Mechanical Engineering course structure
I’m starting uni in sept for mech eng and I’m wondering about the general course structure/workload for a typical mechanical engineering course? Should I expect a lot of out-of-lab work on CAD and dynamics simulators? I’m asking as I’m currently looking for a laptop which would be suitable but I don’t want to overspend on an overkill laptop being under the impression that I’d be doing intensive CAD sessions outside of class. Any help is appreciated =)
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by par4bolicaI’m starting uni in sept for mech eng and I’m wondering about the general course structure/workload for a typical mechanical engineering course? Should I expect a lot of out-of-lab work on CAD and dynamics simulators? I’m asking as I’m currently looking for a laptop which would be suitable but I don’t want to overspend on an overkill laptop being under the impression that I’d be doing intensive CAD sessions outside of class. Any help is appreciated =)
Typically you will have a set of core modules modules - every year:
- Statics & dynamics (stress, structural systems, kinematics etc.)
- thermodynamics: thermal properties, heat transfer, heat engines
- fluid mechanics: general principles up to complex interactions of fluids including thermofluids
You will also have to study:
- Materials & manufacturing (normally basic level in first or second year with optional modules available later)
- product design & development including design tools (CAD) (normally covered in both first & second year)
- mathematical methods (ensuring you have right maths skills & know how to do analytical & mathematics modelling such as 1D modelling normally matlab & simulink) normally first year,
-Instrumentation & Control (generally in second or third year)
- Computer Aided Engineering either CFD or FEA (if your course is accredited you will be required to do one, however it’s increasingly common for students to study both) typically start second with increased importance each year (up to fourth year)
- engineering management normally second year
- engineering research project: final year as a dissertation
- complex group industrial project: final year
A series of optional modules which can either be related to specific subject matter expertise or specific engineering skills
Some in third year, normally a lot in the masters year if you go for an meng
(edited 7 months ago)
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