Chemical and Biological Sciences and Engineering

The mission of the Othmer Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences and Engineering is to develop graduates capable of contributing to the advancement of chemical and biological engineering, chemistry and biomolecular science. The department’s distinguished history rests upon the reputation of its renowned research faculty and its multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes the relationship between chemistry, biology and chemical engineering through the study of macromolecules. Its faculty has included scientific pioneers Dr. Donald F. Othmer, developer of the Othmer Still and coauthor of the Kirk- Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology; Dr. Herman F. Mark, the “father of polymer science”; and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rudolph Marcus. Most recently, Dr. Richard Gross was awarded the Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 2003. Specialization in macromolecules provides an opportunity for further investigation into biotechnology, biocatalysis, biosensors, informatics and biomedical sciences at the undergraduate level. The department’s Herman F. Mark Polymer Research Institute, internationally recognized for its development and analysis of polymers, continues to offer innovative education, research and employment opportunities for students.

Civil Engineering

The mission of the Department of Civil Engineering is to develop engineering graduates capable of contributing to and advancing the practice of civil engineering and its subdisciplines. Civil engineers create the physical infra-structure needed to sustain the quality of life of current and future generations. Infrastructure systems such as buildings, transportation systems, water supply systems, solid and liquid waste disposal systems and others must be planned, designed, constructed and operated in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Through the department’s undergraduate educational programs, students receive a basic understanding of the fundamentals of civil engineering. They receive a rigorous education in state-of-the-art techniques and develop the skills needed to apply these techniques in a complex professional environment. Among these skills are effective oral and written communication and the ability to understand the context of civil engineering projects in complex infrastructure systems and societal contexts. Through its graduate programs, the department offers in-depth preparation in varying areas of specialization and exposure to an environment of current research and practice. The department is at the forefront of selected areas of research, including urban infrastructure systems, urban intelligent transportation systems, environmental systems, synthetic and reinforced soils, construction modeling and management. Full-time graduate students have the opportunity to become involved in these research efforts as an integral part of their educational program. The department maintains close ties to local and regional agencies involved in creating and maintaining the urban infrastructure in the New York metropolitan area. This activity allows students to gain experience in addressing and solving a variety of infrastructure issues and problems.

Computer Science and Engineering

Computer Science and Engineering is the largest undergraduate program at the University. The demand for the program continues to be strong as corporations and institutions around the world employ ever more advanced intelligent data collection, control and analysis systems. The faculty is involved in research on the frontiers of many key areas of computer science that will drive future technical and economic breakthroughs. Major areas of investigation include distributed systems with emphasis on client/server performance and data bases, multi-media systems stressing interactive graphics and Web/Internet technology and software engineering. Cyber security is also a major focus area. Polytechnic is a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The goals of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are to provide cuttingedge educational programs to students and to perform research of international stature. The department offers educational programs and degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level in areas of contemporary importance, such as telecommunications networks, video and image processing, wireless communications, very large scale integrated circuits and computer design as well as power systems, plasmas, robotics and controls. Through research in these areas, the faculty keeps current with the latest technology trends and brings innovative concepts into the classroom. Much of the research in the department is coordinated through the New York State-funded Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications (CATT) and the Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology (WICAT) as well as grants from the National Science Foundation and other U.S. government agencies, and from companies. Research findings are published in many journal articles, conference proceedings, patents and books as well as many invited seminar presentations. In recognition of their research accomplishments, faculty members have received awards and been elected Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Several have been elected members of the National Academy of Engineering.

Humanities and Social Sciences

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences provides an integrated education that gives students breadth of knowledge and perspective. The department offers a comprehensive undergraduate-degree program in the liberal arts tradition with particular attention on applied math and science. The result is a strong understanding and unique appreciation of technology’s role in the past and future. The liberal studies student specializes in a number of areas in the humanities and social sciences, such as psychology, philosophy, history and literature as well as a variety of career-oriented subjects, including digital media studies, patent law and global studies. These programs lead to the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. The department also offers several programs in journalism and technical writing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, a BS/MS accelerated degree, a Master of Science degree and a Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication. These programs train students to synthesize or “translate” technical and specialized information so that it is easily understood and applicable in business, academic and private settings. Special concentrations include global/international studies, information management, technical and professional communication and a collaborative education program leading to a master’s degree and New York State certification to teach in high schools. The department’s liberal studies approach uniquely connects the traditional culture of the liberal arts with contemporary issues in science, technology and business. In 2004, the department established the Integrated Digital Media Institute to develop degree programs and research involving the relationships among three crucial aspects of digital media communications—technology, creativity and culture. Polytechnic’s reputation as a leading technological university with core strengths in engineering and computer science and its New York venue make it an ideal setting for the institute’s dynamic curriculum. Graduate degrees and internship opportunities are available through the program.

Physics

The mission of the Physics Department is to provide Polytechnic students with a strong foundation in physics, suited to the discipline, and to offer advanced opportunities for studies in physics. The Physics faculty fosters a major and a minor in Physics, and encourages and strengthens the related pedagogy at Polytechnic.

Management

The mission of the Department of Technology Management is to act as a major education gateway and premier learning, research and development center explicitly devoted to innovation, information and technology management. As one of the tri-state area’s premier research and learning centers focusing on technology management, the department has developed state-of-the-art research initiatives, courses and programs. All are designed for fast-paced and technology-driven environments. The department offers a bachelor’s degree in business and technology management, master’s degree programs in management, financial engineering and organizational behavior as well as a doctorate in technology management. Two executive programs are also offered in management of technology and telecommunications and information management.

Mathematics

The mission of the Department of Mathematics is to develop and implement innovative teaching strategies to ensure students understand fundamental mathematical concepts and use them to excel in subsequent science and engineering courses. Research areas include convexity theory, differential geometry, partial differential equations and mathematical physics. In addition, the Institute for Mathematics and Advanced Supercomputing (IMAS), directed by mathematicians David and Gregory Chudnovsky, strives to build interdisciplinary bridges, focusing on six core areas: mathematics, economics, geophysics, 3-D computer graphics, physics and chemistry and environmental studies.

Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering

The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering prepares students for careers in mechanical and related engineering disciplines for professional development, life-long learning and contributions to society. The department exploits the synergies that exist in emerging and current technological fields that relate to mechanical, aerospace, materials and manufacturing engineering. The design and manufacturing of mechanisms, machines and systems for technological progress are addressed as well as energy conservation and advanced materials and composites. Simulation-based engineering design and analysis, sophisticated instrumentation, computer and micro-electronic based techniques and hands-on experimentation are emphasized. Computers and software are integrated into the curriculum, as are significant laboratory experiences. The aerospace concentration involves supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, as well as the study of propulsion and spacecraft design. The degrees offered are a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; a Master of Science in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering.

Interdisciplinary Physics Group

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Physics Group is to provide Polytechnic undergraduates with a strong foundation in physics, suited to their discipline, and to offer advanced opportunities for formal study in physics. The program fosters advanced opportunities for undergraduates, including a BS in Physics, and encourages and strengthens the interdisciplinary graduate research and related pedagogy at Polytechnic. The Interdisciplinary Physics Group develops innovative curricula that link physics to science and engineering disciplines. Faculty research focuses on microparticle photophysics, experimental condensed matter and nano-structure physics.