Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Engineering is the application of science, mathematics and common sense to solve practical problems and design useful products.
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Mechanical Engineering offers a mix of mechanical design, simulations, robotics and manufacturing processes. Our graduates are prepared to be employed in a wide range of companies and research laboratories.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
A minimum of 45 credit hours of Engineering coursework to include:
Core Courses
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CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to computer science and programming, emphasizing the development of algorithms and problem solving skills using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures; functions; simple data structures; different computing environments such as the Linux operating system are also explored. Integrated laboratory.
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ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
4.00 credit hours
Fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, components and measurement techniques. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of microcontroller design and operation. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ELEC 300 - Electromechanics I
ELEC 300 - Electromechanics I
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to electromechanical systems, design criteria, failure analysis, electrical and mechanical interfaces. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
2.00 credit hours
An overview of specific engineering majors, laboratory safety, competitions, internships, research, post-graduate opportunities and employment options. Examines the relevancy of a liberal arts foundation and how it relates to the field of engineering.
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ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
2.00 credit hours
Methods and practices employed to develop, commercialize and distribute products and services dependent on engineering will be presented. Includes descriptions of the four major career paths available to engineers. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
2.00 credit hours
Develops the student's ability to use MATLAB to solve various engineering problems. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
2.00 credit hours
Independent research or design project.
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ENGR 450 - Capstone I
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MECH 210 - Materials Science I
MECH 210 - Materials Science I
4.00 credit hours
Basic principles of structure-property relationships in the context of chemical, mechanical and physical properties of materials. Lecture/Laboratory.
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MECH 220 - Mechanical Design I
MECH 220 - Mechanical Design I
4.00 credit hours
Engineering drawing, computer aided design and drafting (CAD), engineering drawing control, product design life-cycle, designing for sustainability, system design, product performance metrics, accelerated life testing, mechanism and linkage design. Lecture/Laboratory.
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MECH 320 - Mechanical Design II
MECH 320 - Mechanical Design II
2.00 credit hours
Analysis of stress and strain, torsion, bending, beams, springs, pressure vessels contact stress, stability, stress concentration, fatigue. Lecture/Laboratory.
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MECH 410 - Control Systems
MECH 410 - Control Systems
4.00 credit hours
Analysis of system response to inputs and initial conditions, feedback, design of control systems. Lecture/Laboratory.
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MECH 420 - Manufacturing Processes
MECH 420 - Manufacturing Processes
2.00 credit hours
Introduction to machines and methods of rapid prototyping and production, extrusion, injection molding, plating, casting, milling, turning, abrasive jet, stamping, forging and rolling. Lecture/Laboratory.
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MECH 440 - Robotics I
MECH 440 - Robotics I
4.00 credit hours
Inverse kinematics, end effectors, dynamics, position control. Lecture/Laboratory.
A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:
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MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.
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MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
4.00 credit hours
A continuation of single-variable calculus with emphasis on advanced integration techniques and applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series.
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MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
4.00 credit hours
A continuation of calculus with an emphasis on vectors, vector-valued and multiple-variable functions, partial derivatives, line and multiple integrals, vector analysis, Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.
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MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
4.00 credit hours
First and second order differential equations, systems of differential equations, matrix and vector algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 255 and either
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PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
4.00 credit hours
Newton's Laws of motion, energy conservation, rotational motion, thermodynamics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and an introduction to computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of
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PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
4.00 credit hours
Oscillations, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of
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PHYS 211 - Engineering Statics
PHYS 211 - Engineering Statics
4.00 credit hours
Classical mechanics with application to engineering problems. Topics include equivalent systems of forces, centroids, analysis of trusses and frames, machines and forces due to friction, virtual work, hydrostatic pressure.
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PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics
PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics
4.00 credit hours
Newton's Laws, projectile and charged particle kinematics, conservation laws and oscillations. Advanced methods in mechanics. Mathematical methods introduced as needed. Laboratory required, focuses on computation and modeling.
Notes:
If students do not meet minimum the Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.
Courses below
*Students who do not place into
Mechanical Engineering
MECH 210 - Materials Science I
4.00 credit hours - Basic principles of structure-property relationships in the context of chemical, mechanical and physical properties of materials. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 161.
MECH 220 - Mechanical Design I
4.00 credit hours - Engineering drawing, computer aided design and drafting (CAD), engineering drawing control, product design life-cycle, designing for sustainability, system design, product performance metrics, accelerated life testing, mechanism and linkage design. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MECH 210.
MECH 320 - Mechanical Design II
2.00 credit hours - Analysis of stress and strain, torsion, bending, beams, springs, pressure vessels contact stress, stability, stress concentration, fatigue. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 152, PHYS 211 and MECH 220.
MECH 321 - Mechanical Design III
4.00 credit hours - Basic elements of machines, gears, bearings, shafts, fasteners, electric motors, brakes, clutches, linkages, kinematic synthesis. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MECH 320.
MECH 410 - Control Systems
4.00 credit hours - Analysis of system response to inputs and initial conditions, feedback, design of control systems. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 255.
MECH 420 - Manufacturing Processes
2.00 credit hours - Introduction to machines and methods of rapid prototyping and production, extrusion, injection molding, plating, casting, milling, turning, abrasive jet, stamping, forging and rolling. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MECH 320.
MECH 430 - Mechanical Simulation
4.00 credit hours - Finite element analysis and design optimization, solid modeling, mesh generation, thermal, linear, non-linear, and event simulation. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): MECH 320.
MECH 440 - Robotics I
4.00 credit hours - Inverse kinematics, end effectors, dynamics, position control. Lecture/Laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 300.
Engineering
ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
2.00 credit hours - An overview of specific engineering majors, lab safety, competitions, internships, research, post-graduate opportunities and employment options. Examines the relevancy of a liberal arts foundation and how it relates to the field of engineering.
ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
2.00 credit hours - Methods and practices employed to develop, commercialize and distribute products and services dependent on engineering will be presented. Includes descriptions of the four major career paths available to engineers. Lecture/Laboratory.
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
2.00 credit hours - Develops the student’s ability to use MATLAB to solve various engineering problems. Lecture/Laboratory.
ENGR 297 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours - Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.
ENGR 299 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours - Individual studies undertaken with guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated with different content.
ENGR 350 - Measurements I
4.00 credit hours - Methods for digital data acquisition; measurements of pressure, temperature, flow rate, heat transfer and static forces and moments. Lecture/Laboratory
Prerequisite(s): MECH 210 and PHYS 211.
ENGR 397 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours - Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
ENGR 399 - Independent Study
1.00-12.00 credit hours - Individual studies undertaken with guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated with different content.
ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
2.00 credit hours - Independent research or design project.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
ENGR 450 - Capstone I
4.00 credit hours - Independent research or design project.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing.
ENGR 451 - Capstone II
4.00 credit hours - Independent research or design project.
Prerequisite(s): ENGR 450.
ENGR 480 - Failure Analysis
4.00 credit hours - Case studies will be analyzed to determine root cause for failed engineering materials and components.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 263 or MECH 210.
ENGR 497 - Internship
0.00-12.00 credit hours - Valuable professional experiences supplement classroom instruction and allow students to apply theories and concepts to broader issues and system. Students explore career options within a specific area of study and critically reflect on the experience in a structured manner. May be repeated with different professional experience.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
Faculty and Staff
Take advantage of some of the many opportunities to enrich your education outside the classroom! Below are some examples; follow the links for more information.
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Gain "real-world" experience through an Internship
Many engineering students work part-time in the Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program at Argonne National Laboratory. Co-op students work 15-19 hours per week during the school year and often work full-time during summer and break periods.
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Expand your horizons with a Richter Independent Study Fellowship
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Study Abroad
Recent engineering students have studied at the University of Glasgow and Dundee University in Scotland and at Macquarie University in Australia.
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Get your hands on Research
Engineering students can do research with North Central faculty during the academic year and summers, or spend fall of your senior year doing research at a national laboratory through the Department of Energy's SULI program. Students present their research at North Central’s annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research, and many present at the annual Argonne Symposium and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.