Engineering Mechanics, BS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics
The Engineering Mechanics program at Illinois (accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET) is a major that focuses on the principles of mechanics that underpin design and engineering in diverse industries including materials, energy, biotechnology, civil, and aerospace to name a few. Students learn rigorous mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles in subject areas such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and fluid dynamics. Further, Engineering Mechanics students learn how to apply these basic principles in modern engineering design through laboratory and project work. The program also benefits from a cohesive secondary field which students can tailor to fit their academic and career objectives. Engineering Mechanics is well suited for students with an interest in analysis and design, and physical principles.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 128 hours.
Minimum Overall GPA: 2.0
Minimum Technical GPA: 2.0
TGPA is required for required Engineering courses and any technical elective courses. See Technical GPA to clarify requirements.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
Major Requirements
Orientation and Professional Development
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Grainger Engineering Orientation Seminar (External transfer students take ENG 300.) | 1 |
| TAM 195 | Mechanics in the Modern World | 1 |
| ME 290 | Seminar | 0 |
| Total Hours | 2 | |
Foundational Mathematics and Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 105 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| MATH 221 | Calculus I (MATH 220 may be substituted. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus. 4 of 5 credit hours count towards degree.) | 4 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | 3 |
| MATH 441 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 442 | Intro Partial Diff Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | University Physics: Elec & Mag | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 214 | Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | 2 |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
Engineering Mechanics Technical Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 101 | Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci (CS 124 or ECE 220 may be substituted.) | 3 |
| ECE 205 | Electrical and Electronic Circuits (ECE 110 and either ECE 210 or ECE 211 may be substituted.) | 3 |
| ME 170 | Computer-Aided Design | 3 |
| ME 200 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ME 470 | Senior Design Project | 3 |
| TAM 211 | Statics | 3 |
| TAM 212 | Introductory Dynamics | 3 |
| TAM 251 | Introductory Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| TAM 252 | Solid Mechanics Design | 1 |
| TAM 270 | Design for Manufacturability | 3 |
| TAM 324 | Behavior of Materials | 4 |
| TAM 335 | Introductory Fluid Mechanics | 4 |
| TAM 412 | Intermediate Dynamics | 4 |
| TAM 445 | Continuum Mechanics | 4 |
| TAM 470 | Computational Mechanics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 47 | |
Secondary Field Option Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary field electives selected from departmentally approved courses for Secondary Field Options. Each secondary field generally specifies two required courses and two additional courses from a list of approved elective courses. For each of the secondary fields, the required and approved elective courses specified for each are listed below. To add flexibility to the program and to accommodate particular interests, the student may fashion an individualized secondary field option. The only requirements are that the courses be related to mechanics, form a coherent and cohesive group, include at least two engineering courses, and total at least 12 hours of advanced-level coursework that are distinct from required courses in the Engineering Mechanics curriculum. This can include 500-level courses, if the student has the adequate preparation, for any of the secondary field elective courses. Each student must formally declare their choice of secondary field with a Mechanical Science and Engineering Undergraduate Programs Office advisor using a Secondary Field Options form. | 12 | |
| Biomechanics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| MCB 150 | Molec & Cellular Basis of Life | 4 |
| MCB 151 | Molec & Cellular Laboratory | 1 |
| TAM 461 | Cellular Biomechanics | 4 |
Approved Courses | ||
| ECE 473 | Fund of Engrg Acoustics | 3 or 4 |
| ECE 380 | Biomedical Imaging | 3 |
| ME 481 | Whole-Body Musculoskel Biomech | 3 or 4 |
| ME 482 | Musculoskel Tissue Mechanics | 3 or 4 |
| ME 483 | Mechanobiology | 4 |
| BIOP 401 | Introduction to Biophysics | 3 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Computational Mechanics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| CS 357 | Numerical Methods I | 3 |
| ME 471 | Finite Element Analysis | 3 or 4 |
Approved Courses | ||
| CS 450 | Numerical Analysis | 3 or 4 |
| ME 412 | Numerical Thermo-Fluid Mechs | 2 to 4 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| MATH 446 | Applied Complex Variables | 3-4 |
| or MATH 448 | Complex Variables | |
| Any 400 level MATH course, excluding MATH 415, MATH 441, and MATH 442 | 3 or 4 | |
Approved Courses | ||
| AE 353 | Aerospace Control Systems | 3 |
| AE 402 | Orbital Mechanics | 3 or 4 |
| CEE 491 | Decision and Risk Analysis | 3 or 4 |
| ECE 329 | Fields and Waves I | 3 |
| ECE 330 | Power Ckts & Electromechanics | 3 |
| ECE 473 | Fund of Engrg Acoustics | 3 or 4 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 3 or 4 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Experimental Mechanics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| TAM 456 | Experimental Stress Analysis | 3 |
| ECE 206 | Electrical and Electronic Circuits Lab | 1 |
Approved Courses | ||
| CS 357 | Numerical Methods I | 3 |
| ECE 473 | Fund of Engrg Acoustics | 3 or 4 |
| ME 360 | Signal Processing | 3.5 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 3 or 4 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Fluid Mechanics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| TAM 435 | Intermediate Fluid Mechanics | 4 |
| ME 410 | Intermediate Gas Dynamics | 3 or 4 |
Approved Courses | ||
| AE 412 | Viscous Flow & Heat Transfer | 4 |
| CEE 451 | Environmental Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| CEE 453 | Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics | 4 |
| ECE 473 | Fund of Engrg Acoustics | 3 or 4 |
| ME 412 | Numerical Thermo-Fluid Mechs | 2 to 4 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Mechanics of Materials | ||
Required Courses | ||
| TAM 424 | Mechanics of Structural Metals | 3 or 4 |
| TAM 428 | Mechanics of Composites | 3 |
Approved Courses | ||
| CEE 310 | Transportation Engineering | 3 |
| MSE 401 | Thermodynamics of Materials | 3 |
| MSE 455 | Macromolecular Solids | 3 |
| MSE 489 | Matl Select for Sustainability | 3 or 4 |
| NPRE 330 | Materials in Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Solid Mechanics | ||
Required Courses | ||
| TAM 424 | Mechanics of Structural Metals | 3 or 4 |
| TAM 451 | Intermediate Solid Mechanics | 4 |
Approved Courses | ||
| CEE 360 | Structural Engineering | 3 |
| CEE 460 | Steel Structures I | 3 |
| CEE 461 | Reinforced Concrete I | 3 |
| CS 357 | Numerical Methods I | 3 |
| ECE 473 | Fund of Engrg Acoustics | 3 or 4 |
| TAM 497 | Independent Study | 1 to 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional course work, subject to the Grainger College of Engineering restrictions to Free Electives, so that there are at least 128 credit hours earned toward the degree. | 11 | |
| Total Hours of Curriculum to Graduate | 128 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence. The curriculum sequence can also be viewed via dynamic and static curricular maps, which include prerequisite sequencing.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements. ME 470 and TAM 324 will each satisfy a core course requirement and the Campus General Education Advanced Composition requirement.
Free Electives: Additional course work, subject to the Grainger College of Engineering restrictions to Free Electives, so that there are at least 128 credit hours earned toward the degree.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| TAM 195 | 1 | CS 101 (CS 124 or ECE 220 may be substituted.) | 3 |
| MATH 221 (MATH 220 may be substituted) | 4 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| CHEM 102 | 3 | PHYS 211 | 4 |
| CHEM 103 | 1 | General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 |
| ENG 100 | 1 | ME 170 or Composition I course | 3-4 |
| Composition I course or ME 170 | 4-3 | ||
| Free elective course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| TAM 211 | 3 | TAM 212 | 3 |
| MATH 257 | 3 | MATH 241 | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | 3 | PHYS 212 | 4 |
| CHEM 105 | 1 | TAM 251 | 3 |
| TAM 270 | 3 | TAM 252 | 1 |
| ME 290 | 0 | ||
| General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| TAM 335 | 4 | TAM 324 | 4 |
| MATH 441 | 3 | TAM 412 | 4 |
| ME 200 | 3 | PHYS 213 | 2 |
| ECE 205 (ECE 110 and either ECE 210 or ECE 211 may be substituted) | 3 | PHYS 214 | 2 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) course | 4 | TAM 445 | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 442 | 3 | Secondary Field elective course or ME 470 | 3 |
| ME 470 (or Secondary Field elective course) | 3 | Secondary Field Eeective course | 3 |
| TAM 470 | 3 | Secondary Field elective course | 3 |
| Secondary Field elective course | 3 | General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 |
| General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course) | 3 | Free elective course | 4 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Hours 128 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Engineering Mechanics
Student learning outcomes are based on learning outcomes in line with the ABET accreditation process.
Engineering Mechanics graduates will have:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics
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