Materials Science and Engineering, BSMSE

Program Description:

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers undergraduate programs in mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Both programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org (http://www.abet.org/) . These programs cover traditional engineering fundamentals and develop the skills for modern engineering analysis and design. Laboratory and computer experience are integrated throughout the curriculum. Most required courses are offered in both day and evening sections at least once a year.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
• An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within
• realistic  constraints  such  as  economic,  environmental,  social,  political,  ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability,
• An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams,
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
• An ability to communicate effectively,
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life‐long learning,
• A knowledge of contemporary issues, and
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a modern, creative discipline encompassing a wide variety of technical activities. The field is changing rapidly with the progress of the computer era, but the key element that links all of the activities within mechanical engineering is design. The design function is now largely computer-based and involves modeling, simulation, analysis, and synthesis.

Historically, mechanical engineering includes two principal stems. One stem concerns heat, fluids, and energy. Engineers who study combustion in a turbine engine or aircraft lift and drag are practicing in this area. The other stem concerns force and motion in mechanical systems. Problems here include determining robot trajectories, analyzing vibrations to minimize noise, or predicting the stresses in a rotating disc.

The curriculum includes advanced coursework in mechanics, thermal sciences, fluids, materials, electronics, mechanical systems, and design.

The program educational objectives for the Mechanical Engineering program are:

• Objective 1: Be employed in the engineering profession or pursing graduate studies
• Objective 2: Successfully compete in a globally integrated environment
• Objective 3: Be engaged in life-long learning through continuing education and other avenues in a rapidly changing technical environment

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering has evolved over the last 25 years from metallurgical engineering, polymer chemistry, and ceramic science. It is increasingly recognized as a key engineering field that opens the door for new developments in other advanced technologies. Over the past several decades, scientists and engineers have successfully developed radically new materials. Examples include lightweight alloys for structural use, composites of high-strength fibers in ductile matrices, semiconductors for electronic devices, and, more recently, high-temperature semiconductors. These advances typify the challenge faced by materials engineers-to select, modify, or develop the right materials for new applications and technologies.

The curriculum includes advanced coursework in engineering mechanics, materials science, ceramics, metallurgy, polymer science, electric circuits, materials testing, processing, and design.

The MSE Program has the three Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) listed below. Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering Program will:

• Objective 1: Be employed in the engineering profession or pursing graduate studies
• Objective 2: Successfully compete in a globally integrated environment
• Objective 3: Be engaged in lifelong learning through continuing education and other avenues in a rapidly changing technical environment.

For additional information:

• Materials Science and Engineering, BSMSE
• Mechanical and Materials Engineering
• College of Engineering and Computer Science