Mechnical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest technical professions with a history of significant and continuous contributions to industrial development since the dawn of human civilization. The History of Technology is replete with stories of successful applications of Mechanical Engineering ideas and concepts which have lead to overall prosperity of nations and eventual rise in the overall living standard of their citizens. Mechanical engineers also play a vital role in maintaining the technology leadership to insure the survival and growth of an industrialized society.

In order to prepare our students for the challenges awaiting them in the real world, the Mechanical Engineering department at WVU Tech offers a practice oriented education with strong emphasis on hands-on experience at all levels of its Bachelor of Science curriculum. The curriculum is structured to develop the skills necessary to succeed in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. The program includes sequential courses in several areas, such as English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Humanities, Computer Science and General Engineering Science as well as the foundation courses in Mechanical Engineering such as Thermodynamics, Machine Design, Heat Transfer, Mechanical Vibrations, Control Systems and Materials Engineering. These are considered essential for a sound Mechanical Engineering program by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national organization that accredits engineering programs in the United States. WVU Technical Electives are offered (including some in the two stems: energy and motion & structure) enabling students to pursue special areas of interest.

Engineers, in general, are builders and therefore need to develop strong analytical and design skills. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum at WVU Tech is structured so that meaningful design experience is included in several of the required and elective courses. The student develops these skills systematically by successfully completing a series of required sequential courses such as Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials, Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery. Design of Machine Elements and ME Systems Design I and II. Open-ended and multiple-solution design concept is incorporated across the curriculum starting with Strength of Materials in their sophomore year and culminating with a pair of capstone design courses (ME Systems Design I and II) during their senior year. The capstone design courses provide the students with an opportunity to apply the previously acquired knowledge in science, Technology, humanities, communications, ethics, economics etc.

The Mechanical Engineering faculty also recognize the dynamic nature of modern Technology. Changes are inevitable and our students should be well-prepared to meet these challenges. the Mechanical Engineering curriculum is therefore under constant review and appropriate changes in the curriculum are introduced in response to the changing needs of industry.

Mechanical Engineering Educational Objectives

The mission of the mechanical engineering department at WVU Institute of Technology is to produce high quality mechanical engineers who have developed, through an appropriate academic program of study and laboratory experience, a strong background in mechanical engineering that would enable them to be competent members of the profession and who are capable of handling the most challenging jobs in the field. The primary means of achieving this goal is to maintain high academic quality that would ensure continued accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET).

Consistent with this goal, the following Educational Objectives have been adopted by the faculty of the Mechanical Engineering Department:

1. To provide an atmosphere of dedicated teaching and supportive services to the student by providing counseling, academic planning, career guidance and personal attention to facilitate growth and success in the academic and professional communities.
2. To provide quality learning tools and environment well grounded in fundamentals of mechanical engineering that would produce technically and professionally competent mechanical engineering graduates who are able to meet the needs of employers from government, industry and business.
3. To prepare students who are technically capable and motivated to succeed by teaching them skills needed to enter the mechanical engineering profession or to continue their education toward an advanced degree or seek professional registration.
4. To produce graduates who are:
   1. competent to practice mechanical engineering
   2. able to use a variety of modern computational tools
   3. willing to work as team members of diverse groups
   4. knowledgeable about professional standards of ethics and safety
   5. life-long learners
   6. good in communication skills and (vii) current in their understanding of the mechanical engineering profession and its impact on environmental, economical , societal and global issues.

Program outcomes and assessment

Consistent with the mission of WVU Tech and in compliance with the EAC/ABET criteria, the Mechanical Engineering Program at WVU Tech emphasizes the development of a wellrounded engineer with a strong background in mathematics, sciences, engineering analysis and design. Graduates of this program will be able to practice engineering as professionals or pursue graduate education and advanced studies. Upon graduation they will be able to demonstrate

• knowledge of mathematics, sciences and fundamentals of engineering necessary for a successful career in engineering practice
• the ability to identify, formulate, analyze problems and develop solutions based on standard engineering norms and practices
• the ability to apply their analytical skills and creativity to investigate the adequacy of a design and to make design improvements where necessary
• the ability to conduct mechanical measurements; collect, evaluate and present experimental results; design and build experiments to investigate engineering phenomena including the analysis and interpretation of data
• knowledge of and the ability to use the computer, standard software and computing tools appropriate to their work
• knowledge of safety practices in experimental work
• knowledge of environmental requirements and constrains on engineering practice
• knowledge and ability to design a mechanical system, component, or process to meet desired needs
• the ability to function as a productive member of multi-disciplinary teams
• knowledge of professional and ethical codes of conduct and responsibilities
• the ability to effectively communicate in oral and written forms
• knowledge of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context as a result of having a broad education
• the ability to recognize the need for and engage in life-long learning
• the ability to demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues
• the ability to work professionally in thermal and/or mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems.

The Mechanical Engineering Program has an assessment process in place which includes: students' class work and portfolios (including design projects); student evaluations; results of FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Examination; exit surveys of graduating seniors; alumni surveys; employer surveys; and placement data of graduates. The results are used in further development and improvement of the program.