Mechanical Engineering College Classes: A Comprehensive Overview

The field of mechanical engineering is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline that plays a crucial role in shaping the modern world. Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of a vast array of devices and systems. These systems alter, transfer, transform, and utilize energy forms that cause motion, impacting industries ranging from aerospace to manufacturing and beyond. For aspiring engineers eager to contribute to this exciting field, understanding the landscape of mechanical engineering college classes is essential.

A Foundation in Fundamentals

The baccalaureate program in mechanical engineering provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science and basic engineering sciences. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success in this challenging field. Many programs, such as the one at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, offer a fully accredited curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application.

Core Coursework

While specific course titles and content may vary slightly between institutions, some core courses are common to most mechanical engineering programs. These courses provide the bedrock upon which more specialized knowledge is built. Examples of common core courses include:

Calculus and Differential Equations: These courses provide the mathematical tools necessary to model and analyze engineering systems.
Physics: Covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, physics provides the scientific foundation for understanding the behavior of physical systems.
Statics and Dynamics: These courses explore the forces acting on objects at rest (statics) and in motion (dynamics).
Thermodynamics: This course deals with the relationship between heat, work, and energy, essential for understanding energy conversion systems.
Fluid Mechanics: This course examines the behavior of fluids, both at rest and in motion, crucial for designing systems involving liquids and gases.
Materials Science: This course explores the properties of different materials and their suitability for various engineering applications.
Engineering Design: This course introduces students to the engineering design process, from problem definition to prototyping and testing.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Students learn to use CAD software to create detailed 2D and 3D models of mechanical components and assemblies.
Manufacturing Processes: This course covers various manufacturing methods, such as machining, casting, and molding.

Specialization and Advanced Studies

As students progress through their undergraduate studies, they have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of mechanical engineering. Many programs offer technical elective courses that allow students to delve deeper into topics of particular interest. The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering actively participates in the combination BS/MS degree program that allows students to double-count graduate courses toward both degrees. The combination-degree program reduces the cost for both degrees and enhances the student’s marketability for career advancement.

Emphasis Areas

Some common emphasis areas within mechanical engineering include:

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Mechanical Design: This area focuses on the design and analysis of mechanical components and systems. Students may take courses in machine design, stress analysis, and finite element analysis. The Mechanical Engineering program requires each student to select technical elective courses in one of the two technical emphases to meet the graduation requirement: Mechanical Design and Energy Systems. Each Mechanical Engineering student is required to specify three courses out of one of the two emphases as listed below. No other courses from any other department or university will be accepted as substitutes for these courses.
Energy Systems: This area focuses on the generation, conversion, and utilization of energy. Students may take courses in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Manufacturing: This area focuses on the processes involved in manufacturing products. Students may take courses in advanced manufacturing methods, CNC machining, and robotics.
Robotics: This area focuses on the design, control, and application of robots.
Solid Mechanics: This area focuses on the behavior of solid materials under stress and strain.
Thermal and Fluid Systems: This area focuses on the design and analysis of systems involving heat transfer and fluid flow.
Dynamics and Controls: This area focuses on the motion and control of mechanical systems.
Biomechanics: This area applies mechanical engineering principles to biological systems.

Advanced Course Examples

Examples of advanced courses that may be offered within these emphasis areas include:

Kinematic and Linkage Design: Students will learn about the motion of objects through common topics of kinematics and kinetics of machines and mechanisms.
Advanced Manufacturing Processes: This course will teach students about various advanced manufacturing methods and CNC machining.
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis: This course provides a preview to linear and nonlinear programming and numerical techniques for solving mechanical problems.

Hands-on Experience and Practical Application

In addition to theoretical coursework, mechanical engineering programs typically emphasize hands-on experience and practical application. This is often achieved through laboratory courses, design projects, and internships. At Grace College, students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience, thanks to the location in the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

Laboratory Courses

Laboratory courses allow students to apply the theoretical concepts they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Students may conduct experiments, build prototypes, and analyze data.

Design Projects

Design projects provide students with the opportunity to work in teams to solve open-ended engineering problems. These projects often involve designing, building, and testing a mechanical system or component.

Internships

Internships provide students with valuable real-world experience in the mechanical engineering industry. Students may work alongside practicing engineers, gaining exposure to the challenges and rewards of the profession. All engineering students are required to get hands-on experience by completing an internship.

Curriculum Structure and Progression

The mechanical engineering curriculum is typically structured to provide a logical progression of knowledge and skills. The first few semesters focus on foundational coursework in mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals. As students progress, they take more specialized courses in their chosen emphasis area.

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. The minimum C grade is part of the prerequisite requirement for courses listing EGM 2511, EGM 3344, EGM 3401, EGM 3520, or EML 3100 as a prerequisite. An aerospace or mechanical engineering student whose cumulative, upper-division or department grade point average falls below a 2.0 or who does not meet critical tracking requirements will be placed on academic probation and required to complete a probation contract with an MAE academic advisor. Students normally are allowed a maximum of two terms (consecutive or non-consecutive) on academic probation.

Overlap with Aerospace Engineering

There is much overlap between the aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering curriculum. The first six semesters are identical for both programs. Through proper selection of electives, students can earn a dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering degree with one semester of additional work.

General Education Requirements

In addition to technical coursework, mechanical engineering students are also required to complete general education requirements. These requirements are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.

Areas of Study

General education requirements typically cover the following areas:

Area A, Communication and Critical Thinking (12 units): Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking
Area B. Mathematics and Natural Sciences (16 units): Physical Science, Biological Science, Laboratory Activity, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning, Science and Technology Synthesis
Area C. Humanities (16 units): Visual and Performing Arts, Philosophy and Civilization, Literature and Foreign Languages, Humanities Synthesis
Area D. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: History, Economics, and Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Ethnic and Gender Studies, Social Science Synthesis
Area E.

Unless specific courses are stated under Support Courses, please refer to the list of approved courses under General Education Requirements, Areas A through E. An alternate pattern for partial fulfillment of Areas A, C, and D available for students in this major is the Interdisciplinary General Education (IGE) program.

The Role of Faith and Service in Engineering

Some institutions, like Grace College, emphasize the role of faith and service in engineering education. This approach encourages students to use their engineering skills to make a positive impact on the world. According to Dr. Wentorf, mechanical engineering is about glorifying God and using mechanics to help people. “God gave us engineering skills, and it is our job to use them to make the world a better place,”. Engineering students may participate in service projects, applying their skills to address real-world needs. Engineering Service - Engineering students use their engineering skills to complete a service project.

Career Prospects and the Value of Advanced Degrees

The mechanical engineering profession often benefits from an advanced degree to meet the challenging needs of industry and government. Accordingly, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering actively participates in the combination BS/MS degree program that allows students to double-count graduate courses toward both degrees.

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