On the cover: Chemical Engineering undergraduate students, Erin Hansuld and Joe Downey, conduct an experiment with a distillation column in an undergraduate laboratory in the Spencer Engineering Building (pictured above). All Western Engineering students have the opportunity to conduct hands-on experiments in our undergraduate labs.
Welcome to the Faculty of
Engineering at The University
of Western Ontario – where our
mission is to offer the best
student experience among
Canada’s leading
research-intensive universities.
Welcome to the Faculty of
Engineering at The University
of Western Ontario – where our
mission is to offer the best
student experience among
Canada’s leading
research-intensive universities.
Engineering is traditionally known as
the application of basic sciences to the
design, development and realization of
innovative, intelligent and safe solutions
for the benefit of society. Western
Engineering takes these traditional
principles and gives them a modern twist.
We view engineering as a caring
profession, bearing tremendous social
responsibility.
Our faculty members conduct leading-edge research in topical areas that benefit society. Areas of special expertise include: alternative and renewable energy, smart machines with medical applications, natural disaster mitigation and management, nanotechnology, and much more. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels benefit from this knowledge, as faculty members share their research expertise.
Our Faculty’s modest size allows us to offer a student-focused, career-driven philosophy combining a wide
array of programming with an extraordinary range of extracurricular activities. Students can customize their educational experience according to their personal interests.
We also take employers’ interests and needs into consideration when planning our curriculum. As a result, our accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees provide an outstanding technical education incorporating teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills. We provide opportunities for students to acquire the tools to succeed - regardless of their ultimate career path.
We refer to our huge array of opportunities as Western Engineering Plus.
Muna Gharib, a Western Engineering graduate student, prepares and tunes a centrifugal pump in a Mechanical Engineering demonstration lab.
Muna graduated from Western Engineering with an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. During her undergraduate studies she developed a special interest for the field of robotics and is now completing her Masters in Electrical Engineering. She also works full-time during the summer months as a research assistant at the Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics center (CSTAR).
Dawid Martyniak, shown here examining Western’s SunStang solar car, is taking full advantage of the Western Engineering Plus program.
Currently in his third-year, Dawid has combined his Biochemical Engineering degree with Medicine to achieve his goal to become a clinical researcher in Biomedical Engineering. He is also applying his leadership skills to Western’s SunStang team and the Undergraduate Engineering Society, as the Faculty’s Charity Commissioner.
Options for the future
We understand students entering university have questions about their future. Many are not sure what direction their career will take. An engineering degree can provide both the technical and leadership skills required to succeed in many professions.
Other students are certain they want to be engineers but are undecided about which area of engineering to specialize in. Our Common First Year leaves options open. In first year, students have the opportunity to experience various engineering disciplines before selecting an area of engineering specialization. Western Engineering offers seven fully accredited undergraduate programs: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, and Integrated Engineering (Emerging Technologies) – a program that will open the doors to emerging technologies such as biomedical, nanotechnology, microelectromechanical systems, and more. Specialization for all programs starts in second year.
Opportunities to graduate with two
degrees at the same time
While registered in Western Engineering students can earn a second degree through one of Western’s other outstanding Faculties, including: the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Richard Ivey School of Business, Western Law, Health Sciences, Science,
Arts and Humanities, Social Science, among others. Concurrent Degrees allow students to graduate with two degrees in less time than it would take to complete each one independently.
A Masters degree in just 5 years of
university
There are many advantages to entering the job market with more than one degree. Western Engineering makes this process easier for students to achieve. We offer strong students the option of an Accelerated Masters Program where they can earn a B.E.Sc. (Bachelor of Engineering Science) and an M.E.Sc. (Masters of Engineering Science) degree over a five-year time frame. During the last year of study students receive a graduate student salary. We also offer a primarily course-based M.Eng. degree, which can be completed within one year of undergraduate studies.
Partnerships with Industry
Students who complete a work experience option gain a competitive advantage when seeking full-time employment. Western Engineering offers valuable, paid engineering work experience through 12 to 16 month internships, summer co-op, or both. For more information about our Co-op Programs, please see page 11. Graduate students can also experience industry work placements. For more details, please see page 12.
Engineers Without Borders
Our students have shown a strong sense of social responisibility over the years. Western’s award-winning chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has grown from14 members to 400 in the two years since its inception. EWB Western raises awareness and funds to promote human development through access to technology. They send students overseas to assist developing countries with projects such as water sanitation initiatives, to improve the quality of life in Ghana.
Women In Engineering
Many student groups also participate in community events, including elementary and high school outreach activities, to share their experiences with a younger audience. We have an excellent Women In Engineering group who connect with prospective female engineers through events such as Go ENG Girl, a province-wide outreach event targeted at girls in Grades 7–10. The group members also benefit from interacting with industry representatives who generously donate their time in a mentorship capacity.
Student Design Teams
Western Engineering student design teams include: Formula SAE Race Team, SunStang, Mini Baja, Flying Mustangs, WE Bots, and more.
These teams, and our other student groups, travel around the world representing Western Engineering and London, Ontario in various competitions and conferences. We are proud of all student groups.
Extracurricular Activities
The Western experience is not just about studying. It’s also about developing
leadership skills, building a network of friends, having fun and making a
difference in the community.
GO ENG GIRL 2005 provided girls in Grades 7-10 the opportunity to learn about the engineering profession, while conducting hands-on experiments.
SunStang in Australia at the 2005 World Solar Challenge.
Right: Formula SAE team members build a new race car every year to compete in competitions such as the annual FSAE competition in Pontiac, Michigan.
SunStang in Australia at the 2005 World Solar Challenge.
Western Engineering students are purple and proud! EWB Western smashed poverty with pumpkins, raising approximately $1,000 to help send EWB volunteers overseas.
The Mini Baja team competes on land and in water at competitions such as the SAE Mini Baja East Competition.
Danuta Mahabir, a fourth-year Civil Engineering student, has spent the past three summers gaining real world engineering experience as part of the Transportation Career Development Program.
This program is offered to qualified students interested in Civil Engineering, after first-year. During the three year program, students gain broad exposure to the transportation sector. Danuta has worked with Dillon Consulting, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, and Huron Construction.
Through Internships and Co-ops, industries gain a connection to Western Engineering which can lead to further research and partnerships. Potential employers of engineering graduates can assess the work skills of upcoming graduates. Students win too, having the opportunity to apply their education to the workplace and explore their future job market.
Industry Internship Program (IIP)
IIP offers students paid, practical engineering experience in industry. Senior students spend 12 to 16 consecutive months working in industry. Time spent in IIP may count as one-year, pre-graduation experience toward the four years experience required for licensing as a Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario.
IIP students have worked at companies such as: 3M Canada Inc., Bell Canada, DuPont Canada Inc., IBM Canada, Labatt Breweries of Canada, The Ministry of Transportation, Sunoco Inc. and Syncrude, to name a few.
Summer Engineering Co-op Program
(SECOP)
SECOP assists students to secure quality, paid engineering work placements for the summer months
voluntary basis to qualified undergraduate students in all Western Engineering programs. SECOP provides career-related work experience to enhance and build on the university learning experience.
SECOP students have worked at companies such as: Robarts Research Institute, CAMI Automotive, The City of London, Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, and more.
Graduate Student Internships
Graduate students can also benefit from internship p l a c e m e n t s, t h ro u g h t h e N S E R C - I n d u s t r i a l Postgraduate Scholarship Program. Western Engineering faculty members have established strong industrial connections, recognizing the benefits of onsite industrial research opportunities.
International Exchanges
This is an area that has been rapidly expanding at Western Engineering. Formal exchange agreements are being signed to benefit undergraduate and graduate students, and to enhance research partnerships between institutions and countries. This exchange of knowledge helps to accelerate research and development activities, while enhancing the
Co-ops and Internships
While a university degree is valuable, we understand the need to connect
learning with the real world. We encourage our students to apply technical
skills to solve actual societal problems, and practice the non-technical
leadership skills needed to make a positive difference in the world.
City of London and other design
competitions
In design competitions, students apply engineering skills to develop solutions to real-life community issues. During the first year of the City of London Design Competition, students presented 10 different alternatives for the Gibbons Park Bridge that originally had to be taken in and out every season. The Steel Girder Alternative, a design presented in Western Engineering’s City of London Design Competition, was built in 1998.
Technological Entrepreneurship
Certificate (TEC)
We encourage students to develop the skills needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. Engineers develop many useful products; Western students get the chance to successfully implement their products in the marketplace.
Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.)
We provide students with the opportunity to take a primarily course-based professional Masters of Engineering degree. This type of degree will benefit
students interested in pursuing a career in industry, engineers who want to upgrade their skills, and industries that wish to provide further educational opportunities to their engineer employees. This program is a vehicle for Western to help internationally trained engineers acquire the qualifications they need to practice engineering in Canada.
Engineer-In-Residence
(currently in development) Practicing engineers who have worked outside of academia are invited to contribute to our undergraduate, graduate and research activities. Presently, through the generous support of the Canadian Space Agency, astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason is establishing a research program and connecting with students at Western Engineering.Advisory Council of Western
Engineering
This Advisory Council includes an active group of senior industrial representatives, entrepreneurs and alumni who help us with our strategic planning to identify directions that will benefit Western Engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Real World Experiences
From first-year through to the graduate studies experience, Western
Engineering emphasizes the practical application of engineering training.
We do this in many ways. Here are a few examples:
Pradeep Gangadharan and Tamije Selvy Munian, both Electrical Engineering graduate students completing their Ph.D.’s in the area of power system protection, are conducting research to benefit society.
Seen here working on a commercial power system protection device, their research is aimed at improving the performance of power system protection devices to ensure safe, reliable and efficient transfer of electrical energy to consumers.
Professor Rajnikant Patel, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director of Engineering for Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR) has been recognized around the world for his excellence in the research, design and control of advanced robotics.
Professor Cynthia Dunning, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and graduate student Sarah Takaki, study joint replacement designs.
Chemical Engineering Professor and Western Engineering Dean Franco Berruti, and his research team have developed a new portable technology facility to produce bio-oils. The oils can be used for many applications in the Top: Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate students have
Leading-edge research to benefit society
We are strongly committed to research directed towards benefiting society. Our leading-edge research provides the foundation for graduate student training and for undergraduate learning. Many faculty members are actively involved in projects at the frontier of knowledge, funded through government initiatives and industrial opportunities. We have partnerships with such companies as: EK3, Syncrude Canada Ltd., Bell Canada, General Dynamics Land Systems, among others.
Research at Western Engineering covers diverse areas. Current themes of research priority and expertise broadly include:
• Emerging Green Technologies/Processes • Fluid Mechanics
• Infrastructure Renewal
• Natural Disasters Mitigation and Management • Nanotechnology • Biomedical Engineering • Automation/Mechatronics/Robotics • Energy Systems • Information Engineering
Graduate programs
We believe a research-intensive Faculty goes hand-in-hand with a strong graduate program. We have committed substantial resources to support graduate education. Students can undertake Masters and/or Doctoral studies. Admittance to a Ph.D. program directly upon completion of undergraduate studies may also be possible for outstanding students. All of our Departments have graduate opportunities. In addition, there is a program in Biomedical Engineering. Students accepted into this program choose from three areas of research: Biomechanics, Biomaterials and Imaging. See the Departmental sections of this brochure for more information about Western Engineering’s graduate programs.
Leading-edge Research
Western Engineering plays a prominent role in adding to the noted research
strength at The University of Western Ontario.
Professor Greg Kopp, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and his research team will huff, puff and blow a house to failure at the “Three Little Pigs” facility seen here. The aim of the study is to determine exactly how the “huffing and puffing” by simulated winds of up to 200
Chemical engineering is one of the most
broadly based physical and life sciences.
Our program educates engineers to
design, develop and operate chemical
processes essential for economic
development, for the benefit of mankind.
These include: petroleum products,
food, pharmaceuticals, and life-science
and consumer goods. All are produced
economically and environmentally friendly.
Chemical Engineering finds creative
solutions to many societal issues by
integrating innovative design principles
of chemistry, biology and physics with
mathematical knowledge.
Research and Graduate Opportunities
As a profession, chemical and biochemical engineering is exciting, dynamic, trend-setting, and constantly evolving. It amalgamates ever-changing interplay of the life around us, with the fusion of chemical/ biological sciences and engineering sciences. Western’s Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department provides the critical link between engineering and sciences, particularly the chemical, environmental and life sciences. With the recent revolution in life science and nanoscience, the Department has expanded its traditional scope to include solutions to emerging problems in biomaterials, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western continues to maintain and enhance its strengths in traditional core areas such as catalysis and reaction engineering, green engineering, renewable energy and fuel cells, fluidization and particle technology, and process and systems engineering.
Career Opportunities
The Chemical and Biochemical Engineering program at Western prepares students for a career in the chemical, environmental and/or biomedical industry. Chemical engineers work in numerous industries and professions like research, design, product and process development, production, technical sales and management. There are increasing opportunities for electronic materials, pharmaceuticals, nano devices and biotechnology. Chemical engineers are also employed as consultants, computer system
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Civil and environmental engineers use
applied and cutting-edge science to
design, build and maintain essential
infrastructure such as: housing, airports,
roads, bridges, hydroelectric dams, water
supply, wastewater treatment and waste
containment systems.
Civil and Environmental Engineering at
Western is renowned for its excellence,
both nationally and internationally, due
to its outstanding academic curricula,
award-winning professors and
state-of-the-art facilities. The capstone
fourth-year design course involves students
in real projects, identified by the City
of London and civil and environmental
engineering firms, advised by faculty and
external consulting engineer advisors.
Another plus for Western’s Civil
Engineering students is having access
to state-of-the-art facilities such as the
world renowned Boundary Layer Wind
Tunnel Laboratory, the Geotechnical
Research Centre, the Institute for
Catastrophic Loss Reduction, and the
Research and Graduate Opportunities
Western’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department conducts research in three key areas: green and emerging technologies, infrastructure renewal, and natural disaster mitigation and management. These areas are supported by expertise in environmental, geotechnical, structural, wind and water resources engineering.
Career Opportunities
Today’s civil and environmental engineers are employed in various sectors of the economy as engineers, designers, researchers, managers, business developers, consultants and urban planners. In the near future, civil engineers will design the special rail beds for the magnetic levitation trains of tomorrow. In the distant future, it could very well be civil engineers who will make Mars a hospitable habitat for humans.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
is one of the broadest engineering
disciplines and its products are found
everywhere - in houses and factories,
on roads and rails, underground, on
the surface and in the air and outer
space. Mechanical engineers research,
develop, design, manufacture, and test
tools, engines, machines, robots and
other mechanical devices. The field of
nanotechnology, which involves the
creation of high-performance materials
and components by integrating atoms
and molecules, is introducing entirely
new principles to the design process.
Opportunities
are
available
for
students to participate in real design
and construction projects where they
can work closely with faculty and
industry partners to apply knowledge
and leadership skills. Students are
encouraged to participate in the student
design teams that include Formula SAE
Race Car, Mini Baja, SunStang and Flying
Mustangs.
Research and Graduate Opportunities
Active research programs exist in Western’s Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department. These include: Materials and Solid Mechanics, Biomechanical Engineering, Automation Technologies and Fluid Mechanics. Graduate training opportunities are also offered in the areas of: micromechanics of metals, polymers, ceramics and composite materials; synthesis and fabrication of nano-materials; stress analysis and dynamics; orthopaedic and cardiovascular engineering; mechatronics, automation technologies, inertial systems and control, machine vision, sensor development and geometric modeling; and computational fluid dynamics and application of experimental measurements to the design of flow systems.
Career Opportunities
Mechanical engineers work in many industries, including: energy systems; applied mechanics; automotive design; manufacturing; materials; plant engineering and maintenance; pressure vessels and piping; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. They also work in production operations in manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering harnesses electrical energy for human benefit. Use of electrical energy is versatile and covers a broad range of applications, from digital electronics to electric cars.
Western’s Electrical Engineering program covers a broad range of applications. Areas of study include engineering fundamentals, electrical circuits and electronics, digital logic, microprocessors, and electric machines. In Year 4, students have the option to specialize in Wireless Communication or Power Systems Engineering.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering encompasses the design and implementation of computer hardware. This is the most rapidly evolving discipline in engineering. Computer Engineering at Western studies the design of hardware elements and the building of computer systems at various levels of complexity. This discipline covers digital logic, VLSI and microelectronics, control, signal processing and telecommunications. In Year 4, students can choose from a wide range of electives including microcomputer interfacing, advanced digital systems, robotics and artificial intelligence, and computer networks.
Software Engineering
Software Engineering applies both engineering and computer science principles and practices to the creation, operation and maintenance of software systems. Software Engineering is interdisciplinary with the objective to fuse the fundamental and applied aspects of engineering and computer science into a single cohesive body of solutions for real-world problems.
is devoted to programming, software processes, aspects of software life cycle, project management, and software quality issues.
Research and Graduate Opportunities
Western’s Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate students are currently engaged in several research areas, including: Applied Electrostatics and Electromagnetics, Biomedical Engineering, Communications, Control Systems, Digital Electronics & Signal Processing, Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization, Power Systems and Power Electronics, Robotics and Real-Time Systems, VLSI, Nanoelectronics, Photonics, and Software Engineering.
Research expertise is organized within six research groups: Applied Electrostatics and Electromagnetics, Biomedical Engineering, Information Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Robotics and Control, and VLSI-DSP.
Career Opportunities
Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering graduates find employment all over the world in industries and professions such as: power generation and distribution, automotive industry, avionics, consumer electronics, photonics, telecommunications, and many others.
Exciting opportunities exist for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, industry and researchers in the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Western Ontario.
For more information, contact us at:
Faculty of Engineering
