School of Engineering Science > Undergraduate Students > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the program requirements and policies?

It is critical that all undergraduate students check this page as the requirements and policies outlined in the linked pages are essential to your program. Please check them before send your question to Undergraduate Program Assistant.

How do I choose which engineering option to go into?

The options do not "fill up" or restrict entry to existing engineering students; any option is open to any engineering student. All courses are identical for the first two years of courses, regardless of intended option. At the end of the second year, students are asked to select and register an option in which to continue their studies. Please consult the school calendar on more updated information about the industries to which each option leads. To register in your option contact the Undergraduate Program Assistant at enscugra@sfu.ca.

How do I register for admission to this program?

Refer to the admissions page for the latest admission procedure information. Please take special note that students must apply to Simon Fraser University and to SFU Engineering Science individually. Admission into SFU does not guarantee entry to the Engineering Science Program.

How long does the program normally take?

Based on the suggested curriculum schedule, the program requires 4 2/3years, or 8 semesters of study and 2 semesters for thesis completion. Most students, however, opt for lighter course loads, which lengthens the total academic time before graduation. Extended work terms in the earlier stages of the program will also extend this time.

How many students are admitted each Fall?

About 250 (Surrey and Burnaby combined). Transfer students are also accepted on a limited basis in Spring and Summer semesters.

How many students are there in the program?

The current student population (Surrey and Burnaby Engineering combined) is approximately 1000.

I'm a science student, how do I transfer to engineering?

Students transferring from other majors/programs in Simon Fraser University should be in strong academic standing, and must apply to the School of Engineering Science for admission. See admissions requirements and procedures.

What are the grade requirements for each option?

Once a student has been admitted to the Engineering program they are free to choose whichever option she/he pleases, without barriers to entry. Engineering Physics and Biomedical Engineering, however, are honors only and require a minimum 3.0 CGPA.

What is the atmosphere for women in engineering at SFU?

The number of female engineering students has been increasing each year, the atmosphere is positive, and extensive effort is made to ensure that this remains true. We strictly enforce a "zero tolerance" policy towards discrimination of any kind.

What options are available for students?

Students select from five specialized options in their third academic year:

What will be the size of my classes?

Class sizes for first-year engineering courses are usually the size of the admitted first-year population. However, the average class size diminishes as upper level courses approach and students are divided into their chosen options.

How do I get involved with the Engineering Club? What are some things to do when bored and in between classes?

There are always events happening in and around the ESSS (Engineering Science Student Society), so help and participation is much appreciated! Ongoing projects, such as our newsletter Enscquire and the EUSSS Yearbook, continually seek the time and efforts of volunteers who can spare some extra hands for tasks. Whether you are in between classes, are bored out of your tree, or are simply procrastinating, that surplus energy can be put to good use! For more projects, contact the ESSS by phone at 1.778.782.4371, or visit the website and contact the current president.

Is there a guide that lists courses, different profs who teach them, and rates them on how well they taught the course?

No such list exists. Our students have a close working relationship with the professors and members of faculty. For comments on student preferences (ie. easy/hard, good/bad), this sort of information is usually passed by word of mouth and unofficially. Students may not find the "rating" to be accurate anyway, since this is based largely on personal preference for teaching styles.

What is the deadline for applications?

The application deadline for the Fall semester is April 30. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible.

What distinguishes SFU Engineering from other engineering programs?

Among other benefits, students in SFU Engineering enjoy the environment of a smaller school, a higher faculty-student ratio, and much closer working relationships with faculty members. In addition, many of our faculty members are active contributors to leading edge research in specialized topics, or have close industry ties. Mandatory co-op is also a big part of our program. Many of our students acquire full time work upon completion of their degree with a company where they did a co-op work term.

Which computing facilities are available to engineering students?

While students may find it beneficial to purchase their own computer at home, the university has several computing facilities available. For details on locations and hours of operations, visit the IT Services website http://www.sfu.ca/itservices.html.

In addition to IT Services provided computing facilities, Engineering Science also has a laboratory computing network. The network is for engineering student access only, and are located throughout the Engineering Science labs. The Engineering computers are equipped with various Engineering educational specific peripherals and applications, including (not limited to) Solidworks, Matlab, Comsol, Opnet, Cadence, Synopsys, LabView, MSDNAA packages, etc. For more detailed information and support, please email ensc-help@sfu.ca.

Who do I contact about getting more information?

For more detailed information on admissions issues, please visit our admissions section. Regarding co-op questions, please visit the Co-op section of our website. Contact information for people who can help you with your questions is available in those respective sections.

Why course schedule on the student information system is sometimes different than the full course schedule sent from undergraduate program assistant?

The set up of courses on the Student Information Management System (SIMS) takes place two semesters prior to the semester in which the courses are taken by students.  You may be able to see these courses as they are being entered via the Student Information System (SIS).  Please note that none of the ENSC courses you see on SIS for future semesters are final until you receive the full course schedule for that semester by email from the Undergraduate Program Assistant.  Once you receive the schedule, if you see what you think may be a major problem for a number of students, please inform your UCC student representative.  He/she should then contact the Undergraduate Program Assistant giving the course number, the nature of the problem and the number of students affected.

I have a medical/dental plan already, What if I do not require coverage?

All students are automatically enrolled in an extended medical/dental plan and fees are charged along with tuition. There are limited opportunities to opt out of the plan if you do not require coverage. For further information or to opt out please go to the Plan website (or contact Plan administrators directly at 1.866.369.8795) as the ENSC staff are unable to deal with your enquiries.

I’m having trouble enrolling in ENSC 204.

ENSC 204 is restricted to engineering students who have declared their option.  If you are experiencing difficulty enrolling, please email the Undergraduate Program Assistant and declare your option.

I missed my final exam because I was sick, what do I do now?

Please see the SFU examination policy in the current calendar.

Search Engineering Science