Nov 24, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

The training of the mechanical engineer is the broadest among the several fields of engineering. The mechanical engineer uses the techniques of mathematics combined with a specialized knowledge of the thermal and energy sciences, solid and fluid mechanics, and the properties of materials. This information is supplemented by an understanding of manufacturing processes, the design and control of systems, and the economics of the technological community.

Our graduates will be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and mechanical engineering to the solution of problems, particularly in the areas of thermodynamics and energy systems; heat transfer; fluid mechanics; mechanical systems and controls; mechanical design; finite element methods and computer-aided graphics; manufacturing; instrumentation; and experimental method.

Consistent with the Vision and Mission statements of the University of Kentucky and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, the undergraduate program in mechanical engineering will prepare our graduates for successful practice or academic pursuits in mechanical engineering. We expect our graduates to attain the following Program Educational Objectives:

Our graduates will be employed in mechanical engineering or a variety of related fields as professionals, or attend graduate and professional schools in their career paths.
Our graduates will continue their education and professional growth by supporting or participating in professional societies, licensure programs, short courses, or other professional development activities.

Degree Requirements

Each student must complete the following:

UK Core Requirements

See the UK Core section of this Catalog for the complete UK Core requirements. The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill UK Core areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the UK Core requirements.

VIII. Statistical Inferential Reasoning

Choose one course from approved list. Recommended:

STA 210 - MAKING SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY: AN INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL REASONING Credit(s): 3
OR
STA 381 - ENGINEERING STATISTICS-A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH Credit(s): 3

IX. Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA

Choose one course from approved list
Credit(s): 3

X. Global Dynamics

Choose one course from approved list
Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: UK Core hours: 33

Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)

WRD 204 - TECHNICAL WRITING Credit(s): 3

Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement hours (GCCR): 3

Premajor Requirements

CIS 110 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION I Credit(s): 3
OR
WRD 110 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION I Credit(s): 3
CIS 111 - COMPOSITION & COMMUNICATION II Credit(s): 3
OR
WRD 111 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION II Credit(s): 3
CHE 105 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I Credit(s): 4
MA 113 - CALCULUS I Credit(s): 4
MA 114 - CALCULUS II Credit(s): 4
MA 213 - CALCULUS III Credit(s): 4
PHY 231 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS Credit(s): 4
PHY 232 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS Credit(s): 4
PHY 241 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY Credit(s): 1
PHY 242 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY Credit(s): 1
EGR 101 - ENGINEERING EXPLORATION I Credit(s): 1 § Δ
EGR 102 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING COMPUTING Credit(s): 2
EGR 103 - ENGINEERING EXPLORATION II Credit(s): 2 § Δ
ME 205 - COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING GRAPHICS Credit(s): 3
EM 221 - STATICS Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: Premajor hours: 43

Major Requirements

MA 214 - CALCULUS IV Credit(s): 3
ME 220 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS I Credit(s): 3
ME 251 - INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES Credit(s): 3
EM 302 - MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE SOLIDS Credit(s): 3
EM 313 - DYNAMICS Credit(s): 3
EE 305 - ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONICS Credit(s): 3
ME 310 - ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION I Credit(s): 3
ME 311 - ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION II Credit(s): 3
ME 321 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS II Credit(s): 3
ME 325 - ELEMENTS OF HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3
ME 330 - FLUID MECHANICS Credit(s): 3
ME 340 - INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 344 - MECHANICAL DESIGN Credit(s): 3
ME 411 - ME CAPSTONE DESIGN I Credit(s): 3
ME 412 - ME CAPSTONE DESIGN II Credit(s): 3
ME 440 - DESIGN OF CONTROL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 501 - MECHANICAL DESIGN WITH FINITE ELEMENT METHODS Credit(s): 3
OR
ME 590 - APPLIED CFD AND NUMERICAL HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: Major hours: 51

Guided Electives

Choose one of the following:

CHE 107 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY II Credit(s): 3
CS 115 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING Credit(s): 3
CS 215 - INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAM DESIGN, ABSTRACTION, AND PROBLEM SOLVING Credit(s): 4
ME 380 - TOPICS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (VARIABLE TOPICS) Credit(s): 3 *
ME 501 - MECHANICAL DESIGN WITH FINITE ELEMENT METHODS Credit(s): 3
OR
ME 590 - APPLIED CFD AND NUMERICAL HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3
*NOTE: ME 501 / ME 590 : If not used for the Major Requirements above.

Subtotal: Guided Electives: 3-4

Electives

Math Elective Credit(s): 3***
Technical Electives Credit(s): 9†

Subtotal: Elective hours: 12

Total Hours: 127

Curriculum

§ Transfer students will take EGR 215 - INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF ENGINEERING FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS , in place of EGR 101 and EGR 103 .

Δ Students must complete both EGR 101 and EGR 103 to fulfill the UK Core Arts and Creativity requirement. Transfer students may satisfy the UK Core Arts and Creativity requirement by taking EGR 215 .

*To be selected from UK Core courses in consultation with the academic advisor.

**Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course.

***Mathematics Elective - choose one course from approved list.

†Technical Electives - choose 9 hours from approved list.

Freshman Year

First Semester

EGR 101 - ENGINEERING EXPLORATION I Credit(s): 1 § Δ
EGR 102 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING COMPUTING Credit(s): 2
CIS 110 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION I Credit(s): 3
OR
WRD 110 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION I Credit(s): 3
MA 113 - CALCULUS I Credit(s): 4
PHY 231 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS Credit(s): 4
PHY 241 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY Credit(s): 1

Second Semester

EGR 103 - ENGINEERING EXPLORATION II Credit(s): 2 § Δ
MA 114 - CALCULUS II Credit(s): 4
CIS 111 - COMPOSITION & COMMUNICATION II Credit(s): 3
OR
WRD 111 - COMPOSITION AND COMMUNICATION II Credit(s): 3
CHE 105 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I Credit(s): 4
UK Core - Social Sciences
Credit(s): 3 *

Sophomore Year

First Semester

MA 213 - CALCULUS III Credit(s): 4
PHY 232 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS Credit(s): 4
PHY 242 - GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY Credit(s): 1
EM 221 - STATICS Credit(s): 3
ME 205 - COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING GRAPHICS Credit(s): 3
Guided Elective
OR
UK Core - Humanities
* Credit(s): 3

Second Semester

ME 220 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS I Credit(s): 3
ME 251 - INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES Credit(s): 3
MA 214 - CALCULUS IV Credit(s): 3
EM 313 - DYNAMICS Credit(s): 3
Guided Elective
OR
UK Core - Humanities
Credit(s): 3
Guided Elective
OR
UK Core - Statistical/Inferential Reasoning
Credit(s): 3
RECOMMENDED:
STA 210 - MAKING SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY: AN INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL REASONING Credit(s): 3
OR
STA 381 - ENGINEERING STATISTICS-A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH Credit(s): 3

Junior Year

First Semester

EM 302 - MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE SOLIDS Credit(s): 3
EE 305 - ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONICS Credit(s): 3
ME 330 - FLUID MECHANICS Credit(s): 3
ME 340 - INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
WRD 204 - TECHNICAL WRITING Credit(s): 3 **

Second Semester

ME 310 - ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION I Credit(s): 3
ME 321 - ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS II Credit(s): 3
ME 325 - ELEMENTS OF HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3
ME 344 - MECHANICAL DESIGN Credit(s): 3
Mathematics Elective Credit(s): 3 ***

Senior Year

First Semester

ME 411 - ME CAPSTONE DESIGN I Credit(s): 3
ME 311 - ENGINEERING EXPERIMENTATION II Credit(s): 3
ME 440 - DESIGN OF CONTROL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 501 - MECHANICAL DESIGN WITH FINITE ELEMENT METHODS Credit(s): 3
OR
ME 590 - APPLIED CFD AND NUMERICAL HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3
Technical Elective† Credit(s): 3

Second Semester

ME 412 - ME CAPSTONE DESIGN II Credit(s): 3
Technical Elective Credit(s): 3 †
Technical Elective Credit(s): 3 †
UK Core - Citizenship - US
Credit(s): 3 *
UK Core - Global Dynamics
Credit(s): 3 *

Mathematics Elective

Choose one course from the following:

MA 320 - INTRODUCTORY PROBABILITY Credit(s): 3
MA 321 - INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL METHODS Credit(s): 3
MA 322 - MATRIX ALGEBRA AND ITS APPLICATIONS Credit(s): 3
MA 416G - INTRODUCTION TO OPTIMIZATION Credit(s): 3
MA 432G - METHODS OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS I Credit(s): 3
MA 433G - INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEX VARIABLES Credit(s): 3
MA 481G - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS Credit(s): 3
STA 381 - ENGINEERING STATISTICS-A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: Mathematics Elective: 3

Technical Electives

Choose 9 hours from the following:*

*A minimum of 6 credit hours (two courses) must have an ME prefix or be cross-listed as an ME course. A maximum of 3 credit hours (one course) may be chosen from technical electives with prefixes other than ME. Exceptions only with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

ME 380 - TOPICS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (VARIABLE TOPICS) Credit(s): 3
ME 395 - INDEPENDENT WORK IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Credit(s): 1 - 3 (Variable)
ME 416 - AUTOMOTIVE PAINTING TECHNOLOGY Credit(s): 3
ME 417 - SHEET METAL FORMING Credit(s): 3
ME 418 - AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY AND QUALITY CONTROL Credit(s): 3
ME 501 - MECHANICAL DESIGN WITH FINITE ELEMENT METHODS Credit(s): 3
ME 503 - LEAN MANUFACTURING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 503 - LEAN MANUFACTURING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES Credit(s): 3
ME 505 - MODELING OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND MACHINES Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 505 - MODELING OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND MACHINES Credit(s): 3
ME 506 - MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
OR
MSE 506 - MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
ME 507 - DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 507 - DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING Credit(s): 3
ME 510 - VIBRO-ACOUSTIC DESIGN IN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 511 - MACHINING OF MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 511 - MACHINING OF MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS Credit(s): 3
ME 512 - MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 512 - MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 513 - MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS Credit(s): 3
ME 514 - COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MECHANICAL SYSTEM ANALYSIS Credit(s): 3
ME 515 - ROTORDYNAMICS OF TURBOMACHINERY Credit(s): 3
ME 516 - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Credit(s): 3
ME 526 - LEAN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT I Credit(s): 3
OR
EE 526 - LEAN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT I Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 526 - LEAN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT I Credit(s): 3
ME 530 - GAS DYNAMICS Credit(s): 3
ME 531 - FLUID DYNAMICS I Credit(s): 3
ME 532 - ADVANCED STRENGTH OF MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
ME 548 - AERODYNAMICS OF TURBOMACHINERY Credit(s): 3
ME 549 - POWER GENERATION Credit(s): 3
ME 555 - INTRODUCTION TO MICRO-/NANO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
OR
EE 555 - INTRODUCTION TO MICRO-/NANO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
OR
MSE 555 - INTRODUCTION TO MICRO-/NANO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
ME 556 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
OR
CME 556 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 556 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
OR
MSE 556 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS Credit(s): 3
ME 560 - ENGINEERING OPTICS Credit(s): 3
ME 563 - BASIC COMBUSTION PHENOMENA Credit(s): 3
ME 565 - SCALE MODELING IN ENGINEERING Credit(s): 3
ME 580 - HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Credit(s): 3
OR
BAE 580 - HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Credit(s): 3
ME 583 - INDUSTRIAL ENERGY UTILIZATION AND ASSESSMENT Credit(s): 3
OR
BAE 583 - INDUSTRIAL ENERGY UTILIZATION AND ASSESSMENT Credit(s): 3
OR
EGR 583 - INDUSTRIAL ENERGY UTILIZATION AND ASSESSMENT Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 583 - INDUSTRIAL ENERGY UTILIZATION AND ASSESSMENT Credit(s): 3
OR
EE 583 - INDUSTRIAL ENERGY UTILIZATION AND ASSESSMENT Credit(s): 3
ME 590 - APPLIED CFD AND NUMERICAL HEAT TRANSFER Credit(s): 3
ME 599 - TOPICS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (SUBTITLE REQUIRED) Credit(s): 3

Non-ME Technical Electives

BME 440 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING Credit(s): 3
BME 472 - HUMAN BIOMECHANICS Credit(s): 3
BME 473 - FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOFLUID MECHANICS Credit(s): 3
BME 488 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOMATERIALS Credit(s): 3
BAE 502 - MODELING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
BAE 515 - FLUID POWER SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
BAE 516 - CONTROL OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLES Credit(s): 3
BME 532 - MODELING OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Credit(s): 3
BME 540 - BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION Credit(s): 3
BME 550 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL IMAGING Credit(s): 3
BME 571 - MECHANICAL MODELING OF HUMAN MOTION Credit(s): 3
BME 573 - CELL MECHANICS AND MECHANOBIOLOGY Credit(s): 3
BME 579 - NEURAL ENGINEERING: MERGING ENGINEERING WITH NEUROSCIENCE Credit(s): 3
EGR 523 - CONCEPTS, ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND METHODS IN SUSTAINABLE POWER AND ENERGY Credit(s): 3
EGR 537 - NUMERICAL ANALYSIS Credit(s): 3
EGR 540 - POWER ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY Credit(s): 3
EGR 542 - POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES Credit(s): 3
EGR 546 - ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM FUNDAMENTALS Credit(s): 3
EGR 553 - ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF ENERGY PRODUCTION Credit(s): 3
MFS 509 - LEADERSHIP FOR A LEAN ENTERPRISE Credit(s): 3
MNG 520 - INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND CONTROL Credit(s): 3
OR
MFS 520 - INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND CONTROL Credit(s): 3
MFS 581 - QUALITY CONTROL Credit(s): 3
MFS 599 - TOPICS IN MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (SUBTITLE REQUIRED) Credit(s): 3
MSE 201 - MATERIALS SCIENCE Credit(s): 3
CME 552 - AUTOMOTIVE PLASTICS Credit(s): 3
OR
MSE 552 - AUTOMOTIVE PLASTICS Credit(s): 3

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Degree Requirements

UK Core Requirements

I. Intellectual Inquiry in Arts and Creativity

II. Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities

III. Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences

IV. Intellectual Inquiry in the Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences

V. Composition and Communication I

VI. Composition and Communication II

VII. Quantitative Foundations

VIII. Statistical Inferential Reasoning

IX. Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA

X. Global Dynamics

Subtotal: UK Core hours: 33

Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)

Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement hours (GCCR): 3

Premajor Requirements

Subtotal: Premajor hours: 43

Major Requirements

Subtotal: Major hours: 51

Guided Electives

Subtotal: Guided Electives: 3-4

Electives

Subtotal: Elective hours: 12

Total Hours: 127

Curriculum

Freshman Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Sophomore Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Junior Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Senior Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Mathematics Elective

Subtotal: Mathematics Elective: 3

Technical Electives

Non-ME Technical Electives