U-ME-BSE - Mechanical Engineering (BSE)

The major requirements for mechanical engineering are included in the minimum total of 34.0 course credits listed under general requirements. The following specific courses or their approved alternatives must be included. Engineering courses: Engineering 121L (Engineering Innovation), Engineering 201L (Mechanics of Solids), Engineering 224L (Mechatronics), Engineering 244L (Dynamics); mechanical engineering courses: Mechanical Engineering 221L (Materials), Mechanical Engineering 321L (Analysis for Design), Mechanical Engineering 331L (Thermodynamics), Mechanical Engineering 336L (Fluid Mechanics), Mechanical Engineering 344L (Control Systems), Mechanical Engineering 421L (Mechanical Design), Mechanical Engineering 424L (Mechanical Systems Design), Mechanical Engineering 431L (Heat Transfer); two upper-level mechanical engineering electives to encourage depth in areas of particular interest. In addition, the program allows for four additional general electives, two of which must be upper level and can be used for further breadth or depth. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors when selecting areas of interest and electives.

The MEMS Undergraduate Program Handbook (available on the departmental website at mems.duke.edu/undergrad/degrees/planning) provides examples of course sequences that incorporate all general requirements and departmental requirements comprising the accredited mechanical engineering major. In addition, a downloadable MEMS Curriculum Flow Chart and MEMS Annotated Check Sheet are also available on the website, and provide precise summaries of the curriculum requirements and prerequisite structure.

Usually students intending to study abroad should plan to travel in the fall semester of their junior year. Typically these students are expected to take two courses abroad that are approved as equivalent to required mechanical engineering courses and/or mechanical engineering electives. Students should consult their advisor, the Office of Global Education, and the mechanical engineering and material science director of undergraduate studies.

Options for a certificate in aerospace engineering, a certificate in energy and the environment, a minor in energy engineering, a minor or second major in electrical and computer engineering, or a second major in biomedical engineering are described in the MEMS Undergraduate Program Handbook (available at mems.duke.edu/undergrad/degrees/planning). Mechanical engineering and material science adheres strictly to the Pratt major and minor requirements described in the front portion of this bulletin. Students interested in second majors and minors with departments in Trinity College should seek information from the department of interest.