Mechanical Engineering, B.S.M.E.

Associate Professor Gary McDonald, Head

Program Mission:

The mechanical engineering program prepares mechanical engineering students for successful careers in industry and academia, and provides service to the mechanical engineering profession and to the State of Tennessee.

Program Objectives:

In support of this mission, the mechanical engineering program aims to

• prepare mechanical engineering graduates who are technically competent;
• prepare students thoroughly in methods of analysis appropriate to solving mechanical engineering problems;
• develop skills pertinent to the design process, including economic considerations;
• teach students to use modern computer-based data acquisition and analysis for design and control of engineering systems;
• instill in our graduates an understanding of professional, societal, and ethical responsibilities and need for lifelong learning;
• produce graduates who are progressing towards professional licensure and continued professional development;
• produce graduates who are able to work effectively in teams and who demonstrate good communication skills.

Program Outcomes:

To aid in meeting the Program Objectives, each mechanical engineering graduate of UTC will have demonstrated the following prior to graduation:

• fundamental knowledge in engineering sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer applications with programming;
• the ability to use engineering principles and modern engineering tools to identify, analyze, and sole mechanical engineering problems;
• the ability to design and operate experimental systems including modern computer-based data acquisition, analysis, and controls;
• the ability to design thermal and mechanical systems, components, and processes that satisfy design constraints and desired outcomes;
• the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers;
• knowledge of professional ethics, the process of registration, and the need for continuing professional education;
• knowledge of contemporary issues and will recognize the impact of engineering decisions within the global and societal content;
• the ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science and math (including multivariable calculus and differential equations) to model physical systems, components or processes
• the ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science and math (including multivariable calculus and differential equations) to analyze physical systems, components or processes
• the ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science and math (including multivariable calculus and differential equations) to design and realize physical systems, components or processes
• the ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas

Program

The mechanical engineering program curriculum offers two options: Energy Systems and Mechanical Systems. The Energy Systems option emphasizes applications of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. The Mechanical Systems option emphasizes applications in the analysis and design of machine elements and mechanisms. Two courses differentiate the two options.

The mechanical engineering program faculty have degrees in various emphasis areas of mechanical engineering and are committed to delivering a mechanical engineering curriculum that has strong emphasis on engineering analysis tools, utilization of modern, electronic instrumentation culminating with a mechanical engineering and interdisciplinary design experience.

Degree and Accreditation:

Mechanical Engineering program graduates obtain a B.S.M.E. degree. This program is accredited by the EAC of ABET Inc. under the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria.