Program Educational Objectives

This program provides intensive study at the undergraduate level in the field of mechanical engineering. A healthy mix of theory, experiment and design informs the curriculum. Design is introduced early in the curriculum, and all graduates are expected to be broadly enough educated to complete capstone senior design courses in two distinct areas of mechanical engineering. Extensive laboratory involvement inculcates valuable insights into experimental methods and, in some cases, original research. Through a suitable choice of technical electives (decided on in consultation with a mechanical engineering faculty adviser) students have the opportunity to develop a greater in-depth knowledge of a major branch of mechanical engineering (aerospace, solid mechanics, controls, or thermal/fluids). In addition, the program provides a strong foundation in the engineering sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts.

The primary goal of the program is to provide the preparation necessary for graduates to have successful and productive careers in mechanical engineering and related fields, and to have the requisite academic background should they proceed to advanced graduate study in engineering or other professional fields. This educational goal includes the kindling of a desire to continue learning beyond the completion of formal education, and an ability to utilize engineering skills in non-traditional occupations. The eleven generic indicators of achievement listed under Department of Engineering objectives apply specifically to mechanical engineering graduates, as a measure of the program’s effectiveness in meeting its stated objectives.

In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed. ENGL 1 & 2 or placement examination*; 18 hours in humanities or social science electives**; 3 hours in literature or literature in translation; the literature course must be chosen from distribution courses in CLL, ENGL, FRLT, JW ST, LIT or SPLT in the humanities division. The 18 credits of social science and humanities electives must include SPCM 1 or 7, one distribution course in behavioral social sciences, one distribution course in history and philosophy in social sciences and TPP 112. Students transferring in with previous social science/humanities credits may use them in place of distribution requirements in the same category as the transferred credits.

MATH 19, 20, 29, 131, 143 and 144 or 147 or CSC 185; PHYS  11A, 11B, 12A; CHEM 3A, 3B; ENGG 1, 9A (full-time student only), 10, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 34, 35, 100, 113, 114, 115, 139, 141, 142, any two of 143D, 143E, 143F; 149, 160A, 163, 169, 170; 12 hours in technical electives.†

Course selection is made in conference and with the approval of a faculty adviser.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 133

Suggested Four-Year Sequence - Total Hours: 133

Part-time Students - Semester Hours: 131

Part-time students follow the same curriculum as listed under the full-time program of study, with the exception of ENGG 9A. Candidates for graduation must fulfill all requirements listed under the individual program. The B.S. Specialization in Mechanical Engineering requires 131 semester hours of parttime study.

Footnotes

* If this requirement is fulfilled by passing the placement examination, 6 semester hours in the humanities or social sciences should be taken with adviser’s approval.

** With adviser’s approval. Courses may not be taken on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.

† Mechanical engineering majors will choose four technical electives from the following list of courses: ENGG 32A, 36, 116, 119, 129, 130, 131, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 145, 146, 174, 179. Course selection made with approval of a faculty adviser.