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ME PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Program Outcomes (def.): Statements that describe what students are expected to know and are able to demonstrate by the time of graduation. They can be:
  1. Knowledge of subject matter,
  2. Abilities and skills, or
  3. Attitudes and personal traits
Bulleted items denote illustrative examples of specific measurable outcomes associated with each general outcome.

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1. Knowledge of and ability to apply engineering and science fundamentals to real problems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic scientific and mathematical principles.
  • Demonstrate ability to apply fundamental scientific and mathematical principles to analysis of mechanical engineering devices, systems and processes.
    • Mechanics
    • Thermal-fluid sciences
    • Materials science
    • Systems and control
  • Demonstrate working knowledge of basic principles of electrical/electronic devices and systems, both analog and digital.
  • Demonstrate physical understanding of effects of nonidealizations on behavior and performance of mechanical devices and systems (friction, nonlinearity, irreversibility) and ability to apply engineering judgement in making approximations and idealizations for analysis.

2. Ability to formulate and solve open-ended problems
  • Demonstrate working knowledge of estimation techniques, rules of thumb, and engineering heuristics.
  • Demonstrate ability to define data needs and to access reliable data sources.
  • Demonstrate ability to define and appropriately model real engineering problems in abstract form.
  • Demonstrate ability to appropriately interpret calculated results in the context of data uncertainty and reliability of assumptions and analytical methods.

3. Ability to design mechanical components, systems, and processes
  • Demonstrate ability to interpret customer needs in the form of engineering requirements and to apply methodologies for organization of complex design problems into workable framework for solution.
  • Demonstrate ability to apply methodologies for selection of materials and working knowledge of manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of non-functional requirements and constraints in engineering design (aesthetics, environmental compatibility, economics).
  • Demonstrate understanding of the human interface and its role in engineering design.
  • Demonstrate ability to clearly communicate design solutions and their rationale.

4. Ability to set up, conduct and interpret experiments, and to present the results in a professional manner
  • Demonstrate understanding of instrument specifications and selection of instruments and components to deliver required accuracy.
  • Demonstrate ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments to yield valid and useful engineering results.
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze data and assess accuracy of experimental results using statistical deduction and uncertainty analysis.
  • Demonstrate ability to clearly communicate results and defend conclusions.

5. Ability to use modern computer tools in mechanical engineering
  • Demonstrate ability to write programs to perform engineering calculations.
  • Demonstrate ability to apply computer tools to engineering analysis, and to monitoring and control of mechanical systems.
  • Demonstrate ability to use standard commercial software for data analysis, computer-aided design, and technical communication.

6. Ability to communicate in written, oral and graphical forms
  • Demonstrate ability to write clear and effective engineering reports.
  • Demonstrate ability to convey technical information in graphical form.
  • Demonstrate ability to make clear and effective presentations.

7. Ability to work in teams and apply interpersonal skills in engineering contexts
  • Demonstrate skills in time management, project planning and interpersonal interactions.
  • Demonstrate ability to work effectively on project teams in both member and leader roles.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic, and professional attitude and commitment toward group activities.

8. Ability and desire to lay a foundation for continued learning beyond the baccalaureate degree
  • Demonstrate acceptance of personal responsibility for learning.
  • Demonstrate ability to utilize the literature base and information resources for engineering.
  • Seek learning opportunities outside the classroom environment.
  • Take advantage of industrial internship and cooperative education opportunities.
  • Demonstrate awareness of graduate and professional study opportunities and understand the process for accessing them.

9. Awareness of professional issues in engineering practice, including ethical responsibility, safety, the creative enterprise, and loyalty and commitment to the profession.
  • Demonstrate integrity in academic work and personal behavior.
  • Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities in engineering practice and in personal affairs.
  • Demonstrate awareness of historical basis for engineering's role in society.
  • Demonstrate awareness of and commitment to emerging opportunities.
  • Contribute to building a strong community through service within and outside the University.

10. Awareness of contemporary issues in engineering practice, including economic, social, political, and environmental issues and global impact.
  • Demonstrate awareness of societal factors impacting engineering decisions.
  • Seek opportunities for cultural enrichment.

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© 2003, the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. All rights reserved.
This page was last updated on Thursday, July 12, 2007 by the ME Web Administrator.
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