Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Program

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at Wayne State University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in mechanical engineering, enabling them to apply basic engineering principles to identify and solve problems, and to design, specify the manufacturing of, and evaluate the performance of mechanical systems and processes.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Bachelor of Science program, students must satisfy the admission criteria of the Division of Engineering, James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering. The Department has an Academic Advisor and a Director of Undergraduate Studies, who are responsible for assisting students with course selections and maintaining academic progress, and enforcing Departmental academic policy, respectively. Students are encouraged to meet with the Academic Advisor once every semester for up-to-date feedback on their academic progress and a review of course plans for the next semester or two.

Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree must complete 123 credits of coursework, including the University General Education requirements. All coursework must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the University and the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, as well as the opportunity to pursue specialized courses in areas such as vibrations and acoustics, control and dynamics, biomedical engineering, solid mechanics and design, and thermal/fluid science.

Plan of Study Grid

The plan of study grid outlines the required courses for each semester of the four-year program. The grid includes courses such as:

• First Semester:
  • BE 1200: Basic Engineering I: Design in Engineering
  • CHM 1125: General Chemistry I for Engineers
  • CHM 1130: General Chemistry I Laboratory
  • ENG 1020: Introductory College Writing
  • MAT 2010: Calculus I
  • FYS 1010: Introduction to University Life and College Success
• Second Semester:
  • BE 1300: Basic Engineering II: Materials Science for Engineering Applications
  • BE 1310: Materials Science for Engineering: Laboratory
  • MAT 2020: Calculus II
  • BE 1500: Introduction to Programming and Computation for Engineers
  • PHY 2170: University Physics I for Scientists and Engineers
• Second Year:
  • First Semester:
    • MAT 2030: Calculus III
    • ME 2410: Statics
    • BE 2100: Basic Engineering III: Probability and Statistics in Engineering
    • PHY 2180: University Physics II for Scientists and Engineers
  • Second Semester:
    • MAT 2150: Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra
    • ME 2500: Numerical Methods Using MATLAB
    • ME 2420: Elementary Mechanics of Materials
    • ME 2200: Thermodynamics
    • Any Civic Literacy course
• Third Year:
  • First Semester:
    • ME 3300: Fluid Mechanics: Theory and Laboratory
    • ENG 3050: Technical Communication I: Reports
    • ME 3400: Dynamics
    • ME 3450: Manufacturing Processes I
    • ECE 3320: Introduction to Electrical Circuits
  • Second Semester:
    • ME 4210: Heat Transfer: Theory and Laboratory
    • ME 4150: Design of Machine Elements
    • ME 4410: Vibrations: Theory and Laboratory
    • PHI 1120: Professional Ethics
    • ENG 3060: Technical Communication II: Presentations
• Fourth Year:
  • First Semester:
    • ME 4300 or ME 5330: Thermal Fluid Systems Design or Advanced Thermal Fluid System Design
    • ME 4420: Dynamic Modeling and Control of Engineering System
    • ME Technical Elective
    • Any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion course
  • Second Semester:
    • ME 4500 or ME 5500: Mechanical Engineering Design II or Advanced Engineering Design
    • ME Technical Elective
    • Any Social Inquiry course
    • Any Global Learning course

Coherent Technical Electives

Two technical electives must be chosen from among the 5000-level courses offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department. Coherent Technical Electives are available in areas such as:

• Vibrations and Acoustics
• Control and Dynamics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Solid Mechanics and Design
• Design and Manufacturing
• Thermal/Fluid Science

Course List

Some examples of technical electives include:

• ME 5440: Industrial Noise Control
• ME 5460: Fundamentals in Acoustics and Noise Control
• ME 5115: Fundamentals of Electric-drive Vehicle Modeling
• ME 5400: Dynamics II
• ME 6550: Modeling and Control of Dynamic Systems
• ME 5100: Quantitative Physiology
• ME 5160/BME 5210: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
• ME 5180/BME 5370: Introduction to Biomaterials
• ME 5040: Finite Element Methods I
• ME 5620: Fracture Mechanics in Engineering Design
• ME 5720: Mechanics of Composite Materials
• ME 5453: Product and Manufacturing Systems and Processes
• ME 5580: Computer-Aided Mechanical Design
• ME 5110/EVE 5130/AET 5110/CHE 5110: Fundamental Fuel Cell Systems
• ME 5215/EVE 5120/AET 5310/CHE 5120: Fundamentals of Battery Systems for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
• ME 5300: Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
• ME 5800: Combustion Engines
• ME 5810: Combustion and Emissions

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering at Wayne State University are to provide the education and training that will enable its graduates to:

1. Successfully pursue intermediate-level engineering positions or additional degrees.
2. Demonstrate technical competency in applying broad, fundamental-based knowledge and up-to-date skills to perform professional work in mechanical engineering-related disciplines.
3. Demonstrate competency in applying comprehensive design methodology pertaining to mechanical engineering, incorporating the use of the economic, environmental, and social impact of design.
4. Engage in professional societies, and to always apply best practices in professional ethics.
5. Be committed to life-long learning activities through self-reliance, creativity, and leadership.

ABET Student Outcomes

It is expected that by the time of graduation, our B.S.M.E. students will have:

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.
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 together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Mechanical Engineering Honors Requirements

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students must be either a University Honors student or participating in AGRADE and complete a Thesis to be considered for Mechanical Engineering departmental honors. The requirements include:

• A minimum GPA of 3.4 and 3.6 Honors GPA.
• 23 credits must be in Engineering Honors courses, including:
  • BE 5998: Engineering Honors Thesis
  • BE 2100: Basic Engineering III: Probability and Statistics in Engineering
  • ME 5330: Advanced Thermofluid Design
  • ME 5500: Advanced Engineering Design
  • 2 ME courses at either the 5000 or 6000 level.
• At least one HON 42XX Honors seminar.