Dwight Look College of Engineering

Curriculum in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a highly diversified profession. The mechanical engineer designs machines, devices, various products and control systems, and works with the generation, conversion, transmission, and utilization of mechanical and thermal power. Assignments often include analysis and synthesis of mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems. Mechanical engineers are also responsible for characterization, specification, and analysis of materials used in design and manufacturing. Manufacturing systems, robotics, electromechanical devices, and control systems are also the purview of the mechanical engineer. Graduates in mechanical engineering are among the most versatile engineers and enjoy professional employment in industry, government, consulting, and research organizations.

The work of mechanical engineers varies from general engineering to numerous, narrow specialties, as required by the wide variety of employers. A general list, though not in any way exhaustive, of the areas of professional employment opportunities available to mechanical engineers includes: design, construction, controls, materials specification and evaluation, analysis of thermal systems, fluid and solid mechanics, manufacturing, plant engineering, research and development, and technical sales. Many mechanical engineers are promoted to management and administrative positions as well.

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to serve the students of Texas A&M University, the State of Texas, and the nation by:

  • providing quality education, well grounded in the fundamental principles of engineering, to prepare students for leadership positions and successful careers in industry, government, and academia;

  • extending the knowledge base of mechanical engineering to support the competitiveness of existing industry and to spawn new economic development in Texas and the nation through active involvement in basic and applied research; and

  • providing professional development opportunities for practicing engineers through continuing education, service, and outreach activities.

The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program are to produce graduates who will:

  1. have successful careers, and become leaders, in industry and the public sector;
  2. appropriately apply acquired knowledge, work well with other people, effectively communicate ideas and technical information, and continue to learn and improve; and
  3. successfully pursue advanced studies, if they so choose, and subsequently contribute to the development of advanced concepts and leading edge technologies.

The educational outcomes for the Mechanical Engineering program are:

  1. Graduates will be able to apply basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering, and identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  2. Graduates will be able to apply engineering principles to design systems or processes, design and conduct engineering experiments, and use modern engineering tools.
  3. Graduates will be able to work effectively on teams with members who may have different backgrounds and technical skill levels.
  4. Graduates will observe the applicable professional codes of conduct for engineers, and the professional and ethical responsibilities as engineers.
  5. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
  6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of engineering and technology on society, and an awareness of contemporary issues and how they affect engineering and technology.
  7. Graduates will be prepared for continuing professional development, self-improvement, and life-long learning.
  8. Graduates will be able to analyze and design mechanical, thermal fluid, and control systems, including the selection of materials.

Mechanical engineers should possess a thorough understanding of engineering science as well as analytical and practical skills in one of many basic mechanical engineering specialties. The mechanical engineering curriculum at Texas A&M requires students to develop and apply logical thinking, innovative approaches, and ethical standards as a prerequisite for professional competence. The curriculum consists of basic theory courses complemented by laboratory experiences in dynamic systems and controls, design, experimentation, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, manufacturing, and materials. Elective courses are offered in numerous areas including air conditioning, automotive engineering, computer-aided design, control systems, corrosion, energy conversion, internal combustion engines, manufacturing, materials, mechanical design, polymers, mechatronics, metallurgy, power generation, robotics, stress analysis, fluid mechanics, turbomachinery, and others. The selection of elective courses is dictated by the interests and goals of the student, working with departmental advisors and within the curriculum guidelines.

Many students enhance their education by participating in cooperative education and/or professional internships, which offer opportunities for employment in engineering positions while working toward a degree. Numerous study abroad programs are also available for gaining experience and perspectives in the international arena. Participation in student chapters of professional and honor societies provides leadership opportunities, collegial activities, and learning experiences outside the classroom. Many students also participate in research projects through individual directed studies courses with a professor. The mechanical engineering program culminates with a senior capstone design course sequence highlighted by real-life projects sponsored by various industries. Students benefit from the challenges and gratification that come through direct interaction with practicing engineers.

(See Freshman Year)

A grade of C or better is required for all of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) courses (MATH 151 and 152; PHYS 208 and 218; CHEM 107; ENGL 104; ENGR 111 and 112). Prerequisites for the CBK courses will not be included in the calculations.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
MEEN 221 Statics and Particle Dynamics1 (2-2) 3   CVEN 305 Mechanics of Materials 1 (3-0) 3
MEEN 222 Materials Science1 (2-2) 3   ENGR 215 Prin. of Electrical Engr. 1 (2-2) 3
MATH 251 Engineering Mathematics III1 (3-0) 3   MATH 308 Differential Equations1 (3-0) 3
University Core Curriculum electives2   6   MEEN 315 Prin. of Thermodynamics1 (2-2) 3
    15   MEEN 260 Mechanical Measurements1 (2-3) 3
            15

JUNIOR YEAR

First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
ENGL 210 Scientific and Technical Writing 4 (3-0) 3   ISEN 302 Economic Analysis of Engineering Projects (2-0) 2
MEEN 344 Fluid Mechanics 1 (3-0) 3   MEEN 364 Dynamic Sys. and Controls 1 (2-3) 3
MEEN 345 Fluid Mechanics Lab.1 (0-3) 1   MEEN 368 Solid Mechanics in Mechanical Design1 (2-2) 3
        MEEN 381 Seminar (0-2) 1
MEEN 357 Engineering Analysis for Mech. Engineers 1 (3-0) 3   MEEN 461 Heat Transfer (3-0) 3
MEEN 360 Mat. and Manuf. Sel. in Design 1 (W Course) (3-3) 4   MEEN 464 Heat Transfer Lab (0-3) 1
MEEN 363 Dynamics and Vibrations1 (2-2) 3   University Core Curriculum elective2   3
    17       16

SENIOR YEAR

First Semester (Th-Pr) Cr   Second Semester (Th-Pr) Cr
ENGR 482 Ethics and Engineering (2-2) 3   MEEN 402 Intermediate Design (2-3) 3
MEEN 401 Intro. to Mech. Engr. Design 1 (2-3) 3   Technical electives 3   9
MEEN 404 Engineering Laboratory (2-3) 3   University Core Curriculum elective 2   3
Stem course 3   6       15
    15        
NOTES:
  1. Requires a grade of C or better.
  2. To be selected from the University Core Curriculum. Of the 18 hours shown as University Core Curriculum electives, 3 must be from visual and performing arts, 3 from social and behavioral sciences, 6 from U.S. history, and 6 from POLS 206 and 207. The required 6 hours from international and cultural diversity may be met by courses satisfying the visual and performing arts, social and behavioral sciences, and the political science and history requirements if they are also on the approved list of international and cultural diversity courses (see University Core Curriculum, item 6).
  3. Stem courses and technical electives: See the Mechanical Engineering Academic Advisor’s Office for a list of approved courses.
  4. Students may take ENGL 210 or choose from the following list: COMM 205, ENGL 203, 235, 241, or 301.

This curriculum lists the minimum number of classes required for graduation. Additional courses may be taken.

The following certificates from the Dwight Look College of Engineering are available for students pursuing this degree: Energy Engineering Certificate, Engineering Project Management Certificate, Engineering Scholars Program Honors Certificate, International Certificate for Engineering Students, Polymer Specialty Certificate, Systems Safety Engineering Specialty.