The realm of mechanical engineering is so extensive that training must be broad and basic, providing grounding in fundamentals which an engineer requires in order to gain competence in any specialized field. In view of this, the mechanical engineering curriculum includes ample foundation courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and design graphics. These are followed by courses in energy conversion, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics and strength of materials, metallurgy, design, computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The opportunity to further explore a particular area of interest is provided by additional elective courses in the senior year.
The laboratories of the department are provided with modern equipment for undergraduate instruction in the following areas: instrumentation and measurements, fuels and lubricants, materials and metallurgy, thermodynamics and heat power, vibration, design, and acoustics, strength of materials, design, CAD/CAM, control systems and manufacturing.
Several industry and professional society sponsored scholarships and internships are available to upper division mechanical engineering students. Further information is available in the department office.
Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material-handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.