Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

[ graduate program | courses | faculty ]

STUDENT AFFAIRS:
180 Engineering Building II
Warren College
http://maeweb.ucsd.edu

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 UC San Diego 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.

This broad mission is supported by the following specific educational objectives:

The Undergraduate Program

Degree and Program Options

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) offers traditional ABET accredited engineering programs leading to the BS degree in mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. MAE also offers traditional nonaccredited engineering programs leading to the BS degree in engineering science and environmental engineering. The BS programs require a minimum of 196 units. Effective fall 2012, the engineering science major is no longer accepting continuing students.

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 that include student-initiated projects, and finally by senior design project courses that often involve teams of students working to solve engineering design problems brought in from industry. The MAE programs are designed to prepare students receiving bachelor’s 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 3-D 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.

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 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 program’s 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.

The engineering science program resembles the mechanical engineering program, except the amount of mechanical design is reduced. 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 nonsciences 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 with fundamental engineering courses in mechanics, thermodynamics, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In the third and fourth year, 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.

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, 8, 20, 110A, 130B, 160, and CENG 102. 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.

Double Majors and Minors

It is the policy of the UC San Diego Academic Senate not to approve double majors within engineering departments.

Program Accreditation

The BS 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 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 department’s 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 are discouraged and require 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 student’s college as well as the major requirements determined by the department. The six colleges at UC San Diego 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:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics including multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, science, and engineering to mechanical engineering problems
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. an ability to communicate effectively
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  12. a familiarity with chemistry and calculus-based physics
  13. a familiarity with statistics
  14. ability to work professionally in mechanical system areas including the design and realization of such areas
  15. ability to work professionally in thermal systems areas including design and realization of such systems

Recommended Course Sequence—Mechanical Engineering

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Freshman Year

   

Math 20A

Math 20B

Math 20C

Chem 6A

Phys 2A

Phys 2B & 2BL

HSS

Chem 6B

MAE 3 

HSS

HSS

HSS

Sophomore Year

 

Math 20D

Math 20F

Math 20E

Phys 2C & 2CL

MAE 8

MAE 130B or SE 101B

MAE 20

MAE 130A or SE 101A

MAE 131A

HSS 

HSS

MAE 108

Junior Year

   

MAE 110A

MAE 101A

MAE 101B

MAE 105

MAE 143A

MAE 143B

MAE 140

MAE 130C

MAE 170

MAE 107

MAE 160 or MAE 131B

HSS

Senior Year

   

MAE 101C 

MAE 171A 

MAE 156B

MAE 150

MAE 156A

TE

TE

TE

TE

HSS

HSS

HSS

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 nontechnical fields such as business administration, law, or medicine may develop an appropriate sequence of courses. Although a sequence in the nonsciences may be permitted, the 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 Sequence—Engineering Science

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Freshman Year

   

Math 20A

Math 20B

Math 20C

MAE 9

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

HSS

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 or MAE 131B

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

TE

HSS

HSS

HSS

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:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. an ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and visual means
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. an ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and computing tools necessary for engineering practice
  12. knowledge of key topics in aeronautical engineering including aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control
  13. knowledge of topics in astronautical engineering including attitude determination and control, space structures, orbital mechanics, and rocket propulsion
  14. 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

Environmental Engineering

The environmental engineering is a four-year curriculum with fundamental engineering courses in mechanics, thermodynamics, physics, chemistry, and math. In the third and fourth year, 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.

The environmental engineering curriculum is currently undergoing review for future ABET accreditation. Please see MAE Student Affairs for more information.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Freshman Year

   

Math 20A

Math 20B

Math 20C

MAE 9 or 10

Phys 2A

Phys 2B & 2BL

Chem 6A

Chem 6B

Chem 6C/6BL

HSS

HSS

HSS

Sophomore Year

 

Math 20D

Math 20F

Math 20E

Phys 2C & 2CL

CENG 100

CENG 102

Chem 131

Chem 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

Policies and Procedures for MAE Undergraduate Students

Admission to the Major

The BS degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering are impacted. Because of heavy student interest in these two majors, and the limited resources available to accommodate this demand, maintenance of a high-quality program makes it necessary to limit enrollments.

Environmental engineering is an open major.

Freshman Students

Freshman students who have excelled in high school and have declared mechanical, aerospace, environment engineering, or engineering sciences on their UC San Diego application are eligible for direct admission into those majors. Enrollment is limited in the mechanical and aerospace majors due to its heavy demand and limited resources. Students will be notified by the UC San Diego Office of Admissions whether they have been admitted into their chosen major, based on admissions criteria and their ranking in the applicant pool.

Transfer Students

Applicants seeking admission as transfer students will be considered for admission into the mechanical, aerospace, and environmental engineering majors. Enrollment is limited in the mechanical and aerospace majors due to its heavy demand and limited resources. Impacted status will be in effect in 2011. Transfer students who have excelled in their community college courses, especially courses in math., physics, and chemistry, will have the strongest advantage.

Students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may request to have transfer credit apply toward the department’s 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.

It is strongly recommended that transfers complete the following preparation for all engineering majors.

Continuing Students Changing Majors

Continuing students who wish to change into an impacted major (mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering) must submit an application to the department. Applications will be accepted twice a year. Please see the department website at http://maeweb.ucsd.edu for details.

Continuing students who wish to be considered must submit an application to the MAE department on or before the target dates and must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. completed at least one year/three quarters in residence at UC San Diego
  2. complete all lower-division requirements for the requested major

Applications will be ranked by their UC San Diego GPA on the date of the application. Students will be allowed into the major based on a ranking system, up to a maximum number.

Students who apply later than the final day of their sixth academic quarter at UC San Diego will not be considered.

Academic Advising

Upon admission to the major, students should consult the catalog or MAE website (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 department’s 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. It is recommended that all MAE students meet with their department adviser  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 member’s 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.