Applied Sciences

Number of Concentrators: 71

1952 Commencement Honors: 2 summa; 1 magna; 2 cum in General Studies

Students concentrating in Applied Science can capitalize on an opportunity that is offered at almost no other university: they can explore all aspects of engineering and get the finest training in basic science without choosing a narrowing specialized category.

The philosophy of the University towards producing a well rounded individual is exemplified here. True, a student in most instances cannot become an accredited engineer after getting his A.B. from Harvard, but he has a broad and solid foundation on which to build his graduate training.

Basic to applied science, of course, is a thorough training in physics. And basic to physics is a firm foundation in mathematics. Therefore mathematics through 105a is required of honors candidates, while non honors men can stop with 2b.

Mathematical ability in the surest portent of success in engineering or physics, and any sign of a failure to comprehend at a lower level is a good indication of future great difficulty, if not utter failure, on more advanced levels. For this reason, good grades in mathematics 1 or 2 or in Physics 12 should serve as a warning not to be considerely lightly.

Three semesters of Physics 12 are required for both honors and non-honors men. If a student elects to take Physics 1, he must take two semesters of Physics 12 without the lab to count as one half course. In addition, Chemistry 1 or 2 is required of all concentrators.

Wide Latitude

Here the fixed requirements end for non-honors candidates. They have a choice of six more half courses from the list of those open to honors candidates to fulfill concentration demands.

Honors candidates must take Applied Science 90, a half course in drafting and shop technique; Applied Science (or Mathematics) 104a and 104b, mechanics; and Applied Science (or Physics) 131 and 132, half courses in direct current and alternating current electricity; and four more half courses selected from a long list.

Applied Science 90 is different in approach than similar courses in other schools. Instructors realize that Harvard engineers will rarely need to actually draft themselves; therefore the major emphasis in the course is on blueprint reading and interpretation as well as how things are actually fabricated in the shop.

If the concentrator's interest lies mainly in electronics or electrical engineering, he can round out his requirements in these areas. On the other hand, mechanical engineering or civil engineering can be started with courses in thermodynamics, strength of materials, and advanced mechanics.

Not to be overlooked are the many graduate courses open to qualified undergraduates. Harvard leads the world in many aspects of electronics, sanitary engineering, and soil mechanics. But as Dean John H. Van Vleck says, "the undergraduate years are the time to look around, to broaden oneself, to take advantage of the many opportunities here at Harvard. The graduate years are when extreme specialization should start."

Architectural Sciences