Mission Statement

      The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University is to provide high quality education and meaningful career opportunities for its graduates. Highly competent graduates who can assume professional positions of increasing responsibility are the intended end products. Recruiting and educating students in an accredited curriculum of course work and experiences will accomplish the mission. Demand for the graduates of the department will be enhanced by frequent contact with potential employers through initiatives such as co-op programs, consultations, and research and development and student projects. The outcome of the goals of the mission will be assessed by frequent contact with the employers, alumni and other interested sources. Corrective actions will be taken, as necessary, based on the input provided, to minimize deviation from the stated mission.

Vision

        The vision of the mechanical engineering department at Lamar University is to be a leader in training students for the mechanical engineering profession. The mechanical engineer may be perceived as one who is engaged in a diverse profession encompassing the analysis, design, synthesis and material optimization for a wide variety of mechanical and thermal systems. The mechanical engineer must work closely with other engineering disciplines to provide tools and equipment components to enable them to practice their professions. In order to cover this wide range of requirements, the mechanical engineer needs a solid foundation in basic sciences, mathematical sciences and engineering.

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 has established the following educational objectives; these are consistent with and supportive of the Lamar University College of Engineering educational objectives.

         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.
  3. Helping them to understand the importance of their professional and ethical responsibilities.

Mechanical Engineering Program Outcomes

The purpose of the mechanical engineering program of Lamar University is to ensure that the graduates have:

(a)    an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering

(b)    an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

(c)    an ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs

(d)    an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems

(e)      an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

(f)    an ability to communicate effectively

(g)    the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

(h)      a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

(i)      a knowledge of contemporary issues

(j)    an ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

(k)      a knowledge of chemistry and calculus-based physics with depth in at least one

(l)  an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations

(m)    an ability to use statistics and linear algebra

(n)    an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems

(o)    an ability to work effectively as team members in mechanical engineering projects

(p)    a knowledge of manufacturing, maintenance and inspections for engineering systems

 

 

Web master: Prasad Reddy, Saitala and Ken
Last Updated: October 23, 2003
Contact: Webmaster