Mechanical Engineering

The curriculum begins with the study of chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and general engineering courses. As the students progress, they are able to undertake advanced analysis, design, and laboratory courses related to mechanical and thermal systems. One-fourth of the program is in the humanities and social sciences, which broaden the students' education and assist in developing communication and leadership skills.

An option in nuclear engineering, including up to three nuclear engineering courses, is offered to undergraduate mechanical engineering students.

With the changing environment in industry and education, increasing pressure is being placed on academic institutions to properly prepare students for the future workplace. Students need relevant experiences to be competitive in the changing industrial and business environment. As indicated by discussions with recruiters and industry leaders, graduating students are now expected to have some practical and/or unique experience that they will be able to apply in an industry in the near term. These experiences may come from either laboratory work at the University or from a co-operative education (co-op) program.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering implemented a co-op program in 1996, and are currently placing students with more than 30 industries. Thus far, approximately 20 students have been placed. This four and one-half year program includes one extended stay (summer plus semester) in industry, with one or two more summers possible. Requirements include third year academic standing and a grade point average of at least 2.5. Participation is optional and non-credit. The advantages of a co-op program for the student are that it builds self confidence, helps define career goals, assists with course selection, provides senior thesis material through industrial projects, eases transition to the industrial world, enhances marketability when seeking future employment, and provides income (wages are typically two-thirds of the salaries earned by B.S.M.E. or B.S.A.E.). Details of the program can be obtained from the school or department.

Minor   Five mechanical engineering courses (15 credits minimum), passed with a minimum grade of C, may be selected from a large list of third- and fourth-year courses The program of study for the minor must have a theme, and must be submitted to the MANE undergraduate study committee. There are three options: general mechanical engineering, thermal fluid systems, or dynamics, controls, and design. Some possible minor sequences are: general mechanical engineering: ME 242, ME 302, ME 323, ME 329, ME 346, or ME 302, ME 323, ME 329, ME 339, ME 346; thermal fluid systems: ME 302, ME 323, ME 329, ME 431, ME 432, or ME 302, ME 323, ME 329, ME 414, ME 433; dynamics, controls, and design: ME 242, ME 339, ME 346, ME 447, ME 487, or ME 242, ME 339, ME 346, ME 443, ME 445.

Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

[1]One general education elective may be replaced by an approved unrestricted elective.

[2]AE 305 may be substituted for ME 302.

[3]The sixth-semester general education elective and an eighth-semester technical elective may be interchanged.

[4]A year-long design sequence ME 431/ME 432 or ME 447/ME 448 is required as a design elective in the fourth year. Co-op students must select a minimum of two of the fourth-year design courses from among ME 431, ME 432, ME 447 and ME 448.

[5]Students may elect to take ME 484/ME 485 if they wish to undertake independent study in a selected technical area. The combination (484/485) can be used as a technical elective.

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