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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are directly and broadly concerned with the engineering systems used to control and transform energy to meet the needs of humanity. They design, develop, and produce devices and systems from space probes to washing machines, from turbojet engines to lawn mowers, from automatic machine tools and vending machines to computer-controlled systems.

The student seeking to become a mechanical engineer studies physical science, mathematics, and the engineering sciences as well as humanities and social sciences to understand more fully the engineer's relationship and responsibilities to society. The student then cultivates, through advanced courses in engineering design and synthesis, an ability to apply this knowledge to the analysis and solution of significant engineering problems. Because the mechanical engineering program is unusually broad, it allows students to obtain an excellent background for fruitful professional careers in many fields, from research to automotive engineering to biotechnology to management.

Curriculum

Course requirements are divided into three categories: basic sequence courses, major sequence courses, and other required courses. Enrollment in major sequence courses is restricted to students who have received credit for all of the basic sequence courses and have been admitted to the major sequence by the College of Engineering Admissions Committee. (Requirements for admission to a major sequence are given in this chapter.) Enrollment in other required courses is not restricted by completion of the basic sequence.

Courses used to fulfill technical and nontechnical elective requirements must be approved by the mechanical engineering faculty before the student enrolls in them. Courses that fulfill the social science and fine arts/humanities requirements are listed in this chapter.

Courses Semester Hours
Basic Sequence Courses
Chemistry 301, Engineering Mechanics 306S, English 306, Mathematics 408C, 408D, 427K, Mechanical Engineering 202, 210, 218, Physics 303K, 303L, 103M, 103N 35
Major Sequence Courses
Mechanical Engineering 324, 326, 328 or 361M, 330, 333T, 334, 134L, 335, 336, 136L, 338, 339, 242L, 344, 244L, 353, 366J, 466K, 266P 51
Approved technical area electives 9
Other Required Courses
Electrical Engineering 331K, Engineering Mechanics 319, English 316K 9
American government, including Texas government 6
American history 6
Approved fine arts or humanities elective 3
Approved mathematics elective 3
Approved natural science elective 3
Approved social science elective 3
Minimum Required 128

Technical Area Options

Each student must choose one of the technical area options described below. Those who wish to develop some specialization within mechanical engineering should choose the option from areas I through VI; those who wish to obtain a broader background should choose area VII, general mechanical engineering.

Area I, Biomedical Engineering

There are many areas of biotechnology in which mechanical engineers play an important role. These include biomaterials, biomechanics, fluid flow, heat transfer, mechanical design, nuclear science, and systems analysis. This option also can be tailored to provide a background for professional education in medicine or dentistry or for advanced study in biomedical engineering. Mechanical Engineering 354 and 354M are required in this option.

Mechanical Engineering 337D, Nuclear Engineering: Radiation and Radiation Protection
Mechanical Engineering 354, Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 354M, Biomechanics of Human Movement
Mechanical Engineering 379N, Noise and Vibration Control
Approved biomedical engineering elective, approved natural science elective, or Mechanical Engineering 325L, Cooperative Engineering (a maximum of one course)

Area II, Materials Science and Engineering

Many current mechanical engineering applications and designs are restricted because of limitations imposed by materials properties and by the availability of materials. This option allows students to obtain the BSME with a concentration in materials science and engineering and also provides the basis for pursuing advanced study in this field.

Mechanical Engineering 347, Processing of Materials
Mechanical Engineering 349, Corrosion Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 359, Materials Selection
Mechanical Engineering 360K, Introduction to Phase Transformations
Mechanical Engineering 361M, Introduction to Thermodynamics of Materials
Mechanical Engineering 370K, Structure and Properties of Materials
Mechanical Engineering 378C, Ceramic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 378K, Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Mechanical Engineering 378P, Properties and Applications of Polymers
Supporting elective (one course chosen from the list below)

Area III, Mechanical Systems and Design

This option focuses on a number of topics related to mechanical systems and design. Courses are available to support study in analysis and design of control systems, machine design, manufacturing, robotics and automation, electromechanical devices, design methodology, and computer-aided design.

Mechanical Engineering 335M, Electric Machinery and Magnetic Devices
Mechanical Engineering 348, Introduction to Mechatronics
Mechanical Engineering 350, Machine Tool Operations for Engineers
Mechanical Engineering 352K, Engineering Computer Graphics
Mechanical Engineering 355K, Fundamentals of Engineering Vibrations
Mechanical Engineering 364L, Automatic Control System Design
Mechanical Engineering 365K, Analytical Basis of Design
Mechanical Engineering 365L, Industrial Design for Production
Mechanical Engineering 368J, Computer-Aided Design
Mechanical Engineering 372J, Robotics and Automation
Mechanical Engineering 379M, Topic 2: Wave Propagation
Mechanical Engineering 379N, Noise and Vibration Control
Supporting elective (one course chosen from the list below)

Area IV, Nuclear Engineering

This option allows a student to gain an understanding of nuclear technologies, which depend heavily on the contributions of mechanical engineers.

Mechanical Engineering 337C, Nuclear Engineering: Introduction to Nuclear Power Systems
Mechanical Engineering 337D, Nuclear Engineering: Radiation and Radiation Protection
Mechanical Engineering 361E, Nuclear Engineering: Nuclear Reactor Engineering
Supporting elective (one course chosen from the list below)

Area V, Operations Research and Industrial Engineering

Today's industrial planners and technical managers commonly use quantitative decision-making techniques. This option melds traditional industrial engineering and its modern outgrowth, operations research. Emphasis is on mathematical modeling, applied statistics, and the use of the computer to assist the decision maker. Students electing this option are expected to take all of their technical area electives from the following list.

Mechanical Engineering 366L, Operations Research Models
Mechanical Engineering 373K, Basic Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 375K, Production Engineering Management
Mechanical Engineering 325L, Cooperative Engineering

Area VI, Thermal/Fluid Systems

A traditional field of mechanical engineers is the design and manufacture of systems for the production, transmission, and storage of energy. This option emphasizes study in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal energy conversion.

Aerospace Engineering 362K, Compressible Fluid Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering 335M, Electric Machinery and Magnetic Devices
Mechanical Engineering 360L, Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering 360N, Intermediate Heat Transfer
Mechanical Engineering 369L, Engineering Computational Methods
Mechanical Engineering 374C, Combustion Engine Processes
Mechanical Engineering 374L, Design of Thermal Systems
Mechanical Engineering 374R, Air Conditioning Systems Design
Mechanical Engineering 374S, Solar Energy Systems Design
Supporting elective (one course chosen from the list below)

Area VII, General Mechanical Engineering

This option allows a student to choose courses from any of the preceding six areas. No more than one supporting elective may be included.

Supporting Electives

Mechanical Engineering 325L, Cooperative Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 350, Machine Tool Operations for Engineers
Mechanical Engineering 362K, Readings in Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 371K, Legal Aspects of Engineering Practice
Mechanical Engineering 377K, Projects in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering 379M, Topics in Mechanical Engineering (topics other than Topic 2: Wave Propagation)

Students who choose their option program from areas I through VI may use one course in the other five of these areas as a supporting elective.

Suggested Arrangement of Courses

First Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
CH 301, Principles of Chemistry I 3
E 306, Rhetoric and Composition 3
M 408C, Differential and Integral Calculus 4
M E 202, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering 2
Social science or fine arts/humanities elective 3
Total 15
First Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
M 408D, Sequences, Series, and Multivariable Calculus 4
M E 210, Engineering Design Graphics 2
PHY 303K, Engineering Physics I 3
PHY 103M, Laboratory for Physics 303K 1
American government 3
Social science or fine arts/humanities elective 3
Total 16
Second Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
E 316K, Masterworks of Literature 3
E M 306S, Statics and Dynamics 3
M 427K, Advanced Calculus for
Applications I 		4
M E 218, Engineering Problem Solving 2
PHY 303L, Engineering Physics II 3
PHY 103N, Laboratory for Physics 303L 1
Total 16
Second Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
E M 319, Mechanics of Solids 3
M E 324, Kinematics and Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 3
M E 326, Thermodynamics I 3
M E 330, Fluid Mechanics 3
M E 334, Materials Engineering 3
M E 134L, Materials Engineering Laboratory 1
Total 16
Third Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
E E 331K, Electric Circuits and Electronics 3
M E 328, Thermodynamics II, or M E 361M, Introduction to Thermodynamics of Materials 3
M E 335, Probability and Statistics for Engineers 3
M E 336, Materials Processing 3
M E 136L, Materials Processing Laboratory 1
M E 339, Heat Transfer 3
Total 16
Third Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
M E 333T, Technical Communication 3
M E 338, Machine Elements 3
M E 242L, Fluid and Thermal Systems Laboratory 2
M E 344, Dynamic Systems and Controls 3
M E 353, Engineering Economic Analysis 3
Approved technical area elective 3
Total 17
Fourth Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
M E 244L, Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory 2
M E 366J, Mechanical Engineering Design Methodology 3
American history 3
Approved mathematics elective 3
Approved natural science elective 3
Approved technical area elective 3
Total 17
Fourth Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
M E 466K, Mechanical Engineering Design Project 4
M E 266P, Design Project Laboratory 2
American government 3
American history 3
Approved technical area elective 3
Total 15

Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering

Producing oil, gas, and other mineral resources from the earth is the primary challenge of the petroleum engineer. In a sense, no other branch of engineering is more concerned with our everyday lives. Economical and environmentally safe production of petroleum and other mineral resources requires creative application of a spectrum of knowledge, ranging from the basic sciences of mathematics, physics, geology, and chemistry to almost all engineering disciplines. The petroleum engineer evaluates potential producing reservoirs, oversees drilling activities, selects and implements recovery schemes, and designs surface collection and treatment facilities. Petroleum engineers are also able to contribute to such nonenergy activities as underground waste disposal, groundwater remediation, and hydrology.

In the oil and gas industry, the petroleum engineer is increasingly concerned with the application of computers in these functions, not only in exploration data analysis and simulation of reservoir behavior but also in automation of oil field production and drilling operations.

Petroleum engineers have a future full of challenges and opportunities. They must develop and apply new technology to locate and evaluate hydrocarbon resources and recover these resources from both onshore and offshore deposits. They must also devise and apply new methods to recover hydrocarbons left behind by conventional producing techniques. Technology developed for the recovery of petroleum will increasingly be applied to other subsurface extraction processes, such as mineral leaching, coal gasification, recovery of hydrocarbons from oil shale and tar sands, and geothermal energy production.

Since many petroleum companies conduct worldwide operations, the petroleum engineer has opportunities for assignments all over the world. Petroleum engineers contribute to solving the variety of technological, political, and economic problems encountered in these assignments. These technological challenges combine to offer the petroleum engineer a rewarding career.

Curriculum

Course requirements are divided into three categories: basic sequence courses, major sequence courses, and other required courses. Enrollment in major sequence courses is restricted to students who have received credit for all of the basic sequence courses and have been admitted to the major sequence by the College of Engineering Admissions Committee. (Requirements for admission to a major sequence are given in this chapter.) Enrollment in other required courses is not restricted by completion of the basic sequence.

Courses used to fulfill technical and nontechnical elective requirements must be approved by the petroleum and geosystems engineering undergraduate adviser before the student enrolls in them. Courses that fulfill the social science and fine arts/humanities requirements are listed in this chapter.

Courses Semester Hours
Basic Sequence Courses
Chemistry 301, 302, Civil Engineering 319F, Engineering Mechanics 306S, English 306, 316K, Geology 312K, 416M, Mathematics 408C, 408D, 427K, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 102, 310, 312, 333T, Physics 303K, 303L, 103M, 103N 55
Major Sequence Courses
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 421K, 322K, 323, 424, 326, 430, 331, 362, 365, 368, 373K, 373L 39
Approved technical area electives 6
Other Required Courses
Engineering Mechanics 319 3
Approved technical area courses 9 or 10
American government, including Texas government 6
American history 6
Approved fine arts or humanities elective 3
Approved social science elective 3
Minimum Required 130 or 131

Technical Area Options

Before enrolling in the major sequence, each student is required to file a degree plan with the departmental undergraduate adviser for one of the technical area options described below. The selection of elective courses, from lists approved by the departmental faculty, is made with the advice and approval of the undergraduate adviser. Each student should plan a course of study that fulfills the prerequisite of each technical elective selected. Each student in Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 373L is assigned a design project in his or her technical area.

Area I, Reservoir Engineering

Reservoir engineers design and supervise projects to provide the maximum recovery of an underground resource. They determine the locations of wells, estimate the amount of the resource that can be recovered economically, and study the performance of reservoirs to determine methods of increasing recovery.

Required Courses
Geology 428, Structural Geology
Geology 330K, Petroleum Geology: Basin and Trend Analysis
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 337, Introduction to Geostatistics
Elective Courses
Two courses, for a total of at least six semester hours of credit, chosen from the following topics. The courses must be approved in advance by the departmental undergraduate adviser.

Advanced mathematics
Economic evaluation, finance, and project management
Formation evaluation
Geological science
Reservoir engineering

Area II, Operations Engineering

Operations engineers design and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, stimulation, and workover of wells. Their primary efforts are directed toward optimizing drilling practices and resource production.

Required Courses
Geology 428, Structural Geology
Geology 330K, Petroleum Geology: Basin and Trend Analysis
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 337, Introduction to Geostatistics
Elective Courses
Two courses, for a total of at least six semester hours of credit, chosen from the following topics. The courses must be approved in advance by the departmental undergraduate adviser.

Drilling engineering
Economic evaluation, finance, and project management
Facilities engineering
Formation evaluation
Production engineering

Area III, Subsurface Environmental Engineering

Subsurface environmental engineering addresses today's pressing environmental concerns in the general areas of engineering, geology, and hydrology. This technical area option prepares petroleum engineering graduates to solve problems in related areas such as hydrology, groundwater and soil remediation, and underground waste disposal.

Required Courses
Geology 428, Structural Geology
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 337, Introduction to Geostatistics
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 370, Fundamentals of Subsurface Environmental Engineering
Elective Courses
Two courses, for a total of at least six semester hours of credit, chosen from the following topics. The courses must be approved in advance by the departmental undergraduate adviser.

Environmental engineering
Geological science
Hydrology

Area IV, Georesource Engineering

Georesource engineers evaluate the economic and financial viability of petroleum and mineral projects. They evaluate capital and operating costs of such projects, investigate markets and end-uses, and estimate and determine the relative costs and benefits of alternative process routes, environmental regulations, and other legislation.

Required Courses
Geology 330K, Petroleum Geology: Basin and Trend Analysis
Mechanical Engineering 366L, Operations Research Models
Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 371, Energy Finance
Elective Courses
Two elective courses, for a total of at least six semester hours of credit, chosen from the following topics. The courses must be approved in advance by the departmental undergraduate adviser.

Business law
Economics
Finance
Project management

Suggested Arrangement of Courses

First Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
CH 301, Principles of Chemistry I 3
E 306, Rhetoric and Composition 3
GEO 312K, Geology of Engineering 3
M 408C, Differential and Integral Calculus 4
PGE 102, Introduction to Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 1
Total 14
First Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
CH 302, Principles of Chemistry II 3
GEO 416M, Sedimentary Rocks 4
M 408D, Sequences, Series, and Multivariable Calculus 4
PHY 303K, Engineering Physics I 3
PHY 103M, Laboratory for Physics 303K 1
Social science or fine arts/humanities elective 3
Total 18
Second Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
E 316K, Masterworks of Literature 3
E M 306S, Statics and Dynamics 3
M 427K, Advanced Calculus for
Applications I 		4
PGE 310, Formulation and Solution of Geosystems Engineering Problems 3
PHY 303L, Engineering Physics II 3
PHY 103N, Laboratory for Physics 303L 1
Total 17
Second Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
C E 319F, Elementary Mechanics of Fluids 3
E M 319, Mechanics of Solids 3
PGE 312, Physical and Chemical Behavior of Fluids I 3
PGE 333T, Technical Communication 3
Approved technical area course 3
Social science or fine arts/humanities elective 3
Total 18
Third Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
PGE 322K, Transport Phenomena in Geosystems 3
PGE 430, Drilling and Well Completions 4
PGE 424, Petrophysics 4
PGE 326, Thermodynamics and Phase Behavior 3
Approved technical area course 3
Total 17
Third Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
PGE 421K, Physical and Chemical Behavior of Fluids II 4
PGE 323, Fluid Flow through Permeable Media 3
PGE 365, Resource Economics and Valuation 3
Approved technical area course 3 or 4
American government 3
Total 16 or 17
Fourth Year--Fall Semester

Courses Semester Hours
PGE 331, Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering 3
PGE 362, Production Technology and Design 3
PGE 368, Fundamentals of Well Logging 3
PGE 373K, Geosystems Engineering Design and Analysis I 3
American history 3
Total 15
Fourth Year--Spring Semester

Courses Semester Hours
PGE 373L, Geosystems Engineering Design and Analysis II 3
American government 3
American history 3
Approved technical area electives 6
Total 15

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