The role of the mechanical engineer in today's society is rapidly changing. Advances in manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure systems, materials, communications, and high-performance computing have introduced new demands, opportunities, and challenges for mechanical engineers. What was once an individual endeavor has now become a team activity. Today's industries require that mechanical engineers possess diverse interdisciplinary skills, a global viewpoint, entrepreneurial and managerial abilities, and an understanding of the forces governing the marketplace.
Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been associated with industries like automotive, transportation, and power generation, and with activities involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of products useful to society. While today such activities are still dominated by mechanical engineers, the spectrum of opportunities for these professionals has expanded tremendously. For example, mechanical engineers are involved in the design and analysis of biomedical instrumentation, electronic components, smart structures, and advanced materials; they are involved in sophisticated studies of human motion, control of satellites, and the development of more efficient energy-transfer techniques.
Drexel's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) prides itself on providing its students with a comprehensive program of courses, laboratories, design projects, and co-op experiences. The MEM curriculum is designed to balance technical breadth (provided by a set of fundamental required core courses) with technical depth (provided by optional concentrations that emphasize particular fields within the profession). Thus, the MEM program not only prepares its graduates to become successful mechanical engineers needed in industry and government, but also provides an excellent springboard to pursue graduate studies in medical sciences, law, business, information technology, and any other disciplines where technological and analytical skills play an important role.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics of Drexel University is to transfer and acquire knowledge through: (a) the education of engineers for leadership in industry, business, academia, and government; and (b) the establishment of internationally recognized research programs. This mission is accomplished by the delivery of an outstanding curriculum by the participation of our students in one of the nation's most prestigious co-operative educational programs and by the scholarly activities of the faculty.
Program Educational Objectives
- Our graduates will be successful in careers that deal with the design, simulation, and analysis of engineering systems, experimentation and testing, manufacturing, technical services, and research.
- Our graduates will enter and complete academic and professional programs in engineering, business, management, law, and medicine.
- Our graduates will communicate effectively with peers and be successful working with and leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Our graduates will recognize the global, legal, societal, and ethical contexts of their work.
- Our graduates will advance in their careers; for example, assuming increasing levels of responsibility and acquiring professional licensure.
Student Outcomes
The Department's student outcomes reflect the skills and abilities that the curriculum is designed to provide to students by the time they graduate. These are:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies