Program Description
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers undergraduate programs in mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. The Bachelor of Science program in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the and the Program Criteria for Materials (1), Metallurgical (2), Ceramics (3) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. 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.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of 24 or more semesters hours of college level work
- 2.25 cumulative GPA in major courses at WSU
- C or higher in: ENG 1100 (or any WSU Core First-Year Writing Course)
- C or higher in ME 1020 and CHM 1210/1210L and PHY 2400/2400L and (EGR 1010 or MTH 2300)
Program Learning Outcomes
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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.
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.
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