Major: Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 190.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1901
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2141
About the Program
The role of the mechanical engineer in today’s society is rapidly changing. Advances in manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure systems, materials, communications and high-performance computing have introduced new demands, opportunities and challenges for mechanical engineers. What was once an individual endeavor has now become a team activity. Today’s industries require that mechanical engineers possess diverse interdisciplinary skills, a global viewpoint, entrepreneurial and managerial abilities and an understanding of the forces governing the marketplace.
Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been associated with industries like automotive, transportation and power generation, and with activities involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of products useful to society. While today such activities are still dominated by mechanical engineers, the spectrum of opportunities for these professionals has expanded tremendously. For example, mechanical engineers are involved in the design and analysis of biomedical instrumentation, electronic components, smart structures and advanced materials; they are involved in sophisticated studies of human motion, control of satellites, and the development of more efficient energy-transfer techniques.
Drexel’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) prides itself on providing its students with a comprehensive program of courses, laboratories, design projects, and co-op experiences. The MEM curriculum is designed to balance technical breadth (provided by a set of fundamental required core courses) with technical depth (provided by optional concentrations that emphasize particular fields within the profession). Thus, the MEM program not only prepares its graduates to become successful mechanical engineers needed in industry and government, but also provides an excellent springboard to pursue graduate studies in medical sciences, law, business, information technology, and any other disciplines where technological and analytical skills play an important role.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics of Drexel University is to transfer and acquire knowledge through: (a) the education of engineers for leadership in industry, business, academia, and government; and (b) the establishment of internationally recognized research programs. This mission is accomplished by the delivery of an outstanding curriculum by the participation of our students in one of the nation’s most prestigious co-operative educational programs and by the scholarly activities of the faculty.
Program Educational Objectives
- Our graduates will be successful in careers that deal with the design, simulation, and analysis of engineering systems, experimentation and testing, manufacturing, technical services, and research.
- Our graduates will enter and complete academic and professional programs in engineering, business, management, law and medicine.
- Our graduates will communicate effectively with peers and be successful working with and leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Our graduates will recognize the global, legal, societal and ethical contexts of their work.
- Our graduates will advance in their careers; for example, assuming increasing levels of responsibility and acquiring professional licensure.
Student Outcomes
The Department’s student outcomes reflect the skills and abilities that the curriculum is designed to provide to students by the time they graduate. These are:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies
Additional Information
The Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
For additional information about this major, visit the Mechanical Engineering program page or contact the MEM Department.
Degree Requirements
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development * | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 111 | English Composition I |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 112 | English Composition II |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 113 | English Composition III |
| PHIL 315 | Engineering Ethics | 3.0 |
| UNIV E101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| ** | 12.0 |
| Algebra, Functions, and Trigonometry
and Calculus I | |
| |
| Calculus and Functions I
and Calculus and Functions II † | |
| |
| Calculus I | |
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 200 | Multivariate Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 201 | Linear Algebra | 4.0 |
| MATH 210 | Differential Equations | 4.0 |
| Preparation for Engineering Studies
and Fundamentals of Physics I | |
| |
| Fundamentals of Physics I | |
| PHYS 102 | Fundamentals of Physics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 201 | Fundamentals of Physics III | 4.0 |
| General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I | |
| |
| General Chemistry I | |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4.5 |
| ENGR 111 | Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis | 3.0 |
| ENGR 113 | First-Year Engineering Design | 3.0 |
| ENGR 131 | Introductory Programming for Engineers | 3.0 |
| or ENGR 132 | Programming for Engineers |
| CIVE 240 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3.0 |
| MATE 220 | Fundamentals of Materials | 4.0 |
| MEM 201 | Foundations of Computer Aided Design | 3.0 |
| MEM 202 | Statics | 3.0 |
| MEM 210 | Introduction to Thermodynamics | 3.0 |
| MEM 220 | Fluid Mechanics I | 4.0 |
| MEM 230 | Mechanics of Materials I | 4.0 |
| MEM 238 | Dynamics | 4.0 |
| MEM 255 | Introduction to Controls | 4.0 |
| MEM 260 | Thinking Like a Mechanical Engineer | 3.0 |
| MEM 261 | Introduction to Mechatronics for Mechanical Engineers | 3.0 |
| MEM 310 | Thermodynamic Analysis I | 4.0 |
| MEM 311 | Thermal Fluid Science Laboratory | 2.0 |
| MEM 321 | Fluid Mechanics II | 4.0 |
| MEM 330 | Mechanics of Materials II | 4.0 |
| MEM 331 | Experimental Mechanics I | 2.0 |
| MEM 333 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3.0 |
| MEM 345 | Heat Transfer | 4.0 |
| MEM 351 | Dynamic Systems Laboratory I | 2.0 |
| MEM 355 | Performance Enhancement of Dynamic Systems | 4.0 |
| MEM 360 | Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering Design | 3.0 |
| MEM 361 | Engineering Reliability | 3.0 |
| MEM 423 | Mechanics of Vibration | 4.0 |
| MEM 431 | Machine Design I | 3.0 |
| MEM 435 | Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing | 4.0 |
| MEM 491 [WI] | Senior Design Project I | 3.0 |
| MEM 492 [WI] | Senior Design Project II | 3.0 |
| MEM 493 [WI] | Senior Design Project III | 3.0 |
| 6.0-8.0 |
| 3.0-4.0 |
| 3.0-4.0 |
| 6.0-8.0 |
| Total Credits | 190.0-210.0 |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Mechanical engineers are employed in a growing number of areas, including aerospace, automotive, biomechanics, computer systems, electronic entertainment, energy, environmental, health care, manufacturing, nuclear technology, and utilities.
Most mechanical engineering graduates begin full-time employment immediately upon graduation. However, there are a number of graduates who go on to pursue master’s and/or doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering. The graduate schools that Drexel’s mechanical engineers have attended include Harvard, UC Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.
Facilities
Instructional Laboratories
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics (MEM) supports instructional laboratories to provide hands-on experience with engineering measurements and to augment classroom instruction in the areas of mechanics, systems and controls, thermal fluid sciences and design and manufacturing along with a college-supported machine shop to aid senior design.
Specialized Laboratories
BIOMEMS Lab and Lab-on-a-Chip
Develops miniature devices for biological and medical applications using microfabrication and microfluidics technologies. Our research projects are highly multidisciplinary in nature and thus require the integration of engineering, science, biology, and medicine. Projects are conducted in close collaboration with biologists and medical doctors. Our research methodology includes design and fabrication of miniature devices, experimental characterization, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.
Computer-aided Design Lab (CAD)
Provides access to software such as AutoCAD, ANSYS, Abagus, CREO, and SOLIDWORKS either in the 42 workstation lab which is available by card access 24/7, or over any network connection using our CITRIX server. Computations are performed on a virtual pc running at the server, and students can use any smart device for input and display.
Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Group Laboratory (TAMG)
Through experimental, analytical, and computational investigations, TAMG develops insights into the deformation and failure of materials, components and structures in a broad range of time and length scales. To accomplish this goal, TAMG develops procedures that include mechanical behavior characterization coupled with non-destructive testing and modern computational tools. This information is used both for understanding the role of important material scales in the observed bulk behavior and for the formation of laws that can model the response to prescribed loading conditions.
Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory (ECSL)
Addresses the research and development needs of emerging alternative energy technologies. ECSL specializes in the design, diagnostics, and characterization of next-generation electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems; particularly fuel cell and battery technology. Current areas of research include polymer electrolyte fuel cells for stationary, portable, and transportation areas of next-generation flow battery technology for intermittent energy storage, load leveling and smart-grid applications. ECSL uses a comprehensive approach, including advanced diagnostics, system design, materials characterization, and computational modeling of electrochemical energy systems.
Multiscale Thermofluidics Lab
Develops novel scalable nanomanufacturing techniques using biological templates to manipulate micro- and nano-scale thermal and fluidic phenomena. Current work includes enhancing phase-change heat transfer with super-wetting nanostructured coatings and transport and separation through nanoporous membrances.
Biofabrication Laboratory
Utilizes cells or biologics as basic building blocks in which biological models, systems devices and products are manufactured. Biofabrication techniques encompass a broad range of physical, chemical, biological, and/or engineering process, with various applications in tissue science and engineering, regenerative medicine, disease pathogeneses and drug testing studies, biochips and biosensors, cell printing, patterning and assembly, and organ printing.
The Program for Biofabrication at Drexel integrates computer-aided tissue engineering, modern design and manufacturing, biomaterials and biology in modeling, design, and biofabrication of tissue scaffolds, tissue constructs, micro-organ, tissue models. The ongoing research focuses on bio-tissue modeling, bio-blueprint modeling, scaffold informatics modeling, biometric design of tissue scaffold, additive manufacturing of tissue scaffolds, cell printing and organ printing.
The facilities at the Biofabrication Laboratory include:
- state-of-the-art computer-aided design/engineering/manufacturing (CAD/CAE/CAM) software, medical image processing and 3D reconstruction software, and in-house developed heterogeneous modeling and homogenization software
- proprietary multi-nozzle cell deposition system for direct cell writing and construction of tissue precursors and micro-organs
- proprietary precision extruding deposition system for fabrication of 3D bipolymer tissue scaffolds
- commercial available 3DP free-form fabrication system for bio-physical modeling
- plasma instrument for surface treatment and surface functionalization
- MTS universal testing system
- laboratory for cell and tissue culture study
Complex Fluids and Multiphase Transport Lab
Conducts both experimental and modeling studies on heat/mass transfer and multi-phase flows, as well as transport phenomena in additive manufacturing and energy systems. Current projects range from basic studies in interfacial transport in directed-assembly of functional materials and nanostructure-enhanced two-phase heat transfer to design of innovative dry cooling power plants and electrochemical energy storage systems.
Laboratory for Biological Systems Analysis
Applies system level engineering techniques to biological systems with emphasis on:
- The development of bio-robotic models as tools for investigating hypotheses about biological systems
- The use of system identification techniques to evaluate the functional performance of physiological systems under natural behavioral conditions
- The design of systems that are derived from nature and use novel techniques, such as electro-active polymers, to achieve superior performance and function
Advanced Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
This laboratory provides research opportunities in design methodology, computer-aided design, analysis and manufacturing, and materials processing and manufacturing. Facilities include various computers and software, I-DEAS, Pro/E,ANSYS, MasterCAM, Mechanical DeskTop, SurfCAM, Euclid, Strim, ABQUS, and more. The machines include two Sanders Model Maker rapid prototyping machines, a BridgePort CNC Machining Center, a BOY 220 injection molding machine, an Electra high-temperature furnace for metal sintering, infiltration, and other heat treatment.
Biomechanics Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on experimental modelling studies of the mechanical properties of human joints, characterization of the mechanical properties of biological materials, studies of human movements, and design and development of joint replacements with particular emphasis on total ankle replacement. Facilities include a 3-D kinematic measuring system, Tensile testing machine, joint flexibility testers, and microcomputers for data acquisition and processing.
Combustion and Fuels Chemistry Laboratory
Investigate chemical and physical factors that control and, hence, can be used to tailor combustion processes for engineering applications. Facilities include continuous spectroscopic reaction monitoring systems, static reactors, combustion bombs, flat flame burner systems, flow reactors, and complete analytical and monitoring instrumentation.
Research is conducted in the areas of (1) low temperature hydrocarbon oxidation, (2) cool flames, (3) auto-ignition, (4) flame instabilities, (5) flame structure, (6) flame ignition, and (7) flame extinction (quelching). New ways to improve fuel efficiency in practical combustors and recover waste energy in the transportation sector are also being explored.
Composite Mechanics Laboratory
Emphasis in this laboratory is placed on the characterization of performance of composite materials. Current interest includes damage mechanisms, failure processes, and time-dependent behavior in resin-, metal-, and ceramic-matrix composites. Major equipment includes servo-hydraulic and electromechanical Instron testing machines, strain/displacement monitoring systems, environmental chambers, microcomputers for data acquisition and processing, composites fabrication facility, interferometric displacement gauge, X-radiography, and acoustic emission systems.
Nyheim Plasma Institute (Formerly A.J. Drexel Plasma Institute)
The Nyheim Plasma Institute was formed in 2002 to stimulate and coordinate research projects related to plasma and other modern high energy engineering techniques. Today the institute is an active multidisciplinary organization involving 23 faculty members from 6 engineering departments working in close collaboration with School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Heat Transfer Laboratory
The heat transfer laboratory is outfitted with an array of instrumentation and equipment for conducting single- and multiphase heat transfer experiments in controlled environments. Present efforts are exploring the heat and mass transfer process in super-critical fluids and binary refrigerants.
Precision Instrumentation and Metrology Laboratory
This laboratory is focused on activities related to precision measurement, computer-aided inspection, and precision instrument design. Facilities include 3D Coordinate Measuring Machine (Brown & Sharpe) with Micro Measurement and Reverse engineering software, Surface Profilometer, and Laser Displacement Measuring System.
Mechanical Engineering Faculty
Joshua Agar, PhD (University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign). Assistant Professor. Machine learning methods for multifunctional material design and fabrication.
Jennifer Atchison, PhD (Drexel University). Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering Education, Functional Fabrics, and Nanofibers
Jonathan Awerbuch, DSc (Technion, Israel Institute of Technology). Professor. Mechanics of composites; fracture and fatigue; impact and wave propagation; structural dynamics.
Ania-Ariadna Baetica, PhD (California Institute of Technology). Assistant Professor. Control theory and systems biology for biotechnological and medial applications.
Nicholas P. Cernansky, PhD (University of California-Berkeley) Hess Chair Professor of Combustion. Professor Emeritus. Combustion chemistry and kinetics; combustion generated pollution; utilization of alternative and synthetic fuels.
Bor-Chin Chang, PhD (Rice University). Professor. Computer-aided design of multivariable control systems; robust and optimal control systems.
Wesley Chang, PhD (Princeton University). Assistant Professor. Electrochemical energy technologies.
Young I. Cho, PhD (University of Illinois-Chicago). Professor. Heat transfer; fluid mechanics; non-Newtonian flows; biofluid mechanics; rheology.
Genevieve Dion, MFA (University of the Arts) Director, Center for Functional Fabrics. Professor. Industrial designer, wearable artist, new materials technology research.
Dimitrios Fafalis, PhD (Columbia University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Mathematical modeling of natural and synthetic materials; computational mechanics, biomedical engineering and biomechanics.
Bakhtier Farouk, PhD (University of Delaware) Billings Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor. Heat transfer; combustion; numerical methods; turbulence modeling; materials processing.
Alexander Fridman, DSc, PhD (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology) Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, John A. Nyheim Endowed University Chair Professor, Director of the Drexel Plasma Institute. Professor. Plasma science and technology; pollutant mitigation; super-adiabatic combustion; nanotechnology and manufacturing.
Yury Gogotsi, DSc, PhD (National Academic of Sciences, Ukraine). Distinguished University & Charles T. and Ruth M. Bach Professor. affiliate faculty. Synthesis and surface modification of inorganic nanomaterials.
Li-Hsin Han, PhD (University of Texas at Austin). Assistant Professor. Polymeric, micro/nano-fabrication, biomaterial design, tissue engineering, rapid prototyping, free-form fabrication, polymer micro actuators, photonics
Andrei Jablokow, PhD (University of Wisconsin, Madison) Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Affairs, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering education; kinematics; geometric modeling.
Euisun Kim, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology). Associate Teaching Professor. Engineering education; robotic rehabilitation systems; bio-inspired designs.
E. Caglan Kumbur, PhD (Pennsylvania State University) Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs. Associate Professor. Next generation energy technologies; fuel cell design and development.
Harry G. Kwatny, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) S. Herbert Raynes Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Emeritus. Dynamic systems analysis; stochastic optimal control; control of electric power plants and systems.
Alan Lau, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Professor. Deformation and fracture of nano-devices and macroscopic structures; damage-tolerant structures and microstructures.
Roger Marino, PhD (Drexel University). Professor Emeritus. Engineering education; land development; product Development
Matthew McCarthy, PhD (Columbia University). Associate Professor. Micro- and nanoscale thermofluidic systems, bio-inspired cooling, smart materials and structures for self-regulated two-phase cooling, novel architectures for integrated energy conversion and storage.
David L. Miller, PhD (Louisiana State University). Professor. Gas-phase reaction kinetics; thermodynamics; biofuels.
Moses Noh, PhD (Georgia Institute of Technology). Associate Professor. MEMS; BioMEMS; lab-on-a-chip; microfabrication; microfluidics.
Jonathan E. Spanier, PhD (Columbia University) Department Head, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. Professor. Light-matter interactions in electronic materials, including ferroelectric semiconductors, complex oxide thin film science; laser spectroscopy, including Raman scattering.
Wei Sun, PhD (Drexel University) Albert Soffa Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Professor. Computer-aided tissue engineering; solid freeform fabrication; CAD/CAM; design and modeling of nanodevices.
Tein-Min Tan, PhD (Purdue University). Professor Emeritus. Mechanics of composites; computational mechanics and finite-elements methods; structural dynamics.
James Tangorra, PhD (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Professor. Analysis of human and (other) animal physiological systems; head-neck dynamics and control; balance, vision, and the vestibular system; animal swimming and flight; robotics; system identification; bio-inspired design.
Ajmal Yousuff, PhD (Purdue University). Associate Professor. Optimal control; flexible structures; model and control simplifications.
Jack G. Zhou, PhD (New Jersey Institute of Technology). Professor. CAD/CAM; computer integrated manufacturing systems; rapid prototyping; system dynamics and automatic control.
Emeritus Faculty
Leon Y. Bahar, PhD (Lehigh University). Professor Emeritus. Analytical methods in engineering, coupled thermoelasticity, interaction between analytical dynamics and control systems.
Michele Marcolongo, PhD, PE (University of Pennsylvania). Professor Emerita. Orthopedic biomaterials; acellular regenerative medicine, biomimetic proteoglycans; hydrogels.
Gordon D. Moskowitz, PhD (Princeton University). Professor Emeritus. Biomechanics, dynamics, design, applied mathematics.
Sorin Siegler, PhD (Drexel University). Professor. Orthopedic biomechanics; robotics; dynamics and control of human motion; applied mechanics.
Donald H. Thomas, PhD (Case Institute of Technology). Professor Emeritus. Biocontrol theory, biomechanics, fluidics and fluid control, vehicle dynamics, engineering design.
Albert S. Wang, PhD (University of Delaware). Professor Emeritus. Treatment of damage evolution processes in multi-phased high-temperature materials, including ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites.
