Congratulations and welcome to Engineering One, which is your first year of engineering studies at Memorial University.

The Engineering One (EO) program offers excellent fundamental courses, academic advising and an opportunity for first-year students to explore different engineering fields. Engineering One also helps first-year students manage the transition from high school to a new and exciting post-secondary learning environment.

Over the next five years, you will spend half of your time in the classroom and half on mandatory work terms. After EO, you will choose from seven majors: civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, ocean and naval architectural engineering and process engineering. Choosing a major is a competitive process since it’s based on the EO promotion averages!

As you may already know, engineering is an important profession. Engineers are responsible for maintaining public safety. They are expected to exhibit very high standards of knowledge, honesty and integrity. Engineers have direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. From smart cars to ocean travel; from wireless communication to bridges and zero emission buildings, from bioengineering to renewable energy, engineers have changed the way our world works – and innovation is at the heart of everything they do. To be successful in your engineering program and future career, you need to prepare yourself to be ethical and professional from the first day of your program.

Engineers need strong math, physics, programming, drawing and design skills. You are going to learn these skills throughout your program and EO will help you lay a solid foundation.

The pursuit of an engineering degree is very challenging. You will need passion and perseverance to realize your long-term goals. You will need to work hard to make your future as an engineer a reality. Please remember, though, that failure is not a permanent condition. It helps you grow and develop a healthy mindset and to become resilient.

There is a lot of teamwork in engineering, which requires effective communication. To communicate effectively, you need to learn to exchange information precisely using drawings, sketches, reports and papers. You will frequently work in teams with your peers to improve your communication and interpersonal skills, and to support each other. 

You will learn that being an engineering student is not only about classes, problem sets, projects and assignments, but also about contributing to society in a supportive and welcoming environment.

It is important to remember that we are all here to help you succeed throughout your program. I encourage you to take full advantage of the student support resources provided through our first-year office.

• The Engineering One Student Success Centre provides one-on-one tutoring to first-year students for all engineering (ENGI), physics, chemistry and math courses throughout the terms and leading up to exams.
• The Supplemental Instruction leaders in the program will coach you on how to become independent problem solvers by helping you improve your understanding of certain concepts and develop effective learning strategies. 

There are a lot of challenges and opportunities ahead, but also a lot of growth and rewards. Remember, a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step.

I am looking forward to participating in and going on this wonderful and rewarding journey with you.

Welcome to Engineering One!

Dr. Heather Peng