Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

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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 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.

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

To provide our students with a strong technical education that will enable them to have successful careers as engineers, technology leaders and innovators.
To prepare our students for rapid technological change with the core knowledge central to assuring that they are able to further their knowledge across a range of disciplines throughout their professional careers and pursue advanced education.
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.

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 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 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.

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. 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 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 advisors 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 advisors 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, 9, 20, 110A, 130B, 160, and CENG 102. This set of courses provides a good introduction to engineering analysis and would be useful to non-engineering 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 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 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 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 student’s 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 including multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, 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 a system, component, or process 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
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 the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
A familiarity with chemistry and calculus-based physics
A familiarity with statistics
Ability to work professionally in mechanical system areas including the design and realization of such areas
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
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 143A	MAE 143B
MAE 140	MAE 130C	MAE 170
MAE 107	MAE 160 or MAE 131B	HSS
Senior Year
MAE 101C	MAE 171A	MAE 171B
MAE 156A	MAE 156B	TE
MAE 150	TE	TE
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 advisor may insist on a substantial number of MAE or other science courses as technical electives. Students must consult their advisors 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

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
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, propulsion, 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 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

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

Admission to the Major

The B.S. 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 and engineering science continue to be open majors.

Freshman Students

Freshman students who have excelled in high school and have declared mechanical, aerospace, environment engineering, or engineering sciences on their UCSD 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, environmental engineering, and engineering science 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.

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, and C)
Chemistry 6A
Highest level of introductory computer programming language course offerings at the community college

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 Web site 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:

completed at least one year/three quarters in residence at UCSD;
complete all lower-division requirements for the requested major.

Applications will be ranked by their UCSD 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 UCSD will not be considered.

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 advisor if they have questions. The program plan may be revised in subsequent years, but revisions involving curricular requirements require approval by the undergraduate advisor 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 advisor 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. It is recommended that all MAE students 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 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.

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.

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.

In fall 2007, a new Ph.D. specialization was introduced: computational science. Computational science seeks to gain understanding principally through the analysis of mathematical models on high performance computers. It is a blend of applications, computations, and mathematics. It is a mode of scientific investigation that supplements the traditional lab and theoretical models of acquiring knowledge. This is done by formulating mathematical models whose solutions are approximated by computer simulations.

The computational science specialization leverages the strength of the existing mathematics, science, and engineering departments. Ph.D. students must demonstrate advanced undergraduate-level proficiency in numerical analysis and in computer algorithms and data structures.

For more information, please contact the MAE Graduate Affairs Office.

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. (UC San Diego Extension offers an excellent English language program during the summer as well as the academic year.) Applicants are judged competitively. Based on the candidate’s 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 “Master’s Degree Program” below.

Non-matriculated students are welcome to seek enrollment in MAE courses via UC Extension’s concurrent registration program, but an extension student’s enrollment in an MAE graduate course must be approved by the instructor.

Master’s 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: Master’s 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:

Master’s Plan I -Thesis Defense

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 student’s program is arranged, with prior approval of the faculty advisor, according to the following policies:

Course work must include sixteen units (four courses) of MAE 200-level courses.
Units obtained in MAE 205 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 (engineering-based or technically serious) 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 advisor 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 student’s program is arranged, with prior approval of the faculty advisor, according to the following policies:

At least sixteen units (four courses) must be MAE 200-level courses.
Units obtained in MAE 205 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 advisor 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 department’s 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 student’s Ph.D. advisor. 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 advisor, 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 student’s 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 advisors, 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 student’s 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 candidate’s 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 advisor, 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 advisor, 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 student’s 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 student’s 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 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 student’s 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 student’s 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.

General Catalog 2009 - 2010

UC San Diego