Technical Communication Certificate
Certificate in Japanese Studies for Engineering Majors
Engineering Professional Development Courses
The Technical Communication Certificate (TCC), offered by the Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD), complements all undergraduate degrees. The TCC curriculum helps students gain a broad range of skills in these areas:
The technical communication certificate has established itself as a program that meets industry and government agencies' demands for students with skills as communicators and for communication specialists. Because employers value well-developed communication skills, TCC courses will enhance success in co-op/intern positions and post-graduation careers. The more than three hundred TCC graduates overwhelmingly confirm not only that the certificate gave them an edge over other candidates during the recruitment process, but also that the communication knowledge, skills, and attitudes they acquired while in the program helped them succeed in their jobs and helped prepare them for the communication and management tasks in today's multifunctional team environments. While the certificate is designed especially for engineering students, students from other fields, as well as graduate students, seek out the program. Students who complete the certificate will have the notation "Technical Communication Certificate" added to their transcripts.
To graduate with the certificate in technical communication, students must complete at least 24 credits, with a minimum of 9 credits in technical proficiency courses and a minimum of 15 credits in technical communication courses. In addition to course requirements, students must achieve a 3.5 average in EPD technical communication courses and complete the program within five years from their application date. Students must meet regularly with the certificate advisor and must compile and submit a portfolio of their work for the internship course. Students cannot count courses completed on a pass/fail basis toward the certificate.
Aside from the relevant courses offered in the TCC, students especially value the close contact with faculty through advising, independent study projects, and collaboration. Students in the program often take on leadership roles in other college or campuswide student organizations and projects, further developing their communication, team, and management skills.
The TCC Program admits students who have already completed the following prerequisites:
English/Speech first year communication course or equivalent (General Communication, Part A)
Four courses (12-credit minimum) in science and/or engineering, including at least one intermediate-level (minimum 200-level) course.
Three courses (9-credit minimum) in liberal studies including a foreign language.
To apply, students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a grade of at least a B in the General Communication Part A course
Minimum of one course each from three areas:
1. Mathematics/Statistics. 200-level or above from a list of approved courses
2. Computer Science (110, 302, 310) or equivalent approved courses (including MS&E 271 and 371)
3. Management/Economics/Business. From a list of approved courses
1. Required EPD Courses (4 credits)
EPD 397 Technical Communication, 3 cr
EPD 497 Technical Editing, 1 cr
Graduate students can substitute EPD 597 (Professional Communication) for EPD 397
2. Technical Communication Internship, required, (1 credit)
EPD 398 Technical Communication Internship. This course can be repeated for an additional credit, which will count toward elective courses in technical communication from EPD. Also, this course can be substituted with a special project completed as an Independent Study course.
3. Elective Courses in Technical Communication from EPD (7 cr minimum)
EPD 151 Technical Information Resources, 1 cr
EPD 265 Teams in the Engineering Profession, 1 cr
EPD 275 Technical Presentations, 2 cr
EPD 374 Intermediate Technical Japanese, 3 cr
EPD 392 User Manuals and Software Documentation, 2 cr
EPD 395 Computer-Assisted Publishing, 3 cr
EPD 690-1 Special Topics: Wisconsin Engineer Magazine, 1 cr (up to 2 cr count toward elective courses in technical communication from EPD)
EPD 690-2 Special Topics: Web Design: Theory and Application, 3 cr
EPD 690-3 Special Topics: Social and Ethical Impacts of Technology, 1-2 cr. EPD 690-3 Dean's Leadership Council, 1 cr
Additional Courses: Independent Study courses in technical communication (EPD 399, 499)
From a list of approved courses.
EPICS courses: Students who take 3 semesters of EPICS courses can count 2 of these credits toward the TCC. Students who take 2 semesters of EPICS courses with a total of at least 3 credits can count 1 credit toward the TCC.
For further information and applications contact the Department of Engineering Professional Development, Room M1050, Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-2472; fax 608/265-4734; tc@engr.wisc.edu; www.engr.wisc.edu/epd/tc/.
Japanese has become an important language in engineering and in business. In all major industrial fields Japanese technology is regarded as world class. An increasing number of American companies are establishing technical operations in Japan. These companies need engineers who can read and communicate in both English and Japanese. To meet this need, the College of Engineering offers a sequence of courses leading to a Certificate in Japanese Studies. This option is recommended for students who seek a balance among comprehension of technical Japanese, the ability to use Japanese in daily life, and an understanding of Japanese culture.
In order to receive this certificate a student must complete a minimum of 27 credits.
E Asian 103 First Semester Japanese, 6 cr
E Asian 104 Second Semester Japanese, 6 cr
E Asian 203 Third Semester Japanese, 6 cr
Elective in Japanese politics, history, or literature, 3 cr
EPD 374 Intermediate Technical Japanese I, 3 cr
EPD 375 Intermediate Technical Japanese II, 3 cr
For more information contact Professor James L. Davis, Engineering Professional Development, Room M1056D, Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-4810; jdavis@engr.wisc.edu.
151 Technical Information Resources. I, II; 1 cr. Development of information retrieval skills and effective search strategies, focusing on technical information resources appropriate for engineers and scientists. Selection and use of electronic bibliographic databases, indexes and abstracts, patents and government information, library catalogs, and computer networks will be integral to individual and team projects. P: Open to Fr.
155 Basic Communication. I, II; 2 cr (a-E). Emphasis on writing and critical reading. Planning, preparing, and revising informative and persuasive communication; adapting writing for intended audiences; grammar, usage and style; critical reading of prose models in the sciences and humanities; using information resources; videotaped oral presentations; collaborative writing using computers. P: Open to Fr. Stdts may receive degree cr for only one Com A crse.
199 Freshman Independent Study. I, II; 1-3 cr (E). P: Open to Fr.
265 Teams and the Engineering Profession. II; 1 cr. The communication strategies necessary for effective teamwork in engineering and science professions is the focus of this project-based course. Project options include international, ethical, and engineering business plan issues. Key communication elements are team structures, interpersonal skills, team theories, application, and evaluation. P: EPD 155 or other crse that satisfies Part A Communication Requirement or EPD 160 or cons inst.
275 Technical Presentations. I, II; 2 cr. This course focuses on the principles and theory of effective oral technical presentations and provides a framework for applying the principles in professional settings common to the engineering profession. The course consists of five parts: 1) preparation, delivery, and evaluation of oral presentation on technical subjects, 2) analysis of professional "real-world" technical presentations, 3) survey of presentation technology, 4) self-analysis including listening and non-verbal skills, and 5) practice of group discussion and interview skills. P: So st.
299 Sophomore Independent Study. I, II; 1-3 cr (I).
305 Basic Chinese Conversation for Professionals I. I; 3 cr (I). Fundamental elements of written and spoken communication in Chinese, primarily in a business context, supported by relevant cultural information.
306 Basic Chinese Conversation for Professionals II. II; 3 cr (A). Continuation of EPD 305. P: EPD 305.
330 Basic Technical Japanese I. (Crosslisted with E Asian) I; 3 cr (E). Introduces the three types of Japanese writing and most grammar necessary for reading technical writing in the sciences. P: Sr or Grad st.
332 Basic Technical Japanese II. (Crosslisted with E Asian) II; 3 cr (D). Completes the grammar necessary for reading technical writing in the sciences. Concludes with individual projects in specialized fields. P: EPD/E Asian 330.
355 Intermediate Business Chinese for Professionals I. I; 3 cr. Professionals will learn the business vocabulary and the patterns of communication they will need in order to conduct business in a Chinese-language environment. Part one of a two-course sequence. P: EPD 306.
356 Intermediate Business Chinese for Professionals II. II; 3 cr. Professionals will learn the business vocabulary and the patterns of communication they will need in order to conduct business in a Chinese-language environment. Part two of a two-course sequence. P: EPD 355.
374 Intermediate Technical Japanese I. (Crosslisted with E Asian) I; 3 cr (E). Fundamentals of Japanese grammar and the most frequent 300 Kanji in the physical sciences; reading, comprehending and translating Japanese scientific texts. P: E Asian 203 or cons inst. Does not satisfy L&S language or major requirement.
375 Intermediate Technical Japanese II. (Crosslisted with E Asian) II; 3 cr (D). Continuation of 374; development of a Kanji frequency list and translation of a technical article. P: EPD/E Asian 374 or cons inst. Does not satisfy L&S language or major requirement.
377 Business Japanese Communication. (Crosslisted with E Asian) Alt yrs.; 3 cr (I). Improvement of oral and written communication skills that are specific to business contexts. Review of essential grammar and honorific expressions for proper styles of communication. Development of the understanding of cultural and geographical factors that influence business practices in Japan. P: E Asian 203-204 or equiv prev lang training (consult instr).
378 Network Skills for Remote Learners. SS; 1 cr. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to be efficient and effective independent learners in a networked environment. The three primary modules for the course include: learning management, information management, and computer skills. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) or the Master of Engineering in Engine Systems (MEES) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci, or approval of instr & MEPP/MEES prgm director.
392 Writing User Manuals and Software Documentation. I or II; 2 cr. An introduction to writing instructions, specifications and documentation to support users of consumer and industrial products including computer software, with emphasis on effective use of graphics and the importance of user-oriented organization. P: EPD 397.
395 Elements of Computer-Assisted Publishing. I or II; 3 cr. This course focuses on concepts of the writing-to-publishing process and computer-assisted publishing. It integrates principles of technical writing and graphic design with the use of microcomputers. Laboratory work includes the design of a technical document. P: EPD 397 or cons inst.
397 Technical Communication. I, II, SS; 3 cr (b-I). Communication for engineering, science, and technology; theory and practice in planning, preparing, and critiquing reports, proposals, instructions, and business correspondence; research strategies, collaborative work; oral presentations. P: Jr st.
398 Technical Communications Internship. I, II; 1 cr (A). Two component course: 1) professional writing experience entailing approximately 80 hours internship with a local corporation, industry, government agency, or educational unit; and 2) one 50 minute class every other week to structure the internship and provide discussion of related issues. P: EPD 397; 6 cr in other communication crses or cons inst.
399 Junior Independent Study. I, II; 1-3 cr (A).
411 Introduction to Business Chinese. (Crosslisted with E Asian) I or II; 3 cr (A). Introduction to business language and practices in contemporary Chinese society. P: 3 yrs Chinese or equiv.
416 Engineering Applications of Statistics. I; 3 cr. Course provides knowledge and skills to apply statistics to many types of engineering problems. Focuses on developing statistically-based experimental techniques and tests for measures of validity, application of computer-based statistical tools, and approaches to distillation of data. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
430 Japanese for Business and Industry. (Crosslisted with E Asian) I; 3 cr (A). Business language and commercial practices in contemporary Japanese society. P: EPD/E Asian 375 or E Asian 304 or cons inst.
470 Engineering Problem Solving with Computers. II; 3 cr. Develops computer-assisted skills necessary for solving complex engineering problems. Uses a series of case studies that develop techniques for solving linear and nonlinear algebraic systems, optimization problems, data approximation problems, and systems of ordinary differential equations. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci, or approval of instr & MEPP prgm director.
497 Technical Editing. I, II; 1 cr. Principles and practices of editing technical and scientific documents. Overview of the editing process; defining the editor's rules and responsibilities, revising at structural and sentence levels, and addressing stylistic conventions of technical fields. Application to technical and scientific documents such as reports, proposals, and user manuals. P: EPD 397 or cons inst.
499 Senior Independent Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (A).
518 Quality Engineering and Quality Management. II; 3 cr. The overall purpose of this course is to enhance the learners' basic business and decision-making skills related to quality systems and process improvement. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
519 Engineering/Business Data Communications. II; 3 cr. This course will provide a fundamental understanding of engineering and business data and relate this understanding to practical issues facing engineering groups today. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
530 Advanced Technical Japanese Seminar. II; 3 cr. Students will read an intermediate/advanced Japanese university textbook in the sciences and view videotaped lectures by Japanese university faculty members in parallel with the content of the textbook. P: EPD/E Asian 413 or cons inst.
611 Engineering Economics and Management. I; 3 cr. This course addresses principles and practices of interpreting financial information and performing engineering-related economic analyses. This course focuses on the practical use of economic information for decision making. The four course modules are: 1) Basic Accounting Concepts; 2) Management Concepts; 3) Pricing and Product Decisions; and 4) Systems. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci or approval of instr & MEPP prgm director.
612 Technical Project Management. I; 3 cr. Learn key principles and tools of project management applicable to a broad range of engineering projects. The course covers techniques for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking, as well as the interface between projects and the organizations within which they are executed. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci, or approval of instr & MEPP prgm director.
613 International Engineering Strategies and Operations. I; 3 cr. Provides a comparative examination and analysis of global trends and regional variations for engineering concepts, standards and practices. Using organizational case studies, the course will describe and analyze multi-national engineering operations and summarize best practices and caveats. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci, or approval of instr & MEPP prgm director.
615 Independent Reading and Research in Applied Engineering. SS; 1 cr. Provides an opportunity to do independent reading and research in an applied engineering topic of student's choice, under the guidance of a UW faculty member. Learn a variety of in-depth research techniques with assistance from Wendt Engineering Library. Present results of research as subsequent MEPP residency session in late August. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice degree program & B.S. in engr or equiv.
617 Communicating Technical Information. II; 3 cr. Develops skills necessary for engineering professionals to communicate technical and managerial information. Covers approaches for communicating to diverse audiences and for action-oriented purposes. Emphasizes communication problem solving and communication efficiency. Includes individual and collaborative projects using oral, written, and electronic media. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree prgm, & B.S. in engr or phy sci, or approval of instr & MEPP prgm director.
621 Engine Design I. I or II; 3 cr. Provides the learners with an academic foundation in the principles of internal combustion engine design. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Engine Systems degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
622 Engine Application Project. 2 cr. The overall purpose of this course is to provide the learners with an understanding of engine applications, customer need assessment, and engineering product planning. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Engine System degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv. EPD 621.
623 Engine Design II. 3 cr. The overall purpose of this course is to provide the learners with an advanced understanding of internal combustion engine design. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Engine Systems degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv. EPD 621 & 622.
624 Engine Performance and Combustion. I; 3 cr. Provides learners with a physically based understanding of combustion, efficiency, and exhaust emission formation and control in internal combustion engines. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Engine System Degree Prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
625 Engine Fluid Dynamics. 3 cr. The overall purpose of this course is to provide the learners with a physically based understanding of fluid dynamics and air handling system design in internal combustion engines. P: Admission to Master of Engineering in Engine Systems degree prgm & B.S. in engr or equiv.
630 Research in Japanese Technical Literature. I, II; 2-3 cr. Graduate students in the sciences and engineering pursue individual projects to explore recent Japanese literature in their research fields. P: EPD 530 or cons inst.
654 Teaching in Science and Engineering. II; 2-3 cr. Introduction to teaching and learning in science and engineering at the college level. Includes exploration of the learning process, teaching methodology, assessment strategies, course design, teaching philosophies, and careers in education, science, and engineering. P: Grad stdt in sci or engr or cons inst.
690 Special Topics in Engineering Professional Development. I, II; 1-3 cr.
699 Independent Study. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr (A).