Academic Catalog
2023-2024

Mechanical Engineering

Home Department: Mechanical Engineering

Department Head:

Bassem Ramadan, Ph.D
Room 2-103 MC, 810-762-7992
me@kettering.edu

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (ME) prepares students for a broad range of careers associated with the design and implementation of mechanical systems involving the conversion, transmission, and utilization of energy.  Mechanical engineering courses that provide breadth in the discipline include design, dynamics, engineering materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, vibrations, systems analysis, and associated laboratories. Large and well-equipped laboratories in experimental mechanics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, engines, vibrations, hydraulics, instrumentation, and automotive emissions support the mechanical engineering program.

Mechanical Engineering students may elect to customize their degree by taking a set of elective courses in a specific area; either by pursuing a concentration within the Mechanical Engineering program or by pursuing a Minor with non-Mechanical Engineering programs.  For more details see Mechanical Engineering Program Concentrations or Minors.

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET

Program Educational Objectives

With their Kettering education as a foundation, within a few years of graduation, graduates will attain:

  • A reputation for working effectively and ethically in diverse professional environments.
  • Leadership in their profession while actively pursuing lifelong learning and contributing to progress within their field.
  • The ability to practice responsible decision making and apply best practices to their professional endeavors.

BS/MASTERS PATHWAY

Undergraduate students also have an opportunity to get their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years with the BS/MASTERS Pathway

Program Curriculum Requirements

First Year Experience
CILE-101First Year Foundations1
General Education
COMM-101Rhetoric & Writing4
ECON-201Economic Principles4
LA-201Sophomore Seminar: Exploring the Human Condition4
LA-489Sr. Seminar:Leadership, Ethics4
Advanced Humanities Electives 18
Advanced Social Science Electives 18
Total Credit Hours33
1

Humanities and Social Science advanced electives must be selected from approved 300 and 400 level courses.

Mathematics and Basic Science
CHEM-135
CHEM-136
Principles of Chemistry
and Principles of Chemistry Lab
4
MATH-101Calculus I4
or MATH-101X Calculus I
MATH-102Calculus II4
or MATH-102H Calculus II - Honors
or MATH-102X Calculus II
MATH-203Multivariate Calculus4
or MATH-203H Multivariate Calculus - Honors
or MATH-203X Multivariate Calculus
MATH-204Differential Equations & Laplace Transforms4
or MATH-204H Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms - Honors
MATH-258Probability and Statistics4
MATH-305Numerical Methods and Matrices4
PHYS-114
PHYS-115
Newtonian Mechanics
and Newtonian Mechanics Laboratory
4
PHYS-224
PHYS-225
Electricity and Magnetism
and Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory
4
Math/Science Elective 14
Credit Hours Subtotal: 40
Engineering Topics
EE-212
MECH-231L
Applied Electrical Circuits
and Signals for Mechanical Systems Lab 2
4
IME-100Interdisciplinary Design and Manufacturing4
MECH-100Engineering Graphical Communication4
MECH-210Statics4
MECH-212Mechanics of Materials4
MECH-300Computer Aided Engineering4
MECH-307Materials Engineering4
MECH-310Dynamics4
MECH-311Introduction to Mechanical System Design4
MECH-312Mechanical Component Design I4
MECH-320Thermodynamics4
MECH-322Fluid Mechanics4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
MECH-420Heat Transfer4
MECH-422Energy Systems Laboratory4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
Credit Hours Subtotal: 64
Electives
Two Free Electives 38
Two Mechanical Engineering Electives 48
Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project4
Credit Hours Subtotal: 20
Culminating Undergraduate Experience
CILE-400Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 54
Total Credit Hours128

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for the Program: 161

1

Math/Science elective is described as: Any level BIOL, CHEM, MATH or PHYS that is not used to complete core degree requirements.

2

Students pursuing an Electrical Engineering minor take EE-210/EE-211 in lieu of MECH-231L/EE-212.                                 

3

Free electives are described as:  Any Kettering University course except any course that consists of an elementary nature when advanced topics have been mastered, and any course that consists of topics, which are very similar to topics which have been mastered. 

4

ME electives are described as: Any 300-599 level BIOL, CE, CHEM, CHME, CS, ECE, EE, EP, IME, ISYS, MATH (except pre-calc and college math), MECH, or PHYS that is not used to complete core degree requirements.  In addition, BUSN-303, BUSN-304 and MGMT-419 also qualify as M.E. Electives. 

5

Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.

Mechanical Engineering Concentrations

Students majoring in Mechanical Engineering may select a concentration consisting of 20 credit hours of courses focused in a particular area. Concentrations may include both required and elective courses. The first six terms are common to all Mechanical Engineering students.  Senior I through Senior III representative programs are given for each concentration.

A Mechanical Engineering concentration provides students a depth of study in preparation for a career within an industrial sector and/or as a foundation for graduate study. However, the student’s degree is Mechanical Engineering and the selected concentration does not prevent students from working within any industry. The primary advantage is to provide a “jump start” over mechanical engineering graduates from other schools with traditional degree programs. Courses are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment.

Alternative Energy Concentration

MECH-495Senior Design Project4
MECH-426Fuel Cell Science and Engineering4
MECH-427Energy and the Environment4
MECH-428Bio and Renewable Energy4
MECH-445Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion4
Credit Hours Subtotal: 20

Automotive Engineering Design Concentration

MECH-448Vehicle Design Project4
Select four of the following:16
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis with Structural Applications
Fuel Cell Science and Engineering
Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines
Advanced Automotive Power Systems
Chassis Systems
Introduction to Automotive Powertrains
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion
Vehicle Systems Dynamics
Automotive Bioengineering: Occupant Protection and Safety
Vehicular Crash Dynamics and Accident Reconstruction
Credit Hours Subtotal: 20
Other courses with the approval of the automotive faculty

Bioengineering Applications Concentration

Required Courses
MECH-350Introduction to Bioengineering Applications4
MECH-495Senior Design Project4
Electives
Select three of the following:12
General Biology
and General Biology Lab
Human Biology
and Human Biology Lab
Anatomy and Physiology
Automotive Bioengineering: Occupant Protection and Safety
Vehicular Crash Dynamics and Accident Reconstruction
Medical Physics Principles
Credit Hours Subtotal: 20

Machine Design & Advanced Materials Concentration

MECH-416Introduction to Finite Element Analysis with Structural Applications4
MECH-482Mechanics and Design Simulation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials4
MECH-495Senior Design Project4
Two MDAM Concentration Related Electives8
Plan of Study Grid
Freshman ICredit Hours
CILE-101 First Year Foundations 1
CHEM-135 Principles of Chemistry 3
CHEM-136 Principles of Chemistry Lab 1
COMM-101 Rhetoric & Writing 4
MATH-101 Calculus I 4
MECH-100 Engineering Graphical Communication 1 4
 Credit Hours17
Freshman II
IME-100 Interdisciplinary Design and Manufacturing 1 4
LS-201 Sophomore Seminar: Exploring the Human Condition 4
MATH-102 Calculus II 4
PHYS-114 Newtonian Mechanics 3
PHYS-115 Newtonian Mechanics Laboratory 1
 Credit Hours16
Sophomore I
ECON-201 Economic Principles 4
MATH-203 Multivariate Calculus 4
MECH-210 Statics 4
PHYS-224 Electricity and Magnetism 3
PHYS-225 Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory 1
 Credit Hours16
Sophomore II
EE-212 Applied Electrical Circuits 3
MECH-231L Signals for Mechanical Systems Lab 1
MATH-204 Differential Equations & Laplace Transforms 4
MECH-212 Mechanics of Materials 4
Math/Science Elective 3 4
 Credit Hours16
Junior I
MATH-305 Numerical Methods and Matrices 4
MECH-307 Materials Engineering 4
MECH-311 Introduction to Mechanical System Design 4
MECH-312 Mechanical Component Design I 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours20
Junior II
MATH-258 Probability and Statistics 4
MECH-300 Computer Aided Engineering 2 4
MECH-310 Dynamics 4
MECH-320 Thermodynamics 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior I
MECH-322 Fluid Mechanics 4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Free Elective 4
ME Elective 3 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior II
LS-489 Senior Seminar: Leadership, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 4
MECH-420 Heat Transfer 4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
ME Elective 3 4
 Credit Hours16
Senior III
MECH-422 Energy Systems Laboratory 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Free Elective 4
ME Senior Design Project 4 4
 Credit Hours16
Any Term
CILE-400 Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 5 4
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours161
1

Approximately one-half of the students take MECH-100 Freshman I and  IME-100 Freshman II, the other one-half take IME-100 Freshman I and MECH-100 Freshman II.

2

Approximately one-half of students take  MECH-300 Junior II and  MECH-311 Junior I, the other one-half take MECH-311 Junior II and MECH-300 Senior I.

3

Elective courses may vary in lecture and/or laboratory credits and terms from those shown.  Math/Science electives are any level MATH, BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS course that is not used to complete core degree requirements.

4

ME Senior Design Projects may vary in lecture and/or laboratory credits and terms from those shown.

5

Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Curriculum by Concentration

Alternative Energy Concentration

Freshman I through Junior II Representative Program Credit Total:  105

Plan of Study Grid
Senior ICredit Hours
MECH-322 Fluid Mechanics 4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
MECH-427 Energy and the Environment 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours16
Senior II
LS-489 Senior Seminar: Leadership, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 4
MECH-420 Heat Transfer 4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
MECH-428 Bio and Renewable Energy 4
MECH-445 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior III
MECH-422 Energy Systems Laboratory 4
MECH-426 Fuel Cell Science and Engineering 4
MECH-495 Senior Design Project 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours16
Any Term
CILE-400 Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 1 4
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours56

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

1

Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.

Automotive Engineering Design Concentration

Freshman I through Junior II Rep. Program Credit Total:  105

Plan of Study Grid
Senior ICredit Hours
MECH-322 Fluid Mechanics 4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Automotive Concentration Electives 1,2 8
 Credit Hours20
Senior II
LS-489 Senior Seminar: Leadership, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 4
MECH-420 Heat Transfer 4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
Automotive Concentration Elective 4
 Credit Hours16
Senior III
MECH-422 Energy Systems Laboratory 4
MECH-448 Vehicle Design Project 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Automotive Concentration Elective 4
 Credit Hours16
Any Term
CILE-400 Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 3 4
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours56

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

1

Elective courses may vary in lecture and/or laboratory credits and terms from those shown.

2

Students select a Concentration related elective or Concentration related ME elective with approval of their ME Concentration Advisor.

3

 Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.

Bioengineering Applications Concentration

Freshman I through Junior I Representative Program Credit Total:  85

Plan of Study Grid
Junior IICredit Hours
MECH-300 Computer Aided Engineering 4
MECH-310 Dynamics 4
MECH-320 Thermodynamics 4
MECH-350 Introduction to Bioengineering Applications 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior I
MATH-258 Probability and Statistics 4
MECH-322 Fluid Mechanics 4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Bioengineering Concentration Related Elective 1,2 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior II
LS-489 Senior Seminar: Leadership, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 4
MECH-420 Heat Transfer 4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
Bioengineering Concentration Related Elective 1,2 4
 Credit Hours16
Senior III
MECH-422 Energy Systems Laboratory 4
MECH-495 Senior Design Project 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Bioengineering Concentration Related Elective 1,2 4
 Credit Hours16
Any Term
CILE-400 Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 3 4
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours76

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

1

Elective courses may vary in lecture and/or laboratory credits and terms from those shown.

2

Students select a Concentration related elective or Concentration related ME elective with approval of their ME Concentration Advisor.

3

 Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.

Machine Design & Advanced Materials Concentration

Freshman I through Junior II Representative Program Credit Total:  105

Plan of Study Grid
Senior ICredit Hours
MECH-322 Fluid Mechanics 4
MECH-330
MECH-331
Dynamic Systems with Vibrations
and Dynamic Sys w Vibrations Lab
4
MECH-416 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis with Structural Applications 4
MECH-482 Mechanics and Design Simulation of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
 Credit Hours20
Senior II
LS-489 Senior Seminar: Leadership, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 4
MECH-420 Heat Transfer 4
MECH-430
MECH-431
Dynamic Systems with Controls
and Dynamic Systems with Controls Lab
4
Machine Design Concentration Elective 1,2 4
 Credit Hours16
Senior III
MECH-422 Energy Systems Laboratory 4
MECH-495 Senior Design Project 4
Advanced Humanities or Social Science Elective 4
Machine Design Concentration Elective 1,2 4
 Credit Hours16
Any Term
CILE-400 Culminating Undergraduate Experience: Thesis 3 4
 Credit Hours4
 Total Credit Hours56

(Minimum) Total Credits Required for Program: 161

1

Elective courses may vary in lecture and/or laboratory credits and terms from those shown.

2

Students select a Concentration related elective or Concentration related ME elective with approval of their ME Concentration Advisor.

3

 Students are automatically registered for CILE-400 in a co-op term when they reach Junior II status.