What makes mechanical engineering different

Even the development of more sophisticated electronics and other technologies will depend at least in part on mechanical engineers. That is why mechanical engineering is an interesting and essential area of concentration. Mechanical engineering programs are fairly standardized across the U. Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees typically begin with some foundational courses that are applicable across the spectrum of engineering programs, including calculus, physics, and basic introductory engineering courses.

Once mechanical engineers begin to focus on their major, they can expect to find courses in design, manufacturing, mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials. It is notable that a mechanical engineering degree offers a great degree of breadth, making it an attractive major for those students who know they want to study engineering but who are not quite sure where to focus. Because mechanical engineering is a broad topic, there are many engineering specialties that can fit within its scope.

Some of the most common mechanical engineering branches where graduating students could find careers include:. In some instances, other specialties fall within the purview of mechanical engineering as well.

Undergraduate students are largely not expected to choose a specialty but those who decide to go on to a graduate program should be prepared to focus on a very specific area of mechanical engineering. The rapidly-evolving technologies and economies of today require graduates with an adaptable and broad skill set, which the Mechanical Engineering degree at IITK offers.

So come join us and turn your ideas into reality! Tech B. Tech — M. Tech Program PhD Program. Tech M. Visveswaraiya Fellowship. Every summer that you're in university, make it a top priority to get an internship; there should be opportunities even for first or second year students. When going to a job interview, be as prepared as possible by reading up on interviewer's techniques and what questions will typically be asked.

How you present yourself at the interview is as important as the experience or grades you have. It is recommended to write out notes and study them before every interview, even practicing with a friend if possible.

Depending on what field of work you go into will depend on what your job will be like. Mechanical engineering is a broad career that deals with mechanical issues, and engineers typically work with mechanical physics, vibrations, forces, rotation, and velocity on a daily basis.

In today's world, computers have changed how mechanical engineers do their job, allowing complex analyses to be completed in a matter of seconds versus the days or weeks of hand calculations that were once the norm. However, mechanical engineers will still use industrial production equipment, material-handling systems, and electric generators to produce a fully refined product, and using calculus and trigonometry is needed when confronted with the more complex and analytical portions of the occupation.

While the careers of a mechanical engineer and a mechanical designer are similar in some ways, there are significant differences in responsibilities, educational requirements and salary.

For example:. Mechanical engineers design mechanical products, machines, and systems. Mechanical designers create technical drawings based on the mechanical engineer's specifications and plans.

Mechanical engineers use mathematics and physics in order to determine the best plans and designs for a project. Mechanical designers use CAD programs computer aided design to create detailed drawings. Mechanical engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Mechanical designers must complete as associate's degree in drafting. Mechanical engineers are not required to be licensed, however many pursue a professional engineering PE license for future advancement.

Mechanical designers are not required to be licensed, however certification is available through The American Drafting Design Association for future advancement.

Mechanical Engineers rank among the least happy careers. Overall they rank in the 43rd percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. As society recognizes the increasing importance of optimizing transportation systems to minimize environmental degradation and energy expenditure, engineers will need to consider major innovations in the way people and goods are moved.

These innovations will require competence in vehicle dynamics, propulsion and control, and an understanding of the problems caused by present-day modes of transportation. Suggested courses NOTE: courses may or may not apply to major requirements; check with a major advisor : Aerospace Science and Engineering , ; Biological Systems Engineering , ; Civil and Environmental Engineering , , , , ; Engineering , ; Mechanical Engineering , B, , Areas of Interest in Mechanical Engineering.

Areas of interest include: Biomedical and Engineering Fluid Mechanics. Biomedical and Engineering Fluid Mechanics This field of study is based on the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and their broad range of applications in the biomedical and engineering arenas. Combustion and the Environment Combustion is widely used for energy generation, propulsion, heating and waste disposal, as well as for many other applications.

Ground Vehicle Systems The design of surface vehicles is an aspect of mechanical engineering that emphasizes the development of more environmentally-benign vehicles that can provide transportation while using fewer resources. Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics and Energy Systems This area of interest emphasizes the fundamentals of heat transfer and thermodynamics and their application to the design of advanced engineering systems.

Manufacturing Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into products. Mechanical Design Creating and improving products, processes or systems that are mechanical in nature are the primary activities of a professional mechanical engineer. System Dynamics and Control Engineers are increasingly concerned with the performance of integrated dynamics systems in which it is not possible to optimize component parts without considering the overall system.

Transportation Systems An important aspect of mechanical engineering is the planning, design, and operation of transportation systems.