1520
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts; 5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives; 6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; 7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies; ABET requires specific program criteria which must be supported by the curricula and are unique to engineering disciplines. For the BSME Program, the specific ME program criteria are broken into three elements. The ME curriculum prepares graduates to: 1. ME1- demonstrate an ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations); 2. ME2- demonstrate an ability to model, analyze, design, and realize physical systems, components or processes; and 3. ME3 – be prepared to work professionally in either thermal or mechanical systems areas while taking courses in each area. For the BSAE Program, the specific AE program criteria are also broken into three elements. The AE curriculum prepares graduates with: 1. AE1 – knowledge of the following aeronautical topics: aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control; 2. AE2 – knowledge of some of the following astronautical topics: orbital mechanics, space environment, attitude determination and control, telecommunications, space structures and rocket propulsion; and 3. AE3 – graduates must have design competence which includes integration of aeronautical or astronautical topics. Because mechanical engineering is perhaps the broadest of all engineering disciplines, the program provides not only excellent grounding in all engineering fundamentals, but also allows some flexibility in selecting controlled technical electives to suit the student’s interests. In this selection, no one area may be unduly emphasized at the expense of another. For the aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and premedical programs, prescribed course work provides students with more focused development. Graduates are fully competent as mechanical or aerospace engineers, with abilities in design, and in- depth knowledge in their areas of concentration. As a fundamental component of all BS programs, engineering design is strongly emphasized in the junior and senior years but is integrated throughout the curriculum. Most MAE courses at the 3000- and 4000- levels include some design content, ranging from a minimum of one-half to a maximum of four credit hours of design content. Each professional school course builds upon the preceding mechanical and aerospace engineering courses to develop in the student the ability to identify and solve meaningful engineering problems. The coursework is specifically sequenced and interrelated to provide design experience at each level, leading to progressively more complex, open-ended problems. The coursework includes sensitizing students to socially-related technical
problems and their responsibilities as engineering professionals to behave ethically and protect occupational and public safety. The program culminates in a senior-year design course in which students integrate analysis, synthesis and other abilities they have developed throughout the earlier portions of their study into a capstone experience. The design experiences include the fundamental elements and features of design with realistic constraints such as economics, safety, reliability, social and environmental impact, and other factors. At this point, students are able to design components, systems and processes that meet specific requirements, including such pertinent societal considerations as ethics, safety, environmental impact and aesthetics. Students develop and display the ability to design and conduct experiments essential to specific studies and to analyze experimental results to draw meaningful conclusions. An integral part of this educational continuum, from basic science through comprehensive engineering design, are learning experiences that facilitate the students’ abilities to function effectively in both individual and team environments. The program also provides every graduate with adequate learning experiences to develop effective written and oral communication skills. State-of-the-art computational tools are introduced and used as a part of their problem-solving experiences. Finally, the students’ experience in solving ever-more-challenging problems gives them the ability to continue to learn independently throughout their professional careers. The broad background and problem-solving ability of mechanical and aerospace engineers make them suited to engage in one or more of the following activities: research, development, design, production, operation, management, technical sales and private consulting. Versatility is their trademark. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering is also an excellent background for entering other professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, law or business (MBA). The premedical option in mechanical engineering is available for students wishing to enroll in medical school. In the professional school, (essentially the junior and senior years of the program) mechanical and aerospace engineering students extend their study of the engineering sciences and consider applications of fundamental principles and analysis tools to the solution of real technological problems of society. Some design courses involve students in the solution of authentic, current and significant engineering problems provided by industrial firms. Students may also help smaller firms that need assistance with the development of new products. The student designs, with the guidance of an adviser, an individualized program of study consistent with his or her interests and career plans. Some students terminate their studies with a bachelor’s degree, while
others receive one of several graduate degrees. Undergraduate Programs • Aerospace Engineering, BSAE (p. 1522) • Mechanical Engineering, BSME (p. 1524)
• Mechanical Engineering: Petroleum, BSME (p. 1526) • Mechanical Engineering: Pre-Medical, BSME (p. 1528) Graduate Programs
The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers programs leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Both of these degrees offer an option in
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