Semester Requirements

http://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/mechanical/

Program overview

Educational objectives

The objectives of the mechanical engineering major are to prepare graduates to:

• practice mechanical engineering in support of the design of engineered systems through the application of the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools of mechanical engineering.
• enhance their skills through formal education and training, independent inquiry, and professional development.
• work independently as well as collaboratively with others, while demonstrating the professional and ethical responsibilities of the engineering profession.
• successfully pursue graduate degrees at the master's and/or doctoral levels, should they choose.

Mechanical engineering is perhaps the most comprehensive of the engineering disciplines. The mechanical engineer’s interests encompass the design of automotive and aerospace systems, bioengineering devices, and energy-related technologies. The spectrum of professional activity for the mechanical engineering graduate runs from research through design and development to manufacturing and sales. Because of their comprehensive training and education, mechanical engineers often are called upon to assume management positions.

The mechanical engineering department offers professional courses in the areas of bioengineering, energy systems, applied mechanics, manufacturing, materials science, systems analysis, computer-aided graphics and design, robotics, and automotive and aerospace engineering. The department’s laboratories are equipped to provide extensive experimentation in these areas. Laboratory facilities include a well-instrumented wind tunnel, a particle imaging velocimetry laser system for flow visualization, advanced heat transfer systems, robotics, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, engine dynamometers, fluid flow loops, refrigeration systems, tensile testers, compression testers, torsion testers, hardness testers, X-ray diffractometer, atomic force microscope, dynamic system simulators, a spectrum analyzer, and a well-equipped machine shop.

Students have an opportunity to participate in regional and national design competitions such as the Formula SAE Autosports Competition team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Curriculum

The major provides students with a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. Students devote their first two years to the study of mathematics, physics, chemistry, liberal arts, and engineering sciences, while the third and fourth years emphasize engineering science, design, and systems.

A student may then specialize by choosing appropriate technical and free elective courses in an area of interest. Each of the listed technical electives includes a significant design project. In the fifth year, each student is required to complete the capstone design courses, Senior Design I and II (MECE-497, 498).

Students complete liberal arts general education courses in the social sciences and the humanities to round out their education. In the third year, all students must demonstrate writing competency in the English language by successfully completing a college writing exercise evaluated by faculty from the Institute Writing Committee. For some students, this may require work with the Academic Support Center, the English Language Center, or additional course work in the College of Liberal Arts.

Accreditation

The BS in mechanical engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Mechanical engineering, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013

Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

Options

Students may select a number of course options to gain specialized study in a particular discipline of mechanical engineering. Options include aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, and energy and environment. Participation in one of these options is not required. However, they are offered for those students who seek to pursue a career in one of these specialized fields of mechanical engineering. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 within the option sequence of courses to remain in the option. The degree requires students to complete four technical electives and three free electives.

Students may elect to complete the major without an option and instead customize their academic study in support of their career plans. The mechanical engineering major is relatively flexible and allows students to pursue options, minors, and even multiple degrees.

Aerospace engineering

The aerospace engineering option allows for specialized study in the engineering aspects of air- and space-borne vehicles and starts with a course introducing students to the aerospace field. The sequence starts in the third year with students taking a variety of electives focused on aerospace. In addition, students choosing this option are expected to work on an aerospace engineering design project in Senior Design I and II (0304-630, 631) and to pursue co-op employment in a related field.

Automotive engineering

The automotive engineering option offers a series of specialized technical and free elective courses during the fourth and fifth years that provides an introduction to vehicle power plants, dynamics, and control systems. In addition, students choosing this concentration are expected to work on an automotive senior design in the fifth year and to pursue co-op employment in a related field.

Bioengineering

The bioengineering option provides an introduction to engineering sciences and design based upon a foundation of biological sciences. The course sequence starts with a biological science elective, which counts as a free elective. Students choosing this option are expected to work on a bioengineering design project in their fifth year and to pursue co-op employment in a related field.

Energy and environment

This option consists of electives that provide students with exposure to a wide range of opportunities and careers associated with energy-intensive systems and how they relate to the environment. This option increases the number of opportunities students have for careers in the fields of building energy systems, alternative and renewable energy, and direct energy conversion. Students choosing this option are expected to work on an energy systems design project in senior design and to pursue co-op employment in a related field.

Accelerated dual degree options

Three accelerated dual degree options are available for outstanding mechanical engineering students who wish to earn a both a bachelor's and a master's degree within approximately five years.

• A BS/MS in mechanical engineering has a strong research focus and is primarily directed toward students who plan to continue their education in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.
• A BS/ME in mechanical engineering has a strong career focus for students who plan to seek employment immediately after graduation.
• A BS in mechanical engineering and an MS in science, technology, and public policy has a public policy research focus and is designed for students interested in using their technical preparation as an engineer to help shape future policy decisions.

All students enrolled in the dual degree options are required to complete a graduate thesis and conduct scholarly research.

The BS and MS or ME degrees are awarded simultaneously. A student may apply for admission to this program during their second year of study. A transfer student may apply after completing one semester of study at RIT. Admission is based on a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.4, letters of recommendation from the faculty, and a letter of application from the student. Students are admitted first to the BS/ME option but may change to the BS/MS option upon approval of a thesis proposal. While in the program, students are required to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2.

Mechanical engineering, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013

Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

Mechanical engineering, BS/ME degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013

Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

Mechanical engineering, BS degree/Science, technology and public policy, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013

Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.