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Courses | B.S. in Robotics

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Math & Science Core

Total credits: 30

Limits, differentiation and integration of rational and trigonometric functions, with applications. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Mathematics. Note(s): Four years of high school mathematics strongly recommended.

Differentiation and integration of logarithmic, exponential and inverse trigonometric functions; various methods of integration; infinite sequences and series; parametric equations, polar coordinates.

Elementary properties of sets, discrete probability and combinatorial analysis, graphs, relations, orderings, functions, simple algebraic structures, binary arithmetic and other bases, methods of proof. Note(s): Completion of three years of high school mathematics strongly recommended. Grade Mode: A.

Functions of two and three variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, curves and surfaces in three dimensional space.

Tabular and graphical methods for data summary using statistical software. Sample spaces and probability. Discrete and continuous random variables, probability distributions, and expected values. Selected topics in multivariate distributions. Introduction to stochastic processes. Elements of statistical inference: hypothesis testing and estimation. Linear Regression.

Matrices, systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, systems of linear differential equations, Laplace transforms.

Basic principles of physics emphasizing Newtonian mechanics; conservation of energy and momentum; oscillations, fluids and thermodynamics. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: Primarily for Physical Science and Engineering Physics majors. Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A, N.

The application of the laws and theories of mechanics and thermodynamics through experiment. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours of laboratory weekly. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Science credit. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to electrostatics, conductors and currents, magnetic fields, and Maxwell's equations. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour recitation, weekly. Notes: Primarily for Physical Science and Engineering Physics majors. Grade Mode: A, N.

The application of the laws and theories of electricity and magnetism through experiment. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours laboratory weekly. Grade Mode: A, N.


Computer Science & Engineering Core

Total credits: 52

In addition to the following courses, students will need to take nine credits of computer science, robotics or engineering electives, and three credits of general major electives.

Introduction to computer hardware and software. Problem solving methods. Elementary concepts of algorithm development. C++ programming. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour lab. Grade Mode: A.
Linear lists, strings, arrays and orthogonal lists; graphs, trees, binary trees, multi-linked structures, searching and sorting techniques, dynamic storage allocation; applications. Grade Mode: A.

Various types of algorithms, analytic techniques for the determination of algorithmic efficiency, NP-complete problems, complexity hierarchies, and intractable problems. When Offered: Alternate years. Grade Mode: A.

The applications of topics related to engineering design including engineering analysis and presentation, written reports, team-based problem-solving skills, and more.

This course introduces engineering concepts of benefit-cost evaluation, rate of return, time value of money, cash flow analysis, expected value and risk, and choosing the best alternative. Students will also learn the impact of these accounting and finance principles on engineering and manufacturing activities.

Project and laboratory-based introduction to designing mechatronic systems. It integrates the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. Topics covered in the course include electric motor types and other actuators, linkages and mechanisms, low-level interfacing of software with hardware, real-time computation tasks, analog interfacing and power amplifiers, measurement and sensing, sensors and transducers, and control of mechatronic systems.

This course prepares engineering students with practical skills in using industrial standard Mechanical CAD (MCAD) and Electrical CAD (ECAD) software tools. Students will learn to use SolidWorks for 3D mechanical modeling and design, and use Altium Designer to create schematic and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout.

Preparation course of a senior-level capstone project. Application of design principles to a project that involves designing, building, and testing. Projects are team-based and require a significant amount of documentation, oral, and written communication. Projects can be applied research, industry-sponsored, innovation challenges, or service projects with non-profit organizations. Includes weekly seminar topics surrounding professional topics. Both lecture and laboratory sessions will be integrated into the class meeting times as required.

This course covers the theoretical fundamentals and simulation tools for the kinematic and dynamic modeling of robotic manipulators. Topics include coordinate frames and transformations, forward and inverse positional kinematics, velocities and Jocobians of linkages, dynamics, path planning, collision avoidance, and trajectory optimization.

An introduction to embedded systems programming. Relevant theory and design practices covering discrete devices, application specific integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices. Both lecture and laboratory sessions will be integrated into the class meeting times as required.

Concepts and techniques of artificial intelligence, representation, search strategies, control, communication and perception, and applications.

An introduction to mobile robots and mobile robot programming. Topics covered include mobile robot modeling and kinematics, sensing, control, localization, motion planning and navigation. The course will offer both a theoretical and experimental treatment of those topics through student involvement in programming of autonomous robots.

An introduction to basic principles and tools of feedback and control. Topics include input/output response, stability and feedback, modeling and model reduction, local and global behavior, linear vs. nonlinear models.

This course explores advanced topics in robotics. As part of a team, students will work on a semester long project that will allow them to demonstrate and build on the skills and knowledge acquired in the robotics field.


Math and Science Electives

Functions of one variable, approximate numerical solutions of non-linear equations and systems of linear equations, interpolation theory, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations. When Offered: Alternate years. Grade Mode: A.

Mathematical foundations of model building, optimization, linear programming models, game theoretic models. Grade Mode: A.

This course covers a variety of advanced mathematical techniques essential to the solution of problems in the physical sciences and engineering. Topics include tensors, complex variables, contour integrals, solutions of partial differential equations, boundary-value problems, special functions (such as Bessel functions and Legendre functions), and Fourier series and Fourier and Laplace transforms. Grade Mode: A.

Complex variables, analytic functions, complex integral theorems, power series, conformal mappings. When Offered: Alternate years. Grade Mode: A.

Newtonian mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid bodies, oscillating systems, gravitation, moving coordinate systems, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture. Notes: Primarily for physics majors. Grade Mode: A.

Computer Science & Engineering Electives

Fundamentals of digital logic and the architecture of modern computer systems, machine level representation of data, memory system organization, structure of machine languages, assembly language programming. Grade Mode: A.
Organization and structure of programming languages. Runtime behavior and requirements of programs. Introduction to programming language specifications and analysis. Study of various alternative languages such as Java, C++ and Python. Grade Mode: A.

Fundamental programming skills for data science applications using a major programming language such as Python or R in the field. Data analysis and information retrieval through data selection, iterative processing, function composition, abstraction, and visualization. Notes: Course may be taken twice for credit if different programming languages are used. Grade Mode: A.

Advanced programming skills for data science applications using a major programming language such as Python or R in the field. Machine learning and advanced data-science applications. Notes: Course may be taken twice for credit if different programming languages are used. Grade Mode: A.

Computer operating systems; topics include time sharing, process communication, memory management, storage allocation, interrelationships between the operating system and the architecture of computer systems. When Offered: Fall. Grade Mode: A.
User interface design, implementation, and evaluation; event-driven programming in GUI applications and web applications; user-centered design methodologies. When Offered: Alternate years. Grade Mode: A.
Concepts of computer communications, local area networks, seven layers of communication protocols, global networks. When Offered: Spring. Grade Mode: A.

Topics are selected from the following:

  • Compilers and Languages: Development of key compiler components based on the theory of automata and formal languages. Systems Programming: Development of utilities and shell scripts for Unix system administration.
  • Theory of Computation: Computational models for algorithmic design, complexity analysis, and problem solving in selected domains.
  • Computer Graphics: Design and implementation of 3D computer interactive graphics.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Computational frameworks for knowledge representation, automatic reasoning, probabilistic modeling, and machine learning.
  • Information Security: Concepts and techniques about cybersecurity and its implementation.

Notes: Course may be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A.

Statics of particles, rigid bodies in two and three dimensions, centroids and centers of gravity, structures, friction, and inertia.

Introduction to circuit elements, network theorems, response, semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, and the operation and design of analog DC/AC circuits. Also introduces the fundamentals of Boolean logic and digital design. Laboratory work involves extensive construction and analysis of circuits, as well as introduction of soldering and assembly techniques.

Various special topics related to interdisciplinary engineering design, research, and development.

Engineering senior-level capstone project. Final designs and projects are expected to be implemented and presented to respective audiences. Projects are team-based and require a significant amount of documentation, oral, and written communication. Projects can be applied research, industry-sponsored, innovation challenges, or service projects with non-profit organizations. Weekly seminar topics surrounding professional topics may be required. Both lecture and laboratory/project sessions will be integrated into the class meeting times as required.

Research activity under the supervision of the primary researcher or self-directed research under the supervision of the instructor of record.

Various topics in robotics.

Professionally supervised participation in pre-approved research or a project at an off-campus site. Documentation of the time spent and the activities performed as well as a written paper or presentation explaining the experience are required.

Research activity under the supervision of the primary researcher or self-directed research under the supervision of the instructor of record.


Additional Core

A culmination of writing experiences and practices throughout the Core, this course uses discipline-specific texts and contexts for reading and discussion of ideas and methods in writing. Students will compare and critically analyze academic writing created by themselves and by experts; research and discover customs, values, and hallmarks of writing in their disciplines; use effective invention, drafting, revising, and proofreading methods for written work; learn to find, synthesize, and cite discipline-specific sources; and prepare essays and multi-genre artifacts useful in both academic and professional settings. 16-24 pages of polished prose, or its equivalent required. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - English.


Bible Courses

Equipping to interpret and apply the Bible in accurate and dynamic ways for spiritual transformation and character formation. Notes: Must be completed during the first year. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to theology with special emphasis on learning to do theology, understand the doctrine of Scripture, introduce the integration of various fields of knowledge with the Bible, and see the importance and development of a Christian worldview. Grade Mode: A.

An overview of the Old Testament with emphasis on the purpose of the writers; history and culture; literary genre, structure, and themes; persons and events, and practical application for Christian living. Grade Mode: A, C.

An overview of the New Testament with emphasis on the purpose of the writers; history and culture; literary genre, structure, and themes; persons and events; and practical application for Christian living. Grade Mode: A, C.

The biblical doctrines of God, Christ, man, sin, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and last things with reference to the history and development of Christian theology.

An exploration of how Christians can have a redemptive, articulate, and transformative presence in contemporary society. Attention is given to how to meaningfully share the gospel (Matt. 28:19), defend a Christian worldview with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15–16), and think biblically about the major social issues of our age (Romans 12:2). Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Biblical and Theological Studies.

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