Our Mission
Our mission is to provide quality education and training to undergraduate and graduate students, to develop new knowledge and engineering methodology through research, and to provide service to industry and society at large. To achieve our educational objective, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics will give rise to engineers who:
- Naturally incorporate basic sciences and the art of mathematics as part of their thinking and problem-solving processes
- Design, conduct, and analyze experimental tests of practical systems and products
- Understand and appreciate the technical diversity required to develop new products or processes and use this understanding to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams
- Model, formulate, and design realistic and practical systems, products, and environments
- Develop an appreciation of the contemporary world, and be able to contribute to it in a professional and ethical manner
- Learn how to learn, so that life-long learning becomes second nature
Achievement of the aforementioned educational objectives is served first through a sound education in mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences; second, by exposure to the engineering process (creation, innovation, analysis, and judgment) through design courses, projects, laboratories, and a choice of technical electives that permits a degree of specialization; and third, by the development of cultural awareness through courses in humanities and social sciences. Students may also take elective courses that transcend traditional disciplinary lines, while still satisfying the requirements for mechanical engineering.
The undergraduate program provides students with the basic education they will need to function in an engineering environment, pursue graduate studies, continue their professional development, and establish an awareness of the culture and society in which we live. Because of technological innovations and the long term demands of global competition, the department seeks to prepare our students to adapt to the rapid advances and changes in technology, and to serve as agents and leaders in effecting these changes, while being cognizant of the needs and concerns of the society at large.
The graduate program bridges between the generalized undergraduate studies and the more focused research and remarkable accomplishments of our faculty. New graduate students participate in research by working closely with their faculty advisors; however, they are quickly encouraged to work and think independently, assuming greater responsibility for critical research functions. This learning process prepares the students for future research and development positions in industry or academia, where they can contribute toward the improvement and advancement of the community and society at large.