Program Objectives

Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Program Goals and Educational Objectives

In compliance with ABET, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree program at Virginia Tech has developed and maintained a well-defined set of Educational Objectives and desired Program Outcomes. These objectives and outcomes have been modified over the years, following our commitment to continuous improvement. The Educational Objectives are the big-picture goals of the Mechanical Engineering program relative to all of our constituencies (students, alumni, employers, faculty, and the Commonwealth). Through surveys and other assessment tools, the department attempts to ensure that these objectives and desired outcomes are being met in a long-term feedback loop. The most recent version of our educational objective list is given below:

Detailed Educational Objectives

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech will produce Bachelor of Science graduates who: 1. provide students with the fundamental technical knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and engineering to recognize, analyze and solve problems, and to apply these abilities to the generation of new knowledge, ideas or products in industry or government; and to implement these solutions in practice. 2. provide students with the necessary instruction and practical experience to work well in local and international team environments and to be effective written and oral communicators, both for communicating ideas to other people, mentoring, and for learning from others. 3. produce graduates that recognize the importance of and engage in life-long learning, whether through self-study, continuing education courses or workshops, or through formal graduate level education and encourage others to have this samemotivation. 4. produce graduates that have an understanding of ethical responsibility and service toward their peers, employers, and society and follow these precepts in their daily lives. The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree program at Virginia Tech is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. One important objective of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to ensure that every mechanical engineering graduate has the knowledge, ability, and understanding required to meet the basic ABET guidelines. The structure and sequence of courses is designed to provide these requirements for every graduate. The department is committed to providing students with an exceptional experience in both the theory and practice of mechanical engineering. In the senior capstone sequence, students are required to apply classroom knowledge to complex engineering problems requiring teamwork, problem formulation, economic analysis, effective communication, and product realization. These projects are carefully selected and updated to ensure relevancy to contemporary technical issues and needs. The department encourages the involvement of underclass students and students outside the department and college in these projects. The department also encourages

hands-on student involvement by providing dedicated machine and welding shops that exclusively serve the undergraduate program. The required sophomore-level Manufacturing Processes Laboratory course and certification by a professional machinist are required prior to use of either of these shops. Opportunity for professional development is provided by participation in student professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME. The ASME student section at Virginia Tech is one of the most active in the nation.

Program Outcomes
The ME undergraduate curriculum supports our program educational objectives, listed above, through a structure of basic science, mathematics, engineering science, engineering and liberal arts courses, and through specific educational outcomes associated with the courses in the ME curriculum. The ME Department has adopted the ABET Criterion 3 educational outcomes in support of our program objectives. These outcomes are distributed within and among the courses within our curriculum, and our students are assessed for the achievement of these outcomes, as well as specific course learning objectives, through testing, surveys, and other faculty assessment instruments. Information obtained in these assessments is used in a short-term feedback and improvement loop. Each Mechanical Engineering student will demonstrate the following attributes by the time they graduate: ABET criteria a-k: 1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics (including multivariable calculus, differential equations linear algebra and statistics), science (including chemistry and indepth calculus-based physics), and engineering 2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data 3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability 4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams 5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems 6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility 7. an ability to communicate effectively 8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context 9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning a knowledge of contemporary issues 10. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Abet university of texas

ME Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives are statements that describe the expected accomplishments and professional status of ME graduates 3-5 years beyond the baccalaureate degree.
The Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to graduating mechanical engineers who:
1. Practice mechanical engineering in the general stems of thermal/fluid systems, mechanical systems and design, and materials and manufacturing in industry and government settings. 2. Pursue advanced education, research and development, and other creative efforts in science and technology. 3. Conduct themselves in a responsible, professional and ethical manner. 4. Participate as leaders in activities that support service to and economic development of the region, state and nation.

ME Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes ME graduates should be able to demonstrate at the time of graduation.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Knowledge of and ability to apply engineering and science fundamentals to real problems. Ability to formulate and solve open-ended problems. Ability to design mechanical components, systems and processes. Ability to set up and conduct experiments, and to present the results in a professional manner. Ability to use modern computer tools in mechanical engineering. Ability to communicate in written, oral and graphical forms. Ability to work in teams and apply interpersonal skills in engineering contexts. Ability and desire to lay a foundation for continued learning beyond the baccalaureate degree. Awareness of professional issues in engineering practice, including ethical responsibility, safety, the creative enterprise, and loyalty and commitment to the profession. 10. Awareness of contemporary issues in engineering practice, including economic, social, political, and environmental issues and global impact. West point

ABET Mechanical Engineering Program Outcomes Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Cadets who qualify for graduation with a mechanical engineering major from USMA will demonstrate: An ability to identify and formulate engineering problems and apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering along with creativity skills to solve those problems in mechanical engineering and Army contexts.

 A familiarity with statistics and linear algebra, a knowledge of chemistry and depth in calculus-based physics, and an ability to apply advance mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations to solve mechanical engineering problems. An ability to function professionally and with ethical responsibility as an individual and on multidisciplinary teams. An ability to design and realize thermal and mechanical systems, components, or processes to meet the needs of the mechanical engineering discipline, the Army, or the nation. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data to support the mechanical engineering design or problem solving process. An ability to communicate effectively with clear, critical thinking skills required of a junior Army officer and within the context of solving mechanical engineering problems. A knowledge of contemporary issues and an understanding of the impact of engineering solutions on the Army, the nation, and in global contexts. An ability to continuously improve and engage in life-long learning to adapt to a technologically advancing Army. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. ABET Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve. Demonstrate the philosophical basis for the practice of engineering that applies creative design and engineering thought processes to solve problems. Continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for natural laws and technology, particularly as they apply to mechanical engineering. Act responsibly upholding strict ethical and moral standards and considering impacts of decisions on social, political, economic, and technological issues. Demonstrate necessary leadership and teamwork skills to work in multidisciplinary team environments. Demonstrate elements of engineering practice that prepare graduates for advanced study in engineering or other technical areas to include admission into and success at top engineering graduate programs. Communicate orally and in writing using correct and precise terms, demonstrating clear, critical thinking. Commit to continuous self-improvement and life-long learning with the flexibility to adapt to changing Army needs.