Why were the Wright Brothers linearly independent vectors? Because two of them made a plane! Photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash Linear algebra is a field of math that’s used throughout engineering and science. In fact, the first step in solving many engineering problems is to make it a linear algebra problem. It’s no surprise that most engineering and science programs teach linear … Read More

Q: What do you call an acid with an attitude? A: A-mean-oh acid  MSE160, Molecules and Materials, is a course that covers two major subjects: molecular science and material science. This course will offer a nice change of pace from the advanced math in your other courses and will feature more of the chemistry you may remember from high school.    … Read More

Q: Are monsters good at math? A: Not unless you Count Dracula. ESC195: Calculus II builds on the skills you learned from ESC194: Calculus I.  You’ll start by studying methods of integration—essentially, ways to compute the “unsolvable” integrals you might have encountered in Fall semester. You’ll also be introduced to sequences and series before diving into the world of multivariable calculus and vector functions. All these concepts are fundamental to science and engineering collectively.  … Read More

Why do programmers prefer dark mode? Because light attracts bugs 🐞 Photo by Carlos Gonzalez on Unsplash Now that you’ve learned the basics of programming from ESC180, you can start learning about its applications. In ESC190, you’ll be introduced to the C programming language, algorithms, and data structures. Algorithms are a set of instructions that process an input into a desired output. … Read More

When people find out I’m not very good at building circuits, they’re shocked!  Circuits are the building blocks of all electrical devices – including the device on which you’re reading this. In EngSci’s introductory circuits course, ECE159, you’ll be introduced to circuit properties such as current, voltage, and resistance, as well as circuit components like sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and op-amps. You’ll learn about DC (direct current) and AC … Read More

A uniform beam walks into a restaurant… The waiter asks, “What would you like?” The beam replies “Ummm… just give me a moment.” CIV102 is one of the most iconic and challenging courses in first-year Engineering Science. It even contains material normally taught to upper-year Civil Engineering students. But we promise we aren’t trying to scare you away: in this course, you’ll learn a lot … Read More

Q: What do you call an old, reused calculus joke?A: Derivative humour Photo Credit: Dreamstime ESC194: Calculus I is the first calculus course you’ll take in Engineering Science. It’s arguably the most important course in Fall semester — it’ll change the way you look at mathematics and lay the groundwork for your future Engineering Science courses. From rigorously logical proofs to challenging … Read More

Q: What happens when a mosquito and a mountain climber cross paths?A: Nothing — you can’t cross a vector and a scalar! Photo By 3Blue1Brown ESC103 is one of two math courses (ESC194 is the other) you’ll be taking in the Fall semester. Get ready to learn about linear algebra and computational methods.  The first … Read More

To the optimist, the glass is half full To the pessimist, the glass is half empty To the engineer, the glass is twice as large as it needs to be Primary Engineering Design Framework used in Praxis I and II Praxis I is an introduction to engineering design processes and theory. The course focuses on communication, … Read More

For a summer checklist, textbook info, school supplies info, and much more, check out U of T’s Engineering Guide to First Year. The right school supplies are essential to your university experience. You’ll use them to take notes in lectures and tutorials, complete problem sets and practice questions, perform calculations and engineering design, and much … Read More