decisions, multiprocessors versus multicomputer, design and analysis of parallel algorithms, data flow and systolic array architectures. 3 semester hours

ENGR 670  SIMULATION OF BUSINESS PROCESSES
This course will present methodologies for the efficient simulation of production and business operations. The theory of queuing systems and the simulation of discrete system processes will be developed. Upon completion of this course, students will understand the theoretical basis of discrete system simulation and will be able to use commercial simulation software to analyze and predict traffic and queuing patterns in such systems. 3 semester hours

ENGR 671  APPLIED STRESS ANALYSIS I
Two- and three-dimensional analysis of the states of stress and strain in continuous solids. Derivation of the field equations and their application to the solution of classical problems; torsion of prismatic bars; analysis of axisymmetrically loaded members; stress concentration; and hertz contact stresses. Prerequisite/ corequisite: ENGR 617.    3 semester hours

ENGR 672  APPLIED STRESS ANALYSIS II
Advanced strength of materials solutions of elastic problems. Topics include bending of straight beams; bending of curved beams out of their initial plane; beams on elastic foundations; and bending of plates and shells. Prerequisite: ENGR 671.    3 semester hours

ENGR 673  EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS
Theory and application of electric strain gauge, photoelastic, and brittle lacquer methods of stress analysis for static and dynamic loadings. Laboratory exercises and demonstration are also covered. Prerequisite: ENGR 671. 3 semester hours

ENGR 674  VIBRATIONS
Determination and solution of vibration problems involving multidegree of freedom and continuous systems by use of Newton’s Laws, energy methods, and Lagrange’s equations. Topics include the use of matrix methods and consideration of generalized coordinates and normal mode analysis. Prerequisite/corequisite: ENGR 617 or undergraduate equivalent. 3 semester hours

ENGR 675  MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS
A study of how loading conditions and environmental conditions can influence the behavior of materials in service. Topics include elastic and plastic behavior, fracture, fatigue, low and high temperature behavior; analysis of composite, honeycomb and reinforced materials; and designing with plastics. Prerequisite/corequisite: ENGR 671.    3 semester hours

ENGR 676  ADVANCED MECHANICAL DESIGN
Design of mechanical components and systems common to many engineering applications, using modern optimization techniques and related numerical methods. Elements of computer-aided design and reliability in engineering design are studied. 3 semester hours

ENGR 677  ACOUSTICS & NOISE CONTROL
Wave motion and sound, propagation of sound waves, instrumentation and measurement, sound fields, machinery noise sources and control, and noise control criteria and regulations. 3 semester hours

ENGR 680  ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL METHODS
Development and application of computational methods for the solution of engineering problems; finite element and finite difference methods; applications to problems in solid mechanics, structural mechanics, vibrations, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. 3 semester hours

ENGR 681  FLUID MECHANICS
The basic equations of fluid mechanics are derived, and a variety of problems of importance in engineering practice are discussed. Topics include pipe and open channel flows, pipe networks, internal flows in pumps and turbines, external flows including low speed aerodynamics and drag reduction. Correct formulation of fluid flow problems for numerical solution, and the choice of effective computational methods for particular applications are stressed. Prerequisite: ENGR 617 and undergraduate fluid mech-anics. 3 semester hours

ENGR 682  COMPUTATIONAL FLUID MECHANICS and HEAT TRANSFER
Discretization of the equations of heat transport and fluid flow by finite difference and finite element methods. Computational features of various flow regimes C parabolic, elliptic, and hyperbolic equations. Solution of nonlinear equations. Optimization methods. Grid generation problems. Hands-on approach to computational solution of various prototype flow and transport problems. Prerequisite: Undergraduate fluid mechanics and heat transfer. 3 semester hours

ENGR 683  HEAT TRANSFER
Fundamentals and applications of conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer. The conservation equations, the heat conduction equation, steady and transient heat conduction in one, two, and three dimensions; formulation of convection problems, thermal boundary layers, similarity solutions, integral method; radiation view factors, view factor algebra, radiative exchange between gray diffuse surfaces. Prerequisite: ENGR 617 and undergraduate fluid mechanics and heat transfer. 3 semester hours

ENGR 684  HEAT TRANSFER PROCESSES
Review of conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer; film coefficients and overall-heat transfer coefficient; log-mean temperature difference; design of double-pipe and shell-and-tube heat exchangers; the split-flow exchanger; extended surfaces and the finned-tube heat exchangers; direct-contact heat transfer; furnace calculations. Prerequisite: Undergraduate heat transfer. 3 semester hours

ENGR 685  AERODYNAMICS
The atmosphere, topics in fluid mechanics, two-dimensional air foil theory, subsonic and supersonic wing theory, drag, boundary layer control, ground effect machine. Prerequisite: ENGR 681. 3 semester hours

ENGR 686  HEATING, VENTILATING, and AIR CONDITIONING
Fundamental concepts, A/C systems; psychrometry and its applications; comfort and environmental quality; space heating and cooling loads; pump and piping design; fan and duct design; room air distribution; direct contact heat and mass transfer, and the cooling tower; refrigeration. 3 semester hours

ENGR 687  E-BUSINESS PLATFORMS
The design of e-commerce systems will be discussed from the site design, logistics, accounting, and quality of service points of view. Site layout, customer interface, equipment architecture, and security will be addressed. The logistics of supply chain management, manufacturing, distribution, and inventory control systems will be discussed. Accounting issues will include invoicing, payment systems, and returns; and interface to financial institutions will be detailed. Firewalls for site security, redundancy, speed, and encryption will be explained as these pertain to quality of service. 3 semester hours

ENGR 688  ADVANCED DATABASE ENGINEERING
This course focuses on advanced physical database design issues, database facilities provided by database management systems, and emerging database technologies and applications.  This course presents the techniques used for query processing and optimization, transaction processing, concurrency control, recovery techniques, database security and authorization techniques, practical database design and tuning, object-oriented databases, deductive databases, data mining, and data warehousing.  Prerequisite:  ENGR 661.   3 semester hours

ENGR 689  MOBILE COMPUTING
Mobile Computing is the combination of wireless communication infrastructure and portable computing devices.  The goal of this course is to provide a balanced mix of topics and open discussion about the technologies to address the challenges and solutions that will enable mobile computing growth.  Topics include mobile computing and wireless networking, operating systems and middleware, product and application design and development.  this course does not require previous programming experience.  3 semester hours

ENGR 691  THESIS I
3 semester hours

ENGR 692  THESIS II
3 semester hours

ENGR 693  THESIS CONTINUATION
Faculty supervision of the thesis activity for those students having already completed two semesters of thesis work. (Fee basis: 1.5 semester hours.) No semester hours

ENGR 694  SPECIAL GRADUATE ENGINEERING TOPICS
Offering of special topics to graduate students when there is sufficient demand and faculty interest. 3 semester hours 

ENGR 695  INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
The student, under the general supervision of a faculty member, pursues an approved research topic of his or her own choice. The student is encouraged to investigate areas for which background material is not included in the regular curriculum. In this activity, the student should become progressively more independent, collecting and formulating data in the manner required of graduate thesis work. Enrollment is restricted to students recommended by a faculty member. 3 semester hours

PA 640  PLANNING AND THE PUBLIC
Students will learn the basic concepts, theories, and practices used in contemporary public sector planning.  The course offers an overview to the role of planning in municipal and regional organizations, and focuses on both the planning process and various implementation devices (i.e. zoning and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans).  Basic planning models are introduced and the roles official government policy makers, administrators, and citizens are examined.

Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
fax: 610-499-4059

Tamara L. Ferguson,
Secretary
Kirkbride Hall, Room 101
tel: 610-499-4198
tlferguson@widener.edu