Binomial Rhapsody, a unique design project in the College of Engineering, challenged students to compose music using scientific and mathematical formulas. The challenge is part of ENGR[x], a new academic requirement in which engineering students must participate in a high-impact learning experience and submit a reflection on what they learned.
The Binomial Rhapsody experience gave Aggies like Ritika Bhattacharjee ’22, who is trained in classical piano, voice and Indian classical dance, the opportunity to combine her talent for math with her love for music. She and an ensemble of students composed a classical music piece inspired by Newton’s second law, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration, by converting output from the equation to notes on the western classical chromatic scale.
“I found that music and engineering really do complement each other,” Bhattacharjee said. “Engineers are creative, and our analytical side helps us bring our art to life.”
As the Binomial Rhapsody program continues, Shayla Rivera ’83, professor of practice and director of ENGR[x], hopes to guide engineers in unleashing their creativity. “The best way for students to learn is to let them set their own parameters and be creative in solving problems, which is exactly what this program does,” she said.