FAQs

Are TCP courses open to students outside the School of Engineering?

Yes. Although our courses are primarily designed for engineering students, they cover principles and issues which are applicable to a wide range of technical disciplines, including science, medicine, business, economics, and education. We welcome interested students from throughout the university.

Are there any other restrictions on enrollment?

Some of our courses have enrollment caps, sign-up deadlines, pre- or co-requisites, or a requirement of instructor permission. For details, see Explore Courses.

What is the difference between Engr202W and Engr202S, and which should I take?

E202W, Technical Writing, is a regular course, with two class meetings per week, structured around a systematic set of topics. It also includes a conferencing component, structured around the application of class topics to a relatively small independent project. E202S, Special Projects, is a directed writing tutorial consisting solely of weekly individual meetings, structured around an independent project of some scope, e.g., proposal, thesis, journal article, or conference paper. Students seeking a general, systematic acquisition of technical writing skills are advised to take E202W. Students seeking extended tutorial help with a major independent writing project are advised to take E202S, with the caveat that they will usually get more out of E202S if they have already acquired a grounding equivalent to that provided in E202W.

Can undergraduates take Engr202S?

Yes. Although most of the students who enroll in E202S are grads, this directed writing tutorial can also be very useful for undergrads who are working on an honors thesis or other independent writing project.

Can undergraduates take Engr202W?

E202W is a graduate level course, but advanced and highly motivated undergrads may take it with permission of the instructor.

Are Engr102E and Engr102M appropriate for graduate students?

No. E102E and E102M are one-unit courses that—in conjunction with co-requisite departmental courses—satisfy the undergraduate Writing in the Major requirement in EE and ME, respectively. Graduate students should enroll in E202W or E202S.

Are the TCP tutors technical experts?

No. We don't provide feedback on the technical merits of your project. We focus on aspects of communication, e.g., organization, style, grammar, mechanics, document design, delivery, etc.

Can I get help from TCP without enrolling in a course?

Yes. For short-term help with a writing project or a presentation see consulting.