Undergraduate Course Directory

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Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

2015. Introduction to Computing for Mechanical Engineers

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: CSE 1010.

Grading Basis: Graded

Basic programming logic using programming languages common in industry. Application of programming to mechanical engineering problems.

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2016. Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Basic operation of Computational Fluid Dynamics software. Emphasis on evaluation and analysis of the solutions in the context of practical problems.

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2017. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Practice-oriented introduction to Finite Element Analysis for computational simulation of the behavior of continuous mechanical systems. Emphasis on the use of software for the analysis workflow, and on evaluation of the solution for practical problems.

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2120. Applied Mechanics II

Also offered as: CE 2120

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 2110; MATH 2110Q or MATH 2130Q. May not be taken for credit after PHYS 3101.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamentals of dynamics using vector methods. Rectilinear and curvilinear motion, translation, rotation, plane motion; work, energy, and power; impulse and momentum.

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2140. Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Basic Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Isometric/Orthogonal views and geometric tolerancing exercises will be conducted by hand and with CAD software. General manufacturing techniques. Introduction to CNC principles and GCODE.

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2193. International Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special engineering topics taken in an international study program. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor and approved plan of study.

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2233. Thermodynamic Principles

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 1127Q or both CHEM 1124Q and CHEM 1125Q; PHYS 1401Q or PHYS 1501Q; MATH 2110Q , which may be taken concurrently. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 3232, 3242, or 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Thermodynamic properties of pure substances and ideal gases. Analysis of ideal and real processes - including turbines, pumps, heat exchangers, and compressors.

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2234. Applied Thermodynamics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2233 or CHEG 2111. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 3232 or 3276.

Grading Basis: Graded

Thermodynamic first and second law analysis of vapor and gas cycles, property relations for simple pure substances, properties of ideal gas mixtures, psychrometry, fundamentals of combustion thermodynamics, application of thermodynamics in the design of thermal engineering systems.

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3130. Advanced Engineering Mathematics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 2410Q; ME 2015.

Grading Basis: Graded

Linear algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, vector calculus and integral theorems, series solutions to ordinary differential equations, Laplace and Fourier transforms, solution to partial differential equations. The course stresses on the application of mathematics and methods to solve engineering problems rather than derivation of mathematical theorems. Applications include structural analysis, vibration, control systems, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.

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3161. Introduction to Robotics

Also offered as: ECE 3161

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Corequisite: MATH 2210; Recommended preparation: ECE 1401 and either ECE 3101 or ME 3253 or ME 3254 or BME 3400.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamentals of mathematical modeling of robots commonly found in industrial and household domains. History of robots with multidisciplinary applications, robot classifications, coordinate frame transformations, modeling rigid body motions, forward and inverse kinematics, velocity kinematics. Course includes project work.

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3162. Robot Motion Planning

Also offered as: ECE 3162

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the College of Engineering. Corequisite: MATH 2210Q. Recommended preparation: ECE/ME 3161; ECE 1401, 3411; CSE 2050, 3500; and either ECE 3101 or ME 3253 or 3254.

Grading Basis: Graded

The fundamentals of motion planning of robots. Topics include sensing systems for obstacle avoidance and environment mapping, robot localization, shortest path planning using potential field-based, grid-based and sampling-based methods, coverage path planning using cellular decomposition, spanning trees and potential fields, deep neural networks and their application to path planning, motion planning under constraints, adaptive planning in changing environments. Course includes project work.

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3163. Robot Control and Dynamics

Also offered as: ECE 3163

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ECE/ME 3161; ECE 3111 or ME 3253 or ME 3254; open only to students in the School of Engineering.

Grading Basis: Graded

Basic concepts of robot manipulator modeling and control including joint space and task space control, Euler-Lagrange dynamics, independent joint control, whole robot manipulator control, robot control using visual feedback, robot control with trajectory planner. The course will include robot controller implementation via a course project and practical examples throughout the course.

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3193. International Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special engineering topics taken in an International study program. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor and approved plan of study.

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3214. Dynamics of Particles and Rigid Bodies

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 2120.

Grading Basis: Graded

Kinematics and dynamics of particles. Motion relative to translating and rotating observers; inertial reference systems; central forces and orbits. Kinematics and dynamics of groups of particles and rigid bodies. Lagrangian description of motion.

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3217. Metal Cutting Principles

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 3110, which may be taken concurrently.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examination of metal cutting processes including turning, shaping, drilling, grinding. Mechanics of two and three dimensional cutting. Principles and mechanisms of wear. Tool materials. Theoretical prediction of surface finish. Chemistry of cutting fluids. Laboratory period includes operation of machine tools. Experimental determination of cutting energies forces, stresses and strains. The interrelationship between these and practical metal cutting conditions.

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3220. Mechanical Vibrations

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3253; MATH 2110Q and 2410Q; CE 2120. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 3232.

Grading Basis: Graded

Free and forced vibrations, with damping, of linear systems with one and two degrees of freedom. Transient vibrations. Vibration isolation. Rigid rotor balancing. Elements of Laplace transforms.

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3221. Manufacturing Automation

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Fundamentals of automated manufacturing; Computer Numerical Control (CNC); production economics and optimization of production systems.

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3222. Production Engineering

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to the modern techniques of Production Systems including the Decision-Making Process, Economic Analysis, Demand Forecasting, Production and Process Design and Optimization, Production Scheduling, and Statistical Quality Control.

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3224. Analysis and Design of Mechanisms

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 2110Q and 2410Q; CE 2110.

Grading Basis: Graded

Application of kinematics in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms. Type and dimensional design of linkages, cams and gears based on motion requirements and kinetostatic force transmission, in contrast to the strength requirements. Graphical, analytical and computer methods in analysis and design of mechanisms. Design considerations in mechanism synthesis. Design project.

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3225. Computer-Aided Design, Modeling, and Graphics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CSE 1010 or 1100; CE 3110; MATH 2110Q.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to computer-aided graphics, modeling and design. Applications of graphics software and hardware with mini- and micro-computer systems. Interactive computer graphic techniques. Extensive laboratory study of wire-frame and raster computer graphics. Static and dynamic graphic presentation methods.

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3227. Design of Machine Elements

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 3110.

Grading Basis: Graded

Application of the fundamentals of engineering mechanics, materials and manufacturing to the design and analysis of machine elements.

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3228. Introduction to Fatigue in Mechanical Design

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 3110. Not open to students who have passed ME 5431.

Grading Basis: Graded

Design calculation methods for fatigue life of engineering components. Crack initiation and crack propagation fatigue lives; introduction to current literature in the field. Emphasis on finite life prediction by strain life methods.

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3230. Biosolid Mechanics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 3110.

Grading Basis: Graded

Contemporary topics on applications of nonlinear solid mechanics to modeling of biological tissues and design of biomedical devices. Study of the theoretical aspects of nonlinear solid mechanics including kinematics, stretch, stress and hyperelastic material models along with review of current literature. Stress analysis of soft biological tissues, tissue functions and disorders, and interventional device design. The modern techniques pertinent to mechanical testing, computational modeling and simulation of soft biological tissue behaviors will also be discussed. Students are expected to review literature and actively participate in classroom discussion.

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3232. Automotive Engineering

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2233, 2234, 3220; CE 2110, 2120.

Grading Basis: Graded

Applied course in automotive systems and components, including topics on engine thermodynamics, combustion process, solid mechanics of components, suspension geometry and dynamics; includes a team project in designing a system or a component of a typical collegiate FSAE car.

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3239. Combustion for Energy Conversion

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2234.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to combustion processes and chemical kinetics. Mechanism of the formation of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, soot, and unburned hydrocarbons in stationary and vehicular power plants.

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3242. Heat Transfer

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2233 and 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamentals of conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer. Application of the general laws of heat transfer, and heat exchange to a wide variety of practical problems. The analytical, numerical, and graphical solution of one, two, and three dimensional problems.

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3250. Fluid Dynamics I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2232E or ME 2233; MATH 2110Q; MATH 2410Q. Corequisite: Math 2410Q. May not be taken for credit after passing CE/ENVE 3120. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 3242, 3251, 3270, 3275, 3276, 3280, or 4972.

Grading Basis: Graded

Laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy in fluid systems, fluid statics, dimensional analysis, incompressible, inviscid and viscous flows, steady and unsteady flows, internal and external flows.

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3251. Fluid Dynamics II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3250 or CE 3120.

Grading Basis: Graded

One-dimensional compressible flow with applications to propulsion systems and gas-dynamic testing devices. Flows with friction and heat addition. Normal and oblique shock waves. Prandtl-Meyer flow. Selected topics in liquid flow.

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3253. Linear Systems Theory

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CE 2120; MATH 2410Q. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 3220.

Grading Basis: Graded

Review of ODE Solutions, mathematical modeling of dynamic systems, linearization of nonlinear behavior, Laplace domain representation of dynamics, transfer functions, block diagram algebra, signal-flow graphs, Mason's rule, transient analysis of system response, convolution integral, Duhamel's integral, Green's function, stability of linear systems, Routh-Hurwitz method, root locus, frequency response, Bode and polar representations, introduction to feedback systems.

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3254. Linear Systems Theory

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3130.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to block diagram algebra, signal-flow graphs, Mason's rule, transient analysis of system response, convolution integral, Duhamel's integral, Green's function, stability of linear systems, Routh-Hurwitz method, root locus, frequency response, Bode and polar representations, introduction to feedback systems.

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3255. Computational Mechanics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 2410Q and CE 3110.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics include elementary numerical analysis, finite differences, initial value problems, ordinary and partial differential equations and finite element techniques. Applications include structural analysis, heat transfer, and fluid flow.

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3256W. Data-Driven Decisions and Technical Communications

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: CSE 1010; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Integration of Monte Carlo analysis—a powerful probabilistic modeling technique—with technical communication. How to effectively communicate results from Monte Carlo methods for both technical and non-technical audiences. Probability modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, statistical analysis, and the creation of technical reports and presentations.

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3262. Applied Measurements and Data Analysis

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2250; PHYS 1230 or 1402Q or 1502Q or 1602Q; ENGR 3400.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to the design and behavior of common sensors, highlighting their proper use and physical limitations. Hands-on laboratory experiences include measurements in energy conversion, solid mechanics, dynamics, and fluid and thermal sciences, as well as application of statistical methods to analysis of experimental data.

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3263. Introduction to Sensors and Data Analysis

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2233; PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1402Q or PHYS 1502Q or PHYS 1530; CE 2110.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to the design and behavior of common sensors, highlighting their proper use and physical limitations. In the lab, each type of sensor is used in a practical engineering problem, with data being taken via data acquisition software. Data analysis techniques, including Gaussian statistics, uncertainty analysis, frequency domain studies, are also covered and used on the acquired data.

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3264. Applied Measurements Laboratory

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3263 and ME 2234.

Grading Basis: Graded

Application of fundamental measurement techniques developed in ME 3263 to various mechanical systems and processes. Hands-on laboratory experiences include measurements in energy conversion, solid mechanics, dynamics, and fluid and thermal sciences, as well as statistical methods to analysis of experimental data.

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3266. Principles of Optimum Design

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Application of mathematical optimization concepts to the numerical solution of engineering design problems. Heuristic methods for the solution of optimization problems for which efficient gradient-based solution methods cannot be used. When and how to cast a design problem into an optimization problem, choosing an appropriate algorithm to solve it, how to interpret the results of the optimization, and how to diagnose problems when things go wrong.

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3270. Fuel Cells

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2233 and 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Advanced course on fuel cells as an alternative energy conversion technology. Subjects covered include: thermodynamics and electrochemistry of fuel cells, operating principles, types of fuel cells, overview of intermediate/high temperature fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells.

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3275. Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3242, 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on pressure-based finite volume methods. Topics covered include: integral derivations of governing equations of fluid flow, finite volume discretization of diffusion and convection equations, pressure-velocity coupling algorithms based on SIMPLE method for flow field solutions and finite volume solutions of unsteady problems. The course also covers iterative and non-iterative solution methods for large systems of linear equations, as well as methods for verification and validation of computational solutions.

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3276. Propulsion

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2234 and 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Physical and chemical concepts of basic importance in modern propulsion systems, including rockets and air-breathing engines. Topics of interest include energy sources of propulsion, performance criteria, one-dimensional gas dynamics, chemical thermodynamics, deflagration, detonation, rocket flight performance, rocket staging, chemical rockets, electric propulsion, turboprop, turbofan, turbojet, ramjet, scramjet, cycle analysis, solar sails, etc.

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3279. Honors Research

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to Honors students.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

May be used to convert independent research into course credit that may be applied toward the Honors Program requirements and will count as a technical elective. As part of the course, students will be involved in research programs of their choice in areas of emerging technologies. Research work will be directed by a Mechanical Engineering faculty member who serves as the research advisor for the course. Will typically involve collaborative efforts with graduate students and other researchers, and will provide significant independent problem solving experience to supplement the classroom experience obtained from traditional coursework.

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3280. Turbines and Centrifugal Machinery

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3250.

Grading Basis: Graded

Review of fundamental fluids and thermodynamics. Introduction to compressible flow concepts. Theory, design and performance of centrifugal and axial flow machinery including turbines, blowers, fans, compressors, superchargers, pumps, fluid couplings and torque converters. A detailed study of the mechanics of the transfer of energy between a fluid and a rotor. Preparation for practical design of turbomachinery.

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3285. Sustainable Energy Sources and Systems

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2234 and 3250 (which may be taken concurrently).

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics include current energy sources and usage, environmental pollution from use of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy resources and usage, hydroelectric, solar, wind and tidal energy conversion principles, hydrogen generation and usage in electrochemical devices, energy economics and effects of energy pricing on economically viable energy options.

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3295. Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

Grading Basis: Graded

A classroom course on special topics as announced.

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3296. Independent Research in Mechanical Engineering

1.00 - 4.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: Instructor consent; open to Juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designed primarily for students who wish to pursue academic research in a research group affiliated with Mechanical Engineering. The program of study is to be approved by the head of the department or director of undergraduate studies and by the instructor before registration is completed.

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3299. Problems in Mechanical Engineering

1.00 - 4.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: Open only to juniors and seniors in mechanical engineering.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designed primarily for students who wish to pursue a special line of study or investigation. The program of study is to be approved by the head of the department or director of undergraduate studies and by the instructor before registration is completed.

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3396. Honors Research

1.00 - 4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

May be used to convert independent research into course credit that may be applied toward the Honors Program requirements and will count as a technical elective. As part of the course, students will be involved in research programs of their choice in areas of emerging technologies. Research work will be directed by a Mechanical Engineering faculty member who serves as the research advisor for the course. Will typically involve collaborative efforts with graduate students and other researchers, and will provide significant independent problem solving experience to supplement the classroom experience obtained from traditional coursework.

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3970. Junior Design

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 2140.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles of design are introduced. Fundamentals of project management, risk analysis, scheduling are covered. Effective technical presentation and writing techniques are introduced. Students conduct a design project through the semester.

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4161. Robotics Systems Laboratory

Also offered as: ECE 4161

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ECE/ME 3162; open only to students in the College of Engineering. Corequisite: ECE/ME 3163.

Grading Basis: Graded

Hands on introduction to autonomous robotics emphasizing the synergy between hardware (microprocessors, sensors, actuators), technology (optimization, control system, machine learning) and systems (integration, programming) to achieve perception, action, and behavior in real world environment. Students will be able to apply principles of robot modeling, planning and control to the real-world platforms.

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4972. Senior Design Project I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3250; ME 3227, which may be taken concurrently. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 4973.

Grading Basis: Graded

The first part of the senior design experience. It will cover topics on design process, planning, and costs. Design for manufacture and assembly will be covered. Both oral and written reports are required.

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4973W. Senior Design Project II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3260 or 3264, 3262 or 3263, and 4972; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Projects which have started in the previous semester will be completed. The project analysis, design, and manufacture stages will take place. Both written and oral reports will be required.

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4975. Senior Design Project I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3227 and 3970. May not be taken out of sequence after passing ME 4976.

Grading Basis: Graded

The first part of the senior design experience. It will cover topics on design process, planning, and costs. Design for manufacture and assembly will be covered. Both oral and written reports are required.

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4976. Senior Design Project II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ME 3262 and 4975.

Grading Basis: Graded

Projects which have started in the previous semester will be completed. The project analysis, design, and manufacture stages will take place. Both written and oral reports will be required.

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