University of Idaho General Catalog » Departments of Instruction » Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Curricular Requirements Mechanical Engineering Academic Minor Requirements Mechanical Engineering Graduate Academic Certificates Requirements Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degree Programs

John C. Crepeau, Dept. Chair (324I Engineering/Physics Bldg. 83844-0902; phone 208/885-4279; http://www.uidaho.edu/engr/ME). Faculty: Michael J. Anderson, Steven W. Beyerlein, Ralph S. Budwig, John C. Crepeau, Karen R. Den Braven, Donald F. Elger, Fred Gunnerson, Jay McCormack, Edwin M. Odom, Steven G. Penoncello, Gabriel Potirniche, Karl K. Rink, Larry A. Stauffer, Judith A. Steciak, Robert R. Stephens, Akira Tokuhiro, Eric Wolbrecht.

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the application of the principles of science and technology in the creation of products and systems to benefit mankind in several areas including: (1) the conversion of energy from natural sources to provide power, light, heating and cooling, and transportation; (2) the design and production of machines to extend and to lighten the burden of human work; (3) the creative planning, design, development, and operation of systems for utilizing energy, machines, and other resources; (4) the production of manufactured goods; and (5) the interface between technology and society.

Mechanical engineering is broad in scope and provides a wide range of careers for trained professionals in industry, business, government, and universities. Positions are available in design, testing, manufacturing, research, development, operations, system analysis, marketing, and administration. Mechanical engineers are often involved as professional team members in economic and social-humanistic matters and are responsible for the interaction of technical advances with social and environmental concerns.

Mechanical Engineering Objective Statement

(Changes subsequent to this publishing may be viewed at www.uidaho.edu./engr/ME/)

Undergraduate Program: The Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, ph. 410-347-7700. Our educational objectives are based on the needs of our constituencies. We focus on the professional and personal development of our students. We continuously assess and improve our undergraduate curriculum. Our department is a college and university leader in the use of innovative teaching methods, in horizontal and vertical curriculum integration, and in the use of applied design projects. Students interact frequently and personally with the faculty and are mentored and advised by the faculty. The strengths of our program are a strong engineering science foundation as demonstrated by outstanding Fundamentals of Engineering Exam performance; a strong design experience featuring design and construction of several projects; a strong laboratory experience featuring hands-on skills, state-of-the-art instrumentation, broad exposure to instrumentation and principles, and a senior project; multiple teamwork experiences, including the opportunity to lead and to serve in team roles; substantial use of appropriate engineering tools, including the best available software; and multiple communication experiences including written and oral presentations.

Program Objective Statement

As a faculty we are committed to a transformational educational experience that focuses on both the (a) professional and (b) personal development of our students. We want our graduates to have and (c) continue to develop a strong foundation in the science of engineering. We want our engineers to know how to do the (d) application of engineering. We want our engineers to be (e) known as leaders in their chosen career path. We expect our graduates to (f) have a positive impact on both their profession and community and to be able to (g) effectively communicate their role as engineers.

Graduate Program: We maintain and continuously improve a graduate curriculum focused in five sub-areas: mechanics and materials science, dynamics systems, thermodynamics and energy, design and manufacturing, and fluids and heat transfer. We conduct research in relevant areas of engineering. Graduate students receive quality mentoring and advising.

Service: We provide engineering services (teaching, consulting, outreach, testing and research) to support industry and national laboratories.

We support education throughout Idaho and beyond by:

• Providing quality distance education through the Engineering Outreach Program.
• Supporting and including our faculty at distance sites.
• Collaborating with faculty at other educational centers.

We provide service to professional societies, the college and university, and the region. We encourage our graduates to support the improvement of our program in formal and informal ways. These include student referrals, donations of time, equipment and money, and periodic evaluation.

General questions regarding the undergraduate program should be addressed to the Advising Coordinator at (telephone 208/885-5024; bschoenb@uidaho.edu). Faculty members are available to discuss details of the program in their specialty areas with interested students.

An academic minor in mechanical engineering is available. Contact the department for more information.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program. The following graduate degrees are available in mechanical engineering: Ph.D., M.S., and M.Engr. (non-thesis degree). The department also offers a program in nuclear engineering. Please see appropriate section in this catalog. Minimum preparation for graduate study in mechanical engineering is a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (A.B.E.T.). Students entering the program with an engineering or physical science baccalaureate degree in a major other than mechanical engineering must demonstrate proficiency in the subjects required in the B.S.M.E. program. Individual student qualifications are assessed by the departmental graduate committee, which also determines undergraduate deficiencies.

The programs of study are designed to extend the student's understanding of the fundamental engineering sciences and their application to engineering systems design and analysis. Research programs are offered with specialization in many general topics, please see the departmental website for faculty research areas.

Graduate students will develop a plan of study in consultation with their academic advisor that will provide for reasonable concentration in a particular field of interest and a selection of related courses, some of which may be taught outside of the department. The thesis topic will generally be selected from research topics being pursued by members of the departmental faculty.

Courses

See Part 6 for courses in Mechanical Engineering (ME).