BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Why pursue a mechanical engineering degree at North Central College?

Our focus is on automation and robotics. Our themes are sustainability, access, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Technology has the potential to address many societal issues. Engineers influence how new technology is created and applied. Mechanical Engineering students get hands-on experience from day one in the engineering method, using the latest engineering design and simulation software, making parts on 3D printers, and programming in Python. You'll dive into the details of materials, manufacturing processes, sensors and actuators, embedded processors, and robot control systems. Rather than concentrating on textbook examples and memorization, you'll practice the same skills that professional engineer uses in their career: solving problems, working in teams, writing reports, and making presentations. Activities include intercollegiate competitions, community engagement, and independent studies.

You can also:

• Gain real mechanical engineer work experience through internships at nearby research labs such as Argonne National Laboratory or Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Study in the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with some of the most sophisticated hardware, software, and other sustainable technology in the industry.
• Pursue your research interests anywhere in the world by applying for a Richter Grant.
• Travel, study and work internationally, and complete mechanical engineering course requirements through our study abroad program.
• Present your original mechanical engineers' work and research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, such as the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or North Central's own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Engineering courses include:

• Calculus
• Differential equations & linear algebra
• Chemistry
• Python
• Classical physics
• Basic electronics
• Engineering statistics
• Classical dynamics
• Engineering design
• Technical writing
• Materials science
• Professional ethics
• Mechanical design
• Engineering finance
• Embedded processors
• Manufacturing processes
• Mechanical simulations
• Robotics
• Applied statistics
• Failure analysis
• Independent projects

Mechanical Engineering offers a mix of mechanical design, simulations, robotics, and manufacturing processes. Our graduates are prepared to be employed in a wide range of companies and research laboratories.

Major Requirements

A minimum of 45 credit hours of Engineering coursework to include:

Core Courses

• CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
• ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
• ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
• ELEC 300 - Electromechanics I
• ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
• ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
• ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
• ENGR 400 - Independent Project I
• ENGR 450 - Capstone I
• MECH 210 - Materials Science I
• MECH 220 - Mechanical Design I
• MECH 320 - Mechanical Design II
• MECH 410 - Control Systems
• MECH 420 - Manufacturing Processes
• MECH 440 - Robotics I

Required Support courses for the BSc degree

A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:

• MATH 151 - Calculus I *
• MATH 152 - Calculus II
• MATH 253 - Calculus III
• MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
• PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
• PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves, and Optics
• PHYS 211 - Engineering Statics
• PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

Notes:

If students do not meet minimum the Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.

Courses below MATH 151 do not apply to the required credit hours in Mathematics and Science.

*Students who do not place into MATH 151 must successfully complete the course prerequisite, MATH 140.