Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives

As defined by ASME International, Mechanical Engineers are men and women who design, develop and manufacture machines that produce, transmit or use power. There is hardly an area in modern life that has not been influenced by a mechanical engineer at some point along the path from invention to installation. Mechanical engineering knowledge is essential to build automobiles, airplanes, ships, satellites and health care equipment, to name a few. Mechanical engineering occupies this unique position as it effectively utilizes basic sciences, mathematical sciences and engineering science and technology.

The major goal of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Lamar University is to prepare undergraduate students for challenging and rewarding careers in the mechanical engineering profession. For this purpose, the mechanical engineering program at Lamar University is designed to educate students in the thermal systems and mechanical systems areas. The teaching focus is on basic and mathematical sciences in the freshman and sophomore years and on engineering sciences in the junior year. In the senior year the students are educated to develop skills to use the knowledge gained in the sophomore through junior years in mechanical engineering applications.

Keeping in view the above considerations, the faculty in consultation with the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council (MEAC) has established educational objectives that are consistent with and supportive of the Lamar University College of Engineering educational objectives and are in step with Lamar University mission statement: “Lamar University is committed to the three-fold mission of teaching, research and service. The University seeks to provide students with a broad education in the context of global and multicultural environments and seeks partnerships with governmental, industrial and other educational organizations to accomplish the goals more efficiently”.

The educational objectives are:

To prepare mechanical engineering students to solve problems ethically and economically by

1. Educating them thoroughly in basic, mathematical and engineering sciences and engineering technology with the object of using the knowledge in the profession,
2. Helping them to develop skills pertinent to the design process involving formulation of problems, creative thinking, effective communication, synthesis of information and team work, and
3. Helping them to understand the importance of their professional and ethical responsibilities.

As defined by ABET these attributes should be possessed by all graduates of the program in their professional career.