Mechanical Engineering Educational Mission and Goals

Educational Mission of the Mechancial Engineering Program

The Mechanical Engineering program at UCI delivers an educational program of study that prepares its graduates to become intellectual leaders in industry, government, and academia. Graduates of our programs are grounded in scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge through coursework that keeps pace with current relevant technologies; they have developed the ability to analyze, synthesize, and design engineering systems through their immersion in the problem-based activities of this research university; and, by means of general education courses, they have enhanced their ability to communicate and have acquired an understanding and appreciation for other areas of human intellectual achievement.

Undergraduate Major in Mechanical Engineering

Program Educational Objectives focus on the following key elements: (1) demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the analytical tools and physical models that provide the foundation of engineering science and allow the analysis, modeling, and problem solving in fluid, solid, thermal, mechanical, control, and environmental processes; (2) use design principles, and synthesize and creatively combine such principles, with engineering science for successfully confronting current research and practical systems, and their sustainability, in mechanical engineering; (3) exhibit a systems view, critical thinking, and an ability to effectively communicate, work within teams, and assume leadership roles; (4) practice ethical responsibilities; and (5) innovate, keep current with respect to technological change, move beyond traditional mechanical engineering disciplinary boundaries, and improve their skills through a lifelong process of learning. (Program educational objectives are those aspects of engineering that help shape the curriculum; achievement of these objectives is a shared responsibility between the student and UCI.)

Program Outcomes for undergraduate students in Mechanical Engineering:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function in multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively.
  8. A broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
  10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
  11. An ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  12. An ability to execute of a major design experience that incorporates engineering standards and realistic constraints (i.e., most of the following: economic, environmental, sustainability, manufacturability, ethical, health and safety, social, and political issues).

Mechanical Engineering graduates will, in particular, demonstrate:

  1. Knowledge of chemistry and calculus-based physics with depth in at least one.
  2. The ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations.
  3. familiarity with statistics and linear algebra.
  4. The ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems.