2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
|
|
|
|
Donald L. Fenton, Head
Professors: Beck, Chapman, Eckels, Fenton, Hosni, Jones, McGregor, Pacey, Shultis, Swenson, Thompson, and Wang; Associate Professors: Cai, Dunn, Lease, Madanshetty, Schinstock, White, and Xin; Assistant Professors: Abdou, Hu, Singh, and Spaulding; Emeriti Professors: Appl, Azer, Ball, Eckhoff, Faw, Gorton, Gowdy, Hightower, Huang, Lindholm, Merklin, Nesmith, Pauli, and Simons.
3002 Rathbone Hall
785-532-5610
Fax: 785-532-7057
E-mail: info@mne.k-state.edu
www.mne.ksu.edu
Mechanical engineering is a broad profession that traditionally comprises three primary subfields: energy, mechanisms and machinery, and controls. The work done by mechanical engineers includes the design, construction, and use of systems for the conversion of energy available from natural sources (water, fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, solar radiation) to other forms of useful energy (for transportation, heat, light, power); design and production of machines to lighten the burden of servile human work and to do work otherwise beyond human capability; processing of materials into useful products; and creative planning, development, and operation of systems using energy, machines, and resources; and manufacturing.
The curriculum includes engineering science courses in the sophomore and junior years and engineering application courses in the junior and senior years. Laboratory courses and humanities and social science electives are found throughout the curriculum. The laboratory and application courses provide opportunity for development of student creativity, use of design methodology, and other aspects of engineering design.
The entire curriculum serves as preparation for the industrial design project where teams of students are assigned to work on realistic engineering problems supplied by industrial sponsors. This brief internship gives new mechanical engineering graduates the experience and confidence to move quickly into productive and satisfying careers.
Because of the broad and fundamental nature of the curriculum, mechanical engineering provides an excellent background for careers in such fields as law, medicine, social services, urban design, and business management in addition to traditional engineering professions.
Mission statement
The mission of the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is to produce high-quality baccalaureate graduates who are capable of contributing valuable engineering skills and knowledge toward important traditional areas of the discipline by:
- offering a modern curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology that prepares a student for a lifetime career;
- acknowledging that professional education is a shared responsibility between both students and faculty;
- providing well-prepared and presented courses that challenge the student;
- advising undergraduate students to help them negotiate obstacles in their educational path, and to tailor their education to their strengths and interests;
- actively recruiting and attracting top high school graduates and transfer students; and
- producing an environment within the department that motivates students to fully develop their engineering education through participation in professional societies, student government, extracurricular activities, design competitions, etc.
MNE program educational objectives
Graduates of the mechanical and nuclear engineering department will: apply technical knowledge and skills in their chosen profession or toward advanced study to the greater benefit of society and the state of Kansas; utilize effective communication and team skills to work productively within their professions and communities; demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and accountability in their professional activities; and actively participate in life-long learning and professional development.
MNE student outcomes
Graduates of the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering will have (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability; (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams; (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; (g) an ability to communicate effectively; (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context; (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning; (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues; (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; (l) an ability to apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations) to model, analyze, design, and realize physical systems, components or processes; and work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas.
Individual Programs
The electives in the curriculum provide the opportunity for students to develop skills of individual interest. Students with clear career objectives may be permitted to substitute appropriate courses for some of the required courses. For example, students interested in the aerospace industry can choose elective courses in propulsion, aerodynamics, aircraft stability and control, and composite materials. A special interest in automobiles may prompt students to choose elective courses in internal combustion engines, machine vibrations, composite materials, and thermodynamic analysis. The combinations are extensive.
The nuclear engineering option prepares students for professional positions in industry, government, private practice, and postgraduate studies in the application of nuclear technology. Engineering fundamentals are emphasized throughout the curriculum with the nuclear engineering courses in the junior and senior years. Students may organize a program suited to their particular needs and interests. Students may elect a program leading to specialized engineering practice or to postgraduate study in engineering, science, medicine, business, or law.
Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
|
