This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

Skip to Side Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Accessibility Settings

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 ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Mechatronic Engineering Program Mission

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

  • A curriculum that is firmly grounded in engineering fundamentals.
  • A faculty that provides superior teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom.
  • A faculty whose focus is undergraduate education.
  • Class sizes that encourage student participation.
  • Project experiences that build on fundamentals and develop team skills.
  • Facilities and equipment that are readily accessible.
  • 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 Mechatronic Engineering Program’s Educational Objectives are goals for its graduates to achieve a few years after graduation. Mechatronic engineering graduates will be prepared to:

  • Practice in engineering-related fields chosen from a broad range of industries.
  • Recognize the need and have the ability to engage in continuing learning to adapt to evolving professions and to advance professionally.
  • Become contributing members of the society with an understanding of the inherent and unavoidable impact of practicing engineering.

Mechatronic Engineering Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are narrower statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation.Mechatronic Engineering Program graduates must demonstrate the following:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

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 440AW- Capstone Design Project I

MECA 440B- Capstone Design 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 440AW 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 39 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 or CMST 132 for Oral Communication (A1)
  • Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
  • Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
  • MECH 340 is an approved major course substitution for either Individual and Society (D1) or Societal Institutions (D2). You must complete one additional D1 or D2 course.
  • MECA 440B is an approved major course substitution for Learning for Life (E).
  • EECE 311 fulfills Upper-Division Natural Sciences.

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.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

  • Any upper-division GE Writing Course (W).

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

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.

A grade of C- or higher is required in MECH 340.

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

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: 59 units

20 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
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)
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)
CSCI 111 Programming and Algorithms I   4.0 FS  
Prerequisite: MATH 109, MATH 119 (or high school equivalent), or MATH 120; or a passing score on the Math department administered calculus readiness exam.
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 (may be taken concurrently).
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 FS  
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: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready; both MATH 118 and MATH 119 (or college equivalent); first-year freshmen who successfully completed trigonometry and precalculus in high school can meet this prerequisite by achieving a score that meets department guidelines on a department administered calculus readiness exam.
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  
Prerequisite: 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  
Corequisite: PHYS 204A.
 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)
MECH 210L Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory   1.0 FS  
Corequisite: MECH 210.
Standards and procedures for materials testing. Hands-on experience with commonly used equipment for materials testing. Test data acquisition and integration for material properties. Presentation of test data and findings in technical reports. 3 hours laboratory. (021645)
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: 42 units

11 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CIVL 311 Strength of Materials   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher; MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently); CIVL 212 or 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)
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 440AW Capstone Design I (W)   3.0 FS  GW  W
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, EECE 237, MECH 200, MECH 340 with a grade of C- or higher. Recommended: MECA 380.
Design methods applied to mechatronic systems. Group design projects. Project planning and management, manufacturing cost control, and environmental and social impact. Oral and written presentation of design results. Needs, resources, and technology for continuing self-education as professional engineers. Initial stage 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. This is an approved Writing Course. (005656)
MECA 440B Capstone Design II   3.0 FS  
Prerequisite: MECA 440AW. 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. Information literacy, technology, and resources for lifelong learning and professional career. Must be taken the semester immediately following MECA 440A. 2 hours 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   4.0 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. Failure theories, reliability, use of codes and standards, and standard design practices are introduced. Also discussed are realistic constraints for design in economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability context. A grade of C- or higher is required to pass this course. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (005411)

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CIVL 302 Engineering Sustainability and Economic Analysis   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: MATH 121, junior standing.
This course provides a foundation for green engineering design through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis considering economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sustainable solutions (triple bottom line). This course teaches quantitative environmental and economic assessment tools. decision-making strategies, risk, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty analysis. These skills are applied to real-world problems through group projects, emphasizing applied engineering, critical thinking, communication skills and teamwork. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001495)
CIVL 313 Structural Mechanics   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher; MECH 208 (may be taken concurrently).
Fundamentals of structural analysis for beams, trusses, and frames. Topics include loading (including seismic), influence lines, approximate analysis methods, deflection analysis, and statically indeterminate structures. Methods applicable to computer analysis are introduced. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001499)
CIVL 321 Fluid Mechanics   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher. Recommended: MATH 260, MECH 320 (may be taken concurrently).
Hydrostatics, principles of continuity, work-energy and momentum, viscous effects, dimensional analysis and similitude, flow in closed conduits, drag on objects. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001496)
CIVL 431 Water and Wastewater Engineering Green Leaf Representing that this course is Sustainable 4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CIVL 231 or faculty permission; junior standing.
Introduction to water quality, water supply, distribution, and drinking water treatment; wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. Disease transmission; water quality parameters; physical, chemical, and biological processes in the treatment of water, wastewater, and biosolids. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001529)
EECE 316 Electronics II   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 311, EECE 315.
Op Amp circuits, waveform generation and shaping, sinusoidal oscillators, high frequency amplifiers, active filters, power supply regulators, power electronics, advanced linear ICs. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002534)
EECE 320 System Architecture and Performance   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CSCI 217, EECE 144, or MATH 217; CSCI 221 or EECE 237.
Study of computing architecture and how the structure of various hardware and software modules affects the ultimate performance of the total system. Topics include qualitative and quantitative analysis of bandwidths, response times, error detection and recovery, interrupts, and system throughput; distributed systems and coprocessors; vector and parallel architectures. 3 hours discussion. (002104)
EECE 343 Advanced Logic Design   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 237.
Logic design using programmable logic and HDL programming. Programmable logic architectures, including CPLDs and FPGAs, advanced state machine design and analysis, clock management, and external interfaces. Implementation, simulation, and verification methodologies. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002105)
EECE 365 Signals, Systems, and Transforms   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EECE 211, MATH 260.
Modeling and analysis of Signals and Systems both continuous and discrete, in the time and frequency domains. Topics include theorey and application of Fourier series, Fourier transforms, Parseval's Theorem and the Convolution, Laplace Transform Sampling Theorem, Z transform, discrete Fourier Transform and FFT. 4 hours discussion. (002528)
EECE 375 Fields and Waves   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: MATH 260, PHYS 204B.
Transmission lines. Frequency-domain techniques. Fields and field operators. Electrostatic fields and capacitance. Magneto-static fields and inductance. Time-varying fields and Maxwell equations. Skin effect. Plane electromagnetic waves. Reflection and refraction. Waveguides and optical fibers. Radiation and antennas. 3 hours lecture. (002529)
EECE 437 Real-Time Embedded Systems   4.0 FA  
Prerequisite: EECE 344. Recommended: EECE 320.
This course presents the concepts and techniques associated with designing, developing, and testing real-time and embedded systems. Topics include the nature and uses of real-time systems, architecture and design of real-time systems, embedded development and debugging environments, embedded programming techniques, real-time operating systems and real-time scheduling and algorithms. Special attention is given to the study of real-time process scheduling and performance, including mathematical analysis of scheduling algorithms. 4 hours discussion. (002118)
EECE 450 Optics   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C.
 This course is also offered as PHYS 450.
Geometrical and physical optics, interference, diffraction, reflection, dispersion, resolution, polarization, fiber optics, laser optics, and holography. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002549)
EECE 451 Lasers and Their Applications   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: PHYS 204C. Recommended: EECE 450 or PHYS 450.
 This course is also offered as PHYS 451.
The theory and mechanism of laser action, various types of lasers and their applications and future use. Laboratory involves measurements with lasers, fiber optics, data transmission, and holography. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (002550)
EECE 481 Electromechanical Conversion   4.0 FA  
Prerequisite: EECE 211.
Principles of electromechanical conversion, traditional and renewable energy sources, magnetic circuits and steady state performance of synchronous, dc and induction motors, state space models and dynamic performance of electric motors, linearized models and common control schemes for various motors. 4 hours lecture. (020256)
EECE 483 Power Systems Operation   4.0 FA  
Prerequisites: EECE 311 (may be taken concurrently).
Power system structure, components and single line diagrams, per unit calculations, transmission line modeling, network matrices and Y-bus, load flow, economic power dispatch, basic relays and system protection schemes. 4 hours lecture. (020499)
EECE 484 Power System Distribution and Analysis   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 311 (may be taken concurrently).
Power system symmetrical components, fault analysis, transient stability analysis, sequence impedances of transmission systems, and distribution networks. 4 hours lecture. (020500)
EECE 544 Embedded Systems Design   4.0 FA  
Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 211.
An accelerated discussion of embedded systems design, including C programming, HDI, design, embedded systems, hardware and software debugging, and system design and implementation. Coverage of advanced digital design topics including hardware/software co-design, embedded and soft-core processors, multiprocessor architectures, and concurrent/parallel programming. Not available for students with credit for EECE 344 or equivalent. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021523)
EECE 682 Computer Control of Dynamic Systems   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: EECE 482 or MECA 482.
Fundamental techniques for designing computer control sytems for Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) dynamic systems, introduction to adaptive control and self tuning regulators. 4 hours lecture. (020259)
MECA 398 Special Topic   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (005653)
MECA 399 Special Problems   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information on registering. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005654)
MECA 470 Introduction to Robotics Engineering   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CSCI 111 or MECH 208; MECH 320 (may be taken concurrently).
This course introduces students to robotic manipulation design and control. Students apply the concepts in computer simulation and a physical system. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021920)
MECA 498 Special Topic   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (005660)
MECA 499 Special Problems   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
Independent study of a special problem. See the department office for registration procedure. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (015851)
MECH 332 Thermodynamics   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A.
Properties of substances, ideal gas equation of state, heat and work, first and second laws of thermodynamics, steady-state analysis of closed and open systems, entropy, gas and vapor power cycles, introduction to renewable energy sources. 3 hours discussion. (005414)
MECH 389 Industrial Internship   1.0 -3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Approval of faculty internship coordinator prior to off-campus assignment.
Engineering experience in an industrial setting. Minimum duration of 400 hours of work under the direct supervision of an on-site engineering supervisor. On completion of the internship, a written report prepared under the direction of a faculty member is required. This course is an elective for the BS in Mechanical Engineering, a total of 3 units must be completed to receive elective credit. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005454)
MECH 398 Special Topic   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (005424)
MECH 399 Special Problems   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information on registering. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005426)
MECH 410 Advanced Materials Science and Engineering   3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: MATH 260, MECH 210. Recommended: CIVL 311.
Design, manufacture, and practical applications of advanced engineering materials. Failure analysis and prevention of material failure in mechanical design. Microfabrication of micromechanical devices. 3 hours discussion. (005428)
MECH 424 Mechanical Vibrations   3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: MECH 320.
Free and forced vibrations of lumped parameter systems, transient vibrations, systems with several degrees-of-freedom. 3 hours discussion. (005437)
MECH 430 Nanoscale Science and Engineering   3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, MECH 210, and PHYS 204B, or consent of the instructor.
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of nanoscale science and engineering including the areas of engineering, materials science, chemistry, and physics. The topics covered include advanced materials, synthesis and modification of nanomaterials, properties of nanomaterials, materials characterization, nanofabrication methods, and applications. It has three modules which are formal lectures, guest speakers, and projects. For the projects student learn to conduct a literature search on a given topic and are asked to present their project. They further have a chance to propose their own ideas for potential applications and are asked to give detailed methodology to execute the project. 3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. (021952)
MECH 498 Special Topic   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: To be established when course is formulated.
Special topic generally offered one time only. Different sections may have different topics. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (005456)
MECH 499 Special Problems   1.0 -3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. See the department office for information on registering. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005457)
SMFG 347 Sustainable Polymer Composites   3.0 SP  
Prerequisite: MECH 210 or SMFG 211.
This course provides students an introduction to composite materials and processing by investigating thermoplastic and thermoset composites, glass and carbon fiber reinforcements, biobased polymers and natural fibers, core materials, tooling, and thermoset processing equipment. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (021724)
SMFG 451 Quality Management   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: OSCM 306 or faculty permission.
 This course is also offered as OSCM 451.
The study and application of the quality management process in both the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy. Topics include process analysis and improvement, statistical process control, cost of quality, quality measurement, and quality in the global marketplace. 3 hours lecture. (005784)
SMFG 458 Project Management   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
This course familiarizes students with techniques for managing technical projects while they design, plan, and implement a manufacturing project through the mock-up stage. Students work in groups on projects of mutual interest to gain experience in planning and updating schedules. Students learn to define requirements, estimate and manage resources, and structure decisions and trade-offs. Discussion includes global project management and supply chain responsibility. Emphasis is placed on group dynamics in communication and problem solving. 3 hours lecture. (005291)
SMFG 477 Semiconductor Manufacturing   3.0 SP  
Prerequisite: MECH 210 or SMFG 211.
This course introduces the manufacturing processes for various classes of semiconductor electronic devices. Materials presented focus on solar cells and logic/memory semiconductor devices. The primary process covered is photoresist lithography, however during the various manufacturing steps of these devices parallel processes are introduced including silicon ingot growth, ion implantation, chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and molecular beam epitaxy. In addition to the various processes, students learn the fundamental performance barriers for each material/device type and perform defect analysis to assess how defects can be used to improve or degrade these materials. Finally, students study the financial aspects of these industries including the capital equipment costs associated with the manufacturing of these materials/devices, the financial history of these industries, return on investment, amortization, and case studies of both industry failures and successes. 3 hours lecture. (021768)

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Catalog Cycle:19