Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Florida

The baccalaureate program in mechanical engineering is fully accredited and provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science and basic engineering sciences. Advanced courses are available to develop specialized interests in the engineering aspects of manufacturing, robotics, solid mechanics, thermal and fluid systems, dynamics and controls, and biomechanics. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of industries or to pursue graduate study.

Students considering a career in biomedical engineering should be aware that graduate education is often required. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering.

Combination Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program

The mechanical engineering professional often benefits from an advanced degree to meet the challenging needs of industry and government. Accordingly, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering actively participates in the combination B.S./M.S. degree program that allows students to double-count graduate courses toward both degrees. The combination-degree program reduces the cost for both degrees and enhances the student’s marketability for career advancement. Interested students should contact the MAE department or its website for more information.

Department Requirements

Minimum grades of C are required for the following:

The minimum C grade is part of the prerequisite requirement for courses listing EGM 2511, EGM 3344, EGM 3401, EGM 3520, or EML 3100 as a prerequisite. The prerequisite course and subsequent course cannot be taken in the same term, even if the prerequisite is being repeated.

An aerospace or mechanical engineering student whose cumulative, upper-division or department grade point average falls below a 2.0 or who does not meet critical tracking requirements will be placed on academic probation and required to complete a probation contract with an MAE academic advisor. Students normally are allowed a maximum of two terms (consecutive or non-consecutive) on academic probation. Students who do not satisfy the conditions of the first term on probation may be dismissed from the department.

All graduating seniors must complete an exit interview with their advisor before graduating.

Dual-Degree Programs

There is much overlap between the aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering curriculum. The first six semesters are identical for both programs. Through proper selection of electives, students can earn a dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering degree with one semester of additional work. Contact the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or visit the website for more information.

Educational Objectives

The objective of the mechanical engineering program at UF is to prepare students to attain the following goals within a few years of graduation:

• Graduates will meet the expectations of employers of mechanical engineers.
• Qualified graduates will pursue advanced study if they so desire.

Mission

The mission of the undergraduate program is to serve the state of Florida, the United States and the engineering profession by providing quality educational programs in mechanical engineering; conduct a nationally recognized research program; and foster ongoing professional development of students and faculty.

Research Programs

The department's active research programs are sponsored by private industry, the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA, National Institutes of Health and other agencies.

These programs keep faculty at the leading edge of technology and provides opportunities for students to participate in research through classroom assignments, individual studies, undergraduate research scholarships and employment as research assistants.

Mechanical engineers are responsible for creating and manufacturing devices and systems that alter, transfer, transform and utilize energy forms that cause motion. The baccalaureate program provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science and basic engineering sciences. Advanced courses develop specialized engineering skills in manufacturing, robotics, solid mechanics, thermal and fluid systems, dynamics and controls, and biomechanics.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

ABET EAC Program Educational Objectives, Student Outcomes, and Enrollment and Graduation Numbers can be found on the college website.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass an assessment by two or more faculty and/or industry practitioners of performance on a major design experience.
• Pass assessment in two courses of individual assignments targeted to each learning outcome. Assessment will be provided by the instructor of the course according to department standards.
• Complete an exit interview in your final semester.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering principles to mechanical engineering problems.
2. Design and conduct mechanical engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the data.

Critical Thinking

1. Design a mechanical engineering system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints.

Communication

1. Communicate technical data and design information effectively in speech and in writing to other mechanical engineers.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Written exams
• Laboratory and oral reports
• Design project
• Additional assessments include:
  • Exit interview
  • Alumni survey