UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS, MINORS, AND ASSOCIATED AREAS OF STUDY
HENRY SAMUELI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Mechanical Engineering considers the design, control, and motive power of fluid, thermal, and mechanical systems ranging from microelectronics to spacecraft to the human body. Specializations allow students to focus their technical electives in the areas of Aerospace Engineering, Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering, Flow Physics and Propulsion Systems, and Design of Mechanical Systems. Mechanical engineers design, manufacture, and control machines ranging from robots to aircraft and spacecraft, design engines and power plants that drive these machines, analyze the environmental impact associated with power generation, and strive to promote environmental quality. To achieve their goals, mechanical engineers use mathematics, physics, and chemistry together with engineering science and technology in areas such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, controls, and atmospheric science. Mechanical Engineering students at UCI learn the problem-solving, modeling, and testing skills required to contribute to advances in modern technology. Mechanical Engineering undergraduates complete required courses that provide engineering fundamentals and technical electives that allow students to study particular areas of interest. Specializations are available in: Aerospace Engineering, Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering, Flow Physics and Propulsion Systems, and Design of Mechanical Systems. Independent research opportunities allow students to pursue other avenues for focusing their studies. Graduates of the program will have the professional and scientific education that allows them to be successful as career engineers and in the most demanding graduate programs. Specifically, they will (1) demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the analytical tools and physical models that provide the foundation of engineering science and allow the analysis, modeling, and problem solving in fluid, solid, thermal, mechanical, control, and environmental processes; (2) use design principles, and synthesize and creatively combine such principles, with engineering science for successfully confronting current research and practical systems, and their sustainability, in mechanical engineering; (3) exhibit a systems view, critical thinking, and an ability to effectively communicate, work within teams, and assume leadership roles; (4) practice ethical responsibilities; and (5) innovate, keep current with respect to technological change, move beyond traditional mechanical engineering disciplinary boundaries, and improve their skills through a lifelong process of learning. The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes a foundation of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering core courses in fundamental areas fill much of the remaining curriculum; a few electives allow the undergraduate student to specialize somewhat or to pursue broader understanding; a senior capstone design experience culminates the curriculum. - From the 2007-2008 UCI General Catalogue |
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