Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Summary: The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) curriculum consists of 127-128 credit hours of course work and is multifaceted, rigorous, communications intensive and hands-on. In addition, opportunities exist to establish an area of specialization through one of the Minors to the BSME (e.g. Aero Minor, Materials Minor, Nuclear Power Minor) and others offered through other programs.

Project Management: Their Mechanical Engineering education is the first challenging project aspiring engineering students face, and in true engineering fashion, it is best to plan and manage it in order to maximize the benefits while minimizing costs (monetary and otherwise).

Timing: The curriculum is designed for a four year program under the condition that the student approaches it as a full-time job. Students who need to work their way through college or have time commitments to other activities (e.g. LSU Band, Athletics, a double major, etc.) are advised to plan a longer stay, adding one or two years depending on external work-load. This is much preferable than risking a decrease in performance and Grade Point Average (GPA) because of overload, which may inhibit them from accessing employment opportunities. 

Added Value - Practical Experience: The MIE Department faculty also strongly recommends the pursuit of industry internships and co-ops as a means of developing practical skills, exploring potential employers and earning money to defray cost of living and education expenses. Most engineering employers use their pool of interns as the primary source for filling full-time, entry-level engineering positions. All students are advised to pursue such opportunities through LSU Career Services.

Added Value - Minors: If their educational plan calls for a prolonged stay, students are also encouraged to pursue one or more areas of specialization through Minors to the BSME that are offered through the MIE Department or other programs. Currently Minors are offered through MIE in Aerospace, Materials, Nuclear Power and International Automotive areas. These typically require at least 6 credit hours in addition to the plain BSME credit hour count.

Summary of the Curriculum

The general breakdown of course work in terms of credit hours is as follows:

 

This rigorous program culminates in the year-long Capstone "Senior" Design course sequence that requires student teams to conceive, design, manufacture and test an engineered system, piece of equipment or apparatus. Often these projects are sponsored by persons or organizations outside the University, and especially so by industry. Many of the projects are multi-disciplinary in nature and are undertaken by interdisciplinary teams. Some designs have resulted in the issue of patents to the students. This design experience brings together in a practical way all of the theoretical training that the students have received throughout the curriculum. It is a holistic experience because it  hones other important attributes such as leadership, project management, teamwork, responsibility, accountability, oral and written communication skills, and in some cases entrepreneurship.

BSME Curriculum Core Courses and Suggested Schedule (Full Time)

The course rubrics appearing in bold italics are considered from experience as the most challenging in the ME curriculum and require a considerable time investment from the student.

 

 

A grade of "C" or better is required in Chemistry 1202, Mathematics 1552, and Physics 2101 (or equivalent courses) before a student may enroll in Mechanical Engineering 2334. ROTC is optional.

**Arts/Humanities/Biological or Social Sciences Course.

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Approved Technical Electives

Effective Spring 2016

Petitions to deviate from these requirements must be submitted through the me undergraduate coordinator for consideration by the ME Faculty.

TECH A (Minimum of 6 Credit Hours Required)

Thermal/Fluid Systems

ME 4443 - Combustion

ME 4633 - Internal Combustion Engines

*Semester may vary, depending on faculty availability and student demand.

*Students must have taken ME 3143 Sys Dynamics to use ME 4143 as Tech Elective.

ME CURRICULA PRIOR TO Academic Year 2012-2013 REQUIRE THREE (3) TECH ELECTIVES OF WHICH ONLY ONE (1) CAN BE A TECH B TAKEN FROM THE APPROVED LIST BELOW.

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TECH B (Maximum of 3 Credit Hours)

• ME 3249/3250 • Engineering Practice
• Most 4000 level Math courses are also acceptable, including MATH 4031, 4032, 4036, 4055, 4056, 4060, 4065, 4066 or MATH 4038/ME 4563.