Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering and Mines
Department of Mechanical Engineering
(907) 474-7136
www.uaf.edu/mechengr/

B.S., M.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 131 credits

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The mission of the mechanical engineering department at UAF is to offer the highest quality contemporary education at undergraduate and graduate levels, and to perform research appropriate to the technical needs of the state of Alaska, the nation and the world.

Mechanical engineers conceive, plan, design and direct the manufacturing, distribution and operation of a wide variety of devices, machines and systems for energy conversion, environmental control, materials processing, transportation, materials handling and other purposes. Mechanical engineers are engaged in creative design, applied research, development and management. A degree in mechanical engineering also frequently forms the base for entering law, medical or business school, as well as for graduate work in engineering.

The objectives of the mechanical engineering program are to produce graduates who are able to compete successfully on the world stage at the professional level; deal with the significant local, regional, national and global issues facing humankind; continue to develop as engineers through lifelong learning; and serve as resources of technical knowledge for the state as well as the nation, especially with respect to northern issues. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has accredited the B.S. degree program in mechanical engineering since 1980.

Because engineering is based on mathematics, chemistry and physics, students are introduced to the basic principles in these areas during their first two years of study. The third year encompasses courses in the engineering science--extensions to the basic sciences forming the foundation to engineering synthesis and design. The design project course draws on much of the student’s previous learning through a simulated industrial design project. Throughout the four-year program, courses in communication, humanities and social sciences are required because mechanical engineers must be able to communicate effectively in written, oral and graphical form.

Students may choose an emphasis in aerospace or petroleum engineering. Because of UAF’s unique location, special emphasis is placed on cold regions engineering problems. This fact is highlighted in the technical elective, arctic engineering. Candidates for the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering are required to take the state of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering examination in their general field.

MajorMajor--B.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete MATH 200X, CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete MATH 201X, PHYS 211X and PHYS 212X.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   ES 101--Introduction to Engineering--3 credits
   ES 201--Computer Techniques--3 credits
   ES 209--Statics--3 credits
   ES 210--Dynamics--3 credits
   ES 301--Engineering Analysis--3 credits
   ES 307--Elements of Electrical Engineering--3 credits
   ES 331--Mechanics of Materials--3 credits
   ES 341--Fluid Mechanics--4 credits
   ES 346--Basic Thermodynamics--3 credits
   ESM 450W--Economic Analysis and Operations--3 credits
   MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
   MATH 302--Differential Equations--3 credits
   ME 302--Dynamics of Machinery--4 credits
   ME 308--Measurement and Instrumentation--3 credits
   ME 313--Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics--3 credits
   ME 321--Industrial Processes--3 credits
   ME 334--Elements of Material Science/Engineering--3 credits
   ME 403--Machine Design--3 credits
   ME 408--Mechanical Vibrations--3 credits
   ME 415W--Thermal Systems Laboratory--3 credits
   ME 441--Heat and Mass Transfer--3 credits
   ME 487W,O--Design Project--3 credits
   ME electives**--6 credits
   Technical electives***--3 credits
   Electives--2 credits
4. Minimum credits required--131 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each of the program (major) requirements, with exception of ES 101.
** Mechanical engineering course at 400-level or above.
*** Engineering course at 400-level or above.
Note: Students electing to complete an emphasis in aerospace engineering must complete the sequence of aerospace courses (ME 450, 451, 452 and 453) as part of their program requirements and complete a senior design project that is related to aerospace engineering.
Note: Students electing to complete an emphasis in petroleum engineering must complete the sequence of petroleum-related course (ME 409 and 416 or equivalent, plus two 400-level PETE courses) as part of their program requirements and complete a senior design project that is related to petroleum engineering.
Note: Students must plan their elective courses in consultation with their mechanical engineering faculty advisor, and obtain the advisor’s approval for all elective courses.