Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a broad field that contains many areas. Students are offered a wide variety of topics that touch on as many of these areas as possible in a balanced four-year program. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice, and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning as well as professional growth.

The course of study begins with a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering sciences, and culminates in a series of synthesis and design courses. These require the student to apply material learned in foundation courses to practical design problems in various areas. Traditional classroom instruction is supplemented with laboratory experiences in four areas. The laboratory courses are designed to develop the student’s knowledge base with a hands-on learning experience.

The program educational objectives express expectations of the program graduates’ abilities within the first few years after successfully completing this comprehensive curriculum. (1) Graduates are employed as mechanical engineers or in other professional fields that would benefit from a Mechnical Engineering education. (2) Graduates pursue advanced studies or engage in life-long learning activities.

The diversity encountered in the profession requires the successful Mechanical Engineer to have technical and non-technical skills. Courses in the humanities and social sciences enhance non-technical skills, and explore the engineer’s relationship with, and responsibility to, society. Students learn that as professionals, they identify with other engineers, and that the welfare of the public is of prime concern. These non-technical courses allow the student to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals. While students are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, prior to graduation, students are required to take and pass a Simulated Fundamentals of Engineering examination, which is administered as a component of MECH 4300 .

Graduation: To earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, the student must satisfy University and College requirements, and obtain a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all work completed, and obtain a minimum grade of “C-” in all engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses used to satisfy degree requirements.

Honors Program: The Honors in Mechanical Engineering Program provides an exceptional educational opportunity for highly motivated students to develop their talents, interests, and abilities within a curriculum designed to encourage independence and creativity.

Admission to the Honors Program: Incoming freshmen who score a minimum of 26 on the ACT, or its equivalent, are invited to participate. Transfer students or students previously enrolled at the University of Memphis are eligible for the program if they have an overall grade point average of 3.00, and a grade point average of 3.25 for course work within the Herff College of Engineering. The departmental honors committee admits eligible students to the program upon approval of the Application for Admission to the Mechanical Engineering Honors Program. Students with academic records that fall short of these requirements may apply for provisional acceptance.

Retention in the Honors Program: Participants must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 and a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for course work within the college to continue in the program. The departmental honors committee may grant participants failing to meet this requirement a one semester probationary period before they are dismissed from the program.

Requirements:

To qualify for the designation “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering”, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 semester hours from the following: MECH 4395 , MECH 4396 , and 12 hours of mechanical engineering honors courses.
To qualify for the designations “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering” and “University Honors with Thesis”, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 25 semester hours from the following: MECH 4395 and MECH 4396 , 9 hours of mechanical engineering honors courses, one hours fo UNHP 1100, and 9 hours of general education honors courses. To enroll in mechanical engineering honors sections, a student must request departmental approval. A minimum grade of “B” (3.0)is required in each honors course for it to count toward fulfilling the honors course requirement. Regular credit for the course will be earned if the grade is lower than a “B”. A participant must select a major advisor by the beginning of the second semester junior year and enroll in MECH 4395 - Honors Thesis Proposal . Successful completion of this course requires acceptance of a thesis proposal by the departmental honors committee. During the second semester of the senior year, a participant must enroll in MECH 4396 - Honors Thesis . Successful completion of this course requires acceptance of a thesis by the departmental honors committee.

Designation of “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering”: Students who successfully complete the prescribed course work will have earned the designation of “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering.” This designation will be recognized at the commencement ceremony and it will appear on the transcript and diploma.

Programs

Major

Mechanical Engineering, (B.S.M.E.)