Program Overview

Introduction to the Engineering and Applied Science Option (EAS)

The Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) option at the California Institute of Technology offers students a unique opportunity to design a customized course of study that combines breadth, depth, and rigor in various areas of science and technology. This option aims to prepare students for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology.

Aims and Scope

The EAS option builds on the core curriculum to provide students with individual depth of experience and competence in a particular chosen engineering specialty, along with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The program includes laboratory and design experiences, culminating in a capstone design project. It strives to develop professional independence, creativity, leadership, and the capacity for continuing professional and intellectual growth.

EAS Option Requirements

Students who have elected the EAS option must fulfill the following requirements:

• Fulfillment of core requirements in differential equations, probability and statistics, waves, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
• Demonstration of computer programming competency by taking a specified course or passing a placement exam.
• Completion of 27 units of advanced EAS courses with specific prefixes.
• Completion of 27 additional units of either advanced EAS courses or advanced science courses offered by designated divisions.
• Completion of 9 units of laboratory courses from a specified list.
• Completion of 9 units of additional laboratory courses, either from the list or from EAS courses with the word "laboratory" in the title.
• Completion of a specified course sequence, such as ACM 95 ab or Ma 108 abc, which may not be taken pass/fail.
• Completion of SEC 10 or equivalent, and one of SEC 11, SEC 12, or SEC 13 or equivalent.
• Courses used to satisfy requirements must also satisfy a depth requirement, which includes a senior thesis or capstone design project.
• At least 117 units of EAS courses, excluding those used to satisfy certain requirements.
• A customized schedule of requirements that includes a major design experience.
• Passing grades must be earned in at least 486 units, including those listed in the requirements.

Customized Course of Study

Students in the EAS option must either choose an approved area of concentration or submit a written proposed customized course of study and obtain approval from the EAS option representative by the end of the third term of the sophomore year. The customized course of study must include a depth requirement, which must be met by a rigorous schedule of requirements that includes a senior thesis or capstone design project.

Academic Performance

Any student in the EAS option whose grade-point average is less than 1.9 at the end of the academic year in the subjects listed in the option requirements may be refused permission to continue to work in the EAS option.

Conclusion

The Engineering and Applied Science option at the California Institute of Technology provides students with a unique opportunity to design a customized course of study that prepares them for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology. The program's requirements are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic and engineering sciences, as well as laboratory and design experiences that culminate in a capstone design project.