Design Projects
The ME Undergraduate curriculum at the University of Utah involves strong training in basic engineering science and mathematics with applied experiences and real functions. We combine a comprehensive engineering science foundation with a strong design/construction/ testing approach to engineering. At least one significant, hands-on design project is scheduled every year.
The design project in the video above is typical of our upper division classes. This project illustrate the significant advances in their education in the junior and senior level classes. While this project may seem a bit overwhelming to non mechanical engineering students, first year and sophomore level classes are structured to prepare students for them. As stated by a current undergraduate, "The application of my acquired theoretical knowledge to the design projects has been fun and very rewarding."
Design projects include a Junior Year Mechatronics Competition in which student teams design, build and compete with autonomous robots that are of their own design.
Mechanical Engineering student's education is capped by a senior design project of the students' choice. These senior projects include everything from innovative new products for use by harried parents in feeding their babies at night and research on new neo-natal lung ventilators for pre-mature infants, to improved robotic arms and involvement nationwide student design competitions for walking robots. Formula 1 type racecars, mini-Baja race cars and improved human powered vehicles are annual favorites.
Our educational program is rigorous - and fun!