Mechanical Engineering Department

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Mechanical engineering is a diverse and flexible engineering discipline. Mechanical engineers work in number of fields including design of machinery, controls, vibrations and acoustics, power generation, renewable energy, energy conservation, fluid flow and heat transfer applications, and air-conditioning. The program synthesizes math, science, engineering science, and engineering design. The program provides electives in several general areas, including thermal-sciences, mechanical design and manufacturing, robotics and automation, mechanical and environmental systems, nuclear engineering, aerospace engineering, and bioengineering. Students begin the practice of design in their freshman year and integrate it throughout their programs which culminate in a team-oriented capstone design project in the senior year. The program is geared to prepare students for the lifelong practice of mechanical engineering and for immediate entry to positions in industry or further studies in graduate schools. The department also offers the Integrated B.S.-M.S. program for qualified undergraduate students.

Mission

It is the mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering to prepare students for the lifelong practice of mechanical engineering and related engineering disciplines. This includes preparation for immediate entry into positions in industry or for further study in graduate school.

In addition, the department sustains an outstanding academic program, motivating the faculty to attain excellence in research by acquiring external funding and by incorporating students into their research programs.

Accredited by the:

Institution - Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, www.nwccu.org
Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org

Undergraduate Major

Bachelor of Sciences in Engineering — Mechanical Engineering

Program Goals

The goals of Bachelor of Sciences in the Engineering — Mechanical Engineering program are to:

• Prepare graduates for the lifelong learning of mechanical engineering.
• Provide graduates with solid academic preparation for professional positions and/or graduate study.

Program Educational Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Program has the following program educational objectives:

• Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of employers of Mechanical Engineers
• Qualified graduates will pursue advanced study if desired
• Graduates will pursue leadership positions in their profession and/or communities

Student Outcomes

The Mechanical Engineering Faculty has adopted the engineering criteria (a) through (k) student outcomes, namely:

• (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
• (d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
• (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• (g) an ability to communicate effectively
• (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
• (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
• (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
• (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Admission to the Major

Minimum: GPA 2.50
Admission and transfer policies are described in the College of Engineering section.

Department Policies

1. Grade of C (2.00) or higher must be earned in each engineering course (ME, CEE, EE, EGG) for graduation.
2. Grades of C (2.00) or higher are required in all immediate prerequisites of all engineering, science, construction management, and computer science courses and in ENG 101 and 102.
3. An overall 2.3 GPA and 2.5 GPA in engineering courses is required for probation, transfer, and graduation.
4. Students must satisfy prerequisite and corequisite course requirements as specified in the current Undergraduate Catalog.
5. Students must be admitted to advanced standing prior to registering for upper-division courses in the College of Engineering.
6. All mechanical engineering students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Discipline Specific Mechanical Engineering Examination as a graduation requirement.

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