Mar 28, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2008-09 [Archived Catalog]

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


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Major code BS7257

Ohio University’s Mechanical Engineering major program has four educational objectives:

  1. Prepare graduates for engineering careers and advanced education
  2. Graduate mechanical engineers with technical skills
    • including a grasp of engineering knowledge and an ability to apply knowledge to solve contemporary engineering problems
  3. Graduate mechanical engineers with skills to perform in the work environment
    • including technical communication, teamwork, and decision making
  4. Graduate mechanical engineers who are informed and aware of contemporary issues and the impact of engineering on society.

These objectives are consistent with and embrace ABET Criteria 2000 Outcomes.

Mechanical engineering is an extremely diverse profession that is concerned with (1) the economical and ecological conversion of energy from natural sources to provide power, heating, cooling, and propulsion; (2) the design of all types of machines, engines, and vehicles; (3) the processing of materials into useful products; and (4) the development of systems for using machines and resources. Professional activities include research, development, design, testing, production, operation and maintenance, marketing and sales, technical management, and administration.

The mechanical engineering curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in higher mathematics, physics, and chemistry, followed by extensive instruction in all of the classical mechanical engineering disciplines. The curriculum contains a significant amount of design content, wherein students are required to apply their engineering skills to solve real-world and/or open-ended problems in a project format. The principal objectives of the design experience are: (1) to allow students to use their own creativity in formulating alternative engineering solutions; 2) to develop an ability to work independently and/or in teams, which is an important skill for continued growth as a practicing engineer; 3) to bridge the gap between the acquisition of engineering knowledge in required courses and the application of that knowledge to solve engineering problems. The objectives of the design experience are consistent with the Department’s overall objective of producing highly competent engineers with an ability to formulate and solve real engineering problems.

The design experience begins in the freshman year (ME 101), wherein students are introduced to elements of engineering design. This often involves the design and construction of a device to perform a specified task. Throughout the sophomore, junior, and senior years, mechanical engineering students are required to solve design problems in many of the required engineering courses and across the spectrum of disciplines encompassed by the mechanical engineering profession. Senior mechanical engineering students are challenged in a sequence of three formal design courses (ME 470, 471, 472) involving a capstone senior design project, which requires the construction and testing of a working product prototype. The capstone project requires application of engineering knowledge in thermal/fluid sciences, structures and motion analysis, engineering materials, engineering economy, and social issues, such as product safety and reliability. Students are required to submit written technical reports, as well as give oral presentations describing project results. This is in accord with the Department’s objective of producing engineers who have good communication skills, as well as excellent technical skills. The design experience is enhanced by providing students with technologically modern lab facilities and computational tools.

In addition to engineering courses, the Department requires significant studies in the humanities and social sciences to establish a breadth and depth of awareness and education. The humanity and social science requirements are consistent with the Department’s objective of graduating individuals with a well-rounded education.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering prides itself on offering students a close working relationship with the faculty. Mechanical engineering faculty members are required to set aside office hours to assist students with class assignments. In addition, each student who enters the program is assigned one of the mechanical engineering faculty members as an academic advisor who will meet quarterly with the student to assist in course scheduling.

If you are majoring in mechanical engineering as preparation for entry into another profession, such as law, medicine, business, etc., consult with the department chair regarding modifying your schedule to meet specific career objectives.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a co-op program that allows you to acquire practical experience and income by working in industry after completing your freshman year. Sophomore and junior courses are scheduled to accommodate a work-academics plan, based on alternate periods of study and work. Consult the co-op office if you are interested.

An honors program for students with 90 or more hours and in the top 20% of their class provides the opportunity to receive graduate credit for coursework throughout your senior year. Contact the department office for further information.

The Paul H. and Irene C. Black Memorial Fund provides a large number of generous scholarships for seniors majoring in mechanical engineering. A good academic record and participation in departmental activities are key considerations in awarding the scholarship. Contact the department office for additional information.

Freshman


Winter


  • English Composition Credit Hours: 5 (see footnote 2)

Spring


  • Humanitites or Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 8 (See footnote 3)

Sophomore


Junior


Senior


Fall


  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 4
    See footnote 7
  • Humanities or Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 4
    See footnote 3

Winter


  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 4
    See footnote 7
  • Humanities or Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 4
    See footnote 3

Spring


  • Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Technical Elective Credit Hours: 4
     See footnote 7

Footnotes:


  1. Students must qualify to take this course by passing a placement test
  2. The level and the quarter this course is offered is determined by a placement test taken during the Precollege orientation session.
  3. A total of 16 hours of Tier II electives are required, at  least 3 hours from each of the following categories: Fine Arts (2FA), Humanities and Literature(2HL), Social Sciences (2SS), and Cross Cultural Perspectives (2CP).
  4. Students must qualify to take this course by passing a placement test.
  5. Students may take this course any quarter upon completion of 90 hours.
  6. ME 470, 471, and 472 must be taken in sequence beginning in the fall quarter of the senior year.
  7. Each student must complete at least 11 hours of technical electives, with at least 3 hours from ME. Technical electives are any engineering course at the 300-level or above, or any course in math or physics at the 400 level.
  8. ME 472 fulfills the University Tier III requirement.

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