Mechanical Engineering (M E) - (ARCHIVE)

PROFESSOR RICHARD C. BENSON, Head, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is the science of understanding, and art of design of mechanisms and engines. Mechanisms are devices composed of solid, fluid, electrical, and optical components that perform specified tasks. Examples include: robots, tape drives, earth movers, clocks, sports equipment, energy-absorbing bumpers, acoustic sensors, low-friction bearings, high-friction brakes, automated inspection equipment, satellite positioners, and artificial hips. Engines are devices that convert (or conserve) thermal and mechanical energy to perform specified tasks. Examples include: internal combusion engines, jet engines, missile launchers, heat exchangers, refrigerators, ovens, ventilators, pumps, turbines, solar heaters, compressors, hydraulic actuators, insulation and explosively deployed air bags.

The Mechanical Engineering program prepares students for a rewarding career in one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Since the industrial revolution, mechanical engineers have found themselves at the forefront of technology development and applications. The curriculum has been designed to fulfill educational objectives consistent with both the theoretical underpinnings of the field and current industry practice. Specifically, upon graduation, our students will:

• Be able to apply fundamentals of mathematics, physics and engineering to mechanical engineering analyses and design involving both mechanical and thermal systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate in a modern, diverse working environment in which they will work in multidisciplinary teams on multidisciplinary problems, communicate effectively and recognize the global, social and ethical contexts of their work.
• Be able to apply their education experience to a wide variety of career paths including industry, advanced engineering study, or professional schools, recognizing that in any career path, continuing education and learning are essential.
• Exhibit the ability to use appropriate information technology for the solution of technological problems, presentations and communication.

The program offers a balance of engineering applications and theory with an emphasis on design from the first year through the industry-based capstone design experience in the senior year. In addition, mechanical engineering student find it easy to incorporate co-operative educational experiences as well as many minors into their program.

For the B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, a minimum of 137 credits is required.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem:1-2)

GENERAL EDUCATION: 45 credits
(21 of these 45 credits are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)
(See description of General Education in front of Bulletin.)

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR:
(Included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

INTERCULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETENCE:
(Included in GENERAL EDUCATION course selection)

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM:
(Included in REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 113 credits
(This includes 21 credits of General Education courses: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GWS courses.)

PRESCRIBED COURSES (88 credits)
CHEM 012 GN(3), 013 GN(3), ED&G 100(3), MATH 140 GQ(4), 141 GQ(4), PHYS 211 GN(4) (Sem: 1-2)
E MCH 011(3)[1], 012(3)[1], 013(3)[1], M E 030(3)[1], MATH 220 GQ(2), 231(2), 251(4), PHYS 212 GN(4), 214 GN(2) (Sem: 3-4)
E E 305(3), E MCH 215(2), ENGL 202C GWS(3), M E 031(3)[1], 033(3)[1], 050(3)[1], 051(3)[1], 054(3)[1], 082(3)[1], 412(3)[1], MATSE 259(3) (Sem: 5-6)
I E 312(3), M E 440(3)[1], STAT 401(3) (Sem: 7-8)

ADDITIONAL COURSES (13 credits)
Select 1 credit of First-Year Seminar (Sem: 1-2)
CMPSC 201C GQ(3) or 201F GQ(3) (Sem: 3-4)
ECON 002 GS(3), 004 GS(3), or 014 GS(3) (Sem: 1-2)
M E 414W(4) or 415W(4) (Sem: 5-8)
Select 2 credits from M E 083(1), 084(1), 085(1), 086(1) (Sem: 7-8)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (12 credits)[33]
Select 12 credits of 400-level courses from department list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.) (Sem: 5-6)

[1] A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better, as specified in Senate Policy 82-44.
[33] These courses may have to be chosen so that the engineering design or engineering science requirements for the major are met.

Last Revised by the Department: Summer Session 2000

Blue Sheet Item #: 28-06-048G

Review Date: 3/14/00