Undergraduate / First-Year StudentsFirst-Year Curriculum
Northwestern works on the quarter system, standard degree progress assuming enrollment in fall, winter, and spring quarters; each quarter, you will likely take four classes. Additionally, you will take a zero-credit first-year experience seminar (PRDV 101) in fall and winter quarters. While course plans will vary from student to student based on major, interests, and other factors, there is a standard set of sequences that McCormick students begin in the first year.
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Mathematics
The standard math sequence for McCormick students consists of Math 220-1, 220-2, 228-1, and 228-2. If you have already completed portions of the math requirement through AP/IB or other coursework, you will provide information to your first-year adviser through Dossier to determine your appropriate starting point in the sequence.
Science
Science requirements within McCormick vary by degree program. This section focuses on information most relevant to students’ course selections as they enter their first year.
Chemistry
If you are required to take chemistry, you should begin this coursework in fall quarter of your first year. While some majors do not require chemistry specifically, the inorganic chemistry sequence can be used in the basic science requirement that all students must complete. It is recommended that you take at least one chemistry course.
- Majors requiring inorganic chemistry: Biomedical*, Civil, Manufacturing and Design, Mechanical, Materials Science
Note: Organic chemistry is not required for the Biomedical Engineering major, but some BME electives require it as a prerequisite. Students interested in those electives should consider taking the first quarter of organic chemistry, which will count toward degree requirements. See the BME course page for details. - Majors requiring inorganic and organic chemistry: Chemical, Environmental
- Majors that do not specifically require chemistry: Applied Math, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical, Industrial
- Undecided students: Given the variation in chemistry requirements by McCormick program, it is recommended that undecided students take at least one quarter of chemistry.
Mechanics
Calculus-based mechanics is a component of all McCormick degree programs. However, programs vary in their specific required coursework for this component of the degree. Some McCormick programs require calculus-based general physics satisfied via Physics 135-1. Other programs require engineering mechanics satisfied via the two-course Gen Eng 211 (Statics) and Gen Eng 212 (Dynamics) sequence.
- Majors requiring Physics 135-1: Applied Math, Artificial Intelligence (BSE), Chemical, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical, Industrial, Materials Science
If you are in one of these majors, you will most likely complete Physics 135-1 after fall of the first year, especially if you are taking Chemistry in the fall. However, First-Year Advisers will use information provided in Dossier to determine whether students have the necessary pre-requisites and room in the course load to consider Physics 135-1 in fall. This will be managed through the Dossier and study planning process that takes place over the summer. - Majors requiring Gen Eng 211 & Gen Eng 212: Biomedical, Civil, Environmental, Manufacturing and Design, Mechanical
If you are in one of these majors, you will complete Gen Eng 211 & Gen Eng 212 in the later quarters of the first year or early portion of second year. No students will take Gen Eng 211 or 212 in fall of the first year. Specific planning for these courses will take place in collaboration with your First-Year Adviser during winter and spring advising. - Undecided students: Given the variation in mechanics requirements, students considering various majors that may or may not include Gen Eng 211 & 212 should avoid taking Physics 135-1 in fall quarter of the first year to allow more time for a major decision. Those still undecided by winter quarter of the first year will discuss their selection and timing of mechanics coursework with their First-Year Adviser.
Engineering First®
McCormick’s innovative curriculum for undergraduate students, Engineering First®, provides the fundamentals of a successful engineering education and lets you experience real engineering early in your college career.
Engineering First® consists of five specific courses:
- 3 in Engineering Foundations: started in your first year
- 2 in Design Thinking and Communication (DTC): taken during your first year
Engineering Foundations
The specific areas covered by the Engineering Foundations course set are:
- linear algebra
- probability and statistics
- Python-based programming
These courses focus on data analytics and probabilistic reasoning, preparing you to build discipline-specific applications, reason under uncertainty, and model complex systems.
Design Thinking & Communication
This two-quarter sequence is dedicated to learning the design process and will focus on clear and effective writing and the concepts of design thinking and human-centered design. Offered in the fall, winter, and spring quarters, this course immediately puts you to work on real design problems submitted by individuals, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and industry members. In DTC, all students design for real clients and communicate with real audiences. You may take on a DTC project outside of your major, enabling you to explore different fields.
Faculty members from both McCormick and Northwestern's Writing Program will guide you through the design process.
To register for a quarter, you will need 0.5 credits of DSGN and 0.5 credits of ENGLISH separately. Either fall or winter quarter, you will need to take DTC-1 (DSGN 106-1 & ENGLISH 106-1); in winter or spring quarter, you will take DTC-2 (DSGN 106-2 & ENGLISH 106-2).
Learn more about the DTC curriculum
First-Year Engineering Experience
In the fall and winter quarters of your first year, you will enroll in a zero credit seminar, “PRDV 101 McCormick First-Year Experience” (FYE). This course will help your transition to college; give you a place to discuss academic, social, or other issues with peers; and provide information on the resources available at Northwestern. Enrollment is required, and attendance is tracked. Seminar content is assessed and tailored to student needs on a yearly basis.