100 Excellent Ivy League Open Courses for Engineers
Anyone looking to start or expand a career in engineering needs all the help they can get. Whether by video, audio, notes, or assignments, the below 100 courses are a great source for engineers looking for help.
MIT
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the leading universities for engineers and is infamous for its selection of open courses. Offering hundreds of free open graduate and undergraduate courses, engineers will find classes on every specialty, as well as an abundance of assignments and completed projects.
1. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Design: The fundamental concepts of aerospace engineering are highlighted through lectures on aeronautics, astronautics, and design. The emphasis is on the application of this knowledge to aerospace engineering and design, rather than exposure to new science and mathematics.
2. Unified Engineering I, II, III, & IV: This course features materials from Unified Engineering which comprise more than four times the volume of a typical one-semester MIT course. In addition to the detailed syllabus, you can watch class lectures as well as view the competition video.
3. Communication Systems Engineering: This course covers the fundamentals of digital communications and networking, including the basics of information theory, sampling and quantization, coding, modulation, signal detection, and system performance in the presence of noise. Topics are discussed in the context of aircraft, satellite, and deep space communications.
4. Aerospace Dynamics: This undergraduate course builds upon the dynamics content of Unified Engineering. Examples and problems describe applications to aircraft flight and spacecraft attitude.
5. Management in Engineering: Serving as an introduction to engineering management, topics include financial principles, management of innovation, engineering project planning and control, human factors, career planning, patents, and technical strategy.
6. Engineering Design and Rapid Prototyping: Students will have the opportunity to conceive, design, and implement a product using rapid prototyping methods and computer-aid tools. You can also view student’s completed projects in this course.
7. The Aerospace Industry: This course discusses recent aerospace history and current events in order to understand how they are responsible for the state of the aerospace industry. A must for any engineer looking to work in aerospace.
8. Space Systems Engineering: This course was offered in a three semester format, using a Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate teaching model. Now offered as one shorter course, students collaborated on a project and the results are available.
9. Computational Methods in Aerospace Engineering: This course serves as an introduction to computational techniques arising in aerospace engineering. Techniques taught include numerical integration of systems of ordinary differential equations, numerical linear algebra, eigenvalue problems, and optimization with constraints.
10. Software Engineering Concepts: Issues on software systems and development design are read and discussed. These include the present state of software engineering, what has been tried in the past, what worked, what did not, and why.
11. Human Supervisory Control of Automated Systems: Elements of the interactions between humans and machines are discussed in this course. These elements include: assignment of roles and authority, tradeoffs between human control and human monitoring, and human intervention in automatic processes.
12. Aerospace Biomedical and Life Support Engineering: Students are introduced to a quantitative approach to studying the problems of physiological adaptation in altered environments, especially microgravity and partial gravity environments in this course. Additional curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary topics, including extravehicular activity and life support.
13. Rocket Propulsion: This class focuses on chemical rocket propulsion systems for launch, orbital, and interplanetary flight. It studies the differences and benefits between modeling of solid, liquid-bipropellant, and hybrid rocket engines.
14. Satellite Engineering: This engineering course introduces students to subsystem design in engineering spacecraft. The class also presents characteristic subsystems, such as power, structure, communication and control, and analyzes the methods necessary to integrate.
15. Engineering Systems Analysis for Design: This subject develops real options analysis to create design flexibility and measure its value to be incorporated into system optimization. Emphasis is placed on calculating value of real options with special attention given to efficient analysis and practical applications.
16. Engineering Risk-Benefit Analysis: This course emphasizes three methodologies: reliability and probabilistic risk assessment, decision analysis, and cost-benefit analysis. Examples used are large engineering projects such as nuclear power reactors, the International Space Station, and critical infrastructures.
17. Aircraft Systems Engineering: Offering a holistic view of the aircraft as a system, this course covers the basics of systems engineering, cost and weight estimation, basic aircraft performance, safety, reliability, and more. Students study both design and operations of the shuttle, with frequent lectures by outside experts.
18. Engineering Apollo: The Moon Project as a Complex System: This course is a detailed exploration of the Apollo project to “fly humans to the moon and return them safely to earth” as an example of a complex engineering system. Emphasis is placed on how the systems worked, the technical and social processes that produced them, mission operations, and historical significance.
19. Introduction to Bioengineering: The beginning lectures of this course describe the basis for bioengineering with particular emphasis on molecular cell biology and systems biology. Faculty will then describe the bioengineering options in a particular engineering course, as well as their own research.
20. Laboratory Fundamentals in Biological Engineering: Experimental biochemical and molecular techniques are introduced from a quantitative engineering perspective. Experimental design, rigorous data analysis, and scientific communication are also included.
21. Biological Engineering Programming: In this course, problems from biological engineering are used to develop structured computer programming skills and explore the theory and practice of complex systems design and construction. You can find assignments, lecture notes, or view the class official website.
22. Computation for Biological Engineers: This course covers the analytical, graphical, and numerical methods supporting the analysis and design of integrated biological systems. You can also get lecture notes and assignments on the official course website and Wiki.
23. Perspectives in Biological Engineering: This seminar-format course provides an in-depth presentation and discussion of how engineering and biological approaches can be combined to solve problems in science and technology. Emphasis is placed on integration of biological information and methodologies with engineering analysis, synthesis, and design.
24. Introduction to Numerical Analysis for Engineering: Students are introduced to the formulation, methodology, and techniques for numerical solution of engineering problems in this course. In addition to lecture notes and assignments, students can also get a sample exam.
25. Sustainable Energy: The assessment of current and potential future energy systems is covered in this engineering course. Topics include resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use, with emphasis on meeting regional and global energy needs in the 21st century in a sustainable manner.
26. Uncertainty in Engineering: This course gives an introduction to probability and statistics, with emphasis on engineering applications. Course topics include events and their probability, Bayes’ theorems, discrete and continuous random variables, uncertainty propagation, and conditional analysis.
27. Environmental Engineering Applications of Geographic Information Systems: The subject matter of this course introduces students to the use and potential of Geographic Information Systems in their discipline. Lectures cover the general concepts of GIS use and demonstrate its practical application.
28. Computer System Engineering: This course covers an array of topics on the engineering of computer software and hardware systems. They include techniques for controlling complexity, client-server design, virtual memory, networks, and the impact of computer systems on society.
29. Artificial Intelligence: Students are introduced to techniques and architectures used to build applied systems and to account for intelligence from a computational point of view. In addition, the class covers applications of decision trees, neural nets, SVMs, and other learning paradigms.
30. Polymer Engineering: This course offers an overview of analysis and design techniques for synthetic polymers. Treatment of materials, properties selection, mechanical characterization, and processing of load-bearing and environment-compatible structures are covered.
31. How and Why Machines Work: Students study how and why machines are conceived, how they are developed, and how they are utilized. Students are taught to take things apart mentally and physically, draw what they envision and observe, and complete an individual term project.
32. Introduction to Ocean and Science Engineering: This course is an introduction to the fundamental aspects of science and engineering necessary for exploring, observing, and utilizing the oceans. Topics include acoustics, sound speed and refraction, sounds generated by ships and marine animals, and sonar systems.
33. Nuclear Systems Design Project: Students learn about projects involving integration of nuclear physics, particle transport, control, heat transfer, safety, instrumentation, materials, environmental impact, and economic optimization. Past student projects have included a designs for a nuclear reactor for the manned mission to Mars, and are available for viewing.
34. Engineering of Nuclear Reactors: This course covers the engineering principles of nuclear reactors, emphasizing power reactors. Specific topics include power plant thermodynamics, reactor heat generation and removal, and structural mechanics.
35. Engineering Ethics: Historical cases are taken primarily from the scholarly literatures on engineering ethics, and hypothetical cases are written by students in this course. Also discussed is the theory and practice of engineering ethics using a multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural approach.
Stanford
Located between San Francisco and San Jose, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. In addition to iTunes, their YouTube channel is full of course lectures, including many classes on engineering.
36. Stanford on iTunes: Often available for free, this leading university offers courses, lectures, and expert interviews on the iTunes store. Download them into your computer, iPod, phone, and listen or view them any time you want.
37. Computer Systems Laboratory Colloquium: This video course features weekly speakers on current research and developments in computer systems. Twenty seven lectures touch upon all aspects of computer science and engineering including design, computer organization, software engineering, computer applications, public policy, and the implications of technology.
38. Computer Systems Laboratory Colloquium II: A continuation of the above course, it contains discussion of new products, discoveries, and ideas. Twenty videos are on everything from programmable micofluidics to artificial intelligence.
39. Convex Optimization: This electrical engineering course is taught by Stephen Boyd. Also of note is guest lecturer Jacob Mattingley, who covers convex sets and their applications in electrical engineering and beyond.
40. Human-Computer Interaction Seminar: This course features weekly speakers on topics related to human-computer interaction design. A comprehensive set of topics include designing for the self, technology for developing regions, and problems with interactive devices.
41. Introduction to Chemical Engineering: Professor Channing Robinson provides a basic overview of the chemical engineering field today and delves into its applications. With 20 lectures to choose from, you can learn about oil refining, pharmacokinetics models, and more.
42. Introduction to Robotics: Professor Qussama covers topics such as spatial descriptions, kinematics, dynamics, motion, design, and more. Videos often contain schematics and diagrams.
43. Linear Dynamical Systems: This is an introduction to applied linear algebra and linear dynamical systems, with applications to circuits, signal processing, communications, and control systems. Professor Boyd gives 20 lectures on these and other related engineering topics.
44. Machine Learning: This course provides a broad introduction to machine learning and statistical pattern recognition. Topics include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, theory, reinforcement, and adaptive control.
45. Programming Abstractions: Covering more advanced programming, topics of this course include recursion, algorithmic analysis, and data abstraction. It is taught using the C++ programming language, which is similar to both C and Java.
46. Programming Methodology: This course is an introduction to the engineering of computer applications emphasizing modern software engineering principles. Students are taught good programming style and the built-in facilities of the Java language.
47. Programming Paradigms: Professor Cain introduces students to several programming languages, including C, Assembly, C++, Concurrent Programming, Scheme, and Python. They are taught how to write code for each of these individual languages and to understand the programming paradigms behind these languages.
48. Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Highlights: This impressive list of leaders shared their lessons of experience with the Stanford University community. Engineering topics include Silicon Valley, disruptive technologies, and more.
UC Berkley
Located in California, this prestigious university is known for its engineering department, the recipient of many awards and recognitions.
49. Electrical Engineering 141, 001: Taught by Jan M. Rabey, this course is an introduction to digital integrated circuits. Many of the lectures for this class are available in audio or video.
50. Electrical Engineering 240, 001: This course in advanced analog integrated circuits is taught by Elad Alon. Lectures include an introduction, noise analysis, MOS models, and more.
51. Engineering 45, 001: Instructor R. Ramesh teaches the engineering properties of materials. Available in audio only, there are 26 lectures to choose from.
52. Engineering 7, 001: This course covers introduction to computer programming for scientists and engineers. Professor James Rector’s lectures are available in audio and video.
53. Environ Sci, Policy, and Management: Instructor Justin Brashares examines how man affects wildlife ecology. Subjects covered in lectures include logistic growth, metapopulations and extinction, and overpopulation.
54. Industrial Engineering and Operations Research: This course covers discrete event simulation and is taught by Lee Schruben. Nineteen different lectures are offered in audio format.
55. Mechanical Engineering 119: Students are introduced to microelectromechanical systems by Liwei Lin. Topics covered include lithography, oxidation, diffusion, and more.
56. Operating Systems and System Programming: This course covers the concepts of operating systems and system programming. Also included are utility programs, subsystems, multiple-program systems, processes, and synchronization.
57. The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs: An introduction to programming and computer science, this course exposes students to techniques of abstraction at several levels. They include programming language, algorithms, and more.
58. Machine Structures: The internal organization and operation of digital computers are discussed in this course. Instructor Dan Garcia also teaches students the elements of computer design and tradeoffs involving architectural design decisions.
59. Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits: This course discusses CMOS devices and deep sub-micron manufacturing technology. Students are also shown the design of large system blocks, including arithmetic, interconnect, memories, and programmable logic arrays.
National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning
These video courses are a joint venture by the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. They offer many engineering classes taught in English.
60. Enzyme Science and Engineering: This course is taught by Professor Subhash Chand of the IIT in Delhi. 28 Lectures cover everything from the introduction of enzymes to advanced applications.
61. Engineering Geology: Professor Debasis Roy gives 40 classes on geologic structures, types of rocks and soils, as well as many other engineering topics.
62. Environmental Air Pollution: Learn how to keep the air free of contaminants using engineering principles in this class. Students learn about the different types of pollution, as well as ways to counteract them.
63. Strength of Materials: This civil engineering course teaches students all about the materials they will be working with. Lectures include stress analysis, application, and torsion.
64. Civil Surveying: Professor Bharat Lohani of the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Kanpur teaches this class. With 40 videos to choose from, there are many diagrams and graphs included.
65. Water & Wastewater Enginerring: Learn how to deal with the complex system of delivering and removing water for major cities in this course. Topics dealt with are quality enhancement, characteristics, sedimentation, and more.
66. Introduction to Transportation Engineering: This class is taught by Bhargab Maitra and K. Sudhakar Reddy in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. Learn how engineers combat problems such as traffic, signal lights, and highway design through this class.
67. Water Resources Engineering: Lectures are given by Professor Rajesh Srivastava of the Department of Civil Engineering at the IIT in Kanpur. This course teaches engineers how to utilize scarce sources of water for mass distribution.
68. Artificial Intelligence: Robotics engineers will enjoy this class for its videos on how to create artificial intelligence. Using chess and other resources as a model, students can learn how to apply their knowledge in different situations.
69. Artificial Intelligence: This course differs in professors as well as approach from the above class. Professor Dasgupta has his students think along problem search and logic lines.
70. Internet Technologies: Computer engineers will find this course useful when dealing with the challenges of the internet. TCP/IP, protocol, HTML, and more is discussed in these 40 videos.
71. Introduction to Computer Graphics: Professor Prem Kalra gives over 30 lectures on this topic. Learn about everything from clipping to 3D viewing in this course.
72. Introduction to Problem Solving & Programming: Taught by Deepak Gupta of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur, this class contains 24 lectures. Learn how to use computers effectively and with a minimum of problems, as well as how to deal with those that arise in this class.
73. Principles of Programming Languages: Dr. S. Arun Kumar gives 40 lectures on this topic. Students will learn everything from syntax to commands and more.
74. Software Engineering: Anyone looking to design or implement their own software should give one or all of these 39 lectures a listen. You can choose from phases, specifications, modeling, and much more.
75. Systems Analysis and Design: Professor V. Rajaraman of the Department of Super Computer Education and Research at IISC, Bangalore gives 40 lectures on this topic. The emphasis is on designing systems for organizations.
76. Engineering Chemistry: Along with chemistry, students are also taught about quantum chemical methods. This short series also includes talks on particles, oscillators, hydrogen, and Oppenheimer.
77. Engineering Mechanics: Professor Manoj Harbola gives 31 lectures on this subject. Topics include equilibrium, plan trusses, surface properties, and more.
78. Engineering Physics: This short, nine video course is taught by Professor V. Ravishankar of the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur. This course provides perspective and understanding of basic physics for engineers.
79. Illumination Engineering: These 20 lectures by Professor N.K. Kishore are geared towards electrical engineers. Learn about eye and vision, photometry, and different illumination systems in this course.
80. Power Electronics: Professor B.G. Fernandes actually takes apart electronic devices in this class. This is a basic, yet essential course for electrical engineers.
81. Wireless Communication: In a changing world, this course is essential for computer engineers who want to stay ahead of trends. Dr. Bose gives 39 lectures on everything from types of wireless communication to plans for the future.
Other Engineering Courses
The below courses are taught at various universities on different engineering topics.
82. Agricultural Building Systems: This course is given by the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Resources include class information, lecture notes, assignments, and labs available.
83. Lecture Notes on the Major Soils of the World: Engineers looking to build and design projects abroad should be interested in this course. It is offered free of charge by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
84. Engineering Statics and Dynamics: This class is taught by Dr. E.W. Sandt of the Civil Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. Materials available for this class include a syllabus, lectures, a blog, and exams.
85. Structural Concrete Design: Also taught by Dr. Sandt, this course is essential for any engineer who has to work with concrete. In addition to homework, an exam, and a blog, there is also a tutorial page and handout designed especially for this class.
86. Coastal Engineering: Offered by the Coastal Engineering Research Centre at the University of Queensland, this course is taught as part of the hydraulics group in the department of Civil Engineering. Resources available include research, publications, projects for PhDs, and a ton of information regarding this subject.
87. Civil Engineering Measurements: This course is taught by Charles Camp of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Memphis. You can get “A Modest Proposal to Students,” homework, writing assignments, notes, and an excel tutorial for this class.
88. Residential Subdivision Design and Construction: Engineers interested in housing projects and neighborhoods should stop here. Subjects discussed include site selection, land use, construction, sediment control, water management, and more.
89. Strength of Materials: This course is offered from the Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. It teaches students about statistics, stress, beams, and torsion.
90. Electrical Networks: Dr. Holbert teaches this course at Arizona State. Resources include animations, handouts, and homework assignments.
91. Linear Circuits: This course is taught by Jim Svoboda at Clarkson University. Students will learn about complex power, coupled coils, transformers, and more.
92. Engineering Graphics: Before engineers can implement a design or project, they must be able to draw it out. Taught by Stephen Crown at the University of Texas, this course will teach students the latest in graphics technology and animation, and even includes quizzes and games.
93. Java Applets for Engineering: This course is offered by the National Science Foundation and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. It contains instructions on various types of applets including fluid dynamics, statics, and dynamics.
94. Numerical Methods: Intended for civil engineers, you can download the syllabus, schedule, and notes for this course. It is taught by Professor Joannes Westerink at Notre Dame.
95. Nuclear Engineering: Taught by Bill Garland from the Department of Engineering Physics at McMaster University, this course contains numerous resources, including lectures. You can also get useful downloads or more information on the McMaster nuclear reactor.
96. Field Techniques: This course is taught by William Doolittle at the University of Texas. Resources include notes, readings, and even exercises on the course work.
97. Experimental Engineering: Professor Chen at Iowa University teaches this class. You can get lecture notes, along with lab assignments and examples.
98. Oceanography: A compilation of information by Professor Mark Healy at William Rainey Harper College, this course is ideal for engineers working over water. Get lecture notes and exercises, as well as eBooks available for download.
99. Introduction to Environmental Engineering: This course is given by Professor Bradley Striebig at Penn State. Learn about waste, microbiology, and other environmental hazards as they relate to engineering.
100. What is Engineering?: Still confused on the subject of engineering? Then try out this course from John Hopkins University to get the basics.
From California to New England to India, engineers will find these 100 free courses a valuable resource in pursuing and continuing their career.
