Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of six engineering departments in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The other five are biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and optics.
Academics
We offer a BS degree program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, as well as an MS and PhD in mechanical engineering. We also offer a BS in geomechanics jointly with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. In addition, the department is part of an interdepartmental graduate program that offers an MS and PhD in material science.
Our Program's Educational Objectives and Educational Outcomes are found in the What is ME page
Our students use the latest engineering software to problems in the mechanics of:
- Solids and fluids
- Materials science
- Mechanical systems
- Advanced power applications
They also get broad hands-on laboratory and design experience at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Many undergraduates also participate in competitive design teams like the Baja and Solar Splash.
Research
Our research strengths come from our links with research centers around the University. Many of our faculty work with interdepartmental research groups including:
- The Laboratory for Laser Energetics, one of the world's foremost facilities for studying inertial confinement fusion
- The Center for Optics Manufacturing, where our faculty carries out materials and mechanics research
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, where faculty work with medical doctors to investigate topics like the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems