Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E.


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Requirements for the major in mechanical engineering, B.S.E. program


The field of mechanical engineering offers career opportunities in areas such as design, analysis, test development, research and the manufacturing of various products. Oakland University’s mechanical engineering program provides the student with a foundation in the fundamental concepts and principles associated with mechanics of solids, thermodynamics, fluid and thermal energy, materials, manufacturing, design of mechanical systems, electrical circuits, computer programming and software utilization. A strong laboratory experience and the utilization of instrumentation and computers is interwoven through the curriculum. The program also provides numerous engineering design experiences.

To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in mechanical engineering, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits, satisfy a writing requirement (see Undergraduate degree requirements) and meet the following requirements:

General education (excluding mathematics and science) – 28 credits


Approved math or science elective – 4 credits


Students majoring in mechanical engineering are advised to take MTH 275  to broaden their knowledge of linear algebra. However, students having an explicit interest in broadening their knowledge in a specific area of mathematics or science should elect a course from the following approved course list. For more information about these selections, students are encouraged to visit with an undergraduate adviser before registering for an approved math or science elective.

Professional subjects – 35 credits


128 total credits


Note


*ME 490  requires approval of project proposal by the Mechanical Engineering Dept., if taken in place of ME 492  and project must be team-based.

Economics requirement


In addition to the requirements stated above, mechanical engineering students must fulfill the economics requirement. This may be met by completion of ECN 150 , ECN 200 , ECN 201  or ECN 210 . However, ECN 201  is not part of the general education requirement.

Performance requirements


In addition to previously stated requirements, satisfactory completion of the program requires an average grade of at least 2.00 within each group: namely, mathematics and science, core subjects and professional subjects. Within professional subjects, at most two grades below 2.0 are permitted; at most two different courses may be repeated and three repeat attempts are permitted.

Professional electives


Mechanical engineering students must complete at least three (3) additional 400- or 500-level (must have instructors permission to take 500-level courses) courses with an ME designation or other approved 400-level engineering courses with a ECE, ISE designation.

Students interested in broadening their knowledge in a specific area of mechanical engineering should elect sequences of courses as described in the specialized professional depth areas listed below to satisfy the mechanical engineering electives requirement. These options list elective courses that are fundamental to each area, as well as other relevant professional electives.

Professional depth areas


1. Energy, fluid and thermal systems option

This option includes courses in the fluid and thermal energy transport area.

2. Computer-aided design option

This option includes courses in the computer-aided design (CAD) and analysis area.

3. Automotive Engineering option

This option includes courses with an automotive engineering emphasis area with two possible areas of specialty: automotive structures or internal combustion engines.

4. Manufacturing Engineering option

This option includes courses in the manufacturing area.

5. Plastics and Composites Manufacturing Engineering option

This option includes courses in the plastics and composites manufacturing area.

Recommended fundamental subjects

6. Nuclear Engineering option

This option includes courses in the nuclear engineering area.

Required fundamental subjects

Sample mechanical engineering schedule


Students entering the School of Engineering and Computer Science with the required background may follow a schedule such as the one indicated below. However, students will need additional time to complete the program if they do not have the required  background upon entrance to the program.

Freshman year


Sophomore year


Junior year


Winter semester – 15 credits

Senior year


Fall semester – 16 credits

Winter semester – 16 credits

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