RIT - Department of Mechanical Engineering | Undergraduate Programs | BS in Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Option

BS in Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Option

The complexity of modern mechanical engineering can be seen in the design of an automobile, which entails not only the design of the engine but also of all components such as the steering, braking and lighting systems, transmission, controls and body, including details like the door latches and dashboard display. This option includes an introduction to automotive design and manufacturing followed by courses such as vehicle dynamics, internal combustion engines, and fuel cell technology.

All students complete a 2-quarter multi-disciplinary design project during their Senior Design Data Logger Project last year on campus. For automotive option students, we insure that their design project is in the automotive field. Many other courses, such as design for manufacturing, system dynamics, solid modeling (CAD), advanced computational techniques all directly contribute to their career in automotive systems engineering.

Our students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, including the SAE Formula Racing Team, and are eligible to join the team in their first quarter on campus. If you are interested in off-road vehicles, check out the RIT Mini Baja competition team.

Students in our automotive program have opportunities to work all over the world, both for the co-operative education and full-time employment. The list below represents a few of the automotive industry companies that have hired students from our department here at RIT.

VTOL UAV Carrier Kit for M1043 HMMWV

Toyota

ITT Automotive
Moog
New Venture Gear
TRW
Valeo
Volvo (Sweden)
Borg Werner
Harley Davidson
Robert Bosch Corp.
Cummins Engine
Delphi Automotive
Ford
General Motors
GM Truck and Bus

Our faculty members are involved in this industry as well. For example, Professor Steve Boedo has many years of automotive experience, and has a close working relationship with Borg Werner. Professor Alan Nye, the Formula Team Advisor, is active in the local and national section of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the professional society for engineers in this industry.

Auto Option Requirements

All Auto Option students must complete the free elective:

(4 cr) 0304-540 Intro to Auto Design and Manufacturing, AND

All Auto Option Students must select at least 3 courses from the list of Auto Option Technical Electives:

(4 cr) 0304-623 Powertrain Systems and Design,

(4 cr) 0304-624 Vehicle Dynamics,

(4 cr) 0304-640 IC Engines,

(4 cr) 0304-643 Control Systems,

(4 cr) 0304-710 Fuel Cell Technology,

(4 cr) 0304-752 Fundamentals of Tribology and Lubrication,

(4 cr) 0303-771 High Performance Vehicle Engineering,

(4 cr) 0303-801 Design for Manufacturing, AND

An approved Senior Design Project.