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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (Course 2)

Our traditional undergraduate degree program provides a broad intellectual foundation in the field of mechanical engineering. It develops the relevant engineering fundamentals, provides several experiences in their application, and introduces the important methods and techniques of engineering practice.

Students are urged to contact the ME Undergraduate Office (Rm. 1-110, x3-2305) as soon as they have decided to enter mechanical engineering so that a faculty advisor may be assigned. Students, together with their faculty advisors, plan a program that best utilizes the departmental electives and the 48 units of unrestricted electives available in the Course 2 degree program. This program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org.

Course 2 Objectives

The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering are that within a few years of graduation, a majority of our graduates will have completed or be progressing through top graduate programs; advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-profit organizations, or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. In these roles they will:

  1. Apply a deep working knowledge of technical fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, electromechanical, and thermal systems to address needs of the customer and society.
  2. Develop innovative technologies and find solutions to engineering problems.
  3. Communicate effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams.
  4. Be sensitive to professional and societal contexts and committed to ethical action.
  5. Lead in the conception, design, and implementation of new products, processes, services, and systems.

These objectives have been developed over a period of 150 years by the faculty and students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of MIT, with input from other constituents, in an attempt to comply with the mission of MIT as an institution. That mission, as stated in the current edition of the MIT Bulletin is:

The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century

The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world’s great challenges. MIT is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse campus community. We seek to develop in each member of the MIT community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.

Student Outcomes

Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying fundamental principles of mechanical engineering, science, and mathematics including the steps of abstracting essential information, critically assessing its validity, and making appropriate assumptions.

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.

Communicate effectively with a range of audiences by diverse means including written reports, public speaking, and visual media.

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.

Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.

Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.

Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Implement computer and simulations tools in mechanical engineering practice.

Specify manufacturing and fabrication techniques and other engineering processes needed to implement thermal and mechanical systems.