First-Year Engineering

First-Year Engineering is the launchpad for all engineering students at Purdue.

A writer can’t put pen to paper without first learning the alphabet. Much like a contractor can’t raise a strong structure without a solid foundation.

Establishing the basics is a crucial first step toward success, which is why we’ve established and continue to evolve our innovative First-Year Engineering program – to allow our engineering students to cultivate a strong foundation on which to achieve their vision and make their mark on the world.

Through this program, we educate thousands of students annually, providing them the time and resources to explore the engineering disciplines offered at the college and advising them to follow educational paths that spark something brilliant inside of them. We train, test and challenge our students, encouraging them to identify their strengths, redirect their weaknesses and define their resolve, setting them on course to go beyond what they thought was possible.

Bolstered by a research-bases curriculum, we generate better outcomes, better students, better engineers.

There are many pathways through First-Year Engineering. Our core curriculum is mapped out for potential and current students to review.

Fall 2020 Office Operations

Are you a current First-Year Engineering student and have questions or concerns? Your assigned academic advisor is ready to assist you with your needs! We welcome and encourage you to make a virtual drop-in appointment (see virtual reception information below) or schedule a virtual appointment through Boiler Connect. We look forward to helping you!

ARMS 1300 Reception

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. 

Armstrong 1300, home to our advising reception, is open for face-to-face general assistance and emergency situations during operation hours listed. Note: One student admittance at a time.

Virtual Reception

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-5:00 PM

The advising offices in ARMS 1300 will not be open for face-to-face meetings, however, we will have a “Virtual Receptionist” available Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-5:00 PM to answer general questions and to assist students in locating resources, as well as, check students in for virtual “drop-in” meetings with an advisor. 

Virtual Reception Link

The advising offices in ARMS 1300 will not be open for face-to-face meetings, however, we will have a “Virtual Receptionist” available Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-5:00 PM to answer general questions and to assist students in locating resources, as well as, check students in for virtual “drop-in” meetings with an advisor.  

Virtual Advising

Virtual Appointments

First-Year Engineering advisors will be advising virtually until further notice. Students will be able to make virtual appointments with their assigned advisor through Boiler Connect. Advisors will offer 30-minute appointments throughout the hours of operation.

Virtual Drop-ins

Our office will offer virtual “drop-in” meetings Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM-Noon and 1:00-5:00 PM.  For a “drop-in”, students will check-in with the virtual receptionist who will notify the “drop-in” advisor.  The “drop-in” advisor will allow students into their virtual room one at a time to assist the student.   These virtual rooms will be private and only one student will be admitted at any given time.   In order to meet the needs of all FYE students, “drop-in” meetings are intended to be brief (15 minutes or less).  For situations that need more time, students should make a virtual appointment to meet with their assigned advisor.   Students may, or may not, be meeting with their assigned advisor during a “drop-in” meeting.  Advisors will be taking a lunch break from Noon-1:00 and will not be available to meet with students during their hour lunch break.

A face-to-face (F2F) appointment can be arranged for a situation that is considered extremely necessary.  The F2F appointment will be with the Director of First-Year Engineering Advising with a minimum lead-in time of 30 minutes.  The appointment will take place in ARMS 1314. A plexiglass shield will be utilized and both student and Director will be masked.

Additional Student Advising 

Please see our Advising page for details regarding Spring Registration, Prospective Student, and CODO Advising.

 

OFFICE OPERATIONS may change at any time.

Last Updated: August 24, 2020

Course Syllabi

ENGR 131 Syllabus

ENGR 132 Syllabus

ENGR 133 Syllabus (EPICS)

Core Curriculum Map

Required Course Descriptions

Information on all courses at Purdue is available at mypurdue.purdue.edu. You also can review course descriptions or view our map of the 30 credit-hours curriculum with advising information and latest retention data. 

Last Updated July 27, 2020

Beginning in the Fall 2018, First-Year Engineering students explored the engineering majors at Purdue using a new series of Career Exploration videos and engaging in out-of-class activities led by the schools and divisions of engineering. This replaced a former career exploration program of school presentations during classtime. 

Student Resources

Get ahead and watch informative videos about each discipline of engineering at Purdue University.

Also, check out the College of Engineering School Degree Areas.

Alumni Highlight: Making Sense of ENGR 131/132

"I wanted to let you know how helpful ENGR 131/132 has been since I have started my career at UTC Aerospace Systems. A lot of what I have been doing so far involves team dynamics, working with new people (customers), and a lot of Microsoft Excel use. In all honesty, it was hard for me to see the point of some of the lessons being taught both as a student and a peer teacher. However, I just wanted to commend you and your team for all of your hard work in truly preparing me for life in the engineering world."

Michael Davidson, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, May 2015 Graduate