Robotics, B.S.

Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science in Robotics degree program is envisioned as an interdisciplinary major that prepares the students for work and advanced study in Robotics. 

Program distinctives will include:

  1. Interdisciplinary program (Computer Science and Engineering) focusing on an AI approach to Robotics.
  2. Equips the students with the breadth and depth of training required by the growing professional Robotics field.
  3. Christ-centered approach to the profession.

The backbone of the program is existing courses from Math, Computer Science, Chemistry and Physics plus Engineering  that provide students with real world applications of computation, sensing, and actuation, as well as a solid foundation of understanding, programming, design, and implementation of robotic systems. In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Robotics provides students with foundational knowledge of Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics/Engineering. The program is intended to operate in partnership with the B.S. Engineering program.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Robotics, students will be able to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, computing, science, mathematics, robotics and automation (ULO 1).
  2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors (ULO 1).
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences (ULO 2).
  4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering, computing, robotics and automation practice and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts (ULO 3).
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives (ULO 2).
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions (ULO 1).
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies (ULO 1).
  8. Summarize the key issues in science and faith and recognize the harmony possible while studying God's creation (ULO 2, 3).

Each Program Learning Objective (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

In addition, PLOs 1-7 reference ABET student learning objectives, which may be found in the Accreditation Criteria & Supporting Documents section of ABET's website.

Program Educational Objectives 

The Bachelor of Science in Robotics program provides students with a general robotics, computing and engineering background to tackle design problems and demands. In keeping with Biola University's mission, this program provides students with an experience that equips them with the following:

  1. Diverse Knowledge: Graduates will be able to apply interdisciplinary skills to solve problems that impact society. 
  2. Continuous Growth: Graduates will be equipped with skills associated with lifelong learning. 
  3. Professional Development: Graduates will be prepared to navigate a diverse and changing job market.

Admission Recommendations

Recommended high school courses: Pre-calculus or above and Physics.

GPA Requirement

To continue in the program, a student is required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their first year of computer science, physics, math, and engineering courses taken at Biola. These courses may include: MATH 150, MATH 151, CSCI 105, CSCI 106, ENGR 122, PHSC 132, PHSC 134, PHSC 233, and PHSC 237.

A minimum grade of a "C" is required in all B.S. Robotics major courses taken at Biola. Anyone receiving a lower grade must repeat the course with a higher grade to receive credit for the course.

Curriculum Requirements

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Robotics majors meet the Core Curriculum requirement of 6 credits of science and mathematics.
The Bible requirement is 18 credits: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 260, and BBST 365.
The foreign language requirement is met by two years in high school or 4 credits of college foreign language.
Robotics majors are required to take ENGL 313 Writing in the Disciplines: Science and Engineering.
The following courses are strongly recommended: ARTS 111, PHIL 215, and ENGL 230 Topic: Dystopian Literature.
Program Courses
Math and Science Required Courses
MATH 150Calculus I4
MATH 151Calculus II4
MATH 203Discrete Structures3
MATH 250Calculus III4
MATH 320Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists3
MATH 334Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
PHSC 132General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat3
PHSC 134General Physics I Laboratory1
PHSC 233General Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism3
PHSC 237General Physics II Laboratory1
Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Required Courses
CSCI 105Introduction to Computer Science3
CSCI 106Data Structures3
CSCI 400Theory of Algorithms3
ENGR 122Introduction to Engineering Lab1
ENGR 212Engineering Economics3
ENGR 360Mechatronics3
ENGR 370Computer Aided Engineering Design3
ENGR 470Senior Design Capstone3
ROBO 320Robot Modeling and Dynamics3
ROBO 322Embedded Systems3
ROBO 410Artificial Intelligence3
ROBO 420Programming of Autonomous Mobile Robots3
ROBO 430Control Systems3
ROBO 471Robotics Capstone3
Computer Science/Engineering/Robotics Electives - Select 9 credits from the courses listed below. 9
Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
Programming Languages
Programming for Data Science I
Programming for Data Science II 1
Operating Systems 1
User Interface Design and Programming
Computer Communications 1
Topics in Computer Science 1
Statics
Circuits and Instrumentation I
Special Topics in Engineering
Engineering Capstone
Directed Research in Engineering
Special Topics in Robotics
Internship in Robotics 2
Directed Research
General Elective - Select 3 credits from the list of CSCI/ENGR/ROBO electives or the list below.3
Numerical Analysis
Operations Research
Mathematical Methods in Physics
Complex Variables
Classical Mechanics
Program Course Requirements: 82 credits
Core Curriculum Requirements 349
Total Credits131
1

Prerequisite course(s), which may be counted as an elective for Robotics, must be taken prior to taking this course.

2

A maximum of 6 credits is allowed for ROBO 480.

3

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Robotics, B.S.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653CSCI 1063
ARTS 111 (strongly recommended; fulfills Core Curriculum Fine Arts)3ENGL 100 or 1123
CSCI 1053ENGR 1221
GNST 1021MATH 1514
KNES 1071PHSC 1323
MATH 1504PHSC 1341
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 209 or 2103
MATH 2033ENGR 2123
MATH 2504MATH 3344
PHSC 2333PHIL 215 (strongly recommended; fulfills Core Curriculum Philosophy)3
PHSC 2371ROBO 3223
Communication (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 2603
CSCI 4003ENGL 313 (Science and Engineering)3
ENGR 3603ENGR 3703
MATH 3203ROBO 4203
ROBO 3203Major Elective3
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
 18 19
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653ENGL 230 (Dystopian Literature strongly recommended; fulfills Core Curriculum Literature)3
ENGR 4703ROBO 4303
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253ROBO 4713
ROBO 4103Major Elective3
Major Elective3Major Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 131

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Robotics, B.S.

For students who enroll in more than 18 semester credits, please note the additional cost per credit in the catalog's Financial Information section.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
CSCI 1053ENGR 1221
GNST 1021MATH 1514
KNES 1071PHSC 1323
MATH 1504PHSC 1341
 KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
 17 18
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
MATH 2033CSCI 1063
MATH 2504MATH 3344
PHSC 2333ROBO 3223
PHSC 2371 
 19 18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
CSCI 4003ENGL 313 (Science & Engineering)3
ENGR 3603ENGR 2123
MATH 3203ENGR 3703
ROBO 3203ROBO 4203
 18 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
ENGR 4703ROBO 4303
ROBO 4103ROBO 4713
Major Elective3Major Elective3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4Major Elective3
 Major Elective3
 17 19
Total Credits 144

Note: If two years of the same foreign language were not taken in high school, four credits at the college level will be required for graduation.