Which engineering departments tend to have more laboratory classes?
In general, mechanical, electrical and electronic, chemical or applied chemical, materials, civil, architectural, life-science, and environmental engineering programs tend to include relatively many laboratory classes, measurements, fabrication, design exercises, or other practical work. Programs closer to information science or mathematics are often more lecture- and exercise-based, but may still offer substantial programming labs or production projects. The amount and type of laboratory work vary by university, department, and year, so check the curriculum.
Key points
- Mechanical, electrical/electronic, chemical/materials, civil, architectural, life-science, and environmental fields commonly include laboratory or practical courses.
- Information-related programs can also be highly practical through programming labs, system development, and design projects.
- Review the course list and syllabi rather than judging only from the department name.
Things to check
- Even within the same field, the amount and format of laboratory and practical work can differ by university, department policy, year of study, and course.