The career of a Mechanical Engineer involves the efficient application of physical and human resources in improving the standard of living. A Mechanical Engineer combines the basic knowledge of physical sciences and engineering education with experience and expertise to invent, run, and maintain mechanical equipments and systems in industries. A Mechanical Engineer also designs machine components for the production system of a particular product.
Graduates in this area are capable of fulfilling the task of a technologist in the government, semi-government, and private firms. Graduates will be able to find job opportunities in various sectors such as manufacturing, processing, design, and research. A Mechanical Engineer may further his career as a designer (consulting firm), as a building contractor as a manufacturer of machines or engineering products, as a researcher in Research and Development (R&D) departments or Institutes or as an academician in Institutes of Higher Learning.
Field OF Study- Mechanical Engineering
Fundamental Mechanical Engineering subjects make up the core of the engineering studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Students pursuing specialisation in a particular field shall take additional elective subjects. The fundamental subjects offered are:
a) Applied Mechanics
Applied Mechanics is a field of science which studies a stationary body or the motion of a body when subjected to external forces. This field can be divided into three areas:
The above sub-field subjects are essential knowledge that is required by the Mechanical, Aeronautical, Automotive, Marine, Production, and Industrial Engineers. Examples of the elective subjects in Applied Mechanics are:-
b) Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is taught at two levels – basic and applied. In the basic level, focus is given to the understanding of the concept of system, heat, work as well as material properties in relation to heat and work, and their influence on a particular thermodynamic system. The second level involves application of theories based on thermodynamic laws in studying and analysing primary devices. Focus is on methods of generating heat and power, minimisation of fuel usage, efficiency, and other parameters. Thermodynamics is an important field, very much needed in several industrial sectors such as power generation, petrochemistry, automotive and building maintenance. It is a subject which is directly involved in power generation/energy savings, different engine designs, and the supporting systems with high capability and cost effectiveness. Examples of elective supplementary subjects in Thermodynamics are:
c) Fluid Mechanics
It is a field of study which concerns with: fluid properties, surface hydrostatic force (example : dam gate, reservoir, pressure and flow measurement, piping system design, potential flow and boundary layer) to determine flow type and resulting force, pumps, and turbines. The principles applied include Newton’s law, thermodynamic laws and basic knowledge in Mathematics (such as integration, differentiation and standard mathematical operations). The scope of study is based on its application in the engineering field. Examples of elective subjects :
d) Machine Design
Machine Design starts with Engineering Drawing, a method for engineering communication. It continues with Machine Component Design, utilising knowledge obtained from studies in Engineering Mechanics and Materials. The combination of Machine Design and Industrial Design can produce a modified or new design that satisfies the consumers’ need, is easy to use and looks attractive.
e) System Design
System Design, through creativity, combines the knowledge of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Design, and Technology as well as the social aspect for the best solution to a problem. Theories that have been learnt will be used to produce a product or machinery design. This subject will provide the information, method, and training to an undergraduate in the understanding and implementation of a design process taking into consideration the physical, technological, manufacturing, cost factor as well as the social environment.
f) Material Science and Materials Technology
This subject is important to the engineer because it provides the basic knowledge on engineering materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics and composites so that proper materials can be selected for a particular design or product. This subject relates the structure to the properties of materials so that the behaviour of materials can be better understood.
Programme Objectives
Programme Learning Outcomes
Each graduate will demonstrate the following abilities upon graduation;
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (PO) for SMM/SKMM
(PO1 – PO4: Technical; PO5 – PO10: Generic)
PO1 | Ability to acquire and apply fundamental knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering principles to solve complex mechanical engineering problems Keywords: Engineering Knowledge |
PO2 | Ability to identify, formulate and analyse complex mechanical engineering problems Keywords: Problem Analysis |
PO3 | Ability to design solutions for complex mechanical engineering problems that fulfil health, safety, societal and environmental needs by using conventional or modern tools Keywords: Design solutions using Conventional/Modern Tools |
PO4 | Ability to investigate complex mechanical engineering problems using research-based knowledge and methods to produce conclusive results Keywords: Investigation |
PO5 | Ability to practice professional ethics related to societal, health, safety and legal issues with full responsibility and integrity Keywords: Professional Ethics and Society |
PO6 | Ability to identify the impact of mechanical engineering solutions on sustainability and demonstrate the needs for sustainable development Keywords: Sustainability |
PO7 | Ability to communicate effectively on complex mechanical engineering activities both orally and in writing Keywords: Communication |
PO8 | Ability to work productively as an individual, and as a member or leader in a team that may involve multi-disciplinary settings Keywords: Team Working |
PO9 | Ability to undertake life long learning and manage information including conducting literature study Keywords: Life Long Learning |
PO10 | Ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge on finance and management principles and acquire entrepreneurship skill Keywords: Management, Finance & Entrepreneurship |