What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineers use basic science to design and manufacture complex engineering systems, which requires the application of physical and mechanical principles to the development of machines, energy conversion systems, materials and equipment for guidance and control. Work in this broad field of engineering requires a thorough knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, electricity, manufacturing processes and economics.
The mechanical engineering curriculum is based on a common core of engineering courses taken in the first two years. Students spend their third year in further study of the fundamental courses, and their fourth year in tailoring their studies to their own interests by selecting courses in controls and systems analysis, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design or thermodynamics. Students can either prepare for graduate study in mechanical engineering or obtain a broad background for entering engineering practice at the bachelor’s level.