The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department is to educate men and women to be future leaders in industry, academia, and government; to conduct basic and applied research in Mechanical Engineering and related interdisciplinary fields; and, to provide service to the engineering profession, to the State of Maine, to the country, and to the future development of engineering. The undergraduate program has been developed in order to prepare the student for the initiation of a professional career in mechanical engineering or for the continuation of studies in graduate school. Additional information can be found at the mechanical engineering Web site: http://www.umaine.edu/MechEng/.
The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program are:
- Prepare students to become professional practitioners of Mechanical Engineering;
- To provide the students with a solid foundation in Mechanical Engineering;
- To educate students to become aware of their moral, ethical, legal and professional obligations and to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public;
- To develop fundamental science, mathematics, computer, and engineering knowledge necessary for Mechanical Engineering;
- To ensure that the students obtain a solid educational background in Mechanical Engineering so that they are nationally competitive and successful in their chosen profession and are prepared for future graduate training. Train students to develop the ability to function in the workplace through teamwork and effective communication;
- To provide broad education to understand the relationship between Mechanical Engineering and, other engineering professionals and society as a whole;
- To prepare students to communicate facts and ideas;
- To prepare and encourage students to continue learning beyond the undergraduate years;
In summary, the objectives of the program are to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning by providing a solid foundation in the principles of Mechanical Engineering; to train students in the mathematical and computational skills appropriate for engineers to use when solving problems; to help students develop skills pertinent to the design process-ability to formulate problems, to think creatively, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information and to work collaboratively; and, to implant in the student an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities.
Program Description
This program develops the student’s creative potential to meet the increasingly complex needs of industry, government and education. It provides a foundation of knowledge in mathematics, basic physical sciences, thermal sciences, dynamic systems, material science, fluid and solid mechanics and design of systems.
Engineers must address problems which raise issues requiring awareness of economical, ethical, political, social and legal issues as well as the technical issues of the profession. Therefore, preparation for a career in mechanical engineering includes an introduction to the humanities and social sciences as well as mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals.
In consultation with an academic advisor the student plans a program based on the following recommended curriculum. The format is a recommended program that can be modified within the constraints of all the departmental and college requirements and course prerequisites to satisfy scheduling needs or student preferences.
The curriculum has ten elective courses among the 41 courses (131 credits) required for the degree. Of the ten electives required one must be a basic science elective; one must be an engineering science elective; two must be mechanical engineering design electives; and, six of the electives must satisfy the Human Values and Social Context areas of the general education requirements. Students must also complete a course placing substantial emphasis on the discussion of ethics. Lists of courses qualifying for these electives are available in the Mechanical Engineering office. By careful use of this flexibility in electives, students may pursue in some depth their particular interests in both technical and non-technical subjects. Some mechanical engineering electives will not be offered every year.
In addition to meeting all university academic requirements, a mechanical engineering student must also have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all MEE courses. The program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700.
Cooperative “Work Experience” Program
The department provides students the opportunity to participate in a cooperative education program. The program is under the direction of a mechanical engineering co-op coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Mechanical engineers work in industry, consulting practices, universities and governmental agencies. Many mechanical engineers are employed by equipment manufacturers, aerospace companies, shipbuilding firms, material processing plants, utilities, transportation companies, petroleum companies, and a host of other firms. Mechanical engineers work in the nuclear energy field on the design of underwater vessels, electrical power plants equipped with reactors, pressure piping, heat exchangers and other specialized components. Mechanical engineers working with government agencies conduct research on solar energy, advanced composite materials, radioactive waste removal, magnetic-levitation trains, and components associated with the space program.
Scholarships
The department has several scholarships available on a competitive basis for students majoring in mechanical engineering. Outstanding incoming students should apply for college and departmental scholarships through the College of Engineering.
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