Academic Catalog 2016–2017

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Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Overview

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The Bachelor of Engineering degree program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

ABET is the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

ABET accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing its students with a quality education.

ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

The mechanical engineering program prepares students for a variety of careers in the design and construction of mechanical systems.

The production, transformation, transmission and control of thermal and mechanical energy constitute one of the main tracks that rely on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. This track leads to applications in internal combustion engines, steam and gas power plants and HVAC.

Solid mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics of machinery lead to applications in vibrations control and machine design. The general area of manufacturing that is closely linked to industrial engineering is also covered in the course of study.

The program emphasizes the broad spectrum of applications of mechanical engineering, as well as the interaction with other engineering disciplines. Laboratory experimentation and computer simulation are used to train students on the understanding, design and testing of thermal and mechanical systems. Six credits of professional experience are included in the summer of the third year to give students an opportunity to integrate classroom instruction with practical work experience as a part of their academic program.

Mission

The Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering strives to support the mission of the school by providing students with a solid and contemporary mechanical engineering curriculum and a broad education that prepares them for successful careers as mechanical engineers in a globalized and diverse world as well as graduate studies.

Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the B.E. in Mechanical Engineering will

  1. Establish themselves as practicing mechanical engineers or be engaged in advanced studies.
  2. Demonstrate leadership and function effectively as responsible members of professional teams.
  3. Be responsible citizens engineers.

Student Outcomes

Students will acquire in their matriculation through the program, the following skills, knowledge, and behaviors :

a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
d. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
e. An ability to identify, to formulate, and to solve engineering problems;
f. An understanding of one’s professional and ethical responsibility;
g. An ability to communicate effectively;
h. A broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
i. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning;
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues; and
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission may apply to any of the two campuses (Beirut or Byblos). Applicants will be evaluated by the School of Engineering Admissions Committee and final acceptance will be based on each applicant’s qualifications and the availability of places. The following documents are required for admissions:

  1. Scores on English exam as per university regulations.
  2. Scores on the SAT I exam.
  3. Scores on one of the following Official Exams: Lebanese Baccalaureate or equivalent, French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, and A-Levels.
  4. Grades on the last three years of school.

More details are found in the SOE Admissions Quick Guide.

Curriculum

A total of 150 credits are required to graduate, as per the following:

  • Mechanical Engineering Requirements (86 cr)
  • Engineering Requirements (19 cr)
  • LAC Requirements (45 cr)

A minimum residency of four years, including three summer terms, is required.

Core Courses

Math

Computer Engineering Courses

  • COE212 Engineering Programming (3 cr)

Civil Engineering Courses

Electrical Engineering Courses

  • ELE305 Introduction to Electrical Engineering (3 cr)

Mechanical Engineering Courses

  • MEE211 Engineering Graphics (1 cr)
  • MEE212 Computer Applications in IME (2 cr)
  • MEE241 Dynamics (3 cr)
  • MEE301 Thermodynamics (3 cr)
  • MEE302 Energy Conversion (1 cr)
  • MEE311 Fluid Mechanics (3 cr)
  • MEE312 Fluid Mechanics laboratory (1 cr)
  • MEE320 Strength of Material (3 cr)
  • MEE321 Material Properties and Processes (3 cr)
  • MEE332 Manufacturing Processes (3 cr)
  • MEE333 Manufacturing laboratory (1 cr)
  • MEE341 Kinematics and Dynamics of Linkages (3 cr)
  • MEE351 Computer Aided Design (3 cr)
  • MEE391 Instrumentation and Measurements (3 cr)
  • MEE401 Energy Systems (2 cr)
  • MEE403 Heat Transfer (3 cr)
  • MEE404 Heat Transfer Laboratory (1 cr)
  • MEE414 Thermal Systems Design (3 cr)
  • MEE422 Mechanical Engineering Design (3 cr)
  • MEE442 Mechanical Vibrations (3 cr)
  • MEE443 Mechanical Vibrations Laboratory (1 cr)
  • MEE445 Control Systems (3 cr)
  • MEE446 Control Systems laboratory (1 cr)
  • MEE491 Seminar on Contemporary Issues (2 cr)
  • MEE498 Professional Experience (6 cr)
  • MEE591 Project I (3 cr)
  • MEE592 Project II (3 cr)
  • MEE593 Capstone Engineering Design (1 cr)

Industrial Engineering Courses

  • INE402 Optimization (3 cr)
  • INE428 Project Management (3 cr)
  • INE320 Engineering Economy I (3 cr)

General Engineering Courses

  • GNE301 Professional Communication (2 cr)
  • GNE305 Professional Ethics (1 cr)
  • GNE333 Engineering Analysis (3 cr)
  • GNE331 Probability and Statistics (3 cr)

Technical Electives (18 cr)

  • INE527 Project Scheduling (3 cr)
  • INE529 Project Contracting (3 cr)
  • MEE407 Internal Combustion Engines (3 cr)
  • MEE421 Finite Element Methods (3 cr)
  • MEE515 Refrigeration and air conditioning (3 cr)
  • MEE533 CAD/CAM (3 cr)
  • MEE590 Energy Audit (3 cr)
  • MEE599 Topics in Mechanical Engineering (3 cr)
  • or any other Technical Elective course approved by the department

Science Electives

  • CHM200 Essentials of Chemistry (3 cr)
  • CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr)
  • BIO200 Basic Biology (3 cr)
  • BIO201 General Biology (4 cr)
  • PHY201 Electricity and Magnetism (4 cr)

Sample Study Plan

Year One

Fall (16 cr)

Spring (16 cr)

  • ARA2xx/3xx: Arabic Language/Literature
  • ELE305 Introduction to Electrical Engineering
  • ETH201 Moral Reasoning
  • MTH304 Differential Equations
  • MTH206 Calculus IV
  • MEE241 Dynamics

Summer (10 cr)

  • GNE333 Engineering Analysis
  • GNE331 Probability and Statistics
  • PED2xx Physical Education
  • LAC Elective

Year Two

Fall (15 cr)

  • MEE351 Computer Aided Design
  • MEE311 Fluid Mechanics
  • MEE312 Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
  • MEE212 Computer Applications in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering
  • MEE301 Thermodynamics
  • MEE321 Material Properties and Processes

Spring (17 cr)

  • MEE320 Strength of Materials
  • MEE332 Manufacturing Processes
  • MEE333 Manufacturing Laboratory
  • MEE403 Heat Transfer
  • MEE404 Heat Transfer Laboratory
  • MEE341 Kinematics and Dynamics of Linkages
  • MEE391 Instrumentation and Measurements

Summer (9 cr)

  • ENG203 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
  • GNE301 Professional Communication
  • HLT201 LAC Elective
  • LAC Elective

Year Three

Fall (15 cr)

  • GNE305 Professional Ethics
  • MEE445 Control Systems
  • MEE446 Control Systems laboratory
  • MEE442 Mechanical Vibrations
  • MEE443 Mechanical Vibrations Laboratory
  • MEE414 Thermal Systems Design
  • Science Elective

Spring (17 cr)

  • INE428 Project Management
  • MEE302 Energy Conversion
  • MEE422 Mechanical Engineering Design
  • MEE491 Seminar on Contemporary Issues
  • Technical Elective (1/5)
  • Technical Elective (2/5)

Summer (6 cr)

  • MEE498 Professional Experience

Year Four

Fall (14 cr)

  • MEE591 Project 1
  • MEE515 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • MEE516 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Laboratory
  • INE402 Optimization
  • MEE593 Capstone Engineering Design
  • Technical Elective (3/5)

Spring (15 cr)

  • INE320 Engineering Economy
  • MEE592 Project II
  • Technical Elective (4/5)
  • Technical Elective (5/5)
  • LAC Elective

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineering is a branch of the engineering profession that focuses on the design, development, and understanding of mechanical gear. Mechanical engineers design and develop everything one thinks of as a machine specializing in areas such as manufacturing, robotics, automotive/transportation and air conditioning.

Mechanical engineers are typically involved with the generation, distribution, and use of energy. They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines.

They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers work in teams to develop a wide range of products. Some engineers design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.

Along with designing, mechanical engineers take part in the development and testing of products. They select the production materials, construct models and prepare manufacturing plans. They also troubleshoot any problems with designs and make improvements to develop an efficient and profitable final product. Mechanical engineers typically evaluate the final product, assessing its cost, safety, efficiency and dependability.