Mechanical Engineering

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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.

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) — B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering.

Undergraduate Major

Bachelor of Sciences in the 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 Objectives

The Bachelor of Sciences in Engineering — Mechanical Engineering program has several objectives:

1. Provide mechanical engineering graduates with technical capabilities.
2. Prepare mechanical engineering graduates to have effective work-place skills.
3. Instill a sense of responsibility as a professional member of society.

Program Outcomes

1. Provide mechanical engineering graduates with technical capabilities. The objective outcomes are:
   1. Fundamental knowledge of state-of-the-art and evolving areas associated with the mechanical engineering field.
   2. Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and utilize statistical methods.
   3. Ability to solve open-ended design problems.
   4. Ability to use modern computational techniques to solve engineering problems.
   5. Ability to mathematically model and analyze engineering systems.
2. Prepare the mechanical engineering graduates to have effective workplace skills. The objective outcomes are:
   1. Oral and written presentation of technical information.
   2. Introductory knowledge of economics.
   3. Working on a multi-disciplinary team with peers.
   4. Motivation to pursue lifelong learning.
3. Instilling a sense of responsibility as a professional member of society. The objective outcomes are:
   1. Commitment to professional and ethical behavior in the workplace.
   2. Awareness of world affairs and cultures.
   3. Recognition of the impact of engineering on local and global societies.
   4. Seeking professional licensure.

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, 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. Students who fail to pass the exam are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Discipline Specific Mechanical Engineering Examination a second time.

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