Mechanical engineers create machines, materials, and systems that satisfy a particular function.
They deal with problems in areas such as energy conversion, design of mechanical components and systems, man and machine environments, and instrumentation and control of processes. Mechanical engineering has applications in all phases of industry, including such challenging fields as aerospace, materials, design, and product reliability and safety. Mechanical engineers consider acoustics, fluid mechanics, design, thermodynamics, mechanics, and heat transfer in addressing problems. The department's curriculum provides students with the opportunity to learn how to think creatively and logically, and how to use new-found knowledge to address complex problems. A four course design sequence challenges students with creative design problems.