Mar 24, 2023  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E.


TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering take coursework in thermodynamics, heat transfer, instrumentation, measurements, computer-aided design, solid and fluid mechanics, dynamics, machine analysis and design, mechanical design, manufacturing processes, vibrations and controls. This is supplemented by elective coursework in such areas as sustainability, internal combustion engines, refrigeration and air conditioning, mechanical design, robotics, propulsion, manufacturing, bio-engineering, alternative energy, thermal design, composite materials, and tribology. Laboratories are available for basic instrumentation, thermal and fluid sciences, solid mechanics, data acquisition, controls, CAD/CAE, and vibrations. Graduates of this major are employed in design, manufacturing, contracting, operations, marketing, and management in virtually all segments of industry and government, including, but not limited to: aeronautics, aerospace and propulsion; automotive, internal combustion engines, fuel cells and transportation; propulsion systems; power generation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; structures and machinery design; mining and oil exploration; paper, textile, food, and petrochemical industries/processing/manufacturing; micro and nano materials and semiconductors; and biomaterials and bioengineering. There are abundant career opportunities in a wide range of industries because mechanical equipment is required in every aspect of modern industry.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is to provide a quality undergraduate and graduate education for students entering the mechanical engineering profession or seeking careers in related fields: to advance scientific knowledge through basic and applied research; to disseminate technical information through scholarly publications, conferences and continuing education; to advance the profession through service within the associated societies, and to promote activities which serve global development.

Program Educational Objectives and ABET Student Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

Our Graduates, within a few years after graduation, will successfully:

A.  Apply concepts of science, mathematics, computation, and mechanical engineering, including design theory, experimental techniques and manufacturing.

B.  Pursue a productive career using strong critical thinking, innovation, and problem solving skills.

C.  Demonstrate professional growth and leadership by using effective communication skills and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.

D.  Engage in life-long learning and pursue continued career development with professional and ethical responsibility.

ABET Student Outcomes

The graduates of the B.S. degree program in Mechanical Engineering at USF will demonstrate that they have an ability to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. 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.
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. 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.
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The curriculum must require students to apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations); to model, analyze, design, and realize physical systems, components or processes; and prepare students to work professionally in either thermal or mechanical systems while requiring topics in each area.

Student Enrollment Data

Student enrollment data is posted on the Department website.

University Admissions


Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following urls:

For Admission information specific to the College of Engineering, see the information at College of Engineering .

Mechanical Engineering Minimum Requirements for Progression into the Upper Division


Mechanical Engineering students who have fully met the below requirements and are in good academic standing, may progress into the upper division of the major. Prior to progression into the upper division, a student may be permitted to take no more than two departmental engineering courses.  The department may have continuation requirements which specify minimum performance standards in core major courses which must be met before further registration in the department is granted.

  1. Completion of the following courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA based on best attempt (maximum two attempts) and a minimum grade of C in each course:
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.5
  3. A minimum USF GPA of 2.5

Minimum Continuation Requirements for Department of Mechanical Engineering


Completion of EGN 3311  Statics and EGN 3321  Dynamics with a minimum grade of “C+” in each course (grade of C is insufficient).  Completion of EML 3500  - Mechanics of Solids and EGN 3343  - Thermodynamics I with a minimum grade of C in each course (C- is insufficient). 

State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites


Students wishing to transfer to USF should complete an A.A. degree at a Florida College System institution. Some courses required for the major may also meet General Education requirements thereby transferring maximum hours to the university.

If a student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree and has fewer than 60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the student must meet the university’s entering freshman requirements including ACT or SAT test scores, GPA, and course requirements.

Transfer students are also required to comply with the immunization, foreign language, and continuous enrollment policies of the university.

Students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted.

Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.

Students qualify for direct entry to the department if they have completed the following courses at a Florida College System institution or University in the Florida State University System (SUS) and meet all other admissions requirements of the University and College.

Mathematics:
Courses at USF

Courses at a Florida College System Institution

  • MAC X311 or MAC X281
  • MAC X312 or MAC X282
  • MAC X313 or MAC X283
  • MAP X302 or MAP X305

Natural Sciences:
Courses at USF

Courses at a Florida College System Institution

  • CHM X045/X045L or CHM X045C
  • CHS X440/X440L
  • PHY X048/X048L or PHY X048C or PHY X043/X048L
  • PHY X049/X049L or PHY X049C or PHY X044/X049L

Total Major Hours: 108


Major Core (99 Hours)


GPA Requirements


Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 semester GPA, 2.0 Math and Science GPA, 2.0 Engineering GPA, 2.0 Specialization GPA, 2.0 USF GPA, and 2.0 overall GPA.

Grading Requirements


The minimum acceptable grade in all BSME required math and science courses is a C or higher (C- is insufficient). The minimum acceptable grade in engineering and specialization courses which are prerequisites to other degree required courses is a C-, except as stated in the Department Continuation Requirements. The passing grade for terminal engineering and specialization courses is a C-.

Course Grade Requirement

Continuation requires completion of EGN 3311 - Statics  and EGN 3321 - Dynamics  with a minimum grade of “C+” in each course (grade of C is insufficient).  Also, completion of EML 3500 - Mechanics of Solids  and EGN 3343 - Thermodynamics I  with a minimum grade of C in each course (C- is insufficient).

Residency Requirement


Transfer students must complete a minimum number of approved specialization courses in the major at USF. The minimum number of USF specialization credit hours required is established by the respective academic department. In no case will this be less than 18 hours. Basic engineering courses are not considered specialization courses. The University residency requirement must also be met.

A dual degree student must meet the requirements of each major and have a minimum of 18 approved specialization hours taken in the degree granting department beyond those specialization hours required for the first degree.

Research Opportunities


Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914  course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is able to assist with further inquiries.

Internship Opportunities


The College of Engineering and USF’s Career Services Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program provides services for students interested in experiential educational experiences. A wide variety of industries and government agencies offer internships and cooperative education employment opportunities for engineering students. Participants gain valuable expertise in practical applications and other aspects of operations and development in a professional engineering environment. Students normally apply for participation in this program during their first year in the engineering college and pursue actual internships during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. 

Accreditation Information


The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Advising Information


http://www.usf.edu/engineering/me/undergraduate/index.aspx.
Dr. Ajit Mujumdar, Undergraduate Advisor, 813-974-9677, Engineering Building III (ENC) 1201.

4 Year Plan of Study - Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E.


NOTES:

Potential Entry Level Job Titles:

  • Aeronautics, Aerospace and Propulsion Engineer
  • Automotive, Fuel Cells and Transportation Engineer
  • Propulsion Systems, Electronic Systems, Power Generation Engineer
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer
  • Structures and Machinery Design Engineer
  • Micro and Nano Materials, Semiconductors Engineer

Potential Entry Level Salary Range:

$50,000 - $128,000

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 14

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 14

Semester 3 (Summer)


Please consider pursing High Impact Practice opportunities this semester such as Education Abroad, Internship Opportunities, Community Engagement, or Research Opportunities.

Questions about opportunities? Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.

Year 2


Semester 4 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 14

Semester 5 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 6 (Summer)


Total Credit Hours: 9

Year 3


Semester 7 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 8 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 9 (Summer)


  • Internship/Co-op Participation

Total Credit Hours: 0

Year 4


Semester 10 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 12

Semester 11 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 12

2 Year Plan of Study - Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E.


NOTES:

 

Year 1


Semester 1 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 2 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 15

Semester 3 (Summer)


Total Credit Hours: 12

Year 2


Semester 4 (Fall)


Total Credit Hours: 18

Semester 5 (Spring)


Total Credit Hours: 18