Mechanical Engineering

Chair: Kathy Lu, PhD

Mechanical engineering is a broad-based discipline that embraces the two major areas of mechanical systems and thermal systems. With an understanding of the phenomena associated with these topics, mechanical engineers conceive and design a wide variety of devices, machines, and systems to meet the needs and desires of a modern economy. Mechanical engineers also engage in applied research, product development, and project management. Mechanical engineers have a primary role in addressing the problems related to manufacturing, productivity, and safety in the workplace; supply and efficient utilization of energy; transportation; and human rehabilitation.

In addition to Blazer Core, the mechanical engineering curriculum includes a core of fundamental engineering coursework and advanced courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of machinery, and mechanical design. The program also includes courses in mathematics, calculus-based physics, and chemistry. Laboratory experiences are provided in each area to illustrate the application of theory in engineering practice. With additional coursework, the mechanical engineering program can also be utilized as a pre-health curriculum.

Please refer to the School of Engineering overview for policies regarding admission; change of major; transfer credit; transient status; dual degree programs; reasonable progress; academic warning, probation, and suspension; reinstatement appeals; and graduation requirements.

Vision

To be a nationally and internationally recognized research-oriented mechanical engineering program – a first choice for undergraduate and graduate education.

Mission

To prepare students to be immediately productive and able to adapt to and lead in a rapidly changing environment and to create and apply knowledge for the benefit of society.

Program Educational Objectives

The Educational Objectives of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program are the following:

1. Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of their employers in mechanical engineering or any other career path they choose;
2. Graduates will pursue continuing education opportunities in their chosen field through a variety of means, such as professional development training and advanced education;
3. Graduates will pursue leadership positions in their selected profession and/or communities.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the BSME degree program, our graduates will have:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

¹

EGR 200 preferred; other FYE courses accepted

²

CE 280 preferred; other CAC courses accepted

³

May substitute MA 227 and MA 252 for EGR 265 and the MA/SCI elective

Residency Requirement

In addition to UAB's residency requirement, to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UAB, the program requires that students complete the following courses at UAB:

Please refer to the School of Engineering overview for policies regarding admission; change of major; transfer credit; transient status; dual degree programs; reasonable progress; academic warning, probation, and suspension; reinstatement appeals; and graduation requirements.

Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering(BSME)

¹

EGR 200 preferred; other FYE courses accepted

²

May substitute MA 227 and MA 252 for EGR 265 and the Math/Science elective

³

Refer to Blazer Core as specific for engineering majors

⁴

Students may choose from the following: BY 101, BY 108, BY 123, CH 235, ES 101, MA 180, MA 360, MA 361, MA 444, MA 445, MA 453, PH 223

⁵

Students must choose one course from each area:

• Mechanical Systems: ME 430, ME 431, ME 432, ME 464, ME 475, ME 477, ME 478, ME 480
• Thermal Fluids: ME 411, ME 421, ME 445, ME 447, ME 454, ME 455
• Computer-Aided Engineering content: ME 421, ME 464

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Satisfies Blazer Core: Scientific Inquiry

%

Satisfies Blazer Core: Writing

#

Satisfies Blazer Core: Communicating in a Modern World

*

Satisfies Blazer Core: Quantitative Literacy

$

CE 280 preferred, other City as a Classroom courses accepted