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The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering

Mechatronic Engineering is a new discipline that combines many of the skills of a mechanical engineer with those of a computer engineer and an electrical engineer. The mechatronic engineering graduate is prepared to design "intelligent" products such as cars that drive themselves, laser printers, self assembling machines and robots.

The Mechatronic Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

Mechatronic Engineering Program Mission

The mechatronic engineering program has the primary mission of providing students a high-quality undergraduate engineering education with

  1. a curriculum that is firmly grounded in engineering fundamentals.
  2. a faculty that provides superior teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom.
  3. a faculty whose focus is undergraduate education.
  4. class sizes that encourage student participation.
  5. project experiences that build on fundamentals and develop team skills.
  6. facilities and equipment that are readily accessible.
  7. an environment that is conducive to learning and encourages students from different genders and backgrounds.

The faculty is committed to offering a broad undergraduate experience that will promote professional growth and prepare students for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education

Mechatronic Engineering Program Educational Objectives

The program's educational objectives are best framed in terms of goals for its graduates. Mechatronic engineering graduates will:

  1. be effective interdisciplinary engineers and problem solvers.
  2. be well educated in the basic engineering sciences and fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
  3. be able to use engineering tools that will enhance their productivity.
  4. be able to design, analyze, and test "intelligent" products and processes that incorporate suitable computers, sensors, and actuators.
  5. be effective oral, written, and graphical communicators.
  6. be able to function effectively as members of multi-disciplinary teams.
  7. have an appreciation for the individual, society, and human heritage, and be aware of the impact of their designs on human-kind and the environment.
  8. be prepared for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education.

Mechatronic Engineering Program Outcomes

Mechatronic Engineering Program graduates must have:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  2. an ability to design experiments to evaluate the performance of a mechatronic system or component with respect to specifications.
  3. an ability to conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
  4. an ability to design a mechatronic system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints.
  5. an ability to function effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams.
  6. an ability to define engineering problems.
  7. an ability to solve engineering problems.
  8. an understanding of professional ethical responsibility.
  9. an ability to communicate technical matters effectively in oral form.
  10. an ability to communicate technical matters effectively in written form.
  11. an ability to communicate technical matters effectively in graphical form.
  12. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context.
  13. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning.
  14. a knowledge of contemporary issues.
  15. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern mechatronic engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Mechatronic Engineering Design Experience

The design experience for mechatronic engineers is integrated throughout the curriculum. The courses which include design experiences are:

CSCI 111 - Programming and Algorithms I

EECE 144 - Logic Design Fundamentals

EECE 315 - Electronics I

EECE 237 - Embedded Systems Development

EECE 344 - Digital Systems Design

MECA 140 - Introduction to Engineering Design and Automation

MECA 440A- Mechatronic Engineering Design Project I

MECA 440B- Mechatronic Engineering Design Project II

MECH 340 - Mechanical Engineering Design

At the freshman level, students learn about the design process and are introduced to designing automated systems in MECA 140 and logic networks are designed in EECE 144. At the sophomore level, software design experience teaches students to think logically in developing efficient, structured computer programs in CSCI 111. At the junior level, there is an opportunity to learn about safety, failure, reliability, codes and standards, and economic considerations, while carrying out detailed design of mechanical components in MECH 340, and electrical circuits and systems in EECE 237, EECE 315, and EECE 344. In the final senior project (MECA 440A and MECA 440B), students are expected to exercise what they learned throughout the preceding design courses in a final project that includes assembly and testing, as well as the more global aspects of design including product realization, economic factors, environmental issues, and social impact. Together, these experiences prepare graduates to be successful practitioners with an awareness of the multitude of issues involved.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 128 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).

  • Take CMST 131 for Oral Communication (A1)
  • Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
  • MATH 120 is an approved advanced course substitution for Quantitative Reasoning (A4)
  • CHEM 111 & PHYS 204A are approved advanced course substitutions for Physical Sciences (B1).
  • Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2).
  • Take only one course in either Individual & Society (D1) or Societal Institutions (D2).
  • CIVL 495 meets Learning for Life (E).
  • EECE 311 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Natural Sciences.
  • MECA 440A is an approved GE Capstone substitution.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Both courses must also satisfy one of the General Education Requirements in order for 127 units to fulfill all requirements for the Mechatronic Engineering degree.

Course Requirements for the Major: 101 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.

Lower-Division Requirements: 58 units

19 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CIVL 211 Statics   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A.
Force systems, moments, equilibrium, centroids, and moments of inertia. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001489)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)
Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)
CSCI 111 Programming and Algorithms I   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: At least one year of high school algebra and strong computer skills or CSCI 101.
A first-semester programming course, providing an overview of computer systems and an introduction to problem solving and software design using procedural object-oriented programming languages. Coverage includes the software life cycle, as well as algorithms and their role in software design. Students are expected to design, implement, and test a number of programs. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002281)
EECE 144 Logic Design Fundamentals   4.0 FS  
Definition and properties of switching algebra. Minimization of algebraic function. Use of Karnaugh maps for simplification. Design of combinational logic networks. Design of sequential logic devices including flip-flops, registers, and counters. Analysis and applications of digital devices. Analysis and design of synchronous and asynchronous sequential state machines, state table derivation and reduction. Use of such CAD tools for schematic capture and logic device simulations. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002614)
EECE 211 Linear Circuits I   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204B.
DC and sinusoidal circuit analysis, including resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuit elements and independent sources. Ideal transformer. Thevenin and Norton circuit theorems and superposition. Phasors, impedance, resonance, and AC power. Three-phase AC Circuit analysis. 3 hours discussion. (002519)
EECE 211L Linear Circuits I Activity   1.0 FS  
Corequisites: EECE 211.
Experiments to reinforce the principles taught in EECE 211. 2 hours activity. (002520)
EECE 237 Embedded Systems Development   3.0 FA  
Prerequisite: CSCI 111.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with developing low level Embedded Systems Applications, using both Assembly Language and C. Topics include microprocessor architecture concepts, instruction set architectures, Assembly Language programming, data representations, interrupt handling and execution modes, low level C programming, and the use of on-chip and external peripherals. 3 hours lecture. (021437)
MATH 120 Analytic Geometry and Calculus   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; both MATH 118 and MATH 119 (or high school equivalent); a score that meets department guidelines on a department administered calculus readiness exam must be achieved by those who claim high school equivalence.
Limits and continuity. The derivative and applications to related rates, maxma and minima, and curve sketching. Transcendental functions. An introduction to the definite integral and area. 4 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005506)
MATH 121 Analytic Geometry and Calculus   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 120.
The definite integral and applications to area, volume, work, differential equations, etc. Sequences and series, vectors and analytic geometry in 2 and 3-space, polar coordinates, and parametric equations. 4 hours discussion. (005507)
MATH 260 Elementary Differential Equations   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121.
First order separable, linear, and exact equations; second order linear equations, Laplace transforms, series solutions at an ordinary point, systems of first order linear equations, and applications. 4 hours discussion. (005509)
MECA 140 Introduction to Engineering Design and Automation   2.0 FS  
This course is also offered as MECH 140.
Introduces the design engineering process. Hands-on use of sensors, pneumatics, stepper motors, bearings, couplings, gears, belts, pulleys, and framing materials. Topics include AC and DC motor control, simple electrical circuits, machine controllers, PLC programming, testing and analysis of results, budgeting, and bills of materials. Teams design and build a proof-of-concept system to verify their design. 1 hour discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (005401)
MECH 100 Graphics I   1.0 FS  
Corequisites: MECH 100L.
Introduction to engineering graphics. Orthographic projection, auxiliary views, isometric views, dimensioning, tolerancing, drawing standards, working drawings, free-hand sketching, solid modeling. 1 hour discussion. (015811)
MECH 100L Graphics I Laboratory   1.0 FS  
Corequisites: MECH 100.
Introduction to solid modeling using a parametric, feature-based application software, SolidWorks. Solid modeling of parts and assemblies, detail and assembly drawings. 3 hours laboratory. (020257)
MECH 200 Graphics II   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MECH 100 and MECH 100L.
Drawing standards, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, working drawings, product data management, intermediate solid modeling, introduction to Rapid Prototyping and specialized graphic applications. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (015854)
MECH 210 Materials Science and Engineering   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A; CHEM 111.
Processing, structure, properties, and performance of engineering materials. Applied knowledge of material properties as engineering design parameters. Advanced manufacturing processes, including microfabrication are discussed. 3 hours discussion. (005402)
PHYS 204A Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: High school physics or faculty permission. Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 121 (second semester of calculus) or equivalent.
Vectors, kinematics, particle dynamics, friction, work, energy, power, momentum, dynamics and statics of rigid bodies, oscillations, gravitation, fluids. Calculus used. A grade of C- or higher is required before progressing to either PHYS 204B or PHYS 204C. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007401)
PHYS 204B Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Electricity and Magnetism   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A with a grade of C- or higher.
Charge and matter, electric field, Gauss' law, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, current and resistance, magnetic field, Ampere's law, Faraday's law of induction, magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic oscillations and waves. Calculus used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007402)
PHYS 204C Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Heat, Wave Motion, Sound, Light, and Modern Topics   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A with a grade of C- or higher.
Temperature, first and second law of thermodynamics, and kinetic theory. Waves in elastic media, standing waves and resonance, and sound. Ray and wave optics, reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, diffraction, and polarization. Selected topics in modern physics. Calculus used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007403)
SMFG 160 Manufacturing Processes   3.0 FS  
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of manufacturing processes with an emphasis on using sustainable practices. Students gain an understanding of the principle manufacturing materials and processes, learn how to solve manufacturing problems, and understand how Life Cycle Analysis and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle principles can be integrated into manufacturing processes. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (005149)

Upper-Division Requirements: 43 units

13 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CIVL 302 Engineering Risk and Economic Analysis   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, junior standing.
Analysis of alternatives by basic engineering economic methods and applications of statistics including probability, sampling theory and data analysis, and tests of hypotheses. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001495)
CIVL 311 Strength of Materials   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher; MATH 260 and MECH 210 (may be taken concurrently).
Strength and elastic properties of materials of construction; tension, compression, shear, and torsion stresses; deflection and deformation; stress analysis of beams and columns. 4 hours discussion. (001491)
CIVL 495 Professional Issues in Engineering   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ENGL 130I or equivalent; senior standing.
History of engineering, professional registration, codes of ethics, management issues, diversity, outsourcing, intellectual property, international development and technology transfer, sustainable design. A substantial written project with oral presentation is required. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (003716)
EECE 311 Linear Circuits II   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 211; MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently).
Circuit analysis techniques for networks with both independent and dependent sources. Network topology. Natural and forced responses for RLC circuits. Complex frequency, poles, and zeros. Magnetically coupled circuits and two-port networks. Introduction to linear algebra, circuit simulation using PSPICE, and mathematical analysis using MATLAB. 4 hours discussion. (002527)
EECE 315 Electronics I   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L; EECE 311 and MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently).
Ideal diodes. Zener diodes and regulation. Photodiodes and solar cells. Biasing and DC behavior of bipolar transistors. JFETs and MOSFETS. Small-signal AC equivalent circuits. Single-state transistor amplifiers. Low-frequency response. Discrete feedback amplifiers. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (002530)
EECE 344 Digital Systems Design   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 237; either EECE 110 or both EECE 211 and EECE 211L.
Extends the study of digital circuits to LSI and VLSI devices. Microcontrollers, architecture, bus organization and address decoding. Design concepts for microcontroller systems, including A/D and D/A conversion, serial communications, bus interfacing, interrupt processing, power regulations, timers, pulse width modulation, programmable I/O ports, and error control coding. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (002102)
MECA 380 Measurements and Instrumentation   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, EECE 211L; either CSCI 111 or MECH 208. Recommended: CIVL 302.
Measurement of steady-state and dynamic phenomena using common laboratory instruments. Calibration of instruments, dynamic response of instruments, and statistical treatment of data. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (005420)
MECA 482 Control System Design   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, MATH 260. Recommended: MECA 380, MECH 320; either CSCI 111 or MECH 208.
Modeling and simulation of dynamic system performance. Control system design for continuous systems using both analog and digital control techniques. 3 hours lecture. (005407)
MECA 486 Motion and Machine Automation   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 211L, MECH 340; EECE 482 or MECA 482 (may be taken concurrently).
Machine automation concepts in electrical circuits, precision mechanics, control systems, and programming. Motor sizing, gearing, couplings, ground loops, effective use of step motors, servo control loops, regeneration, networking, I/O, power supplies, vibration and resonance, mechanical tolerancing, linear bearings and drive mechanisms, and troubleshooting. Labs simulate application concepts such as point-to-point coordinated moves, registration, following, camming, and CAD-to-Motion by combining various motor technologies with various mechanical drive types. 2 hours lecture, 4 hours activity. (005655)
MECA 440A Mechatronic Engineering Design Project I   3.0 FS  GW
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, EECE 237, MECH 200, MECH 340. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380.
System design methods applied to mechatronic systems. Group design projects. Consideration of the manufacturing cost, and environmental and social impact. Oral and written presentation of results. Initial design of the capstone design project to be continued in MECA 440B. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours supervision. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (005656)
MECA 440B Mechatronic Engineering Design Project II   2.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MECA 440A. Recommended: CIVL 302, MECA 380.
Continuation of the capstone design project from MECA 440A. Implementation of the capstone design project, including fabrication, testing, and evaluation of a working prototype. Must be taken the semester immediately following MECA 440A. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours supervision. (005657)
MECH 320 Dynamics   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher, MATH 260.
Kinematics and dynamics of mechanical systems composed of rigid bodies. Moments and products of inertia, forces of interaction, inertia forces and torques. Equations of motion of non-planar systems. 3 hours discussion. (005409)
MECH 340 Mechanical Engineering Design   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher, MECH 100, MECH 100L, MECH 140, MECH 210, SMFG 160. Recommended: MECH 320.
Design and performance of machine components and systems subjected to both steady and variable loading conditions. Introduction to failure theories, reliability, use of codes and standards, and standard design practices. 3 hours lecture. (005411)

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

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