This document provides descriptions for several courses being offered by the College of Engineering at Drexel University. The courses cover topics such as fermentation and distillation processes, construction methods, entertainment technologies, cellular phone history and technologies, biomimetics, 3D printing, materials science, robotics, sustainable energy, manufacturing, and project management. The courses are designed to enhance understanding of 21st century technologies and require no prerequisites, with most carrying 3 undergraduate credits.

1. C O U R S E S
In Good Spirits: The Process of Fermentation and Distillation
CHE 399 Dr. Steven Wrenn and Dr. Giuseppe Palmese
This course will describe fermentation and distillation in easy-to-understand language and will
explain where and how fermentation and distillation are used to create and purify common
products, including beverages (e.g., fermentation to produce beer and wine; distillation to make
whiskey and brandy) and fuels (e.g., fermentation of corn to produce ethanol; distillation of crude
oil to produce gasoline). The course is non-mathematical and has no prerequisites other than
being a student in good standing at Drexel.
Hardhat Required: How Things Get Built
CMGT 380 Dr. Robert Muir
Catch a glimpse of how buildings, bridges, residential properties and the rest of our built
environment are constructed. Topics include physical systems such as structural, architectural,
electrical and mechanical as well as a practical approach to framing components, wall and roof
installation, flooring, finishes, HVAC, electrical distribution, and lighting. The course will briefly
touch on legal and regulatory requirements and introduce basic construction management
practices.
Here We Are Now. Entertain Us! An Introduction to Entertainment Engineering
ECE 121 Dr. Youngmoo Kim
This introductory survey course focuses on four prevailing entertainment media: music, images,
video, and interfaces. We explore how each medium is represented digitally and reveal the
technologies used to capture, manipulate and display such content. Technical standards used in
everyday entertainment devices (mp3, H.264, JPEG, 1080p, HDMI) will be explained in layman’s
terms. The goal is to provide all students with the technical literacy to be informed consumers
and creators of digital media.
Do It YourCell Phone
ECE 290 Dr. Bruce Eisenstein
This course will survey the field of communications from the early telegraph and telephone through
radio, television, modern telephones, walkie-talkies, CB radio, Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and of
course, cell phones. In addition to learning how all of these systems work, students will gain an
appreciation for the commonality that is inherent in all human communication.
Be informed in the
Technologies
of the 21st
Century
The College of Engineering is
pleased to announce courses
designed to enhance the
understanding of the technologies
that are driving and shaping
economic and cultural change in
the 21st
century.
All courses are
open to all students.
No prerequisite
requirements.
Most carry 3 undergraduate credits.
E X P L O R E
E X P L A I N
E X P E R I E N C E
Please see reverse side for more courses.
For more information, visit Drexel.edu/engineering/ex3

2. Bioinspiration and Biomimetics: From the Gecko’s Foot
to the Bat’s Ear
ECE 190 Dr. Yon Vissell
Although engineering has advanced immensely in the recent past,
driven by human ingenuity, nature has a head start of millions of years
and billions of organisms, all finely honed through natural selection.
This course will explore marvels of engineering in the natural world,
and how they are inspiring the design of new technologies ranging
from biomedical sensors to robotic skin.
Change Your World with 3D Printing
INDE 364 Dr. Yalcin Ertekin / Dr. Michael Mauk
Uncover the mystery of 3D printing in this course designed for non-
engineering majors. 3D printing, also known as rapid-prototyping,
has revolutionized everything from toy design to high tech products.
Supported by computer-aided design (CAD) software, this is a hands-
on course during which you will develop a design model and fabricate
parts using the most current tools including 3D printers, laser cutters
and desktop engravers. If you have an idea for a new invention or
simply want to replace the cover of your iPhone, this course will show
you how to design and develop a working product prototype.
Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that
Shape Our World
MATE 120 Dr. Chris Weyant
Why is glass see-through? Why does a paperclip bend? What
makes a rubber band stretchy? Have you ever wondered why the
products around us are made from certain materials? Who chose
those materials and why? This introductory course will explore the
common materials in the products all around us.
Bio-Inspired Intelligent Robots
MEM 380 Dr. M. Ani Hsieh
Survey the latest technology that make engineering robots look
and behave like insects, animals, and even humans. The course
will investigate how the role of engineering design and engineered
systems can help to better understand biology. Students will learn
how biologically-inspired engineered systems are making an impact
in the fields of medicine, manufacturing, environmental sciences,
and disaster mitigation. The course is non-mathematical and has no
prerequisites other than being a student in good standing at Drexel.
Two (Robot) Heads Are Better Than One
MEM 380 Dr. M. Ani Hsieh
Tiny robots working together can communicate and collaborate in
“swarms” and use their collective intelligence….well, intelligently.
Learn the latest developments in this exciting area with examples
drawn from biology, economics and robotics. One of the goals of
this course is to provide students with an understanding of the
technological and scientific challenges of modeling, analyzing,
and building complex systems. In addition students will learn how
modern scientific research is leveraging the power of collective
intelligence to solve some of the most challenging problems in
environmental sciences, medicine, and astrophysics, to name a few.
The course is non-mathematical and has no prerequisites other than
being a student in good standing at Drexel.
Bio-Inspired Design
MEM 380 Dr. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal
What are the non-conventional mechanical approaches found in
nature and how can this knowledge lead to more creativity and better
(simpler, smaller, more robust) solutions in conventional technology. The
course discusses a large number of biological organisms with smart
constructions, unusual mechanisms or clever processing methods
and gives a number of technical examples of bio-inspired instruments
and machines. Topics will include: energy, reproduction, maintenance,
motion, propulsion, processing, sensing, and behavior of biological
systems.
Racing Against Machines
MEM 380 Dr. M. Ani Hsieh
In the 21st century, robotics and automation technology will begin to
permeate all aspects of digital life. Today, we live in a world with robotics
vacuums, intelligent transportation systems, and real-time automated
translation of human languages. We are facing the rise of self-driving
cars, package delivering drones, and tele-medicine where doctors
can perform complex medical procedures remotely. While much of
this technology is having a positive impact on our everyday lives, it is
has profound economic, social, and ethical implications. This course
will investigate the impact of automation and robotics technology on
society and the economy. The course is non-mathematical and has no
prerequisites other than being a student in good standing at Drexel.
Green Energy: The Answer, My Friend, is Blowin’ in the
Wind… And a Few Other Places
MEM 380 Dr. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal
The course aims to introduce and explain the concepts, methods, tools
and technologies related to sustainable energy. Topics will include
wind energy and the physical principles of wind power generation;
environmental and political impacts of choosing green solutions; design
for energy savings; and optimizing the effects of sunlight, wind, terrain
features, and hydrology. Solar photovoltaic systems will be explained
and related issues of economic viability will be explored.
Lean, Mean and Green: Sustainable Manufacturing
MEM 380 Dr. Hisham A. Abdel-Aal
The course aims to introduce and explain the design concepts,
methods, tools and some technologies, and operations of sustainable
lean and green manufacturing systems and processes. It also covers
the assessment, audit, design and maintenance of sustainable green
manufacturing products, processes, service systems, and leads towards
the entire greening process of multi-lifecycle manufacturing operations,
factories and their supply chains.
Work Smarter Not Harder: Project Management That Works
PROJ 380 Dr. Frank T. Anbari
Project management is a discipline that can be applied to gain efficiency
and effectiveness in many areas of your life, and particularly, your
work. Learn the essentials of managing projects. Enhance your project
performance. Impress your next co-op employer or your current boss.
Learn the hands-on fundamentals of project management that will
ultimately impact your performance throughout your life, no matter what
your chosen field.
For more information, visit Drexel.edu/engineering/ex3