To emphasize the inter-connected nature of the curriculum, and the necessity of taking courses in the order that your program has been arranged, a "Prerequisite Tree Diagram" is shown. The vertical "stem" of this diagram lists all the mechanical engineering required math, science, and engineering courses by semester. The "branches" to the left of the main stem give the prerequisites for each course listed, while the "branches" to the right display those courses for which the listed course is itself a prerequisite. Before deciding to avoid or drop a course you should consult this diagram and, together with your advisor, formulate a plan of action so as to prevent problems later on in your studies.