BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Sophomore Year in Mechanical Engineering
The sophomore year is affectionately called "the gauntlet" by our students. This is the year they are introduced to engineering science courses. With this introduction comes a test of work ethic and tenacity. These are great courses that enable students to study how aircraft, jet engine componenets, and spacecraft move, explore how structures work, and begin to understand the fundamental nature of fluid. These courses are the basis for technical depth in the junior year. The sophomore year in Mechanical Engineering is identical to the sophomore year in Aerospace Engineering.
Computer-Aided Design
Students are introduced to the concepts of design through CAD. The CAD course also affords students the opportunity to explore the CNC and stereo-lithography interface and design aerospace vehicles using these tools.
Strengthen Your Skills
Along the way you will continue that trek towards excellence in communication, strengthen your math background, and complete the physics series. The sophomore year also represents a transition into your major. As a sophomore you've successfully negotiated the freshman year. You've probably learned how to study at this point and now you're getting deep within your major.
The engineering science courses are setting you up for topics such as machine design, thermodynamics, robotics, and propulsion. In the scenario of "learning to walk before you run", you're at a brisk trot at this point.
Robotics or Propulsion
You also find yourself at the end of the sophomore year facing a question. "Do I want to explore the Robotics or Propulsion side of Mechanical Engineering? Am I most interested in UAV-s and Planetary Rovers or Jet Aircraft Engines?" Sometime at the end of your sophomore year or midway through your junior year one makes this choice. The classes below are the classes one typically takes in the sophomore year.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| EGR 200 | Computer Aided Conceptual Design of Aerospace Systems | 3 |
| ES 201 | Statics | 3 |
| ES 202 | Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| ES 206 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 160 | Physics II for Engineers | 3 |
| PS 220 | Physics III Laboratory | 1 |
| PS 250 | Physics III for Engineers | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 |
