Undergraduate Programs

Two Major Streams of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical systems (structural analysis, dynamics, and control), and Materials Processing are concerned with the design, analysis, testing, and manufacture of machinery, vehicles, devices, and systems. Particular areas of concentration are mechanical systems, vehicle engineering, biomechanics, and materials processing and precision engineering. Other topics covered are computer aided design, vibrations and control systems, and dynamics.

Fluids, energy, and heat-transfer systems are concerned with the experimental and theoretical aspects of fluid flow and heat transfer; the sciences of thermodynamics and combustion; and the analysis and design of related systems. Specific areas of concentration include fluids/aerospace engineering; thermal systems engineering; and vehicle engineering.

Technical Portion of Undergraduate Program

Terms 1-4: Required mathematics and science

The required mathematics and science courses are described in the Common Curriculum for the College of Engineering (see the Course Catalog or the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook).

Terms 3 & 4: Fundamental engineering science

Engineering science courses are taken during the sophomore year. All students who plan to enter the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Program take ENGRD 2020 as an engineering distribution course during Term 3. It is strongly recommended that students take ENGRD 2210 in term 3.  ENGRD 2210 is a major requirement which may also satisfy Common Curriculum requirements as an engineering distribution course. Students considering affiliation with another major, in addition to ME, usually take the required engineering distribution course for that major in Term 3, rather than ENGRD 2210. In such cases students may delay ENGRD 2210 until the Summer (if offered) or the following term this course is offered.

Terms 4-7: Required courses in Mechanical Engineering

Throughout the program, students are required to take courses that emphasize the engineering design aspects of Mechanical Engineering. These courses include Introduction to Engineering (taken as a first-year student), MAE 2030 Dynamics (taken during the sophomore year), MAE 2250 Introduction to Mechanical Design (taken during the sophomore year), MAE 4300 Engineers and Society (taken as a senior), and the required Senior Design elective. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, ENGRI 1170, is not required to affiliate into Mechanical Engineering.

Terms 7 & 8: Upper level electives in Mechanical Engineering

The required upper level courses include MAE 3230, 3240, 3260, 3270, 4272, and MAE 4300 and Supervised Senior Design Experience. The upper level program also includes a large number of electives (five Major Program Approved Electives and two Advisor Approved Electives) that can be used to build a program with particular emphasis for individual students.