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Office of the University Registrar

2005-06 Undergraduate Catalog

Majors

Mechanical Engineering
College: Engineering
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Hours for the Degree:128
Minor: Yes
Combined-Degree Program: Yes
Website: www.mae.ufl.edu

Mechanical engineering is concerned with motion and the processes whereby other energy forms are converted into motion.

Mechanical engineers are responsible for conceiving, designing, manufacturing, testing and marketing devices and systems that alter, transfer, transform and utilize the energy forms that cause motion.

The baccalaureate program in mechanical engineering is fully accredited and provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science and basic engineering sciences. Advanced courses are available to develop specialized interests in the engineering aspects of manufacturing, robotics, solid mechanics, thermal and fluid systems, dynamics and controls, and biomechanics. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of industries or to pursue graduate study.

Students considering a career in biomedical engineering should be aware that graduate education is often required. The College of Engineering offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering.

Dual-Degree Programs

There is much overlap between the aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering curriculum. The first six semesters are identical for both programs. Through proper selection of electives, students can earn a dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering degree with one semester of additional work. Contact Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or visit hawk.mae.ufl.edu/mae-undergrad/Degree_Programs/Dual_Degree/dual_degree.html for more information.

Research Programs

The department's active research programs are sponsored by private industry, the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA, National Institutes of Health and other agencies.

Research keeps faculty at the leading edge of technology and provides opportunities for students to participate in research through classroom assignments, individual studies, undergraduate research scholarships and employment as research assistants.

Mission

To serve the citizens of Florida and the nation by educating students in the theory and practice of mechanical engineering while developing and maintaining the discipline.

Educational Objectives
  • To comprehend quantitative, analytical and experimental methods, including data analysis techniques,
  • To understand and perform engineering analyses in the areas of thermal and machine systems,
  • To apply mathematics, science and engineering to design, develop and manufacture products, services and systems,
  • To communicate ideas verbally, graphically and in writing,
  • To work effectively as individuals and in teams,
  • To understand professional, societal and ethical responsibilities, and
  • To acquire the knowledge base, confidence and mental discipline for self-education and life-long learning.

Critical Tracking Requirements

Semester 1:

  • 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
  • 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking course work for semesters 1-5
  • Complete 1 of 8 tracking courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts (CHM 2045, approved science elective, MAC 2311, MAC 2312, MAC 2313, MAP 2302, PHY 2048, PHY 2049)

Semester 2:

  • Complete 1 additional course with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

Semester 3:

  • Complete 2 additional courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

Semester 4:

  • Complete 2 additional courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

Semester 5:

  • Complete all 8 critical-tracking courses with a minimum grade of C in each course within two attempts

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which will be bold.

Suggested semester-by-semester plan

Semester 1Credits
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE–M)4
CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 and Laboratory (GE–P)4
ENC 1101 Introduction to College Writing (GE–C)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE–S)3
Total 14
Semester 2Credits
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE–M)4
PHY 2048 and 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory (GE–P)4
Science elective (note 1)3
ENC 2210 Technical Writing (GE–C) or
ENC 3254 Professional Writing in the Discipline (GE–C)
3
Total 14
Semester 3Credits
MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE–M)4
PHY 2049 and 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory (GE–P)4
EML 2023 Computer Aided Graphics and Design3
EML 2322L Design and Manufacturing Laboratory1
EGM 2511 Engineering Mechanics – Statics *3
Total 15
Semester 4Credits
MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations3
CGS 2425 Computer Programming for Engineers (note 2)2
EEL 3111C Circuits 1 (note 3)4
EGM 3401 Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics *3
EML 3100 Thermodynamics *3
Total 15
Semester 5Credits
Humanities (GE–H)6
EMA 3010 Materials3
Total 9
Semester 6Credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE–S)3
EML 3301C Instrumentation and Measurements Laboratory2
EGM 4313 Intermediate Engineering Analysis4
EGM 3520 Mechanics of Materials3
EGN 3353C Fluid Mechanics3
Total 15
Semester 7 Credits
EML 3005 Mechanical Design3
EML 4140 Heat Transfer3
EML 4220 Vibrations3
EML 4304C Thermo/Fluid Design and Laboratory3
EML 4312 Control of Mechanical Engineering Systems3
Total 15
Semester 8 Credits
EML 4500 Finite Element Analysis and Design3
EML 4147C Thermo-Heat Transfer Design and Laboratory3
EML 4314C Dynamics and Controls System Design Laboratory3
Technical electives (note 4)6
Total 15
Semester 9 Credits
EML 4321 Manufacturing Engineering3
EML 4501 Mechanical System Design (note 5)3
EML 4920 Professional Orientation1
Technical electives (note 4)6
Humanities elective (GE–H)3
Total 16

* Completed with a grade of C or better

Note 1: Select from CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2, BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1, PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics. Other courses may be accepted with prior written department approval.

Note 2: Offered by Industrial and Systems Engineering. Select FORTRAN or C++

Note 3: Can substitute EEL 3003 Elements of Electrical Engineering (3) plus EEL 3303L Electrical Circuits Laboratory (1)

Note 4: Technical electives – select any 3000/4000/5000-level course with EML, EAS or EGM prefix that is not being used to satisfy other mechanical engineering degree requirements.

Other courses may be approved by the department. A list of approved technical electives is available in 226 MAE-A or on the department website

Students earning dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering degrees should select courses that satisfy aerospace engineering degree requirements.

Note 5: Students earning dual ME/ASE degrees can substitute EAS 4710C, Aerospace Design 2.