Mechanical engineering is the art and science of the design and synthesis of mechanical components and systems. The activity of mechanical engineers extends from investigation of physical phenomena governing the behavior of our surroundings and of technical and societal processes to the manufacture and evaluation of products.
The technical domain of the mechanical engineering profession encompasses topic areas including:
acoustics
aeronautics
astronautics
automatic control
bioengineering
combustion
cryogenics
design
dynamics
energy conversion
engines
environment
heat transfer
lubrication
mass transfer
manufacturing
materials processing
mechanics of solids and fluids
mechanisms
petroleum
ocean engineering
plasma dynamics
propulsion
surface-waves phenomena
thermodynamics
vibration
wave propagation
Students may also participate in group design projects or research projects as part of their program.
Undergraduate Program
During the first two years of the undergraduate program, coursework emphasizes mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing, materials, statics and graphics — much of this in common with the other engineering curricula. In the last two years, the emphasis is on mechanics of solids and fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer manufacturing, design and controls; instrumentation, experimentation and system synthesis.
The requisite laboratory course in the senior year is the cornerstone of the curriculum. Students may also participate in group design projects or research projects as part of their program.
See the Undergraduate Study section for more details.
Graduate Study
Increasing demands for technical competence in engineering make it advisable for many students to continue their studies for an advanced degree.
The department offers a complete program of graduate study and research in both traditional and innovative areas within mechanical engineering. It also participates in several interdisciplinary programs including bioengineering and environmental engineering.
Specific areas for concentration include:
Bioengineering
Computer Mechanics
Dynamics and Controls
Environmental Engineering
Fluid and Solid Mechanics
Manufacturing Processes
Materials and Design
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
Ocean Engineering
Thermosciences
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