Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
STUDENT AFFAIRS: 182 Engineering Building II, Warren College
http://maeweb.ucsd.edu
http://aerospace.ucsd.edu
Professors
Courses
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a re-organization
of the former Applied Mechanics and Engineering Sciences (AMES)
Department. The MAE Department administers the interdepartmental
Chemical Engineering Program (CENG). The Structural Engineering
Department (SE) is a separate department.
Entering MAE freshmen will follow the new set of course work guidelines
detailed in this section. Continuing students and transfer students
will continue with their current set of course work guidelines outlined
in previous general catalogs. The Student Affairs Office can provide
the proper curriculum tables.
All MAE and CENG students are encouraged to visit the
Student Affairs Office in EBU II for any clarification.
Department Focus
The instructional and research programs are grouped into two major
areas: mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. Both the
undergraduate and graduate programs are characterized by strong
interdisciplinary relationships with the Departments of Physics,
Mathematics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Structural Engineering,
the Materials Science Program, and associated campus institutes
such as the UCSD Center for Energy Research, the Institute for Nonlinear
Science, Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, Institute
for Pure and Applied Physical Sciences, Institute for Biomedical
Engineering, Center for Magnetic Recording Research, Center of Excellence
for Advanced Materials, California Space Institute, and Scripps
Institution of Oceanography.
The educational mission of the department is to provide an excellent
education to the next generation of mechanical and aerospace engineers
as one of the nations leading and most innovative mechanical
and aerospace engineering departments.
This broad mission is supported by the following specific educational
goals:
- To provide our students with a strong technical education that
will enable them to have successful careers as professional mechanical
aerospace and chemical engineers, as educators in academia, and
as members of other professions.
- To prepare our students for rapid technological change with
the core knowledge central to assuring that they are able to continuously
improve their skills across a range of disciplines throughout
their professional careers.
- To prepare our students to communicate effectively and to deal
knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology in our
society and on global issues.
The Undergraduate Program
Degree and Program Options
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) offers
traditional ABET accredited engineering programs leading to the
B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.
MAE also offers traditional nonaccredited engineering programs leading
to the B.S. degree in engineering science and environmental engineering.
The B.S. programs require a minimum of 196 units. The Chemical Engineering
Program (CENG) is an interdepartmental program and is described
more completely under the Chemical Engineering Program section in
this catalog.
All MAE programs of study have strong components in laboratory
experimentation, numerical computation, and engineering design.
Design is emphasized throughout the curricula by open-ended homework
problems, by laboratory and computer courses which include student-initiated
projects, and finally by senior design project courses which often
involve teams of students working to solve engineering design problems
brought in from industry. The MAE programs are designed to prepare
students receiving bachelors degrees for professional careers
or for graduate education in their area of specialization. In addition,
the programs can also be taken by students who intend to use their
undergraduate engineering education as preparation for postgraduate
professional training in nontechnical fields such as business administration,
law, or medicine.
Mechanical engineering is a traditional four-year curriculum
in mechanics, vibrations, thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer,
materials, control theory, and mechanical design. Graduates find
employment in the mechanical and aerospace industries as well as
electro-mechanical or biomedical industries. Mechanical engineers
are involved in material processing, manufacturing, assembling,
and maintenance of life-line facilities such as power plants.
Mechanical design includes conceptual design, drafting with 3D
CAD programs, stress, dynamics, heat transfer or fluid dynamics
analyses, and the optimization of the total system for superior
performance and customer satisfaction. In manufacturing, the objective
is to enhance efficiency and economy by utilizing numerical control
(NC) of machine tools, mechatronics, micro-machining, and rapid
prototyping. Currently, engineers have available computers, process
models, and sensors to improve the quality and productivity of the
manufacturing lines. In preparation for this modern era, the mechanical
engineering curriculum emphasizes CAD courses, computer courses,
laboratory courses, and design courses in addition to providing
a strong background in basic science.
The following educational objectives have been established for
the mechanical engineering program:
- To provide a sound introduction to the basic sciences that
underlie the disciplines of mechanical and aerospace engineering
- To provide a thorough training in methods of analysis, including
problem formulation and the mathematical and computational skills
required by mechanical engineers
- To teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques
required for engineering applications
- To teach the fundamentals of the design process, including
project management, the synthesis of information from different
disciplinary areas, and innovation and creative problem solving
in an engineering setting
- To prepare students in the skills required for successful participation
on teams and in leadership positions, including effective written
and oral communication
- To instill in our students an understanding of their professional
and ethical responsibilities
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of
experiences through classroom and extramural activities on campus
and through partnerships and internships with industry, with primary
and secondary schools, and with other organizations
Aerospace engineering is a four-year curriculum that prepares
students for a career in the aeronautical and astronautical industries,
related technology industries, or for graduate school.
The mission of the aerospace engineering program is to prepare
students to be outstanding scientists and engineering leaders by
emphasizing engineering fundamentals, principles of professional
practices, and their integration into the design/development of
advanced aeronautical and astronautical systems. The primary goals
are:
- to provide our students with a strong technical education that
will enable them to have successful careers as professional aerospace
engineers, as educators in academia, and as members of other professions
- to prepare our students for rapid technological change with
the core knowledge central to assuring that they are able to continuously
improve their skills across a range of disciplines throughout
their professional careers
- to prepare our students to communicate effectively and to deal
knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology in our
society and on global issues
The curriculum was developed to emphasize engineering fundamentals,
aerospace topics, and the integration of these fundamentals and
topics into the design of an aerospace system. Courses in engineering
fundamentals include materials, solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics,
computer modeling, computer-aided-design, numerical analysis, and
controls. Courses covering the aerospace engineering topics include
aerodynamics, aerospace structures, flight mechanics, dynamics and
control of aerospace vehicles, and propulsion. Students complete
the program by taking a two-quarter capstone design course that
integrates all of their aerospace education into the design, development,
and testing of an aeronautical or astronautical vehicle or component.
Throughout the program, students take laboratory courses that expose
them to modern testing techniques and enhance their understanding
of complex engineering topics. The programs main objectives
are:
- to provide students with a strong foundation in engineering
fundamentals; in-depth knowledge of key topics in aerospace engineering
including aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, orbital
mechanics, aerospace structures and materials, and design and
control of aerospace systems; and an awareness of the value of
life-long learning
- to provide thorough training in methods of analysis and problem-solving
including mathematical and computational skills and use of contemporary
software and information technology tools
- to teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques
required for aerospace engineering applications
- to teach the fundamentals of the open-ended design process,
including project management, synthesis and integration of information
from fundamental and interdisciplinary areas, manufacturing and
incorporation of non-technical issues, and innovation and creative
problem solving in an engineering environment
- to prepare students with the skills required for successful
participation on teams and for leadership positions, including
effective written and oral communication skills and professionalism
- to instill in our students an understanding of the role and
importance of professional responsibility and engineering ethics
- to provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of
experiences through classroom and extramural activities on campus
and through participation and internships with industry and other
organizations
Further discussion of the degree requirements and policies are
provided in the Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook.
The engineering science program resembles the Mechanical
Engineering Program, except the amount of mechanical design is reduced
and control theory is not required. In addition to core courses
in dynamics, vibrations, structures, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics,
heat transfer, and laboratory experimentation, a large number of
technical electives are scheduled. This aspect of the curriculum
allows flexibility by permitting specialization and in-depth study
in one area of the engineering sciences or through a sequence of
courses on various emerging technologies. Students must consult
their advisers to develop a sound course of study to fulfill the
technical elective of this program. Although a sequence in non-sciences
may be permitted, the faculty advisers may insist on a substantial
number of MAE or other science courses as technical electives.
Environmental engineering is a four-year curriculum that
resembles the chemical engineering curriculum in its first two years,
with fundamental engineering courses in mechanics, thermodynamics,
physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In the third and fourth year,
the programs diverge: an environmental engineering sequence is offered,
as well as further specialization in fluid mechanics, and a wide
choice of technical electives, both from within MAE and other departments.
The environmental engineering major focuses on conveying an understanding
and awareness of the fundamental processes associated with human
industrial activity that have environmental implications, and on
equipping the next generation of engineers with the tools to develop
technologies that enable sustainable economic growth.
The following educational objectives have been established for
the environmental engineering program:
- to provide a sound introduction to the basic sciences that
underlie the disciplines of environmental engineering
- to provide a thorough training in methods of analysis, including
problem formulation and the mathematical and computational skills
required by environmental engineers
- to teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques
required for engineering applications
- to teach the fundamentals of the design process, including
project management, the synthesis of information from different
disciplinary areas, and innovation and creative problem solving
in an engineering setting
- to prepare students in the skills required for successful participation
on teams and in leadership positions, including effective written
and oral communication
- to instill in our students an understanding of their professional
and ethical responsibilities
- to provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of
experiences through classroom and extramural activities on campus
and through partnerships and internships with industry, with primary
and secondary schools, and with other organizations
Other Undergraduate Programs of Study in MAE
The engineering mechanics minor involves successful completion
of seven MAE courses, including at least five upper-division courses
open to students who meet the course prerequisites: one must be
MAE 130A; one must be 101A (or CENG 101A) or 131A (or both may be
taken); and the balance must be selected from MAE 3, 9 or 10, 20,
110A, CENG 102, 130B, and 160. This set of courses provides a good
introduction to engineering analysis and would be useful to nonengineering
majors desiring a background that could be used in professional
communication with engineers.
Other minor options are restricted. Students wishing to
arrange a sequence of MAE courses to satisfy minor requirements,
or to meet particular academic interests, must consult the MAE Student
Affairs Office for referral to the appropriate MAE faculty member.
Program Accreditation
The B.S. Programs in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering
are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the
Accreditation
Board
for Engineering and Technology (ABET/EAC).
Major Requirements
Specific course requirements for each major program are outlined
in tables in this section of the catalog. In addition to the required
technical courses specifically indicated, a suggested scheduling
of humanities and social science courses (HSS) are distributed in
the curricula for students to use to meet college general-education
requirements. To graduate, students must maintain an overall GPA
of at least 2.0, and the department requires at least a C
grade in each course required for the major.
Deviations from these programs of study must be approved by the
Undergraduate Affairs Committee prior to taking alternative courses.
In addition, technical elective (TE) course selections must have
departmental approval prior to taking the courses. In the accredited
programs, TE courses are restricted to meet ABET standards. Courses
such as MAE 195, 197, and 198 are not allowed as a technical elective
in meeting the upper-division major requirements. MAE 199 can be
used as a technical elective only under restrictive conditions.
Policy regarding these conditions may be obtained from the departments
Student Affairs Office.
Students with different academic preparation may vary the scheduling
of lower-division courses such as math, physics and chemistry, but
should consult the department. Deviations in scheduling MAE upper-division
courses is discouraged and requires prior approval. Most lower-division
courses are offered more than once each year to permit students
some flexibility in their program scheduling. However, many MAE
upper-division courses are taught only once per year, and courses
are scheduled to be consistent with the curricula as shown in the
tables. When possible, MAE does offer large enrollment courses more
than once each year. A tentative schedule of course offerings is
available from the department each spring for the following academic
year.
General-Education/College Requirements
For graduation each student must satisfy general-education course
requirements determined by the students college as well as
the major requirements determined by the department. The six colleges
at UCSD require widely different general-education courses, and
the number of such courses differs from one college to another.
Each student should choose his or her college carefully, considering
the special nature of the college and the breadth of general education.
Each MAE program allows for humanities and social science (HSS)
courses so that students can fulfill their college requirements.
In the ABET accredited programs, students must develop a program
that includes a total of at least twenty-four units in the arts,
humanities, and social sciences, not including subjects such as
accounting, industrial management, finance, or personnel administration.
It should be noted, however, that some colleges require more than
the nine or ten HSS courses indicated in the curriculum tables.
Accordingly, students in these colleges could take longer to graduate
than the indicated four-year schedule. Students must consult with
their college to determine which HSS courses to take.
Professional Licensing
After graduation, all students are encouraged to take the Fundamentals
of Engineering (FE) examination as the first step in becoming licensed
as a professional engineer (PE). Students graduating from an accredited
program can take the PE examination after FE certification and two
years of work experience; students graduating from a nonaccredited
program can take the PE examination after FE certification and four
years of work experience.
For further information please contact your local Board of Registration
for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Mechanical Engineering
The Mechanical Engineering Program has a traditional ABET accredited
four-year curriculum involving mechanics, vibrations, thermodynamics,
fluid flow, heat transfer, materials, control theory, and mechanical
design. Graduates of this program are expected to have the following
skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
to mechanical engineering problems
- An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to
analyze and interpret data
- An ability to design mechanical and thermal systems, components,
or processes to meet desired needs
- An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- An ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and
visual means
- The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global and societal context
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong
learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- An ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and
computing tools necessary for engineering practice.
- A familiarity with chemistry, calculus-based physics, and advanced
mathematics
- Familiarity with probability theory, statistics, and linear
algebra
Recommended Course SequenceMechanical Engineering
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
Freshman Year |
|
|
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
MAE 1 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B & 2BL |
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
MAE 3 |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Sophomore Year |
|
Math. 20D |
Math. 20F |
Math. 20E |
Phys. 2C & 2CL |
MAE 9 or 10 |
MAE 130B or SE 101B |
MAE 20 |
MAE 130A or SE 101A |
MAE 131A |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Junior Year |
|
|
MAE 110A |
MAE 101A |
MAE 101B |
MAE 105 |
MAE 143A |
MAE 143B |
MAE 140 |
MAE 130C |
MAE 170 |
MAE 107 |
MAE 160 |
HSS |
|
Senior Year |
|
|
MAE 101C |
MAE 171A |
MAE 171B |
MAE 156A |
MAE 156B |
TE |
MAE 150 |
TE |
HSS |
TE |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Chem. 6AH-6BH sequence may be taken in place of Chem. 6A-B.
In fulfilling the humanities and social science requirements
(HSS), students must take a total of at least twenty-four units
in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, not including subjects
such as accounting, industrial management, finance, or personnel
administration. Ten HSS courses are listed here; individual college
requirements may be higher.
Technical electives (TE) must be an upper-division or graduate
course in the engineering sciences, natural sciences or mathematics.
See the MAE Student Affairs Office for a complete list of Technical
Electives.
Engineering Science
The engineering science program resembles the mechanical engineering
program, except that the course load of mechanical design is reduced,
and control theory is not required. In addition to core courses
in dynamics, vibrations structures, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics,
heat transfer, and laboratory experimentation, a large number of
technical electives are scheduled. This aspect of the curriculum
allows flexibility, permitting specialization and in-depth study
in one area of the engineering sciences or development of a sequence
of courses emerging from the current research interests of the faculty
of MAE and/or other departments, e.g., sequences in the earth sciences,
transportation, or energy-related studies. Students intending to
pursue postgraduate professional careers in non-technical fields
such as business administration, law, or medicine may develop an
appropriate sequence of courses. Although a sequence in the non-sciences
may be permitted, the faculty adviser may insist on a substantial
number of MAE or other science courses as technical electives. Students
must consult their advisers to develop a balanced course of study
to fulfill the technical elective requirements of this program.
This curriculum also allows the highest number of humanities and
social science courses (HSS) to meet college general-education requirements.
Recommended Course SequenceEngineering Science
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
Freshman Year |
|
|
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
MAE 1 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B & 2BL |
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
MAE 3 |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Sophomore Year |
|
Math. 20D |
Math. 20F |
Math. 20E |
Phys. 2C & 2CL |
MAE 9 or 10 |
MAE 130B or SE 101B |
MAE 20 |
MAE 130A or SE 101A |
MAE 131A |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Junior Year |
|
|
MAE 110A |
MAE 101A |
MAE 101B |
MAE 105 |
MAE 160 |
MAE 170 |
MAE 140 |
MAE 130C |
HSS |
MAE 107 |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Senior Year |
|
|
MAE 101C |
MAE 171A |
MAE 171B |
MAE 150 |
TE |
TE |
TE |
TE |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Chem. 6AH-6BH sequence may be taken in place of Chem. 6A-B.
Humanities and social science (HSS) courses should be selected
to meet general-education requirements of the colleges. Individual
college requirements may be higher or lower than what is listed
here.
Four technical elective (TE) courses must be upper-division
or graduate courses in the engineering sciences, natural sciences
or mathematics selected with prior approval of the department. A
sequence of non-science courses may also be selected with prior
approval (see program description).
See the Student Affairs Office for a complete list of Technical
Electives.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is an ABET-accredited four-year curriculum
that begins with fundamental engineering courses in mechanics,
thermodynamics,
materials, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
Additional courses are required in aerospace structures, aerodynamics,
flight mechanics, propulsion, controls, and aerospace design. Graduates
of this program enter graduate school or enter the aerospace industry
to develop aircraft and spacecraft, but also they find employment
in other areas that use similar technologies, such as mechanical
and energy-related fields. Examples include automobile, naval,
and sporting equipment manufacturing.
Graduates of this program are expected to have the following skills,
knowledge, and abilities:
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and
engineering to aerospace engineering problems
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to
analyze and interpret data
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet
desired needs
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
- an ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and
visual means
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global and societal context
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in
lifelong learning
- a knowledge of contemporary issues
- an ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and
computing tools necessary for engineering practice
- knowledge of key topics in aeronautical engineering including
aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propsion, flight
mechanics, and stability and control
- knowledge of topics in astronautical engineering including
attitude determination and control, space structures, orbital
mechanics, and rocket propulsion
- an ability to integrate knowledge of the fundamental topics
in the design of an aerospace system
Recommended Course Sequence Aerospace Engineering
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
Freshman Year |
|
|
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
MAE 2 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B & 2BL |
Chem. 6A |
HSS |
SE 2 |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Sophomore Year |
|
Math. 20D |
Math. 20F |
Math. 20E |
Phys. 2C& 2CL |
MAE 9 or 10 |
MAE 131A |
MAE 3 |
MAE 130A or SE 101A |
MAE 130B or SE 101B |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Junior Year |
|
|
MAE 105 |
MAE 101A |
MAE 101B |
MAE 110A |
MAE 130C |
MAE 143B |
MAE 140 |
MAE 143A |
MAE 170 |
MAE 107 |
HSS |
SE 160A |
|
Senior Year |
|
|
MAE 101C |
MAE 155A |
MAE 155B |
MAE 104 |
MAE 142 |
HSS |
MAE 150 |
MAE 175A |
HSS |
SE 160B |
MAE 113 |
TE |
|
Chem. 6AH may be taken in place of Chem. 6A.
In fulfilling the humanities and social science (HSS) requirements,
students must take a total of at least twenty-four units in the
arts, humanities, and social sciences, not including subjects such
as accounting, industrial management, finance, or personnel administration.
Ten HSS courses are listed here; individual college requirements
may be higher.
Technical elective (TE) course must be upper-division or
graduate courses in engineering sciences, natural sciences, or mathematics
selected with a prior approval of the department. See Student Affairs
in MAE for a current list of approved TEs.
Environmental Engineering
The environmental engineering program resembles the chemical
engineering program for the first two years. In the third and fourth
year, the programs diverge: an environmental engineering sequence
is offered, as well as further specialization in fluid mechanics,
and a wide choice of technical elective (TE) courses, both from
within MAE and in other departments.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
Freshman Year |
|
|
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
MAE 9 or 10 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B & 2BL |
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B/BL |
Chem. 6C |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Sophomore Year |
|
Math. 20D |
Math. 20F |
Math. 20E |
Phys. 2C & 2CL |
CENG 100 |
CENG 102 |
Chem. 126 or 131 |
Chem. 127 or 132 |
Chem. 140A |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Junior Year |
|
|
MAE 105 |
MAE 101A |
MAE 101B |
CENG 120 |
TE |
MAE 170 |
MAE 107 |
TE |
MAE 124 |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Senior Year |
|
|
MAE 101C |
MAE 126A |
MAE 126B |
MAE 125A |
MAE 125B |
TE |
TE |
TE |
TE |
HSS |
HSS |
HSS |
|
Humanities and social science (HSS) courses should be selected
to meet general-education requirements of the colleges. Individual
college requirements may be higher or lower than what is listed
here.
Technical electives (6): At least four technical electives
must be upper-division, and two or more of them must be from the
MAE department.
See MAE Student Affairs Office for a complete list of TE's.
Policies and Procedures for MAE Undergraduate Students
Application for Admission to the Major
Admission to the department as an MAE major or minor, or to fulfill
a major in another department which requires MAE courses, is in
accordance with the general requirements established by the Jacobs
School of Engineering. The admission requirements and procedures
are described in detail in the section on Admission to the
Jacobs School of Engineering in this catalog. Applicants who
have demonstrated excellent academic performance prior to being
admitted to UCSD will be admitted directly to the engineering major
of their choice. These directly admitted students and all students
are expected to complete lower- and upper-division courses, as suggested
in the curriculum tables, in a timely fashion in the sequences outlined.
Transfer Students
Requirements for admission as an MAE major or minor, or into MAE
courses, are the same for transfer students as they are for continuing
students (see section on Admission to the Jacobs School of
Engineering in this catalog). Accordingly, when planning their
program, transfer students should be mindful of lower-division prerequisite
course requirements, as well as for meeting collegiate requirements.
Students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may request
to have transfer credit apply toward the departments major
requirements. To receive transfer credit, complete a MAE Student
Petition form and submit it to MAE Student Affairs. For mathematics,
chemistry and physics, transfer equivalencies are determined by
the respective departments. An Undergraduate Student Petition must
be submitted to each department from which you are requesting transfer
credit.
Effective fall 2004, it is strongly recommended
that transfer students complete the following course preparation
for engineering majors*:
- Calculus I—for Science and Engineering (Math. 20A)
- Calculus II—for Science and Engineering (Math. 20B)
- Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Math. 20C)
- Differential Equations (Math. 20D)
- Linear Algebra (Math. 20F)
- Complete calculus-based physics series with lab experience (Physics
2A-B-C)
- Chemistry 6A (except computer science and computer engineering
majors)
- Highest level of introductory computer programming language
course offerings at the community college**
*Effective fall 2006, these courses will be required
preparation for all engineering transfer students. For specific
advising, please contact the MAE undergraduate academic advising
office.
**Refer to the UCSD General Catalog to select major
prerequisite requirement for computer language courses.
Academic Advising
Upon admission to the major, students should consult the catalog
or MAE Web site (http:// maeweb.ucsd.edu) for their program of study
or their undergraduate adviser if they have questions. The program
plan may be revised in subsequent years, but revisions involving
curricular requirements require approval by the undergraduate adviser
or the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. Because some course and/or
curricular changes may be made every year, it is imperative that
students consult with the departments undergraduate adviser
on an annual basis.
Some MAE courses are offered only once a year and therefore should
be taken in the recommended sequence. If courses are taken out
of
sequence, it may not always be possible to enroll in courses as
desired or needed. If this occurs, students should seek immediate
departmental advice. When a student deviates from the sequence
of courses specified for each curriculum in this catalog, it may
be
impossible to complete an MAE major within the normal four-year
period.
In addition to the advising available through the Student Affairs
Office, programmatic or technical advice may be obtained from MAE
faculty members. A specific MAE faculty mentor is assigned to each
MAE student. All MAE students are required to meet with their faculty
mentor at least once a quarter.
Program Alterations/Exceptions to Requirements
Variations from or exceptions to any program or course requirements
are possible only if a petition is approved by the MAE Undergraduate
Affairs Committee before the courses in question are taken. Petition
forms may be obtained from the MAE Student Affairs Office and must
be processed through this office.
Independent Study
MAE students may take MAE 199, Independent Study for Undergraduates,
under the guidance of an MAE faculty member. This course is taken
as an elective on a P/NP basis. Under very restrictive conditions,
however, it may be used to satisfy upper-division technical elective
course requirements for the major. Students interested in this alternative
must identify an MAE faculty member with whom they wish to work
and propose a two-quarter research or study topic. After obtaining
the faculty members concurrence on the topic and scope of
the study, the student must submit a Special Studies Course form
(each quarter) and an MAE 199 as Technical Elective Contract form
to the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. These forms must be completed,
approved, and processed prior to the add/drop deadline. Detailed
policy in this regard and the requisite forms may be obtained from
the Student Affairs Office.
Teaching
Students interested in participating in the instructional activities
of the department may take MAE 195, Undergraduate Teaching. Normally,
this course is taken as an elective on a P/NP basis. Under very
restrictive conditions, it may be used to satisfy upper-division
technical elective course requirements for the major. Policy in
this regard and the appropriate forms may be obtained from the Student
Affairs Office.
B.S./M.S. Integrated Program
An integrated program leading to a
Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in mechanical
or aerospace engineering is offered to a student with
junior standing who has an upper-division GPA of 3.5 or better and a 3.0
overall UCSD GPA. During the last quarter of their junior year
(more specifically,
the fourth quarter prior to the receipt of the B.S. degree), students interested
in obtaining the M.S. degree within one year following receipt of the B.S.
degree may apply to the department for admission to the program. Note that
this integrated program is distinctly different from the standard M.S. program,
and students must follow regulations as presented in the section on Graduate
Studies.
The M.S. program is intended to extend and broaden an undergraduate
background and/or equip practicing engineers with fundamental
knowledge in their particular
fields. The degree is offered under both the Thesis Plan I and the Comprehensive
Examination Plan II.
Curriculum
The mechanical engineering plan requires that during
the senior year (the last three quarters of the BS degree), a
student must choose three graduate
level
courses in place of the technical elective requirement. The aerospace
engineering plan is slightly different because these students only
have one technical
elective requirement. To address this, the aerospace students are both
allowed and encouraged
to take two specific graduate-level courses in place of two specific
undergraduate-level courses. Fundamentally, both the undergraduate
and graduate courses cover
the same material. Specifically, the aerospace students are allowed to:
Take
MAE 213 (Mechanics of Propulsion) in lieu of the senior undergraduate
course MAE 113 (Fundamentals of Propulsion)
Take MAE 221A (Heat Transfer)
in lieu of the senior undergraduate course MAE 101C (Heat Transfer)
The
third course will be a graduate-level course in place of the
one technical elective.
All other elements of the B.S./M.S. program
apply to both the mechanical and aerospace engineering programs.
The Graduate Program
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers graduate
instruction leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering
sciences with a designated specialization in each of the following
areas: aerospace engineering, applied mechanics, applied ocean sciences,
engineering physics, and mechanical engineering.
Admission is in accordance with the general requirements of the
graduate division, which requires a B.S. and/or M.S. degree in some
branch of engineering, the physical sciences, or mathematics; an
overall GPA of 3.0; and three letters of recommendation from individuals
who can attest to the academic or professional competence and to
the depth of their interest in pursuing graduate study. In addition,
all applicants are required to submit GRE General Test scores. A
minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) is required of all international applicants whose native
language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted
in a language other than English. Students who score below 600 on
the TOEFL examination are strongly encouraged to enroll in an English
as a second language program before beginning graduate work. (UCSD
Extension offers an excellent English language program during the
summer as well as the academic year.) Applicants are judged competitively.
Based on the candidates background, qualifications, and goals,
admission to the program is in one of three categories: M.S. only,
M.S., or Ph.D. Admission to the M.S. only category is reserved for
students for whom the M.S. degree is likely to be the terminal graduate
degree. The M.S. designation is reserved for students currently
interested in obtaining an M.S. degree but who at a later time may
wish to continue in the doctoral degree program. Admission to the
Ph.D. program is reserved for qualified students whose final aim
is a doctoral degree. Policies for possible changes in status are
given under the Masters Degree Program below.
Non-matriculated students are welcome to seek enrollment in MAE
courses via UC Extensions concurrent registration program,
but an extension students enrollment in an MAE graduate course
must be approved by the instructor.
Masters Degree Program
The M.S. program is intended to extend and broaden an undergraduate
background and/or equip practicing engineers with fundamental knowledge
in their particular fields. The degree may be terminal, or obtained
on the way to the Ph.D. The degree is offered under both the Thesis
Plan I and the Comprehensive Examination Plan II (see Graduate
Studies: Masters Degree). A strong effort is made to
schedule M.S.-level course offerings so that students may obtain
their M.S. degree in one year of full-time study or two years of
part-time study.
M.S. Time Limit Policy: Full-time M.S. students are permitted
seven quarters in which to complete all requirements. While there
are no written time limits for part-time students, the department
has the right to intervene and set individual deadlines if it becomes
necessary.
Course requirements are flexible in the applied mechanics
and engineering physics programs. Specific departmental requirements
for the M.S. degree are as follows:
Thesis Plan I: This plan of study involves both course work
and research, culminating in the preparation of a thesis. A total
of forty-eight units of credit is required: thirty-six units (nine
courses) must be in course work, and twelve units must be in research.
The students program is arranged, with prior approval of the
faculty adviser, according to the following policies:
- Course work must include sixteen units (four courses) of MAE
200-level courses.
- Units obtained in MAE 205, 259, or 299 may not be applied toward
the course work requirement.
- No more than a total of eight units of MAE 296 and 298 may
be applied toward the course work requirement.
- No more than twelve units of upper-division 100-level courses
may be applied toward the course work requirement.
- Twelve units of MAE 299 must be taken to fulfill the research
requirement.
Students must maintain at least a B average in the courses taken
to fulfill the degree requirements. A thesis based on the research
is written and subsequently reviewed by the thesis adviser and two
other faculty members appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies.
The review is normally an oral defense of the thesis.
Comprehensive Examination Plan II: This plan of study involves
course work only and culminates in a comprehensive examination.
A total of forty-eight units of credit (twelve courses) is required.
The students program is arranged, with prior approval of the
faculty adviser, according to the following policies:
- At least sixteen units (four courses) must be MAE 200-level
courses.
- Units obtained in MAE 205, 259, or 299 may not be applied toward
the degree requirements.
- No more than a total of eight units of MAE 296 and 298 may
be applied toward the degree requirements.
- No more than twelve units of upper-division 100-level courses
may be applied toward the degree requirements.
Students must maintain at least a B average in the courses taken
to fulfill the degree requirements. The comprehensive examination
is conducted by the adviser and at least two other faculty members.
The examination committee normally conducts an oral examination
in two areas of specialization covered by course work taken by the
student. A student working toward the Ph.D. Degree who has successfully
passed two areas of the departments Ph.D. examination need
not take the comprehensive examination for the M.S. degree.
Change of Degree. Upon completion of the requirements for
the M.S. degree, students admitted as M.S. only or M.S. candidates
are not automatically eligible for admission to the Ph.D. Program
M.S. only candidates who subsequently wish to pursue a doctorate
must submit an application for a change in status to their examining
committee. If the recommendation is positive and the request approved,
the student must submit a general petition for graduate students
to effect the change of status. In addition, the examining committee
may recommend that the examination satisfy one of the three topics
required in the departmental qualifying examination for the doctorate.
M.S. candidates who subsequently wish to pursue a doctorate must
also submit an application for a change in status to their examining
committee. In this case, a special examination is not required.
The application, however, must be approved and signed by an MAE
faculty member who expects to serve as the students Ph.D.
adviser. When the request is approved, the student must submit a
general petition for graduate students to effect the change of status.
If the student elects the comprehensive examination plan for the
M.S. degree, this examination may be used not only to fulfill the
requirement for the M.S. degree but also to satisfy one of the three
topics required in the departmental qualifying examination for the
doctorate. In fact, the M.S. examination may be part of the doctoral
examination.
M.S. Program
To complete an M.S. degree with specialization in aerospace engineering,
engineering physics, mechanical engineering, applied mechanics,
or applied ocean sciences, students must complete a sequence of
courses unique to their area. Students should consult with their
faculty adviser, as well as the MAE Graduate Student Affairs Office,
when choosing their courses.
Doctoral Degree Program
The MAE Ph.D. Program is intended to prepare students for a variety
of careers in research and teaching. Therefore, depending on the
students background and ability, research is initiated as
soon as possible. In general, there are no formal course requirements
for the Ph.D. All students, in consultation with their advisers,
develop course programs that will prepare them for the MAE Departmental
Qualifying Examination and for their dissertation research. However,
these programs of study and research must be planned to meet the
time limits established to advance to candidacy and to complete
the requirements for the degree. Doctoral students who have passed
the Departmental Examination may take any course for an S/U grade
with the exception of any course that the students Departmental
or Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Committee stipulates must be taken
in order to remove a deficiency. It is strongly recommended that
all MAE graduate students take a minimum of two courses (other than
research) per academic year after passing the Departmental Qualifying
Examination. Specific details in this regard can be obtained from
the MAE Student Affairs Office.
Doctoral Examinations: An MAE Ph.D. student is required
to pass three examinations. The first is a Departmental Qualifying
Examination (DQE) which is intended to determine the candidates
ability to successfully pursue a research project level appropriate
for the doctorate. This first exam must be taken within the first
six quarters of registration as a graduate student. The DQE is an
oral examination by a committee of four persons (two of which must
be in the MAE department) and is based on material taught over 36
units in three areas of study: a major area (four courses), a minor
area (two introductory courses), and a study in mathematics or basic
science (three courses). Students must submit a plan of study, approved
by their adviser, to the Graduate Affairs Committee for final approval
by the end of their second quarter of graduate study.
The Teaching Experience is required of all MAE Ph.D. students prior
to taking the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam. The teaching experience is
defined as lecturing one hour per week in either a problem-solving
section or regular lecture for one quarter in a course designated
by the department. The requirement can be fulfilled by teaching
assistant service or taken as a course for academic credit (MAE
501). Students must contact the Student Affairs Office to plan for
completion of this requirement.
The Ph.D. Qualifying Examination is the second examination
required of MAE Ph.D. Students In preparation for the Ph.D. Qualifying
Examination, students must have completed the Departmental Qualifying
Examination and the Departmental Teaching Experience requirement,
obtained a faculty research adviser, and have identified a topic
for their dissertation research and have made initial progress.
At the time of application for advancement to candidacy, a doctoral
committee responsible for the remainder of the students graduate
program is appointed by the Graduate Council. The committee conducts
the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination, during which students must demonstrate
the ability to engage in dissertation research. This involves the
presentation of a plan for the dissertation research project. The
committee may ask questions directly or indirectly related to the
project and general questions that it determines to be relevant.
Upon successful completion of this examination, students are advanced
to candidacy and are awarded the Candidate in Philosophy degree
(see Graduate Studies section in this catalog).
The Dissertation Defense is the final Ph.D. Examination
Upon completion of the dissertation research project, the student
writes a dissertation that must be successfully defended in an oral
examination and public presentation conducted by the doctoral committee.
A complete copy of the students dissertation must be submitted
to each member of the doctoral committee approximately four weeks
before the defense. It is understood that this copy of the dissertation
given to committee members will not be the final copy, and that
the committee members may suggest changes in the text at the time
of the defense. This examination may not be conducted earlier than
three quarters after the date of advancement to doctoral candidacy.
Acceptance of the dissertation by the Office of Graduate Studies
and Research and the university librarian represents the final step
in completion of all requirements for the Ph.D.
There is no formal foreign language requirement for doctoral candidates.
Students are expected to master whatever language is needed for
the pursuit of their own research.
Ph.D. Time Limit Policy. Pre-candidacy status is limited
to four years. Doctoral students are eligible for university support
for six years (engineering physics, seven years). The defense and
submission of the doctoral dissertation must be within seven years
(engineering physics, eight years).
Evaluations. In the spring of each year, the faculty evaluate
each doctoral students overall performance in course work,
research, and prospects for financial support for future years.
A written assessment is given to the student after the evaluation.
If a students work is found to be inadequate, the faculty
may determine that the student cannot continue in the graduate program.
Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State University
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCSD
participates in a joint doctoral program with the Graduate Group
in Applied Mechanics at SDSU. The program leads to the degree of
doctor of philosophy in engineering sciences (applied mechanics).
Participants in the program are required to spend one year enrolled
at UCSD; their dissertation research is carried out under the supervision
of an SDSU faculty member.
Information regarding admission may be obtained from the departmental
Student Affairs Office.
The Graduate Curriculum in Chemical Engineering
The Chemical Engineering (CENG) graduate program is an interdepartmental
program and is described more completely under the Chemical Engineering
Program in this catalog.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
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