The ME department is an ABET-accredited program that prepares students for careers in academia, industry or as entrepreneurs. Here you will find information about courses offered, research opportunities, and various resources and tools to help you complete your undergraduate education.

• Curriculum Overview

  The curriculum is structured so that most of the required courses in mathematics and the basic sciences (physics and chemistry) are completed during the first two years. In addition, two four-unit courses, an Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Graphics & Design are offered in the first year. These classes focus on basic engineering concepts and computational engineering tools required for mechanical engineers. Engineering topics are covered primarily in courses offered during the second, third and fourth years. Additional science topics (Biology) are covered in the third year. Students may also take elective courses in specialized topics such as Applied Finite Element Methods, Transport Phenomena in Living Systems, Vibrations, Environmental Impacts of Energy Production, Mechatronics, Combustion and Energy Systems, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, etc., in the senior year.

  Several ME courses, including laboratory courses, incorporate design. Design addresses real-world problems whose solution requires creativity and consideration of alternatives to achieve stated objectives. The design component can occupy a significant fraction of course time and is usually conducted in teams. The culmination of the students' design experience is a three-quarter capstone design course, in which students draw upon various aspects of their previous engineering science and design knowledge to address a meaningful design problem. The first quarter focuses on engineering economics, engineering/professional ethics, and review of fundamental design concepts. In the second quarter, project (concept) analysis, preliminary evaluation (economical and technical), data and literature collection, and preliminary process design and evaluation is carried out. The third quarter of the capstone design course focuses on the final detailed technical design of the process (equipment sizing and specification, etc.), followed by prototyping and construction of hardware, and detailed technical analysis of the final design. The course concludes with a formal oral presentation and written technical report.

• Focus Areas
  • Materials and Structures
    Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 121, ME 122, ME 134, ME 153, ME 156, ME 180, ME 197
  • Energy and Environment
    Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 117, ME 136, ME 137, ME138, ME 197
  • Design and Manufacturing
    Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 121, ME 122, ME 130, ME 131, ME 133, ME 140, ME 144, ME 145, ME 153, ME 156, ME 175D, ME 176 , ME 180, ME 197
  • General Mechanical Engineering
    Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from selected from the following list, in consultation with an advisor: ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 117, ME 121, ME 122, ME 130, ME 131, ME 133, ME 136, ME 137, ME 138, , ME 134, ME 140, ME 144, ME 145, ME 153, ME 156, ME 175D,  ME 176,  ME 180, ME 197

   

• Program Education Objectives

  ME at UCR is nationally recognized as an innovator in research and education in mechanical engineering. The foundation of the specific objectives of the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program has been guided by the strong belief that the program should provide an equivalent of liberal arts education for the 21st century. 

  The Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives are to prepare our graduates to make a positive impact on society by being successful in:
  •    careers as mechanical engineers and as engineering leaders
  •    graduate studies and research
  •    professional careers besides mechanical engineering
  •    advocating the engineering profession and inspiring others to develop a passion for engineering profession
  We prepare our students to attain these Program Educational Objectives through a curriculum which is designed to achieve these Student Outcomes
  (1) an ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics

  (2) an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors

  (6) An ability to develop appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

  (3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

  (4) an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.

  (5) an ability to function effectively on a team whose members create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.

  (7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies
   

• Accreditation

  The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of  ABET.

• Undergraduate Advisor

  Malcolm Manuel
  Student Academic Advisor
  bcoeadvising@engr.ucr.edu
  951-827-3647

Apply to UCR Course Catalog

Freshman Dates & Deadlines