Mechanical Engineering (ME)

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 ultimately causes motion.

The undergraduate curriculum in mechanical engineering is a fully accredited baccalaureate program that 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 of this program will be prepared to work in a wide variety of industries or to pursue graduate study.

The mission of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program is to serve the citizens of Florida and the United States by educating students in the theory and practice of mechanical engineering while developing and maintaining the discipline.

• 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, including their realization,
• To communicate ideas verbally, graphically and in writing,
• To work effectively as individuals and in teams,
• To understand professional, societal and ethical responsibilities,
• To acquire the knowledge base, confidence and mental discipline for self-education and life-long learning.

There is a large amount of overlap between the aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering curriculum. The first six semesters are identical for the two degree programs. Through proper selection of elective courses, a dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering BS degree may be obtained with one semester of additional work. Interested students should contact the MAE department or visit the MAE Web site for more information.

Students interested in the mechanical properties of biological systems should consider the minor in biomechanics, which is administered by the MAE department. The courses for the minor may be used to simultaneously satisfy the science elective and technical electives for the ME major.

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. These programs keep faculty at the leading edge of technology and provide opportunities for students to participate in research through classroom assignments, individual studies, undergraduate research scholarships and employment as research assistants.

Mechanical Engineering

To remain ‘on track’ for this major a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria. The critical tracking courses appear in bold.

• 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. CHM2045, Approved Science Elective, MAC2311, MAC2312, MAC2313, MAP2302, PHY2048, PHY2049

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

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

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

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