Mechanical Engineering Learning Objectives

The Department of Engineering is developing engineering programs that provide technical breadth and depth in an engineering discipline and are integrated with the overall mission of Mount Union. These programs will prepare graduates to become leaders in the engineering profession through inclusion of unique topical threads, like sustainability and professional ethics and responsibility, that will be integrated throughout the required engineering courses.  The programs will also require an international experience so graduates are prepared to enter the increasingly global engineering workplace.  The engineering curricula will make use of experiential and collaborative learning in lecture and laboratory courses.

The mechanical engineering program will prepare graduates to enter the engineering profession as mechanical engineers or to pursue an advanced degree in engineering, business or a related field.  The program will provide a broad base in mechanical engineering culminating in a two semester capstone design experience.  Students will be encouraged to participate in undergraduate research or industrial internships to gain practical mechanical engineering experience.  The mechanical engineering program is being designed to meet all ABET requirements.

Learning Goals

At this point in the development of the mechanical engineering program, the following learning goals have been established:

• an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering science;

• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;

• 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;

• an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;

• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;

• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;

• an ability to communicate effectively;

• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;

• a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;

• a knowledge of contemporary issues;

• an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;

• 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

• an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas.

Additional learning goals may be added as the curriculum is finalized over the next year.