ME Undergraduate Brochure
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Transcript of ME Undergraduate Brochure
Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta offers a diverse, progressive educational
experience. We believe that engineers have a responsibility to improve human welfare. Our
activities in traditional areas such as manufacturing and design, as well as in emerging areas
such as biomedical engineering, emissions reduction technology, nanotechnology, interfacial
phenomena, and sustainable energy demonstrate our commitment to designing technical
solutions to meet society's challenges.
Mechanical Engineering
University of Alberta
4-9 Mechanical Engineering Building
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G8
Telephone: 1.780.492.3598
Facsimile: 1.780.492.2200
Website: www.engineering.ualberta.ca/mece
SET YOUR COURSE –CONTACT US TODAY
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERINGOur continuously growing department is home to more than 700 undergraduate students
and 250 graduate students. This growth is reflected by our dedicated academic staff of over
40 professors, making it the largest Mechanical Engineering department in Canada.
Our priority is providing a first-class undergraduate education while remaining committed to
conducting leading research. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of
Alberta you’ll be ready to help move the world forward.
Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta prepares you to deal with the broadest
set of engineering challenges possible. Our approach is to combine classroom scholarship
with hands-on, applied learning situations. Students have additional opportunities to
apply the skills they learn through working on extracurricular design projects housed in
the department.
In the first year, all engineering students take courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics,
computer programming, and engineering mechanics before applying to their discipline of
choice and deciding whether to pursue the cooperative (co-op) education option.
Once you’re admitted into Mechanical Engineering, your second year remains broad with an
introduction to computer-aided, hands-on design, mechanics, stress analysis, electrical circuits
and devices, thermodynamics, and concepts of materials science.
The third and fourth years of the program refine your interests in Mechanical Engineering
through courses in manufacturing, mechanical design, mechanics of machines, heat transfer,
turbomachines, fluid mechanics, engineering economy, project management and entrepre-
neurship, energy conversion, experimental design, and dynamic systems.
Choosing an education in Mechanical Engineering will allow you to set your course for a
variety of career paths, from the frontiers of biomedicine to creating a sustainable global
environment, to designing the machinery on which industry relies, to developing the skills
to rise to the top of the business world.
SET YOUR LIFE IN MOTION WITHAN EDUCATION IN MECHANICALENGINEERING
THREE UNIQUE ELECTIVE STREAMS
1. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ELECTIVE STREAMMechanical Engineering is a fertile environment for students who are also interested in the
biological sciences, from understanding the intricacies of fluid flows in the heart and lungs to
designing artificial joints, implants, orthopaedic devices, and medical equipment and related
instrumentation.
Biomedical engineering is concerned with the application of engineering and the basic
sciences to the solution of problems arising in medicine and biology. In its application to
human physiology, biomedical engineering involves the understanding of body processes,
the diagnosis of different body conditions and the rehabilitation of bodily functions. The
tremendous complexity and variety of problems associated with the aforementioned areas
require the involvement of engineers of all backgrounds.
Exciting opportunities exist for innovative solutions to numerous health care problems by
applying knowledge contained within the discipline of mechanical engineering. Such solutions
typically require interdisciplinary teams for which the broad background in fundamentals
obtained in mechanical engineering is an asset. Examples include the ever-increasing use of
mechanical systems to assist or replace various portions of anatomy, and the application of
system modeling and design methods in areas from diagnosis to aids for rehabilitation.
• Clinical engineer for research hospital
• Accident injury biomechanics engineer
• Sports equipment designer
NEW – Students wanting to learn more in this area can take the biomedical degree option
in mechanical engineering.
2. BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT ELECTIVE STREAMEngineering Management focuses on helping engineers function better in the world of
business management. Engineers frequently practice in commercial settings and are the
most represented profession in management. About one in three engineers have managerial
responsibilities at some time in their careers, which often requires additional training and
experience.
Students in Engineering Management study topics such as entrepreneurship, engineering
economics, engineering and the environment, contract law, the anthropology and sociology
of work, and people management.
• Project manager
• Entrepreneur
• Engineering, procurement and construction engineer
JOBS RELATEDTO THIS FIELD
JOBS RELATEDTO THIS FIELD
As mechanical engineers, we build cars with reduced emissions, create airplanes with lighter
materials, design prosthetic limbs, refine manufacturing technology and methodology,
investigate the applications for robotics and artificial intelligence, guide the effective use of
natural resources, examine the impact of engineering on the environment, generate coatings
with unique thermal and mechanical properties, and design micro-, nano-, and lab-on-a-chip
technologies. And that’s just the beginning.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING:ELECTIVE STREAMS AND AREASOF STUDY
3. AEROSPACE ENGINEERING ELECTIVE STREAMMechanical Engineering is the traditional centre for learning about aerospace, automotive,
autonomous, and exploratory vehicles. The department has especially strong research
expertise in the use of alternative fuels, emissions measurement, and combustion. The latter
includes exploring more efficient automotive technologies like Homogenous Charge
Compression Ignition (HCCI), a hybrid of traditional spark and compression ignition engines.
Our department recently designed and tested a meteorological instrument for the Phoenix
Mars Lander that measured dust devils on the surface of Mars.
With the opening of the Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems, Alberta is
establishing itself as a region that excels in developing autonomous vehicles for industrial
applications. Mechanical Engineering is well-positioned to capitalize on this industrial trend
through the work of our Advance Robotics and Control Research Laboratory.
• Aerospace engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Robotics and controls engineer
FIVE EXCITING AREAS OF STUDYMechanical engineering covers a diverse range of engineering fields with five major areas of
study: solid mechanics and dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanical design,
and engineering management. Examples of more specialized areas of work are acoustics,
aerodynamics, biomechanical engineering, combustion engines, energy conversion systems,
environmental engineering, material science including fracture and fatigue, robotics and
vehicle design.
SOLID MECHANICS AND DYNAMICSMechanical engineers are involved in the design of structures and mechanical components
to safely withstand normal working stresses. Many structures and machines are also
subjected to additional stresses caused by vibrations, for example, due to the imbalance
in a compressor or engine, and these effects can be critical for their safe use. Stress analysis
predicts the internal loads in a component and allows the designer to select materials and
shapes suitable for the service the component will experience. Traditional materials such
as steel and aluminium as well as recently developed materials such as ceramics and
fibre-reinforced composites are considered to optimize the component's performance.
FLUID MECHANICSFluid mechanics is concerned with the motions of liquids and gases and the machinery that
causes that motion (e.g., pumps) or uses it (e.g., windmills). Applications include acoustics,
aerodynamics, meteorology, pollutant dispersion, pumps, fans, turbines, pipelines, and
lubrication. Mechanical engineers with a specialization in fluid mechanics design and
improve a wide range of fluids-related equipment as well as investigate concerns related to
the flow of water and air in the environment. Another major area of work for mechanical
engineers with a fluid mechanics background is in the aerodynamics industry designing
everything from wings to jet engines.
THERMODYNAMICSApplied thermodynamics is the study of energy conversion from one form to another. A
typical application is electricity production. Energy from the combustion of fuels like coal,
oil, or natural gas is used to heat a fluid such as air or water, and then the fluid is expanded
through machinery to produce mechanical work and drive a generator. The electricity
produced is an easily transported form of energy that can be used at locations remote to the
original energy source. Mechanical engineers with a specialization in thermodynamics design
and improve power plants, engines, heat exchangers, and other forms of equipment. Specific
examples include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for living space and
industrial processes, use of alternate fuels in engines, and reducing pollution from internal
combustion engines.
DESIGNThe design process starts with recognizing a need for a new product, device, or industrial
process and then carries on to defining the problem to be solved, gathering necessary
information, performing the required analysis and optimization, building prototypes, and
evaluating different concepts. There is usually no single correct solution for a given design
problem as different designs may all solve the same problem. Some designs are better than
others, as they may be lighter or more efficient or cost less, so that by constant refinement
and iteration throughout the design process, acceptable designs can be made.
Mechanical Engineering offers numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests
in mechanical design. Each year of our undergraduate program introduces students to a new
area of applied mechanical design. The introductory course in our design curriculum, MECE
260, is frequently cited by alumni as their favourite course of their undergraduate careers.
In year three, students learn about essential elements of manufacturing and have the
opportunity to visit major industrial facilities in the local area. By year four, students are
well-prepared for MECE 460, which partners student groups with local companies to help
them solve technical challenges. The top teams are selected to compete at the department’s
annual Capstone Awards, a gala dinner attended by members of local industry.
Our design classes also enable students to apply their knowledge to the many extracurricular
student design projects that are based in the department, such as Formula SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers), and the Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project (ARVP).
ENGINEERING MANAGEMENTMany engineering graduates spend a significant part of their career as managers of plants,
companies, or other engineers. Engineering management bridges the gap between
engineering and management. These engineers deal with areas such as management
of engineering processes, engineering economics, operations management, quality
improvement, quality control, and the use of computers in business.
JOBS RELATEDTO THIS FIELD
Mechanical Engineering offers several stimulating options to complement your classroom
education. Applying your knowledge in real-world settings is fundamental to your career as
a professional engineer. Our department recognizes the importance of hands-on learning,
and encourages students to explore different learning environments and work placements.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMThe Faculty of Engineering offers one of the largest and most successful co-op programs in
Canada, which incorporates paid, supervised work experiences in your undergraduate degree.
Co-op students gain valuable experience through full-time employment during work terms
that are interlaced with academic terms. Approximately 50 percent of Mechanical Engineering
students register for the co-op option.
Co-op students complement their academic studies with five four-month terms of work
experience. The academic requirements for co-op and traditional programs are identical.
With the work experience component over the last six academic terms, a degree with the
Cooperative Program designation requires five years.
The Biomedical Co-op Option includes all the academic courses taken by traditional students,
plus a term of biomedical related courses in lieu of a work term. Consequently, the duration
of this program is the same as the regular co-op program. The final work term is a clinical
placement at a hospital or medical research institute.
Since work experience is required, the Engineering Co-op Department helps Mechanical
Engineering students find suitable employment. Most jobs are in Alberta, but some jobs
are elsewhere in Canada or overseas. Our students are regularly employed by a range of
industries: biomedical, energy utilities, telecommunications, aerospace, petrochemical, and
manufacturing. Students also have the opportunity to find their own placement position.
ENERGY STUDIES SUMMER COURSES ATTHE UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG, GERMANYIn response to growth occurring in the sustainable energy sector, Mechanical Engineering has
launched a new program that enables a group of students to attend the University of Freiburg
in Germany for short, intensive, summer courses combined with co-op work terms in that
region. Students are also able to take advantage of organized trips to cultural attractions.
The department provides scholarships to help reduce the costs of overseas travel.
FAST FORWARD YOUR CAREER
ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERSThe University of Alberta chapter of Engineers Without Borders
(EWB) began in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2001.
EWB promotes human development through access to technology.
Through its advocacy work, the group endeavours to engage
Canadians to appreciate the difficulties facing the majority of the
world and to influence the decisions of policy makers.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CLUBThe Mechanical Engineering Club is a social club that also offers
students academic support. Participating in the Mechanical
Engineering Club allows you to be part of a community that
is going through similar experiences and helps you leave the
University of Alberta with friendships that last a lifetime.
The number one advantage alumni say they gain from an education in Mechanical Engineering
is flexibility. Our graduates are highly versatile when they enter the workforce and possess
skills that allows them the mobility to explore different career options.
Many of our students have become successful entrepreneurs, while others have gained
positions as executives in some of the biggest companies in North America.
Some have distinguished themselves by developing innovative solutions to challenges the
oil and gas industry face and some have complemented their undergraduate education with
further studies, becoming lawyers, doctors, and research scientists.
In Mechanical Engineering, the only limits on your education are the ones you set.
Whether you're interested in high-speed racers, designing robots, or even affecting positive
change in the world, you'll be sure to find plenty of intriguing extracurricular activities. Some
of the most popular clubs and projects in the faculty are based in Mechanical Engineering.
STUDENT PROJECTS AND CLUBS MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, & CHOICE:A REWARDING CAREER INMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FORMULA SAE (SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS)Formula SAE at the University of Alberta is a vehicle project in which
students manage, design, and build a race car that will compete
annually in Fontana, California, against 70 other universities from
around the world. Even though the objective of all the groups is
to win, participants display a strong, collegial sharing of automotive
engineering knowledge.
THE AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC VEHICLE PROJECT (ARVP)The ARVP exists to develop, apply, and promote robotic technology
with a focus on design, controls, and intelligent navigation. The ARVP
challenges problems such as those presented by the annual inter-
national Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition wherein systems
and vehicles are developed for real-world applications.