Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers are traditionally concerned with the conception, design, implementation and operation of mechanical systems. Typical fields of work are aerospace, energy, manufacturing, machinery, robotics, and transportation. Because of the very broad nature of the discipline there is usually a high demand for mechanical engineers. A recent study indicated that approximately 40% of all engineering openings were for graduates of mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Programs
A Bachelor of Engineering program in mechanical engineering is offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University. To prepare the mechanical engineer for a wide range of career possibilities, the undergraduate program has been structured to place a balanced emphasis on three curriculum features.
The first consists of the basic principles which form the foundation of the profession. Included here are courses in mechanics, stress analysis, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and heat transfer, which emphasize the necessary problem-solving skills essential for a career in Mechanical Engineering.
The second feature of the curriculum deals with the application of these basic courses for the solution of practical problem. Subjects on the dynamics and control of machines and systems, aerodynamics, propulsion, turbo-machinery, combustion, manufacturing, production and industrial engineering, and bio-mechanics are some of the many subjects that are offered in this category.
The third feature of Mechanical Engineering combines the knowledge of the basic principles with creativity and ingenuity for the purpose of synthesis and design.
Program Options
To fully recognize the diversity of the field of Mechanical Engineering:
two programs (Regular and Honors),
three options (Aeronautical, Automation, and Design),
and several minors are offered.
Students with a strong interest in the basic sciences and a career in research and development should consider the Honors program. In contrast, the Regular program is structured for students aspiring towards an industry-oriented career. Graduates from both programs are equally qualified for careers in either research and development or industry. Students can also take any of the three options mentioned above, as well as a minor in the following areas: Arts, Biotechnology-Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Engineering, Management, Materials Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Technological Entrepreneurship and Software Engineering.
For further information on this program, please refer to the Faculty of Engineering section on Minors.
Inter-university Student Activities and Competitions
The Mechanical Engineering students also actively participate in various inter-university student Design competitions held in Canada and throughout the world. These competitions are sponsored by professional societies such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers (CSME), and the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC).
Typical competitions are SAE Formula Car, Mini-Baja Off-Road and Air Cargo competition, and solar-powered car. Mechanical Engineering students also take a leading role in many faculty-wide extracurricular activities such as the Annual Blood Drive, Engineering Week, Plumber's Ball, Undergraduate Socials, and various publications. Relations between faculty and students are extremely close. Social functions, at which students and professors meet to exchange views and get to know each other better, are also organized frequently.
There are approximately 560 undergraduate students registered in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In addition, there are nearly 150 graduate students, a third of whom are working toward a Ph.D. degree. The full-time Department staff consists of 24 Professors, 10 Technicians and 7 Secretaries, as well as 13 Adjunct Professors from local industry.
For more information on this program, please refer to the Faculty of Engineering section of the McGill Undergraduate Program Calendar.