ES2 for Spring 2021
This page is for a previous semester (Spring 2021). Please visit this page to select a more recent semester to find updated details.
Introduction to Computing for Engineering
As a degree requirement, the Tufts School of Engineering has a computing requirement (and majors within the School of Engineering satisfy this with COMP11 and/or ES2, depending on major). Students should check their major (or intended major(s)) and see if ES2: Introduction to Computing in Engineering is a degree option or requirement. If necessary, an exception may be granted to those students who can demonstrate proficiency in the ES2 course material.
For more details on particular majors for particular class years, please visit the Engineering Degrees webpage.
Course Information:
The Tufts University Course Catalog description of ES2 is currently as follows: “An introduction to engineering problem-solving with the aid of computational software. Scientific computing concepts will be introduced including number representation, arrays, structured programming techniques, and good coding practices. Basic numerical and data analysis methods will be introduced including numerical differentiation and integration, matrix operations, descriptive statistics, curve fitting, and optimization. Examples drawn from a variety of engineering disciplines will give students extensive practice in coding solutions and applying them to data.”
The content of ES2 is designed to achieve three main goals: (1) Fluency in a computer language, (2) Understand tools for engineering computing, and (3) Applying these tools to data analysis. The achieve these goals, the ES2 course (dependant on section) may include the following key components:
Fluency in a computer language
- Master basic coding concepts
- Know common commands and data types
- Use good code style
- Plan both small and medium-scale projects
Understand tools for engineering computing
- Quantify numerical error in solutions
- Know how to use symbolic math tools
- Understand matrix/vector calculations
- Know how to leverage built in help resources
Apply these tools to data analysis
- Fit curves/models to noisy data
- Apply descriptive statistics to datasets
- Work with a variety of data formats
- Have exposure to modeling physical systems in code
Sections for Spring 2021:
See SIS for official/latest information from the University. See this page for Instructor Bios.
Section 01: Dr. Ethan Danahy
Notes:
– Lecture will alternate in-person/remote for half the class on Mondays and Wednesdays
– Class time will be supplemented by several virtual TA office hours each week (there is NO lab section associated with this class)
| Section | Time Block | Format |
| 01 (Lecture) | G+ (Mon, Wed: 1:30pm to 2:45pm) | Hybrid |
Section 02: Dr. Jenn Cross
Notes:
– Virtual class lectures will be conducted in Zoom and include a mix of live coding demonstrations, short lectures, and discussions.
– Small group lab/recitations will focus on small discussions and collaborative coding activities also in Zoom. (Small lab sessions to be scheduled during first week of semester.)
| Section | Time Block | Format |
| 02 (Lecture) | H+ (Tue, Thur: 1:30pm to 2:45pm) | Virtual |
| Labs | TBD | Virtual |
Section 05: Dr. Brian Timko
Notes:
– Lecture will alternate in-person/remote for half the class on Mondays and Wednesdays.
– There is NO lab section associated with this class.
| Section | Time Block | Format |
| 05 (Lecture) | I+ (Mon, Wed: 3:00pm to 4:15pm) | Hybrid |
Section 06: Dr. Steven Bell and Dr. Joel Grodstein
Notes:
– This course’s “lecture” is scheduled for X (MW 12pm-12:50pm) but generally won’t meet at that time.
– Content will be asynchronous, via videos and self-directed tutorial work throughout the week. There may be occasional guest speakers during the regularly-scheduled lecture period (X).
– Each student will participate in a 75-minute small-group discussion section (Recitations) once per week, led by one of the professors. These will be offered in a variety of formats (In Person, Hybrid, or Virtual; see below).
– Note that Joel’s “Hybrid” format recitation sections will begin online (virtual) but may move outside as the weather gets warmer throughout the spring.
| Section | Time Block | Format |
| 06 (Lecture) | X (Mon, Wed: 12:00pm to 12:50pm) | See notes above |
| 06R1 (Recitation 1) | I+M (Mon: 3:00pm – 4:15pm) | In Person (Steven) |
| 06R2 (Recitation 2) | K+M (Mon: 4:30pm – 5:45pm) | In Person (Steven) |
| 06R3 (Recitation 3) | F+T (Tue: 12:00pm – 1:15pm) | Hybrid (Joel) |
| 06R4 (Recitation 4) | J+T (Tue: 3:00pm – 4:15pm) | Hybrid (Joel) |
| 06R5 (Recitation 5) | I+W (Wed: 3:00pm – 4:15pm) | In Person (Steven) |
| 06R6 (Recitation 6) | B+R (Thu: 8:05am – 9:20am) | Virtual (Steven) |
| 06R7 (Recitation 7) | F+R (Thu: 12:00pm – 1:15pm) | In Person (Joel) |
| 06R8 (Recitation 8) | J+R (Thu: 3:00pm – 4:15pm) | Hybrid (Joel) |
Instructor Bios (Spring 2021):
See this page for the Instructor Bios for Spring 2021.
ES2 Exemption Exam Information:
The Fall 2020 Exemption Exam for ES2 will happen virtually on Friday, October 23rd from 3pm to 4pm. See link below for all information related to this exam.