Every undergraduate program in the College contains a core curriculum, which prepares students to succeed in an increasingly interdisciplinary, diverse, and innovative global community.
Each program offers unique opportunities for students to actively engage in their learning experience and to develop as individuals and as global citizens through experiential learning and professional development opportunities. In addition to building technical acumen, the core curriculum supports students as they develop the following four competencies:
Professional Ethics
Students in CEMS will become the innovators of tomorrow’s technology and thus should understand the potential implications of their work on the well-being of people, society and the planet. Professional Ethics courses provide students the opportunity to consider the ethical implications of their academic discipline, including the social costs and benefits, environmental justice, and historical perspectives including, but not limited to, associated social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical issues.
Communication intensive
In these courses, students develop their ability to effectively communicate technical knowledge in written and oral forms to a wide range of audiences. Students complete at least one course covering basic principles of technical writing and effective oral communication and later apply these skills in more advanced courses in their discipline.
Teamwork and Leadership
In these courses, students develop the ability to function effectively in a team and to create a collaborative and inclusive work environment with others. Students develop leadership skills that enable them to (1) establish and work toward common goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives, (2) identify constructive and destructive group behaviors, and (3) mediate conflict.
Data Dexterity
In these courses, CEMS students gain significant experience in processing and analyzing data and drawing meaningful conclusions from them. Students also develop an appreciation for the uncertainty and variability in data measurements and forecasting across applications. Data Dexterity courses provide students the opportunity to (1) explore data analysis and synthesis through a variety of statistical and optimization tools and data visualization, (2) practice proper data handling techniques, and (3) discern how these skills can be used to address real-world problems in their field of study.
Active and Project-Based Learning
Active and Project-Based Learning
The College of Engineering and Mathematical Science offers over 100 active and project-based learning courses, which engage students in hands-on and applied problem-solving throughout the curriculum. In field courses, students learn to use state-of-the-art equipment and standard protocols. In service-learning courses, students apply their learning to help solve a problem or need identified by a community partner.
Peer Mentor Internship Program
Peer Mentor Internship Program
Second, third, and fourth-year students in CEMS are invited to participate in the Peer Mentor Internship Program and to attend a two-day intensive leadership training prior to meeting their 8-10 student mentees at the beginning of the fall semester. Over the course of the semester, incoming students are welcomed to the college, introduced to important resources and opportunities at UVM, and guided through a semester-long project in which they practice key skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.