Undergraduate Program

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Lower Division

ME 196A-Z/L. EXPERIMENTAL TOPICS COURSES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (1/1)

Corequisites: ME 196AL-ZL

ME 186/L. COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND LAB (1/1)

Prerequisites: ME 101/L. COREQUISITE: ME 186L. 

Introduction to concepts in engineering graphics and their implementation with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) parametric modeling tools.  Creation of sketches, parts, assemblies, and engineering drawings.  Application to group project, including oral and written reports.  One hour of lecture and three hours of lab per week.

ME 209. PROGRAMMING FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (1)

Corequisite: MATH 150A. 

Basic programming concepts, implemented with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), with an emphasis on engineering problem solving. Topics include the use of flowcharts, variable types, the Excel/VBA environment, decision and looping structures, and program debugging.  Three hours of lab per week. 

ME 280. DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (3)

Prerequisites: MATH 150B. 

Recommended preparatory course: Math 250. Introduction to differential equations used in engineering applications. Engineering analysis of physical systems described by differential equations: pendulums, mass-spring damper, R-L-C circuits, vibrations, beam bending, heat transfer, and hydrodynamics. Exploration of solution techniques, including undetermined coefficients, power series, and Laplace Transform. Determination of initial/boundary conditions. Linear algebra and solution of systems of differential equations. Introduction to partial differential equations and separation of variables. Not available to students with credit for Math 280 or ECE 280.

ME 286. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN (2)

Prerequisites: ME 186/L. 

Introduction to mechanical design, design methodology, and design for manufacturing. Engineering materials selection, metal forming/removal theory and practice. A group design project is required.  Two hours of lecture per week. 

ME 296A-Z. EXPERIMENTAL TOPICS COURSES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (1-4)

UPPER-DIVISION

ME 309. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (2)

Prerequisites: MATH 150B; ME 209 or COMP 106/L or ECE 206/L or CE 280/L.

Features engineering problems which require the use of algorithms and numerical analysis to obtain a solution. Modern tools such as spreadsheets with imbedded high level languages are used for analysis and code development. Program documentation which requires extensive use of computer-based technical writing skills with graphical presentations. Cross section of problems are selected from various branches of engineering. Two 3-hour labs each week.

ME 330 MACHINE DESIGN (3)

Prerequisites: ME 286; CE 340; MSE 227.

 Engineering principles and practice in the selection and design of fasteners, bearings, couplings, shafting, transmissions and other mechanical power transmission devices. Design Project. 3 hours lecture per week.

ME 335/L. MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS and LAB (1/1)

Prerequisites: PHYS 220B/L; ME 209. Corequisite: ME 335L.

Measurement of temperature, pressure, flow rate, force, and motion. Statistical methods for analysis of uncertainty and experiment design. Use of data acquisition software for data collection and storage. Analysis of dynamic response of instruments. Written and oral presentations of experimental results. One hour lecture and one 3-hour lab per week.

ME 370. THERMODYNAMICS (3)

Prerequisites: MATH 250; PHYS 220A/L; CHEM 101/L.

Fundamental theories and engineering applications of thermodynamics with emphasis of 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic properties of solids, liquids, gases, and mixtures. Work-producing and work-absorbing systems. Applications to design.

ME 375. HEAT TRANSFER I (3)

Prerequisites: MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280; PHYS 220A/L; ME 370.

Basic principles of heat transfer and their application. Introduction to conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. Applications to design.

ME 376. HEAT TRANSFER IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (3)Prerequisites: MATH 280 or ECE 280; PHYS 220A/AL.

Prerequisites: Math 280 or ECE 280; PHYS 220A/L.

Basic principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer applicable to electrical and electronic systems. Introduction of conductive, convective, and radiative modes of heat transfer. Analysis of a finned heat sink. Not available for credit for Mechanical Engineering majors.

ME 384. SYSTEM DYNAMICS: MODELING, ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION (3)

Prerequisite: AM 316; ECE 240/L. Corequisite: ME 390. 

Modeling of dynamic engineering systems in various energy domains: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic; using bond graphs, block diagrams and state equations. Analysis of response of system models. Digital computer simulation.

ME 386/L. COMPUTER-AIDED ANALYSIS AND DESIGN AND LAB (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 286. COREQUISITES: ME386, ME 330. 

This course addresses the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for effective and efficient design of mechanical elements. A commercial, general purpose FEA software application is used for the solution of non-trivial problems. Emphasis will be placed on the selection of suitable FE models, and interpretation and critical evaluation of the results. The integration of the use of FEA tools in a well organized design process is also emphasized. Lecture material is complemented by laboratory case studies and a design project. Two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.

ME 390. FLUID MECHANICS (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 250; ME 370; PHYS 220A/L. 

Fundamental equations of fluid mechanics are derived and applied to engineering problems, with emphasis on understanding the physical principles involved. Basic developments are applied to compressible as well as incompressible fluids. Selective exploration of the state of the art of experimental knowledge in major areas of applications. Applications to design.

ME 396A-Z. EXPERIMENTAL TOPICS COURSES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (1-4)

ME 400A. ENGINEERING DESIGN CLINIC I (1-3)

Group design experience involving teams of students and faculty working on the solution of engineering design problems submitted by industry and government agencies.

ME 400B. ENGINEERING DESIGN CLINIC II (1-3)

Prerequisite: ME 400A. Continuation of ME 400A.

ME 415. KINEMATICS OF MECHANISMS (3)

Prerequisite: AM 316; upper-division standing.

Study of forces and motion of constrained mechanisms in machine systems. Analysis of linkages, cams, sliders, crank and rocker, offset crank-slider, universal joints, etc. Internal combustion engine is utilized to demonstrate application of these elements at a systems level.

ME 430. MACHINE DESIGN APPLICATIONS (3)

Prerequisite: ME 330; CE 340. 

Continuation of ME 330 with emphasis on fatigue of machine parts, life, wear and friction considerations. Turbine, pump, transmissions and other devices discussed and analyzed as case studies. Design project.

ME 431/L. MACHINE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING AND LAB (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 286; CE 340. Corequisite: ME 431L.

An advanced mechanical design course with emphasis on computer aided design and design for manufacturing of machine parts. Introduction to machine elements. Metal machining theory, operation, and tool technology. Non-traditional machining and surface treatment. Working drawings, tolerancing, and limits of fit. Fixture design and planning. 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab per week.

ME 433. TRIBOLOGY: LUBRICATION, FRICTION AND WEAR (3)

Prerequisite: ME 390.

Study of adhesion, friction, wear and lubricated behavior of solid surfaces in relative motion. Hydrodynamic lubrication, bearing load criteria, leakage and heat balance. Influence of bearing material, surface finish and lubricant composition on the design of lubricated mechanical systems including rolling elements, gears, cams and linkages.

ME 434. GEOMETRIC DIMENSIONING AND TOLERANCING (3)

Prerequisites: ME 330.

Fundamental principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and their applications in computer aided mechanical design. Interpretation of fits, limits, and tolerances. Thorough analysis of coordinate and positional tolerancing. Gaging techniques, material conditions and current standards examined. Design project required. Available for graduate credit. Three hours of lecture per week.

ME 435/L. MECHATRONICS and LAB (2/1)

Prerequisite: ECE 240/L; ME 335/L. Corequisite: ME 435L. Recommended corequisite: ME 335 or ECE 320.

Machine and process control applications, data acquisition systems, sensors and transducers, actuating devices, hardware controllers, transducer signal processing and conditioning. 2 hours lecture and one 3-hour lab each week. (Crosslisted with ECE 435/L)

ME 436/L. MECHANICS AND DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND LAB (2/1)

Prerequisites: ME 330, ME 386/L. Corequisite: ME 436L.

Introduction to composite materials. Analysis, design and applications of laminated fiber reinforced composites. Macro-mechanical analysis of engineering constants and failure. Design project.

ME 460. AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING (3)

Prerequisites: AM 316; ME 330.

Introduction to automotive engineering. Design and analysis of automotive chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, power plants and drive system. Vehicle dynamics, performance and system optimization. Design project required.

ME 462. INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES (3)

Prerequisites: ME 330; ME 370. Recommended Corequisite: ME 470.

Characteristics and Performance of internal combustion engines, with an emphasis on Otto and Diesel types. Alternative cycles also are considered. Thermodynamics of cycles, combustion, emissions, ignition, fuel metering and injection, friction, supercharging and engine compounding. 3 hours lecture per week.

ME 470. THERMODYNAMICS II (3)

Prerequisite: ME 370.

Continuation of Thermodynamics I, with applications to engineering systems. Gas and vapor cycles for power and refrigeration. Reactive and non-reactive mixtures. Introduction to combustion.

For students who wish to pursue a double major, where both majors are offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, two conditions must be satisfied:

a) The second major must require at least 30 units of additional non-overlapping course work.

b) The chairs of both departments offering the two majors must sign the approval form (except if both majors are in one   department, then that chair's signature is sufficient)."

Additional information about the undergraduate program is available in the CSUN catalog.

High School Preparation:

The CSUN ME program assumes that students have a strong high school preparation in science, mathematics, and English. High school courses should include four years of mathematics, four years of English and at least a year of Chemistry and Physics with labs. The mathematics courses should include geometry, trigonometry and algebra. Calculus is desirable.

CSUN provides the opportunity for students who have not had a complete background of pre-engineering work in high school to take courses here to prepare them for the major. These additional courses will not count towards the major and may increase the time to graduate. CSUN provides testing as outlined below to ensure that students start their CSUN engineering course work at an appropriate level.

Pre-registration Testing Requirements:

The campus requires all beginning students to take the Entry Level Mathematics Exam (ELM) and the English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling in their course or obtain an exemption to these requirements by their score on an equivalent test. Refer to the section of this catalog entitled Appendices-Admission for further details on these exams and alternative test.

In addition to these general university requirements, students entering the Mechanical Engineering program need to take the following exams:

• Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) is required prior to enrollment in MATH 150A. Students who have passed or are exempt from the ELM should take this exam prior to enrolling in their classes so they may be placed in the appropriate mathematics course. Students with scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus AB or BC are exempt from the MPT.
• Chemistry Placement Test (CPT) is required with a minimum score of 40 prior to enrolling in CHEM 101/L. Students who do not achieve this score must complete CHEM 100 with a grade of C or better (taken at CSUN) before taking CHEM 101/L. An advisor will review the details of these examinations with each student before they enroll in their courses.

First Time Freshman

All entering first-time freshmen must submit ACT/SAT scores and a final official high school transcript which confirms date of graduation. Students who do not supply their final transcripts will be subject to cancellation of the admission offer. These transcripts will be used to verify the completion of college preparatory courses that are required for admission to the CSU.

All entering freshman, who are not exempt from the EPT (English Placement Test) and/or the ELM (Entry Level Mathematics Exam), must complete these tests as soon as possible. You must take them before you can begin your studies at CSUN. Information about these examinations can be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (818) 677-2369.

Transfer Students

Lower Division Transfers (fewer than 60 transferable units)
Transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester units are currently not being admitted to CSUN due to increased enrollment demands. No exceptions are anticipated at this time. However, if future exceptions are made, lower-division transfer applicants may need to meet the following eligibility requirements.  You must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better in all transferable college units attempted, they must also be in good standing at the last college or university attended and must have completed sections A-1 (Written Composition) and A-3* (Mathematics) of the CSU General Education requirements with a "C" or better to be eligible to transfer to California State University, Northridge. Official college transcripts confirming this information must be submitted prior to admission.

• Pre-Calculus does not satisfy math requirement but Calculus 1 (or its equivalent) does.

Upper Division Transfers (60 or more transferable units)
Transfer applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester units must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better (3.9 for outside local area) and must have completed the CSU General Education requirements sections A-1 (Written Composition), A-3* (Mathematics) and A-4 (Speech Communication) prior to admission. They must submit official college transcripts confirming this information as soon as possible in order for this information to be evaluated and their admission be determined. Transcripts showing "Work in Progress" will be accepted, but all basic subjects courses noted above and a minimum of 60.0 transferable units must be completed prior to admission. Final transcripts are also required.

• Pre-Calculus does not satisfy math requirement but Calculus 1 (or its equivalent) does.

For more information on requirements and deadlines, please see CSUN Transfer Admission Requirements.

Please view the Course Substitution / Pre-Approval Policy.

Please refer to the Academic Advising Schedule

Please click HERE for a copy of the Spring 2019 Group Advisement Presentation

Flow Chart, Effective Fall 2016

For a PDF version, click here.

1. All students must pass the English Placement Test with a score of 151 or higher to enroll in any engineering courses at the 200-level.
2. All students must complete the lower division writing requirement before enrolling in any 300-level engineering courses.
3. Students who have completed 56 units and have met the lower division writing requirement are required to take the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination (UDWPE) as early as possible and no later than the semester in which 75 units are completed. Students who have not attempted the exam by the completion of 75 units will have a hold placed on their subsequent class registration and may delay their graduation.
4. Senior year courses cannot be taken unless the student has previously completed, or is concurrently completing, all freshman-, sophomore- and junior-year requirements. A grade of “C-” or better is required in all courses in the major. The Mathematics department requires a grade of “C” in prerequisite courses.

ME Electives Suggested by Area of Emphasis (click for PDF version)

Special Grade Requirements:

• All students must pass the English Placement Test with a score of 151 or higher to enroll in any engineering courses at the 200 level

• All students must complete the lower-division writing requirement before enrolling in any 300-level engineering courses.

• Students must take the UDWPE no later than the semester in which 75 units are completed.

• Senior year courses cannot be taken unless the student has previously completed, or is concurrently completing, all freshman, sophomore, and junior year requirements. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the major. The Mathematics Department requires a C grade in its prerequisite courses.

LOWER-DIVISION REQUIRED COURSES (47 UNITS)

UPPER-DIVISION REQUIRED COURSES (52 UNITS)

UPPER-DIVISION SENIOR ELECTIVES (12 UNITS):

Students must select 12 units of electives from 400 and/or 500-level engineering courses. These electives together with the required senior year courses listed above, constitute the student’s Mechanical Engineering senior year. The elective program must be approved by the Mechanical Engineering Department before the student files a graduation check.

Suggested Senior Electives by Area of Emphasis (.pdf)

TOTAL UNITS IN THE MAJOR: 99

GENERAL EDUCATION (27 UNITS):

Mechanical Engineering majors have to follow a modified general education program depending upon the year and enrollment status as a college student. Returning and transfer students should consult an advisor before planning their general education programs. The requirements for students entering in Fall 2006 under the new PLAN R is described here. Continuing students and some first time transfer students may elect to continue with the former GE Plan C. Students should refer to prior catalog editions and consult with an academic advisor in selecting their required GE courses. 

Mechanical Engineering students are required to take courses in the following GE sections: Analytical Reading and Expository Writing (3 units), Oral Communication (3 units), Social Sciences (3 units), Arts and Humanities (6 units), Comparative Cultures (6 units), Title 5 (6 units). All other GE requirements are met through completion of courses in the major.

Students are required to complete one upper-division Subject Explorations or Title 5 course that satisfies the Information Competency requirement.

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE: 126

Long Range Schedule (Tentative) - Fall 2020

BSME Program Objectives

Program Educational Objectives

The CSUN undergraduate mechanical engineering program should prepare students to enter the engineering profession as a skilled practitioner who can make a solid contribution to the field, find job satisfaction, and have a lifelong career. To accomplish these overall goals, during the first few years following graduation a CSUN graduate is expected to:

1. Have an engineering job or a position that utilizes the application of their engineering education in the workplace
2. Demonstrate a record of professional development activities related to the successful practice of engineering
3. Accept additional responsibilities to meet evolving workplace needs and be regarded by colleagues and supervisors as an effective member of their organization

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes

The program must have documented student outcomes that support the program educational objectives. Attainment of these outcomes prepares graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. Student outcomes are outcomes (1) through (7), plus any additional outcomes that may be articulated by the program. The BS Mechanical Engineering Program does not have any additional outcomes.

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics (previously (a), (e); implied from (k))

• applies specific engineering knowledge of course subject area
• demonstrates specific engineering knowledge of subject area
• demonstrates analysis and judgment
• demonstrates effective communication in identifying, formulating and solving engineering problems

2.  an ability to 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 (previously (c); implied from (k))

• can specify the design problem and its constraints
• explores alternative designs
• uses appropriate tools for design process and final design
• is able to optimize final design
• is able to document final design

       3.  an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences (previously (g))

• good overall communication strategy and structure
• effective written communication
• effective oral and visual communication

4. an ability to 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 (previously (f). (h). (j))

• recognizes and makes appropriate decisions in situations in which personal or professional ethics are required.
• makes engineering decisions and provides solutions which safeguard public safety and improve quality of life.
• considers alternative solutions
• optimizes design processes and systems to minimize use of resources and impact on the environment.
• knows regulations and standards used in practice.
• demonstrates knowledge of engineering and its impact on economic, ethical and environmental issues
• demonstrates ability to evaluate existing and emerging engineering or technological alternatives to prevent or minimize adverse impacts
• demonstrates ability to evaluate the effect of engineering solutions on local and global environment and the public’s quality of life
• students have knowledge of and interest in contemporary issues related to engineering and science
• students have the ability to use the library and internet to search for relevant information

5.  an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives (previously (d))

• quality of overall team function
• communication among team members
• team organization and leadership
• level of multidisciplinary effort

6.  an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions (previously (b), implied from (k))

• demonstrates familiarity with use and operation of laboratory instruments, sensors, and equipment
• demonstrates ability to formulate and communicate experimental results
• demonstrates ability to use computer tools for experimental data collection, data reduction and result presentation
• can use statistical techniques to estimate experimental uncertainties and calculate propagation of error

7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies (previously (i))

• students have strong analytical skills and knowledge of engineering fundamentals to provide a foundation for continual and independent learning
• students have the ability to conduct literature survey, assess, and use information to make engineering decisions
• students have an attitude that professional development and life long learning is necessary for successful profession
• students participate in professional societies, meetings, and networking with professionals
• students participate in local and national competitions and research

                 * Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam should be taken at the start of the junior year.

* One of  these courses needs to satisfy the Information Competency requirement

Total number of units of Senior Electives: 12

Total number of units in Major: 99 (MATH 102/104 & CHEM 100 do not count as credit for the degree)

Total number of units for Degree: 126

View the CSUN Catalog for another version of this Sample Four Year Plan.

                 * Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam Should be taken when junior status has been obtained.

* One of these courses needs to satisfy the Information Competency requirement.

Total number of units of Senior Electives: 12
Total number of units in Major: 99 (MATH 102/104 & CHEM 100 do not count as credit for the degree) 
Total number of units for Degree: 126

Senior Design Projects 

Each design project has it's own application process.  If you are interested in registering or volunteering for one of these projects, you should contact the appropriate faculty advisor for information.

• Enrollment for Senior Design projects in the Mechanical Engineering department is approved, and issued by the respective faculty advisor. 

Senior Design Projects: Fall 2021

Senior Design Projects: 2021-2022 AY