Mechanical engineers create the products that you use every day. Our work enhances cars, energy systems, medical devices, nuclear power and other equipment upon which our society depends. Our labs develop blast-resistant materials, innovative medical diagnostic tools and new alloy materials.
Department Mission Statement. Provide high quality undergraduate and graduate education that will prepare graduates for successful careers in mechanical, industrial and systems engineering and related fields. Conduct high quality research that supports our educational goals, state and national needs, and advances the state of knowledge in our fields of study. Provide professional expertise, service and outreach to local and national industries and agencies.
Program Educational Objectives.
Three to five years after graduation from the B.S. in mechanical engineering program, graduates will:
Successfully practice mechanical engineering to serve state, local, national, and international industries and government agencies.
Work professionally in one of the two major stems of mechanical engineering: mechanical and/or thermal systems or related fields.
Achieve personal and professional success with an understanding and appreciation of ethical behavior, social responsibility and diversity, both as individuals and in team environments.
Pursue continued life-long learning through further graduate education, short courses or other training programs in engineering or related fields.
Program Description. The curriculum provides a thorough and well-rounded foundation in basic science, mathematics, engineering science, and general education to prepare the graduate for a professional engineering career. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for graduate school. The program is strong in providing a background in design, solid and fluid mechanics, systems engineering, and the thermal sciences, including energy and energy transfer. Computer applications are stressed throughout the curriculum. All undergraduates are invited and encouraged to join the student section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which sponsors industrial plant visits, special lectures, and other activities. Students may also join chapters of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
The work in the first two years consists of basic courses in science (math, physics, chemistry), applied science (mechanics, electricity and magnetism, basic computer literacy and computer-aided problem solving), manufacturing processes, and general education requirements (humanities, social sciences, English communication). Two introductory engineering courses are included in the freshman year.
The junior year concentrates on fundamental mechanical engineering courses (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, systems engineering, engineering analysis, heat transfer), materials sciences, and design of machines. Further general education studies are also covered.
The senior year includes the capstone design sequence, mechanical engineering experimentation, and a wide variety of professional electives such as mechanical control systems, advanced fluid mechanics, advanced mechanics of materials, mechatronics, internal combustion engines, applied energy conversion, tribology, product design for manufacture, air conditioning, heating and ventilation, vibrations, finite element method, and experimental stress analysis. The program also includes two laboratory courses in the junior and senior years.