Mechanical Engineering

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Undergraduate Program

Mechanical Engineering Lab Students StudyingMission Statement:

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department is to provide a broad, rigorous, application oriented and contemporary understanding of mechanical engineering that prepares our graduates for successful careers and life-long learning.

 

Mechanical Engineering majors at CSUN receive a solid education in the fundamentals of the discipline augmented by hands-on experience that the employers of our graduates have found to be invaluable.

The program includes study of modern topics including lab courses in contemporary measurement.
The freshmen and sophomore years provide the student with a breadth of knowledge that is required in specialized courses and in the career work of the mechanical engineer. During these years, students take courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering materials, engineering mechanics, and electrical systems. The junior year courses include engineering economics, engineering dynamics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanical design, and the numerical analysis of engineering systems.

The senior year is composed of a group of required courses and elective courses that are related to the student’s area of specialization within Mechanical Engineering. The required courses include system dynamics, mechatronics, and two semesters of senior design. Students can take their electives to obtain more in-depth knowledge in the specialization areas listed below.

The Mechanical Engineering Department takes a practical approach to engineering, offering hands-on design experience as well as theoretical knowledge. A key to this practical training is the department’s senior design program, which is modeled on the industry workgroups that students will encounter on the job. Like professional engineers, our students design and develop a project, from conception through manufacture. In the process they gain valuable experience in working as a team, overcoming technical and management challenges and developing communication skills.

Past senior design projects have included: human-powered and solar-powered vehicles, super mileage vehicles, mini Baja (off-road) race cars, Formula SAE race cars, intelligent ground vehicles/mobile robots, battle-bots, and payload maximized model aircraft.

The ME Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree. Mechanical engineering majors may elect one of the following specialization areas:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Energy and power
• Mechanical design
• Mechatronics and robotics
• Thermal-fluids

All mechanical engineering majors must complete the same set of requirements, but each specialization area will consist of a different set of senior electives.

Applications

To apply for admission, or to learn more about CSUN, visit the Admissions and Records website.

Course Description

Please see CSUN Catalog for ME course descriptions.

CECS Policy on Double Majors

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.

Admissions

Please see Prospective Students page for more information.

Course Substitution / Pre-Approval Policy

Advising

Please refer to the Academic Advising Schedule

Catalog Year 2023 and Later Flowchart

Flowchart (.pdf)

Catalog Year 2022 and Earlier Flowchart

Flowchart (.pdf)

Course Prerequisites

For a PDF version, click here.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PREREQUISITES

CoursePrerequisites

ME 101/L - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Lab

MATH 102 or higher

ME 186/L - Computer-Aided Design and Lab

Math 102 (or higher), ME 101/L 

ME 209 - Programming for Mechanical Engineers

Corequisite: Math 150A

ME 280 - Differential Equations for Mechanical Engineers

MATH 150B,

Recommended preparatory course: Math 250

ME 286 - Mechanical Engineering Design

ME 186/L; Corequisite MSE 227

ME 309 - Numerical Analysis of Engineering Systems

MATH 150B, ME 209, or COMP 106/L, or

ECE 206/L.  *Note ME majors must take ME 209.

ME 330 - Machine Design

ME 286, CE 340, MSE 227

ME 335/L - Mechanical  Measurements and Lab

PHYS 220B, ME 209

ME 370 - Thermodynamics

Chem 101/L, MATH 250, PHYS 220A/L

ME 375 - Heat Transfer I

MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280, PHYS 220A/L, ME 370, ME 390

ME 384 - System Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation

AM 316, ECE 240/L, Corequisite: ME 390

ME 386/L - Computer-Aided Analysis & Design and Lab

ME 286, Corequisite: ME 330

ME 390 - Fluid Mechanics

PHYS 220A/L, MATH 250, Co-requisites: ME 370

ME 435/L - Mechatronics and Lab

ECE 240/L, ME 335/L

ME 491 - Thermal-Fluids Lab

ME 335/L, ME 370, ME 375, ME 390

ME 486A - Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering I

ME 309, ME 330, Corequisite: ME 386/L

ME 486B - Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering II

ME 486A

4 Senior Electives

Any 400- or 500-level ME course except those

on "not from" list on DPR

Senior year courses cannot be taken unless the student has previously completed, or is concurrently completing, all freshman-, sophomore- and junior- year requirements.

MATH & SCIENCE PREREQUISITES

CoursePrerequisites

CHEM 101/L - General Chemistry and Lab

Satisfactory score on the Chemistry Placement Test(CPT)

or a grade of C or higher (C- is unacceptable) in CHEM 100 taken at CSUN only

MATH 150A - Calculus I

Placement tests or Non-Lower Division Class Prerequisites

(See the Math department for details)

MATH 150B - Calculus II

MATH 150A

PHYS 220A/L - Mechanics and Lab

MATH 150A

PHYS 220B/L - Electricity and Magnetism and Lab

PHYS 220A/L, MATH 150B

MATH 250 - Calculus III

MATH 150B with a grade of "C" or better

MATH 280 - Applied Differential Equations

MATH 150B with a grade of "C" or better

ENGINEERING PREREQUISITES

CoursePrerequisites

MSE 227/L - Engineering Materials and Lab

MATH 150A, PHYS 220A/L, CHEM 101/L

CE 240 - Engineering Statics

PHYS 220A/L, Corequisite: MATH 150B

ECE 240/L - Electrical Engineering Fundamentals and Lab

PHYS 220B/L, MATH 250, Corequisite: MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280

MSE 304 - Engineering Economic Analysis

MATH 150B and Completion of Lower Division Writing Requirement

CE 340 - Strength of Materials

CE 240, MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280

AM 316 - Engineering Dynamics

CE 240, MATH 280 or ME 280 or ECE 280

AM 317 - Mechanics Lab

Prerequisites: CE 340. Corequisite: AM 316

College of Engineering Grade Requirements

  1. No transfer grade lower than a "C" will be accepted from another institution to satisfy College of Engineering and Computer Science requirements.
  2. A grade of “C-” or better is required in all courses in the major. More stringent prerequisite requirements may apply to some courses.
  3. Senior year courses cannot be taken unless the student has previously completed, or is concurrently completing, all freshman-, sophomore- and junior-year requirements.  The Mathematics department requires a grade of “C” in prerequisite courses.

Suggested Electives by Area of Emphasis

(Click for PDF version)

ME Elective Suggested by Area of Emphasis

It is recommended to choose one of the following 6 areas of emphasis to plan your senior elective courses
Select a total of 12 units 
 
 

 

Degree Requirements

LOWER-DIVISION REQUIRED COURSES (47 UNITS)

FRESHMAN YEAR

CourseTitleUnits

ME 101/L

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Lab

1/1

ME 186/L

Computer-Aided Design

1/1

CHEM 101/L

General Chemistry and Lab

4/1

Math 150A

Calculus I

5

MATH 150B

Calculus II

5

PHYS 220A/L

Mechanics and Lab

3/1

Total

 

23

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Course TitleUnits

ME 209

Programming for Mechanical Engineers

1

ME 286

Mechanical Engineering Design 

2

CE 240

Engineering Statics

3

ECE 240/L

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals and Lab

3/1

MATH 250

Calculus III

3

MATH 280

Applied Differential Equations

3

MSE 227/L

Engineering Materials and Lab

3/1

PHYS 220B/L

Electricity and Magnetism and Lab

3/1

Total

 

24



UPPER-DIVISION REQUIRED COURSES (52 UNITS)

JUNIOR YEAR

Course TitleUnits

ME 309

Numerical Analysis of Engineering Systems

2

ME 330

Machine Design

3

ME 335/L

Mechanical Measurements and Lab

1/1

ME 370

Thermodynamics

3

ME 375

Heat Transfer I

3

ME 386/L

Computer-Aided Analysis & Design

2/1

ME 390

Fluid Mechanics

3

AM 316

Engineering Dynamics

3

AM 317

Mechanics Lab

1

CE 340

Engineering Mechanics II

3

MSE 304

Engineering Economic Analysis

3

Total

 

29

SENIOR YEAR

Course TitleUnits

ME 384

System Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation

3

ME 435/L

Mechatronics and Lab

2/1

ME 486A

Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering

2

ME 486B

Senior Design in Mechanical Engineering

2

ME 491

Experimental Methods in Thermal-Fluids Systems

1

Total

 

11

 

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):

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog, including 3 units of coursework meeting the Ethnic Studies (ES) graduation requirement.

21 units are satisfied by coursework in the major. Completion of the Mechanical Engineering major satisfies A3 Critical Thinking. 6 units of Physical Science may be used to satisfy sections B1-3. MATH 150A satisfies Basic Skills B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning; ME 370 satisfies B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning; MSE 304 satisfies 3 units of upper division D1 Social Sciences; and ME 101/L and ME 209 satisfy E Lifelong Learning.

 

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE: 126

Long Range Course Schedule

Objectives and Outcomes

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
  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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


 

The BSME program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
 


Sample Four Year Program

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FOUR-YEAR CURRICULUM PLAN 

View the CSUN Catalog for the Four-Year Plan.

Senior Design Projects

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 2022

ProjectFaculty Advisor
Smart Morphing Wing/Smart Prosthetics Design ProjectsProf. Peter Bishay
Formula SAE Design ProjectProf. Stewart Prince
AERO Design ProjectProf. Shadi Mahjoob
Robotics Design ProjectProf. Amiel Hartman
Human Powered Vehicle Design ProjectProf. Aram Khachatourians
Intelligent Ground Vehicle Design ProjectProf. Vidya Nandikolla

Senior Design Projects: Spring 2023

ProjectFaculty Advisor
Smart Morphing Wing/Smart Prosthetics Design ProjectsProf. Peter Bishay
Formula SAE Design ProjectProf. Stewart Prince
AERO Design ProjectProf. Shadi Mahjoob
Robotics Design ProjectProf. Amiel Hartman
Human Powered Vehicle Design ProjectProf. Aram Khachatourians
Intelligent Ground Vehicle Design ProjectProf. Vidya Nandikolla

Solar and Wind Energy Engineering (SWEET)Prof. Abhijit Mukherjee

Senior Design Projects: 2022-2023 AY