Cluster
A cluster allows students majoring in humanities or social sciences to explore the field of mechanical engineering, which impacts subjects including product and industrial design, understanding ancient peoples through their technologies, fabrication in the visual arts, and the forces and construction of human bodies.
The department offers five mechanical engineering clusters, all in the natural sciences and engineering academic division.
Force and Motion
This cluster explores how mechanical forces are transmitted and what causes the motion of things small and large.
Requirements
ME 120: Engineering Mechanics I
ME 104: Engineering of Bridges
Plus one of the following sequences:
- MATH 161: Calculus IA and MATH 162: Calculus IIA
- MATH 141: Calculus I and MATH 142: Calculus II and MATH 143: Calculus III
Engineering Design
In this cluster students will learn about the process of design as found in biological structures (human or animal bodies) or man-made structures, the software used in man-made design, and the basic principles of structural analysis applicable to large or small structures.
Requirements
ME 110: Intro to CAD and Drawing
ME 120: Engineering Mechanics I
EAS 104: The Engineering of Bridges
Plus one of the following courses:
- MATH 161: Calculus IA
- MATH 141: Calculus I
Biomechanics
This cluster examines the principles of biomechanics, emphasizing the principles of design in the efficient function of animals and plants, and the application of these principles.
Requirements
BME 101: Intro to Biomedical Engineering
EAS 104: The Engineering of Bridges
ME 120: Engineering Mechanics I
Plus one of the following courses:
- BIOL 110 : Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 112 : Biology Perspectives I
- CHEM 131: Chemical Concepts, Systems and Practices I
Design with Materials
Engineering design uses solids, liquids, or gases for the transmission of forces and power. Students in this cluster will find out how and why materials are chosen to fit specific design requirements.
Requirements
EAS 141: Basic Machine Fabrication (two credits)
EAS 104: The Engineering of Bridges
ME 110: Intro to CAD and Drawing (two credits)
*Additional course required. See the Cluster Search Engine.
Engineering and Technology in Antiquity
In this cluster students will explore basic mechanics and optics through a study of engineering and technology in antiquity.
Requirements
Choose two of the following courses:
- ME 104: Engineering of Bridges
- ME 106: Engineering in Antiquity
- ME 206: Building Engineering Technology
*Additional course required. See the Cluster Search Engine.