Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering's research projects are primarily funded by the National Science Foundation, governmental agencies, and the many industries located around Berkeley and the Silicon Valley. In this dynamic environment, our students find themselves inundated with job offers and exciting career opportunities throughout the United States and worldwide.
With the turn of the century, the field of mechanical engineering enters a particularly vital era. The "information age," born in the last century, has already affected every aspect of our discipline and, without a doubt, revolutionized the field of mechanical engineering.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, mechanical engineers designed and worked with large rotating machines. Today, our work spans all areas of energy production and transfer, as well as the vast area of system design and control. A survey of our faculty's research areas is a voyage through a world complex enough to include robotics, miniaturization, automated manufacturing, automated highway systems, biomaterials, computer mechanics, improved efficiency internal combustion engines, machine-learning-enhanced sustainable energy technologies, and the dynamics and control of both ground vehicles and aircraft.
Undergraduate Programs
Mechanical Engineering: BS, Minor
Materials Science and Engineering/Mechanical Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Mechanical Engineering/Nuclear Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Graduate Programs
Mechanical Engineering: MEng, MS, PhD
Courses
Mechanical Engineering
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.
Freshman Seminars: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This course introduces the scientific principles that deal with energy conversion among different forms, such as heat, work, internal, electrical, and chemical energy. The physical science of heat and temperature, and their relations to energy and work, are analyzed on the basis of the four fundamental thermodynamic laws (zeroth, first, second, and third). These principles are applied to various practical systems, including heat engines, refrigeration cycles, air conditioning, and chemical reacting systems.
Thermodynamics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: 2) to develop analytic ability in real-world engineering applications using thermodynamics principles.
The objectives of this course are:
1) to provide the fundamental background of thermodynamics principles, and
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A, ENGIN 7, MATH 52, and PHYSICS 7B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
A review of equilibrium for particles and rigid bodies. Application to truss structures. The concepts of deformation, strain, and stress. Equilibrium equations for a continuum. Elements of the theory of linear elasticity. The states of plane stress and plane strain. Solution of elementary elasticity problems (beam bending, torsion of circular bars). Euler buckling in elastic beams.
Introduction to Solid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mathematics 53 and 54 (may be taken concurrently); Physics 7A
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Mechanical Engineering C85/Civil and Environmental Engineering C30 after completing Mechanical Engineering W85. A deficient grade in Mechanical Engineering W85 may be removed by taking Mechanical Engineering C85/Civil and Environmental Engineering C30.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 2.5 hours of discussion per week
10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Armero, Papadopoulos, Zohdi, Johnson
Also listed as: CIV ENG C30
Terms offered: Summer 2021 8 Week Session, Summer 2020 8 Week Session, Summer 2019 8 Week Session
A review of equilibrium for particles and rigid bodies. Application to truss structures. The concepts of deformation, strain, and stress. Equilibrium equations for a continuum. Elements of the theory of linear elasticity. The states of plane stress and plane strain. Solution of elementary elasticity problems (beam bending, torsion of circular bars). Euler buckling in elastic beams.
Introduction to Solid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To learn statics and mechanics of materials
Student Learning Outcomes: -
Correctly draw free-body
-
Apply the equations of equilibrium to two and three-dimensional solids
-
Understand the concepts of stress and strain
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Ability to calculate deflections in engineered systems
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Solve simple boundary value problems in linear elastostatics (tension, torsion, beam bending)
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 53 and MATH 54 (may be taken concurrently); PHYSICS 7A
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG W85 after completing MEC ENG C85. A deficient grade in MEC ENG W85 may be removed by taking MEC ENG C85.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of web-based lecture and 1 hour of web-based discussion per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 7.5 hours of web-based lecture and 2.5 hours of web-based discussion per week
8 weeks - 6 hours of web-based lecture and 2 hours of web-based discussion per week
10 weeks - 4.5 hours of web-based lecture and 1.5 hours of web-based discussion per week
Online: This is an online course.
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Govindjee
Also listed as: CIV ENG W30
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Organized group study on various topics under the sponsorship and direction of a member of the Mechanical Engineering faculty.
Supervised Independent Group Studies: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of directed group study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Electronics and Electrical Engineering has become pervasive in our lives as a powerful technology with applications in a wide range of fields including healthcare, environmental monitoring, robotics, or entertainment. This course offers a broad survey of Electrical Engineering ideas to non-majors. In the laboratory students will learn in-depth how to design and build systems that exchange information with or are controlled from the cloud. Examples include solar harvesters, robots, and smart home devices. In the course project, the students will integrate what they have learned and build an Internet-of-Things application of their choice. The course has a mandatory lab fee.
Electronics for the Internet of Things: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Electronics has become a powerful and ubiquitous technology supporting solutions to a wide range of applications in fields ranging from science, engineering, healthcare, environmental monitoring, transportation, to entertainment. This course teaches students majoring in these and related subjects how to use electronic devices to solve problems in their areas of expertise. Through the lecture and laboratory, students gain insight into the possibilities and limitations of the technology and how to use electronics to help solve problems.
Students learn to use electronics to interact with the environment through sound, light, temperature, motion using sensors and actuators, and how to use electronic computation to orchestrate the interactions and exchange information wirelessly over the internet.
The course has two objectives: (a) to teach students how to build electronic circuits that interact with the environment through sensors and actuators and how to communicate wirelessly with the internet to cooperate with other devices and with humans, and (b) to offer a broad survey of modern Electrical Engineering including analog electronics: analysis of RLC circuits, filtering, diodes and rectifiers, op-amps, A2D and D2A converters; digital electronics: combinatorial and sequential logic, flip-flops, counters, memory; applications: communication systems, signal processing, computer architecture; basics of manufacturing of integrated circuits.
Student Learning Outcomes: an ability to communicate effectively
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 7, COMPSCI 10, COMPSCI 61A, COMPSCI C8, or equivalent background in computer programing; MATH 51 or equivalent background in calculus; PHYSICS 7A or equivalent background in physics
Credit Restrictions: Student will not receive credit for this course if they have taken EE49
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Poolla
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
Fundamentals of lean manufacturing systems including manufacturing fundamentals, unit operations and manufacturing line considerations for work in process (WIP), manufacturing lead time (MLT), economics, quality monitoring; high mix/low volume (HMLV) systems fundamentals including just in time (JIT), kanban, buffers and line balancing; class project/case studies for design and analysis of competitive manufacturing systems.
Introduction to Lean Manufacturing Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course will enable students to analyze manufacturing lines in order to understand the production process and improve production efficiency. The course provides practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in industry, covering the complete manufacturing system from production planning to quality control. Students are given a chance to practice and implement what they learn during lectures by conducting projects with local or global manufacturing companies.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will understand the whole scope of manufacturing systems from production planning to quality control, which can be helpful to set up manufacturing lines for various products. Students will be capable of identifying sources of manufacturing problems by analyzing the production line and produce multi-level solutions to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Completion of all lower division requirements for an engineering major, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 6 weeks - 7.5 hours of lecture and 3 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Dornfeld, McMains
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Introduction to design and realization of mechatronics systems. Micro computer architectures. Basic computer IO devices. Embedded microprocessor systems and control, IO programming such as analogue to digital converters, PWM, serial and parallel outputs. Electrical components such as power supplies, operational amplifiers, transformers and filters. Shielding and grounding. Design of electric, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. Design of sensors. Design of power transmission systems. Kinematics and dynamics of robotics devices. Basic feedback design to create robustness and performance.
Mechatronics Design: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce students to design and design techniques of mechatronics systems; provide guidelines to and experience with design of variety of sensors and actuators; design experience in programming microcomputers and various IO devices; exposure to and design experience in synthesis of mechanical power transfer components; understanding the role of dynamics and kinematics of robotic devices in design of mechatronics systems; exposure to and design experience in synthesis of feedback systems; provide experience in working in a team to design a prototype mechatronics device.
Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, students should: Know how to set up micro computers and interface them with various devices; know how to understand the microcomputers architectures, IO devices and be able to program them effectively; understand the design of actuators and sensors; know how to do shielding and grounding for various mechatronics projects, know how to create feedback systems, know the role of dynamics and kinematics of robotic devices in design and control of mechatronics systems; know how to design mechanical components such as transmissions, bearings, shafts, and fasteners.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 26, ENGIN 29; and EECS 16A or MEC ENG 100. Please note that junior transfer admits are exempt from ENGIN 26
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructors: Kazerooni, Stuart
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This course introduces students to modern experimental techniques for mechanical engineering, and improves students’ teamwork and communication skills. Students will work in a laboratory setting on systems ranging in complexity from desktop experiments with only a few instruments up to systems such as an internal combustion engine with a wide variety of sensors. State-of-the-art software for data acquisition and analysis will be introduced and used throughout the course. The role of error and uncertainty, and uncertainty propagation, in measurements and analysis will be examined. Design of experiments will be addressed through examples and homework. The role and limitations of spectral analysis of digital data will be discussed.
Experimentation and Measurements: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce students to modern experimental techniques for mechanical engineering; provide exposure to and experience with a variety of sensors, including those to measure temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration and strain; examine the role of error and uncertainty in measurements and analysis; exposure to and experience in using commercial software for data acquisition and analysis; discuss the role and limitations of spectral analysis of digital data; provide experience in working in a team in all aspects of the laboratory exercises, including set-up, data collection, analysis, technical report writing and oral presentation.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(d) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(e) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(f) an ability to communicate effectively
(g) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(h) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(i) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40; MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30; MEC ENG 100; MEC ENG 106 (can be taken concurrently), and MEC ENG 109 (can be taken concurrently)
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit for this course if they have taken both ME 102A and ME 107.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructors: Johnson, Makiharju, Chen
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Summer 2025 10 Week Session, Spring 2025
This course is an introduction to the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. The material, based on a Newtonian formulation of the governing equations, is illustrated with numerous examples ranging from one-dimensional motion of a single particle to planar motions of rigid bodies and systems of rigid bodies.
Engineering Mechanics II: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85, and one of ENGIN 7 or COMPSCI 61A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Ma, Casey, O'Reilly
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This course introduces the fundamentals and techniques of fluid mechanics with the aim of describing and controlling engineering flows.
Fluid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30 and MEC ENG 104 (104 may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
This course is an introduction to the field of robotics. It covers the fundamentals of kinematics, dynamics, control of robot manipulators, robotic vision, sensing, forward & inverse kinematics of serial chain manipulators, the manipulator Jacobian, force relations, dynamics, & control. We will present techniques for geometric motion planning & obstacle avoidance. Open problems in trajectory generation with dynamic constraints will also be discussed. The course also presents the use of the same analytical techniques as manipulation for the analysis of images & computer vision. Low level vision, structure from motion, & an introduction to vision & learning will be covered. The course concludes with current applications of robotics.
Introduction to Robotics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Familiarity with linear algebra at the level of EECS 16A/EECS 16B or MATH 54. Experience coding in python at the level of COMPSCI 61A. Preferred: experience developing software at the level of COMPSCI 61B and experience using Linux
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science C106A/Bioengineering C106A after completing EE C106A/BioE C125, Electrical Engineering 206A, or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 206A.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture, 2 hours of discussion, and 6 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Sastry
Also listed as: BIO ENG C106A/EECS C106A
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
The course is a sequel to EECS/BIOE/MEC106A/EECSC206A, which covers the mathematical fundamentals of robotics including kinematics, dynamics and control as well as an introduction to path planning, obstacle avoidance, and computer vision. This course will present several areas of robotics and active vision, at a deeper level and informed by current research. Concepts will include the review at an advanced level of robot control, the kinematics, dynamics and control of multi-fingered hands, grasping and manipulation of objects, mobile robots: including non-holonomic motion planning and control, path planning, Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM), and active vision. Additional research topics covered at the instructor's discretion.
Robotic Manipulation and Interaction: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: EECS C106A / BIO ENG C106A / MEC ENG C106A / EECS C206A or an equivalent course. A strong programming background, knowledge of Python and Matlab, and some coursework in feedback controls (such as EL ENG C128 / MEC ENG C134) are also useful. Students who have not taken the prerequisite course should have a strong programming background, knowledge of Python and Matlab, and exposure to linear algebra, Lagrangian dynamics, and feedback controls at the intermediate level. EECS C106A
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science C106B/Bioengineering C106B after completing Electrical Engineering C106B/Bioengineering C125B, Electrical Engineering 206B, or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 206B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Sastry
Also listed as: BIO ENG C106B/EECS C106B
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This course covers elastic and plastic deformation under static and dynamic loads. Failure by yielding, fracture, fatigue, wear, and environmental factors are also examined. Topics include engineering materials, heat treatment, structure-property relationships, elastic deformation and multiaxial loading, plastic deformation and yield criteria, dislocation plasticity and strengthening mechanisms, creep, stress concentration effects, fracture, fatigue, and contact deformation.
Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The central theme of this course is the mechanical behavior of engineering materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, subjected to different types of loading. The main objectives are to provide students with basic understanding of phase transformation by heat treating and stress-induced hardening, linear and nonlinear elastic behavior, deformation under multiaxial loading, plastic deformation and yield criteria, dislocation plasticity and strengthening mechanisms, creep, stress concentration effects, brittle versus ductile fracture, fracture mechanisms at different scales, fatigue, contact deformation, and wear.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Komvopoulos, Grace O'Connell
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This course covers transport processes of mass, momentum, and energy from a macroscopic view with emphasis both on understanding why matter behaves as it does and on developing practical problem solving skills. The course is divided into four parts: introduction, conduction, convection, and radiation.
Heat Transfer: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40 and MEC ENG 106
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Summer:
8 weeks - 5.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Summer 2025 10 Week Session, Spring 2025, Summer 2024 10 Week Session
The course provides project-based learning experience in innovative new product development, with a focus on mechanical engineering systems. Design concepts and techniques are introduced, and the student's design ability is developed in a design or feasibility study chosen to emphasize ingenuity and provide wide coverage of engineering topics. Relevant software will be integrated into studio sessions, including solid modeling and environmental life cycle analysis. Design optimization and social, economic, and political implications are included.
Introduction to Product Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Junior or higher standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
This course applies methods of statistical continuum mechanics to subcellar biomechanical phenomena ranging from nanoscale (molecular) to microscale (whole cell and cell population) biological processes at the interface of mechanics, biology, and chemistry.
Molecular Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Cell: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course, which is open to senior undergraduate students or graduate students in diverse disciplines ranging from engineering to biology to chemistry and physics, is aimed at exposing students to subcellular biomechanical phenomena spanning scales from molecules to the whole cell.
Student Learning Outcomes: The students will develop tools and skills to (1) understand and analyze subcelluar biomechanics and transport phenomena, and (2) ultimately apply these skills to novel biological and biomedical applications
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: BIO ENG 102; or MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30; or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Mofrad
Also listed as: BIO ENG C112
Molecular Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Cell: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2020
This course covers the basic design, materials selection, stress analysis and clinical case studies for load-bearing
medical devices. Implant applications include orthopedics, dentistry and cardiology reconstructive surgery. FDA
regulatory requirements and intellectual property issues are discussed. Case studies of medical devices
elucidating the trade-offs in structural function and clinical performance are presented. Ongoing challenges with
personalized implantable devised are addressed. This is a project-based course.
Structural Aspects of Biomaterials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 108, BIO ENG 102, MAT SCI 113 or equivalent
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Mechanical Engineering C117 after completing Mechanical Engineering C215/Bioengineering C222.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Pruitt
Also listed as: BIO ENG C117
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course introduces engineering students (juniors and seniors) to the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. The course has two components: (1) Formal lectures. Students receive a set of formal lectures introducing them to the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. The material covered includes nanofabrication technology (how one achieves the nanometer length scale, from "bottom up" to "top down" technologies), the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology and nanoscience (including areas of chemistry, material science, physics, and molecular biology), examples of nanoscience phenomena (the crossover from bulk to quantum mechanical properties), and applications (from integrated circuits, quantum computing, MEMS, and bioengineering). (2) Projects. Students are asked to read and present a variety of current journal papers to the class and lead a discussion on the various works.
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A and Physics 7B. Physics 7C and Engineering 45 (or the equivalent) recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Lin, Sohn
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Fundamentals of microelectromechanical systems including design, fabrication of microstructures; surface-micromachining, bulk-micromachining, LIGA, and other micro machining processes; fabrication principles of integrated circuit device and their applications for making MEMS devices; high-aspect-ratio microstructures; scaling issues in the micro scale (heat transfer, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics); device design, analysis, and mask layout.
Introduction to MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems): Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7B and MEC ENG 100
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Introduction to MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems): Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2016
This course applies the methods of computational modeling and continuum mechanics to biomedical phenomena spanning various length scales ranging from molecular to cellular to tissue and organ levels. The course is intended for upper level undergraduate students who have been exposed to undergraduate continuum mechanics (statics and strength of materials.)
Computational Biomechanics Across Multiple Scales: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Mofrad
Computational Biomechanics Across Multiple Scales: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2017
Fundamentals of manufacturing processes (metal forming, forging, metal cutting, welding, joining, and casting); selection of metals, plastics, and other materials relative to the design and choice of manufacturing processes; geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of all processes.
Processing of Materials in Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30 and MEC ENG 108
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2018
iACME provide opportunities for Mechanical Engineering undergraduates to tackle real-world engineering problems. Student teams, consisting of no more than four students, will apply to work on specific industry- initiated projects. Teams will be selected based on prior experience in research/internships, scholastic achievements in ME courses, and most importantly, proposed initial approaches toward tackling the specific project. ME faculty, alumni of the Mechanical Engineering Department, and industry participants will mentor selected teams. Projects fall within a wide range of mechanical engineering disciplines, e.g. biomedical, automotive/transportation, energy, design, etc.
Industry-Associated Capstones in Mechanical Engineering (iACME): Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to:
•
learn the fundamental concepts of approaching practical engineering problems;
•
enhance skills in communication with clients and other engineers;
•
enhance skills in design, prototyping, testing, and analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Senior standing and a minimum GPA of 3.0
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).
Instructors: O'Connell , Sohn
Industry-Associated Capstones in Mechanical Engineering (iACME): Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
This course will discuss concepts from the physical sciences and engineering (e.g. heat and mass transfer, phase transitions, fluid mechanics, etc.) that serve as a foundation for everyday cooking and haute cuisine. The course will integrate the expertise of visiting chefs from the Bay Area (and beyond) who will serve as guest lecturers and present their cooking techniques. These unique opportunities will be complemented by lectures that investigate in-depth the science and engineering that underlie these techniques.
The Science and Engineering of Cooking: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, CHEM 1A, or consent of instructor. MEC ENG 109 and MEC ENG 108 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 2 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Sohn
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Imagine a material that offers mechanical properties that are competitive with aluminum and steel but are at fractions of their weight – these materials are termed as composites. Composite materials are used for many applications such as aircraft structures, biomedical devices, racing car bodies, and many others for their capability to be stronger, lighter, and cheaper when compared to traditional materials. In this class, students will delve into the theory to design composite structures, processing techniques to manufacture them, and structural testing methods for validation. Starting from traditional fiber-reinforced composite materials, this course will also bring in new concepts such as nanocomposites and bioinspired composites.
Introduction to Composite Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course objectives are to train students to be able to design composite structures, select composite materials, conduct stress analyses of selected practical applications using laminated plate theories and appropriate strength criteria, and be familiar with the properties and response of composite structures subjected to mechanical loading under static and cyclic conditions.
Student Learning Outcomes: A knowledge of contemporary issues.
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to communicate effectively.
An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Students completing this course will have the facility for designing robust composite structures subjected to various types of loads. Students will also be able to assess the effects of long-term loading, including damage generation, delamination fracture and fatigue failure. Additionally, students will be exposed to how composites are used in various applications in aerospace, biomedical, sports, among other fields.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 127 after completing MEC ENG 127. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 127 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 127.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Gu
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Synthesis, analysis, and design of planar machines. Kinematic structure, graphical, analytical, and numerical analysis and synthesis. Linkages, cams, reciprocating engines, gear trains, and flywheels.
Design of Planar Machinery: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Youssefi
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
Physical understanding of automotive vehicle dynamics including simple lateral, longitudinal and ride quality models. An overview of active safety systems will be introduced including the basic concepts and terminology, the state-of-the-art development, and basic principles of systems such as ABS, traction control, dynamic stability control, and roll stability control. Passive, semi-active and active suspension systems will be analyzed. Concepts of autonomous vehicle technology including drive-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. Design of software control systems for an actual 1/10 scale race vehicle.
Vehicle Dynamics and Control: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: At the end of the course the students should be able to:
a.
Formulate simple but accurate dynamic models for automotive longitudinal, lateral and ride quality analysis.
b.
Assess the stability of dynamic systems using differential equation theory, apply frequency-response methods to assess system response to external disturbances, sensor noise and parameter variations.
c.
Have a basic understanding of modern automotive safety systems including ABS, traction control, dynamic stability control and roll control.
d.
Follow the literature on these subjects and perform independent design, research and development work in this field.
e.
Expected to design feedback control systems for an actual 1/010 scaled vehicle platform which will be distributed to every group of two students in the class
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 52, MATH 53, MATH 54, PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, ENGIN 7 (or alternate programming course), and MEC ENG 132
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Borrelli
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Summer 2025 10 Week Session, Fall 2024
Physical understanding of dynamics and feedback. Linear feedback control of dynamic systems. Mathematical tools for analysis and design. Stability. Modeling systems with differential equations. Linearization. Solution to linear, time-invariant differential equations.
Dynamic Systems and Feedback: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 53, MATH 54, PHYSICS 7A, and PHYSICS 7B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
An introduction to the theory of mechanical vibrations including topics of harmonic motion, resonance, transient and random excitation, applications of Fourier analysis and convolution methods. Multidegree of freedom discrete systems including principal mode, principal coordinates and Rayleigh's principle.
Mechanical Vibrations: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce basic aspects of vibrational analysis, considering both single and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Discuss the use of exact and approximate methods in the analysis of complex systems. Familiarize students with the use of MATLAB as directed toward vibration problems.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Upon completion of the course students shall be able to: Derive the equations of motion for vibratory systems. Linearize nonlinear systems so as to allow a linear vibrational analysis. Compute the natural frequency (or frequencies) of vibratory systems and determine the system's modal response. Determine the overall response based upon the initial conditions and/or steady forcing input. Design a passive vibration absorber to ameliorate vibrations in a forced system.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Analysis and synthesis of linear feedback control systems in transform and time domains. Control system design by root locus, frequency response, and state space methods. Applications to electro-mechanical and mechatronics systems.
Feedback Control Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: EECS 16A or MEC ENG 100; MEC ENG 132 or EL ENG 120
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Also listed as: EL ENG C128
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course provides preparation for the conceptual design and prototyping of mechanical systems that use microprocessors to control machine activities, acquire and analyze data, and interact with operators. The architecture of microprocessors is related to problems in mechanical systems through study of systems, including electro-mechanical components, thermal components and a variety of instruments. Laboratory exercises lead through studies of different levels of software.
Design of Microprocessor-Based Mechanical Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 7
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 4.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Kazerooni
Design of Microprocessor-Based Mechanical Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course introduces students to the dynamics and control of autonomous flight, with focus on uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs). The course will cover modeling and dynamics of aerial vehicles, and common control strategies.
Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce students to analysis, modeling, and control of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Student Learning Outcomes: - ability to reason about the dominant effects acting on uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV)
- explain and derive dynamic relationships governing UAV flight
- explain different sensors available on a UAV
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104 is recommended. Corequisite: MEC ENG 132
Credit Restrictions: Student will not receive credit for this course if they have taken Mechanical Engineering 236U.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Mueller
Terms offered: Fall 2022
This course complements ME136, Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight. The aim is to provide hardware experiments corresponding to the theory section of ME136. Students will work in teams.
Hardware Laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: •
Evaluating data from real experiments, with corresponding issues.
•
Experimental flight hardware.
•
Real noisy sensors.
• Embedded programming and constraints following there from
Student Learning Outcomes: data evaluation
non-idealities in real sensors and actuators
programming embedded computers
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MECENG 136 (corequisite)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 136HL after completing MEC ENG 136SL.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Mueller
Hardware Laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024
This course complements MEC ENG 136, Introduction to Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The aim is to provide (virtual) laboratory experiments corresponding to the theory provided in MEC ENG 136. Students may work alone or in teams.
Software Laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: embedded programming and constraints following therefrom
evaluating data from experiments with corresponding issues
real (i.e., noisy) sensors
simulated flight harware
Student Learning Outcomes: evaluate experimental data
explain the utility of simulations and hardware experiments for development
program an embedded flight controller
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 136 (co-requisite)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 136SL after completing MEC ENG 136HL.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Mueller
Software Laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2015, Spring 2013
This hands-on laboratory course focuses on the mechanical engineering principles that underlie the design, fabricaton, and operation of micro/nanoscale mechanical systems, including devices made by nanowire/nanotube syntheses; photolithography/soft lithography; and molding processes. Each laboratory will have different focuses for basic understanding of MEMS/NEMS systems from prototype constructions to experimental testings using mechanical, electrical, or optical techniques.
Introduction to Micro/Nano Mechanical Systems Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7B and MEC ENG 106; EECS 16A or MEC ENG 100. MEC ENG 118 or MEC ENG 119 are highly recommended but not mandatory
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Mechanical Engineering 238 after taking Mechanical Engineering 138.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Introduction to Micro/Nano Mechanical Systems Laboratory: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course provides students with a basic understanding of robotic locomotion and the use of kinematics, dynamics, control algorithms, embedded microcomputers and mechanical components in designing artificial legs such as prosthetics, orthotics and exoskeletons.
Robotic Locomotion: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Conduct various analyses on the legs’ performance, propose and study practical applications
such as orthotics and prosthetics in medical field, back support, knee support and shoulder support
exoskeletons in industrial field and recreational exoskeletons.
The course objectives are to train students to be able to design artificial legs, select and design components of
the robotic legs.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such
as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic,
environmental, and societal context.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: A preliminary course in the design and control of mechanical systems
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 139 after completing MEC ENG 239. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 139 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 239.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Kazerooni
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Fundamentals of combustion, flame structure, flame speed, flammability, ignition, stirred reaction, kinetics and nonequilibrium processes, pollutant formation. Application to engines, energy production and fire safety.
Combustion Processes: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106, and MEC ENG 109 (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Fernandez-Pello, Chen
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2018, Spring 2018
This course covers the fundamental principles of energy conversion processes, followed by development of theoretical and computational tools that can be used to analyze energy conversion processes. The course also introduces the use of modern computational methods to model energy conversion performance characteristics of devices and systems. Performance features, sources of inefficiencies, and optimal design strategies are explored for a variety of applications, which may include conventional combustion based and Rankine power systems, energy systems for space applications, solar, wind, wave, thermoelectric, and geothermal energy systems.
Energy Conversion Principles: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106, and MEC ENG 109 (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Carey
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024
This course teaches students modern modeling and simulation methods that are geared towards the analysis and optimization of advanced manufacturing processes, in a systematic and scientific manner, with special emphasis on physical modeling, simulation and machine-learning. Examples are motivated by real-world phenomena that students are likely to encounter in their careers, involving a number of topics in advanced manufacturing, including dynamics, controls, structural analysis, materials engineering, robotics, heat-transfer, etc. There are several major applications, which are selected for their current societal and industrial relevance.
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To enable students to model and simulate modern advanced manufacturing processes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Zohdi
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Summer 2015 10 Week Session, Summer 2014 10 Week Session, Spring 2014
This course addresses all aspects of design, analysis, construction and economics of solar-powered vehicles. It begins with an examination of the fundamentals of photovoltaic solar power generation, and the capabilities and limitations that exist when using this form of renewable energy. The efficiency of energy conversion and storage will be evaluated across an entire system, from the solar energy that is available to the mechanical power that is ultimately produced. The structural and dynamic stability, as well as the aerodynamics, of vehicles will be studied. Safety and economic concerns will also be considered. Students will work in teams to design, build and test a functioning single-person vehicle capable of street use.
Solar-Powered Vehicles: Analysis, Design and Fabrication: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course provides a structured environment within which students can participate in a substantial engineering project from start to finish. It provides the opportunity for students to engage deeply in the analysis, design and construction of a functioning vehicle powered by a renewable source. Through participation in this course, students should strengthen their understanding of how their engineering education can be used to address the multidisciplinary problems with creativity, imagination, confidence and responsibility. Students will recognize the importance of effective communication in effectively addressing such problems.
Student Learning Outcomes: This course will strengthen students’ abilities: to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to real projects; to design a component or process that is part of a larger system; to function on multi-disciplinary teams; to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; to communicate effectively; to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a context beyond the classroom; to appreciate the importance of engaging in life-long learning and understanding contemporary issues; and to recognize and use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for successful project completion.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 54, PHYSICS 7A, and upper division status in engineering
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 4.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Solar-Powered Vehicles: Analysis, Design and Fabrication: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2008
Basic principles of heat transfer and their application. Subject areas include steady-state and transient system analyses for conduction, free and forced convection, boiling, condensation and thermal radiation.
Advanced Heat Transfer: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106, and MEC ENG 109 (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Fundamentals of conductive heat transfer. Analytical and numerical methods for heat conduction in rigid media. Fundamentals of radiative transfer. Radiative properties of solids, liquids and gas media. Radiative transport modeling in enclosures and participating media.
Conductive and Radiative Transport: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course will provide students with knowledge of the physics of conductive transport in solids, the analysis of steady and transient heat conduction by both analytical and numerical methods and the treatment of phase change problems. Furthermore, the course will provide students with knowledge of radiative properties, the mechanisms of radiative transfer and will present theory and methods of solution of radiative transfer problems in participating and nonparticipating media.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain knowledge of the mechanisms of conductive transfer and will develop the ability to quantify steady and transient temperature in important engineering problems often encountered (e.g. manufacturing, materials processing, bio-thermal treatment and electronics cooling) by applying analytical methods and by constructing numerical algorithms. Students will also gain knowledge of the fundamental radiative properties and the mechanisms of radiative transport in enclosures, absorbing, emitting and scattering media as well as the interaction of thermal radiation with other modes of heat transfer.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in engineering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106, and MEC ENG 109). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Credit Restrictions: Students who have taken ME 151 or ME 250A will not receive credit.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Grigoropoulos
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2020
The transport of heat and mass in fluids in motion; free and forced convection in laminar and turbulent flow over surfaces and within ducts. Fundamentals of computational methods used for solving the governing transport equations will also be covered.
Convective Transport and Computational Methods: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course will provide students with knowledge of the physics of convective transport and an introduction to computational tools that can model convective processes in important applications such as electronics cooling, aerospace thermal management. The course also teaches students to construct computational models of natural and forced convection processes in boundary layers nears surfaces, in enclosures and in ducts or pipes that can be used to design heat exchangers and thermal management equipment for applications.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Students will gain a knowledge of the mechanisms of convective heat and mass transfer for flow over surfaces and within ducts, and will develop the ability to construct computer programs that implement computation methods that predict the flow and temperature fields and heat transfer performance for convective flows of interest in engineering applications.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in engineering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106, and MEC ENG 109). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Credit Restrictions: Students should not receive credit for this course if they have taken ME 252 or ME 250B.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Carey
Convective Transport and Computational Methods: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Fundamentals of electromagnetic theory, principles of optics, waves, diffraction theory, interference, geometrical optics, scattering, theory of molecular spectra, optical and spectroscopic instrumentation. Lasers and laser materials processing, laser spectroscopy. Modern optics, plasmonics.
Applied Optics and Radiation: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course will provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles of optics to analyze optical phenomena and develop the background and skills to design optical instrumentation applied to engineering fields, including additive manufacturing, radiometry and spectroscopy.
Student Learning Outcomes: ABET Outcomes
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Students will gain knowledge of the EM theory, optical properties of materials, principles of spectroscopy for gases, liquids and solids, principles and applications of lasers and optical diagnostics. Students will develop the ability to design optical instrumentation systems in the context of key industrial applications, including additive manufacturing, materials processing, bio-optics, semiconductor industry applications, reacting systems, forensics.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in physics (e.g. 7A,B,C). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Grigoropoulos
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Development of classical thermodynamics from statistical treatment of microscale molecular behavior; Boltzmann distribution; partition functions; statistical-mechanical evaluation of thermodynamic properties; equilibrium; chemical equilibrium; phase transitions; molecular collisions; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; collision theory; elementary kinetic theory; molecular dynamics simulation of molecular collisions; kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of gas-phase and gas-surface reactions. Implications are explored for a variety of applications, which may include advanced combustion systems, renewable power systems, microscale transport in high heat flux electronics cooling, aerospace thermal management, and advanced materials processing.
Thermophysics for Applications: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To introduce students to the statistical foundation of thermodynamics and provide skills to perform advanced calculations for analysis of advanced energy conversion processes and devices.
Student Learning Outcomes: a knowledge of contemporary issues
an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
an ability to communicate effectively
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40
Credit Restrictions: Student will not receive credit for this course if they have taken ME 254.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Frenklach, Carey
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Lectures on new developments in ocean, offshore, and arctic engineering.
Ocean Engineering Seminar: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide exposure of the field of ocean engineering, arctic engineering and related subject areas to students with the intention to show the broad and interdisciplinary nature of this field, particularly recent or new developments.
Student Learning Outcomes: (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
Students will learn of new developments in ocean, offshore, and arctic engineering, connecting much of what is learned in other courses to practical applications and active research topics.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Alternative to final exam.
Instructors: Makiharju, Alam
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course introduces flight mechanics and a wide range of analysis and design techniques of relevance to the flight and performance characteristics of aerospace vehicles. The course consists of 6 major modules with the following topics: introduction, flow types, lift and drag, aircraft performance, stability and control, and, prominently, space flight. The entire course is enriched with numerous practical examples from real life that help to understand the practical use of the subject matter.
Introduction to Flight Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course intends to introduce undergraduate engineering majors with an interest in aerospace engineering to analysis and design techniques of relevance to the flight and performance characteristics of aerospace vehicles in a self-contained manner and in anticipation of the engineering science coursework in the upper division. Simultaneously, the course intends to make tangible connections between the theory and relevant practical examples in aerospace engineering by means of the discussion of research facilities at NASA Ames (wind-tunnels and simulators), X-planes, relevant airliner accidents, launch and re-entry telemetry data, etc.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
•
Calculate lift and drag of a 2D airfoil and a 3D wing in subsonic and supersonic speed regimes
•
Calculate thrust and power required for level flight
•
Compute the range and endurance of propeller-driven as well as jet-powered aircraft
•
Compute the necessary runway length for takeoff and landing
•
Analyze aircraft trim conditions
•
Assess longitudinal balance and static stability of an aircraft
•
Find orbit parameters from the orbital geometry
•
Design a Hohmann orbit transfer and compute the total DV
•
Calculate peak deceleration and speed at touchdown in a re-entry path for ballistic as well as gliding flight.
•
Describe and discuss various design methodologies and their trade-offs.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 52; PHYSICS 7A; and MEC ENG 106 (may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Lombaerts, Papadopoulos
Also listed as: AERO ENG C162
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2022
Introduction to the lift, drag, and moment of two-dimensional airfoils, three-dimensional wings, and the complete airplane. Calculations of the performance and stability of airplanes in subsonic flight. The course run on two loosely aligned parallel tracks: a traditional sequence of lectures covering the basic topics in aerodynamics and a set of projects on vortex dynamics and aerodynamics that are loosely aligned with lectures. The distinguishing factor will be the extend of the projects assigned to the graduate level participants, which will be substantially more involved than those expected from the senior level participants.
Engineering Aerodynamics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 40, MEC ENG 106
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Savas
Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2009
Terminology and definition of hull forms, conditions of static equilibrium and stability of floating submerged bodies. Effects of damage on stability. Structural loads and response. Box girder theory. Isotropic and orthotropic plate bending and bucking.
Marine Statics and Structures: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Civil and Environmental Engineering 130 or 130N or consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 164 after taking C164/Ocean Engineering C164; 2 units after taking 151.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Mansour
Formerly known as: C164
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2020
Ocean environment. Physical properties and characteristics of the oceans. Global conservation laws. Surface-waves generation. Gravity-wave mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics. Design consideration of ocean vehicles and systems. Model-testing techniques. Prediction of resistance and response in waves--physical modeling and computer models.
Ocean-Environment Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 106 or CIV ENG 100
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 165 after taking C165/Ocean Engineering C165.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Yeung
Formerly known as: C165
Terms offered: Fall 2024
This course introduces the theory of compressible flows (gases) and the mathematics representation of different flow regimes. Students will learn about the governing equations of general compressible flows and special cases such as inviscid and irrotational flows. The course will cover the following topics: 1D-flow, converging-diverging nozzle, normal and oblique shock definitions and practical examples for aerospace applications, Mach waves, wave equation, shock tube, transonic flow, supersonic flow, method of characteristics, and an introduction to hypersonic flows. Practical examples of aerospace applications such as turbomachinery flows, flow past an airfoil and a 3D wing will be included.
Introduction to Compressible Flow: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course intends to introduce undergraduate engineering majors with an interest in aerospace engineering to the theory and concepts of compressible flow regimes, their definitions, governing equations, and techniques to evaluate flow characteristics using a variety of real-world aerospace use cases including both internal and external flows.
Student Learning Outcomes: • Be able to explain various terms in the governing equations of compressible flows and describe assumptions and derive equations for special flow types such as inviscid flows, quasi 1D flows, and irrotational flows.
• Define compressible flow and be able to provide a quantitative estimation of a flow to be compressible.
• Explain the flow behavior and characteristics in subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flow regimes.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104, MEC ENG 163
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for AERO ENG C166 after completing MEC ENG 166. A deficient grade in AERO ENG C166 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 166, or MEC ENG 166.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Papadopoulos, Gollner, Marcus, Savas
Also listed as: AERO ENG C166
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Phenomena of physical, technological, and biological significance in flows of gases and liquids at the microscale. The course begins with familiar equations of Newtonian fluid mechanics, then proceeds to the study of essentially 1-D flows in confined geometries with the lubrication equations. Next is a study of the flow of thin films spreading under gravity or surface tension gradients. Lubrication theory of compressible gases leads to consideration of air bearings. Two- and 3-D flows are treated with Stokes' equations. Less familiar physical phenomena of significance and utility at the microscale are then considered: intermolecular forces in liquids, slip, diffusion and bubbles as active agents. A review of relevant aspects of electricity and magnetism precedes a study of electrowetting and electrokinetically driven liquid flows.
Microscale Fluid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 40, 106, 109, (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently) Physics 7B or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Morris, Szeri
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course covers major aspects of offshore engineering including ocean environment, loads on offshore structures, cables and mooring, underwater acoustics and arctic operations.
Mechanics of Offshore Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide a basic to intermediate level of treatment of engineering systems that operate in coastal, offshore, and arctic environment. Students will acquire an understanding of the unique and essential character of the marine fields and the analysis tools to handle the engineering aspects of them.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30 and MEC ENG 106; MEC ENG 165 is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Alam
Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
This course builds upon material learned in 104, examining the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies moving in three dimensions. Topics include non-fixed axis rotations of rigid bodies, Euler angles and parameters, kinematics of rigid bodies, and the Newton-Euler equations of motion for rigid bodies. The course material will be illustrated with real-world examples such as gyroscopes, spinning tops, vehicles, and satellites. Applications of the material range from vehicle navigation to celestial mechanics, numerical simulations, and animations.
Engineering Mechanics III: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104 or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: O'Reilly, Casey
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2022
This course presents an introduction to the global problem of wildland fires with an overview of the social, political and environmental issues posed as well as detailed coverage of the science, technology and applications used to predict, prevent and suppress wildland fires. Some specific topics covered will include fire spread theory, risk mapping, research instrumentation, suppression, ignition sources, relevant codes and standards, remote sensing, smoke management, and extreme fire behavior. Engineering analyses in many of these areas, as well as specific coverage of fire protection design in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) will also be covered.
Wildland Fires: Science and Applications: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course objectives are to provide students with the knowledge necessary to work within the highly interdisciplinary field of wildland fire, including a broad understanding of the social, ecological, and economic factors influencing wildland fire, a firm understanding of the underlying mechanisms affecting wildland fire processes, and an ability to apply the tools necessary to predict the spread rate and intensity of wildland fires and assess protection of WUI communities.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 109 or equivalent course in heat transfer (may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Michael Gollner
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2013, Spring 2011
Plane and spherical sound waves. Sound intensity. Propagation in tubes and horns. Resonators. Standing waves. Radiation from oscillating surface. Reciprocity. Reverberation and diffusion. Electro-acoustic loud speaker and microphone problems. Environmental and architectural acoustics. Noise measurement and control. Effects on man.
Fundamentals of Acoustics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Johnson
Terms offered: Spring 2021
Oscillations in nonlinear systems having one or two degrees of freedom. Graphical, iteration, perturbation, and asymptotic methods. Self-excited oscillations and limit cycles. Random variables and random processes. Analysis of linear and nonlinear, discrete and continuous, mechanical systems under stationary and non-stationary excitations.
Nonlinear and Random Vibrations: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To give a compact, consistent, and reasonably connected account of the theory of nonlinear vibrations and uncertainty analysis. Applications will be mentioned whenever feasible. A secondary purpose is to survey some topics of contemporary research.
Student Learning Outcomes: Acquired necessary knowledge and scientific maturity to apply methods of nonlinear and uncertainty analysis in engineering design and optimization.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. A knowledge of contemporary issues. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
This course provides valuable training in the modeling and analysis of mechanical engineering systems using nonlinear and uncertainty analysis. It also serves to reinforce and emphasize the connection between fundamental engineering science and practical problem solving.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Ma
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course introduces and investigates Lagrange's equations of motion for particles and rigid bodies. The subject matter is particularly relevant to applications comprised of interconnected and constrained discrete mechanical components. The material is illustrated with numerous examples. These range from one-dimensional motion of a single particle to three-dimensional motions of rigid bodies and systems of rigid bodies.
Intermediate Dynamics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce students to the notion of exploiting differential geometry to gain insight into the dynamics of a mechanical system. Familiarize the student with classifications and applications of generalized forces and kinematical constraints. Enable the student to establish Lagrange's equations of motion for a single particle, a system of particles and a single rigid body. Establish equivalence of equations of motion using the Lagrange and Newton-Euler approaches. Discuss the developments of analytical mechanics drawing from applications in navigation, vehicle dynamics, toys, gyroscopes, celestial mechanics, satellite dynamics and computer animation.
Student Learning Outcomes: This course provides valuable training in the modeling and analysis of mechanical engineering systems using systems of particles and/or rigid bodies. It also serves to reinforce and emphasize the connection between fundamental engineering science and practical problem-solving.
a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 104
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 175 after completing MEC ENG 271.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: O'Reilly, Casey
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Statics, dynamics, optimization theory, composite beam theory, beam-on-elastic foundation theory, Hertz contact theory, and materials behavior. Forces and moments acting on human joints; composition and mechanical behavior of orthopedic biomaterials; design/analysis of artificial joint, spine, and fracture fixation prostheses; musculoskeletal tissues including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and muscle; osteoporosis and fracture-risk predication of bones; and bone adaptation. MATLAB-based project to integrate the course material.
Orthopedic Biomechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG C85 / CIV ENG C30 or BIO ENG 102 (concurrent enrollment OK). Proficiency in MatLab or equivalent. Prior knowledge of biology or anatomy is not assumed
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Keaveny
Also listed as: BIO ENG C119
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
The course provides project-based learning experience in understanding product design, with a focus on the human body as a mechanical machine. Students will learn the design of external devices used to aid or protect the body. Topics will include forces acting on internal materials (e.g., muscles and total replacement devices), forces acting on external materials (e.g., prothetics and crash pads), design/analysis of devices aimed to improve or fix the human body, muscle adaptation, and soft tissue injury. Weekly laboratory projects will incorporate EMG sensing, force plate analysis, and interpretation of data collection (e.g., MATLAB analysis) to integrate course material to better understand contemporary design/analysis/problems.
Designing for the Human Body: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is twofold:
•
to learn the fundamental concepts of designing devices to interact with the human body;
•
to enhance skills in mechanical engineering and bioengineering by analyzing the behavior of various complex biomedical problems;
•
To explore the transition of a device or discovery as it goes from “benchtop to bedside”.
Student Learning Outcomes: RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Working knowledge of design considerations for creating a device to protect or aid the human body, force transfer and distribution, data analysis, and FDA approval process for new devices. Understanding of basic concepts in orthopaedic biomechanics and the ability to apply the appropriate engineering concepts to solve realistic biomechanical problems, knowing clearly the assumptions involved. Critical analysis of current literature and technology.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, MATH 51, and MATH 52; and proficiency in MatLab or equivalent. Prior knowledge of biology or anatomy is not assumed
Credit Restrictions: There will be no credit given for MEC ENG C178 / BIO ENG C137 after taking MEC ENG 178.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: O'Connell
Formerly known as: Mechanical Engineering 178
Also listed as: BIO ENG C137
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
This course provides hands-on experience in designing prostheses and assistive technologies using user-centered design. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the state-of-the-art, design processes and product realization. Teams will prototype a novel solution to a disabilities-related challenge, focusing on upper-limb mobility or dexterity. Lessons will cover biomechanics of human manipulation, tactile sensing and haptics, actuation and mechanism robustness, and control interfaces. Readings will be selected from texts and academic journals available through the UCB online library system and course notes. Guest speakers will be invited to address cutting edge breakthroughs relevant to assistive technology and design.
Augmenting Human Dexterity: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course objectives are to:
- Learn the fundamental principles of biomechanics, dexterous manipulation, and electromechanical systems relevant for non-invasive, cutting-edge assistive device and prosthesis design.
- Enhance skill in the areas of human-centered design, teamwork and communication through the practice of conducting labs and a project throughout the semester.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
(g) an ability to communicate effectively
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 132 or equivalent. Proficiency with Matlab or equivalent programming language
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 179 after completing MEC ENG 270.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Stuart
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This is an introductory course on the finite element method and is intended for seniors in engineering and applied science disciplines. The course covers the basic topics of finite element technology, including domain discretization, polynomial interpolation, application of boundary conditions, assembly of global arrays, and solution of the resulting algebraic systems. Finite element formulations for several important field equations are introduced using both direct and integral approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on computer simulation and analysis of realistic engineering problems from solid and fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and electromagnetism. The course uses FEMLAB, a multiphysics MATLAB-based finite element program that possesses a wide array of modeling capabilities and is ideally suited for instruction. Assignments will involve both paper- and computer-based exercises. Computer-based assignments will emphasize the practical aspects of finite element model construction and analysis.
Engineering Analysis Using the Finite Element Method: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Engineering 7 or 77 or Computer Science 61A; Mathematics 53 and 54; senior status in engineering or applied science
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Also listed as: CIV ENG C133
Engineering Analysis Using the Finite Element Method: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025
This course introduces engineering students to the analysis and design of load-bearing components of flight structures, ranging from subsonic aircraft to rockets. Emphasis is placed on the quasi-static and dynamic analysis of structural components which are prevalent in aerospace engineering. Attention is also devoted to a comprehensive design roadmap of flight vehicle structures from the full system- to the individual component-level
Flight Vehicle Structures and Aeroelasticity: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: 1. Familiarize students with the different load-bearing components and loads encountered in flight vehicles.
2. Sharpen the students’ skills in the statics and dynamics of thin-walled structures.
3. Enhance the students’ aerospace engineering design skills by leveraging the use of the finite element method as a tool for both global and local analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes: Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(g) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: CIV ENG C30 / MEC ENG C85, and MEC ENG 104 or CIV ENG 126
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Papadopoulos
Formerly known as: Mechanical Engineering 184
Also listed as: AERO ENG C184/CIV ENG C138
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course is a general introduction to the fundamental concepts of the mechanics of continuous media. Topics covered include the kinematics of deformation, the concept of stress, and the conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy. This is followed by an introduction to constitutive theory with applications to well-established models for viscous fluids and elastic solids. The concepts are illustrated through the solution of tractable initial-boundary-value problems. This course presents foundation-level coverage of theory underlying a number of sub-fields, including Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.
Introduction to Continuum Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Students will gain a deep understanding of the concepts and methods underlying modern continuum mechanics. The course is designed to equip students with the background needed to pursue advanced work in allied fields.
Student Learning Outcomes: ABET Outcomes:
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
(g) an ability to communicate effectively,
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning,
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, MATH 53, and MATH 54; some prior exposure to the elementary mechanics of solids and fluids
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit if they have taken ME 287.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Casey, Johnson, Papadopoulos, Steigmann
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2015, Spring 2014
After a review of basic loopshaping, we introduce the loopshaping design methodology of McFarlane and Glover, and learn how to use it effectively. The remainder of the course studies the mathematics underlying the new method (one of the most prevalent advanced techniques used in industry) justifying its validity.
Practical Control System Design: A Systematic Loopshaping Approach: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 132, MEC ENG C134/EL ENG C128, or similar introductory experience regarding feedback control systems
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Packard
Practical Control System Design: A Systematic Loopshaping Approach: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2015, Fall 2009
Basics on optimization and polyhedra manipulation. Analysis and design of constrained predictive controllers for linear and nonlinear systems.
Model Predictive Control: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 132
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructor: Borrelli
Terms offered: Spring 2013, Spring 2010, Spring 2009
The Youla-parametrization of all stabilizing controllers allows certain time-domain and frequency-domain closed-loop design objectives to be cast as convex optimizations, and solved reliably using off-the-shelf numerical optimization codes. This course covers the Youla parametrization, basic elements of convex optimization, and finally control design using these techniques.
Practical Control System Design: A Systematic Optimization Approach: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 132, MEC ENG C134/EL ENG C128, or similar introductory experience regarding feedback control systems
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Packard
Practical Control System Design: A Systematic Optimization Approach: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2022
This course is designed to enhance students' written and oral communication skills. Written work consists of informal documents--correspondence, internal reports, and reviews--and formal work--proposals, conference papers, journal articles, and websites. Presentations consist of informal and formal reports, including job and media interviews, phone interviews, conference calls, video conferences, progress reports, sales pitches, and feasibility studies.
Professional Communication: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Reading and Composition parts A and B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 8 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 5.5 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2017
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in biomechanical engineering. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Biomechanical Engineering: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Course objectives will vary.
Student Learning Outcomes: Student outcomes will vary.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2023, Fall 2020
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in controls. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Controls: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2018, Fall 2016
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in design. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Design: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in dynamics. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Dynamics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in energy science and technology. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Energy Science and Technology: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Special Topics in Energy Science and Technology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in fluids. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Fluids: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Spring 2025
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in manufacturing. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary by course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary by course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Spring 2020
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in materials. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in mechanics. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in MEMS/nano. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in MEMS/Nano: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary with course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 193 series covers current topics of research interest in ocean engineering. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Special Topics in Ocean Engineering: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Will vary by course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Will vary by course.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Summer 2025 8 Week Session, Summer 2025 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2025 Second 6 Week Session
Final report required. Students who have completed a satisfactory number of advanced courses may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the faculty. A maximum of three units of H194 may be used to fulfill technical elective requirements in the Mechanical Engineering program (unlike 198 or 199, which do not satisfy technical elective requirements). Students can use a maximum of three units of graded research units (H194 or 196) towards their technical elective requirement.
Honors Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 3.3 cumulative GPA or higher, consent of instructor and adviser, and senior standing
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 4-8 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Summer 2025 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Spring 2024
Students who have completed a satisfactory number of advanced courses may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff. A maximum of three units of 196 may be used to fulfill technical elective requirements in the Mechanical Engineering program (unlike 198 or 199, which do not satisfy technical elective requirements). Students can use a maximum of three units of graded research units (H194 or 196) towards their technical elective requirement. Final report required.
Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and adviser; junior or senior standing
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 5-10 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 4-8 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2015, Summer 2015 10 Week Session
Supervised experience relative to specific aspects of practice in engineering. Under guidance of a faculty member, the student will work in industry, primarily in an internship setting or another type of short-time status. Emphasis is to attain practical experience in the field.
Undergraduate Engineering Field Studies: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes: (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-12 hours of internship per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 8-30 hours of internship per week
10 weeks - 5-18 hours of internship per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Group study of a selected topic or topics in Mechanical Engineering. Credit for 198 or 199 courses combined may not exceed 4 units in any single term. See College for other restrictions.
Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and good academic standing
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of directed group study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Summer 2025 8 Week Session, Spring 2025
Supervised independent study. Enrollment restrictions apply; see the introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.
Supervised Independent Study: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and major adviser
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
This required course for the Designated Emphasis in Development Engineering will include projects and case studies, many related to projects at UC Berkeley, such as those associated with the Development Impact Labs (DIL). Student teams will work with preliminary data to define the problem. They will then collect and analyze interview and survey data from potential users and begin to design a solution. Students will explore how to use novel monitoring technologies and “big data” for product improvement and evaluation. The student teams will use the case studies (with improvements based on user feedback and data analysis) to develop a plan for scaling and evaluation with a rigorous controlled trial.
Design, Evaluate, and Scale Development Technologies: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Students will use multiple qualitative and quantitative methods to learn about user needs, to come up with new concepts and solutions, and to understand how new products and services achieve or fail to achieve their goals in a development setting.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to apply the skills to current challenges in development engineering
Students will develop a set of skills that will allow them to flourish in a climate of complex problem solving and design challenges in development engineering
Students will learn how to learn from users using qualitative and quantitative tools including surveys, interviews, new monitoring technologies, statistical analyses and experimental designs
Students will learn to participate in and lead innovation and creativity in collaborative settings
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Agogino, Levine
Also listed as: DEV ENG C200
Design, Evaluate, and Scale Development Technologies: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This course provides the student with a modern introduction to the basic industrial practices, modeling techniques, theoretical background, and computational methods to treat classical and cutting edge manufacturing processes in a coherent and self-consistent manner.
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: An introduction to modeling and simulation of modern manufacturing processes.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in strength of materials or 122
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zohdi
Also listed as: MAT SCI C286/NUC ENG C226
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2012
The course is self-contained and is designed in an interdisciplinary manner for graduate students in engineering, materials science, physics, and applied mathematics who are interested in methods to accelerate the laboratory analysis and design of new materials. Examples draw primarily from various mechanical, thermal, diffusive, and electromagnetic applications.
Computational Design of Multifunctional/Multiphysical Composite Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree in the applied sciences or engineering
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zohdi
Also listed as: MAT SCI C287
Computational Design of Multifunctional/Multiphysical Composite Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2019
This course surveys sub-micrometer pattern-transfer techniques and methods for handling materials with one or more sub-micrometer dimensions. The optical and mechanical principles underlying a spectrum of candidate lithography techniques are introduced, and extensive examples of industrial applications are discussed. Class material also covers techniques for assembling structures from zero-, one- and two-dimensional materials including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, and single- and few-atomic-layer sheets of van der Waals solids such as graphene and molybdenite.
Nanoscale Processing of Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The objectives of the course are to:
•
Make students aware of current capabilities and innovations in sub-micrometer lithography and in the handling of nanoscale materials;
•
Equip students to select an appropriate lithography or processing technique for a given application from among multiple alternatives;
•
Provide students with an understanding of the transformations of material that occur in sub-micrometer lithography techniques, such that they can understand why certain processing routes might be preferable to others for particular applications.
Student Learning Outcomes: •
Articulate the key requirements (i.e. resolution, maximum defect density, and multi-layer alignment precision) of micro- and nano-patterning processes to be used in a range of applications, such as semiconductors, hard disk-drives, large-area photovoltaics, and biomedical microdevices.
•
Identify which of a set of available micro-/nano-patterning processes (e.g. extreme-UV lithography, directed self-assembly, multiple e-beam lithography, and imprint lithography) are suitable for a given patterning application.
•
Accurately explain and distinguish between the physical transformations of material that occur in a number of sub-micrometer patterning processes, including imprint lithography, micro-contact printing, micro-embossing, and micro-gravure.
•
Identify a number of currently open research questions relating to nanoscale processing of materials and suggest possible creative solutions to them.
•
Use numerical simulation techniques to model the behavior of one or more lithographic techniques, including nanoimprint, photolithography, or electron-beam lithography. Use insights from modeling to optimize key process parameters and to make trade-offs in the geometrical design of a pattern that is to be fabricated.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An understanding of solid mechanics and statics, or permission of instructor. Experience programming in Matlab is desirable for simulation assignments
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Taylor
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This course is designed to prepare students for technical leadership in industry. The objective is to provide insight and understanding on the main concepts and practices involved in analyzing, managing systems to deliver high quality, cost effectiveness and sustainable advantages.
The impact of this class on the Mechanical Engineering program includes delivering core production concepts and advanced skills that blend vision and advanced manufacturing elements. This course is highly recommended for students on the Product Design track in Mechanical Engineering’s Master of Engineering program.
Advanced Manufacturing Systems Analysis, AMS: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to ensure that our students:
a.
Gain solid foundations on the analysis of Advanced Manufacturing Systems Analysis (AMS), including flow analysis concepts, frameworks and methodologies.
b.
Understand and apply sustainable engineering practices.
c.
Put into practice decision-making activities based on solid academic rigor, quantitative tools and simulation models oriented for AMS
d.
Align their AMS to a company’s strategy to deliver business advantage.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: This course is open to graduate students, with priority given to students in Mechanical Engineering’s Master of Engineering program
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Critical Making will operationalize and critique the practice of “making” through both foundational literature and hands on studio culture. As hybrid practitioners, students will develop fluency in readily collaging and incorporating a variety of physical materials and protocols into their practice. Students will envision and create future computational experiences that critically explore social and culturally relevant technological themes. No previous technical knowledge is required to take this course. Class projects involve basic programming, electronic circuitry, and digital fabrication design. Tutorials and instruction will be provided, but students will be expected to develop basic skills in these areas to complete course projects.
Critical Making: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of studio per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 8 hours of studio per week
8 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 4 hours of studio per week
10 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of studio per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Formerly known as: New Media 203
Also listed as: NWMEDIA C203
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course explores contemporary research in engineering design and prototyping, as well as related cognitive issues in engineering curricular development, pedagogy, and assessment. One recurring theme throughout the course will be the duality between learning and design: design-based research, design as a pedagogy for integrative learning and the role of cognition and the learning sciences in the practice of engineering design. It has been motivated by several reforms: (1) National efforts to better train and educate engineers for the engineering workplace in the 21st Century: to better prepare engineers to face multidisciplinary problems and product design in competitive industries and improve their skills in teamwork and communication.
Engineering Design and Prototyping: Pedagogy & Assessment: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course has been developed to bridge student’s previous knowledge of disciplinary research in design and prototyping with engineering education research.
•
Provide learners the opportunity to question (usually tacit) assumptions about what engineering is, what the purpose and process of engineering education is, and who gets to be an engineer.
•
Understand design as a pedagogy for integrative learning and the role of cognition and the learning sciences in the practice of engineering design and prototyping.
•
Provide the participants with an understanding of theories and practices in content, assessment, and pedagogy for teaching engineering design and prototyping.
•
Familiarize learners with quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data analysis associated with the assessment of design and prototyping interventions.
•
Promote critical thinking and a social construction of knowledge by having face-to-face and online discussions of readings from a variety of sources.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to:
•
Identify their own role in shaping engineering and engineering education, and explore paths of connecting their research in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) educational interests in design and prototyping;
•
Think critically, reflectively and holistically about engineering and education;
•
Become aware of the theoretical and practical issues of learning, instruction, and assessment as these concern the design of educational environments and technologies;
•
Apply design research methods to inform and validate designs involving educational issues.
•
Articulate their own view of the design of educational tools and become more confident about their ability to work as an engineer and educational designer.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Agogino
Engineering Design and Prototyping: Pedagogy & Assessment: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course is an introduction to the field of robotics. It covers the fundamentals of kinematics, dynamics, and control of robot manipulators, robotic vision, and sensing. The course deals with forward and inverse kinematics of serial chain manipulators, the manipulator Jacobian, force relations, dynamics, and control. It presents elementary principles on proximity, tactile, and force sensing, vision sensors, camera calibration, stereo construction, and motion detection. The course concludes with current applications of robotics in active perception, medical robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other areas.
Introduction to Robotics: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Sreenath
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course is an introduction to the field of robotics. It covers the fundamentals of kinematics, dynamics, control of robot manipulators, robotic vision, sensing, forward & inverse kinematics of serial chain manipulators, the manipulator Jacobian, force relations, dynamics, & control. We will present techniques for geometric motion planning & obstacle avoidance. Open problems in trajectory generation with dynamic constraints will also be discussed. The course also presents the use of the same analytical techniques as manipulation for the analysis of images & computer vision. Low level vision, structure from motion, & an introduction to vision & learning will be covered. The course concludes with current applications of robotics.
Introduction to Robotics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Familiarity with linear algebra at level of EECS 16A/EECS 16B or MATH 54. Experience doing coding in python at the level of COMPSCI 61A. Preferred: experience developing software at level of COMPSCI 61B and experience using Linux. EECS 120 is not required, but some knowledge of linear systems may be helpful for the control of robots
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Sastry, Sreenath
Formerly known as: Electrical Engin and Computer Sci 206A
Also listed as: EECS C206A
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course is a sequel to EECS C106A/206A, which covers kinematics,
dynamics and control of a single robot. This course will cover dynamics and control of groups of robotic
manipulators coordinating with each other and interacting with the environment. Concepts will include
an introduction to grasping and the constrained manipulation, contacts and force control for interaction
with the environment. We will also cover active perception guided manipulation, as well as the
manipulation of non-rigid objects. Throughout, we will emphasize design and human-robot
interactions, and applications to applications in manufacturing, service robotics, tele-surgery, and
locomotion.
Robotic Manipulation and Interaction: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have taken EECS C106A / BioE C106A / ME C106A / ME C206A/ EECS C206A or an equivalent course. A strong programming background, knowledge of Python and Matlab, and some coursework in feedback controls (such as EE C128 / ME C134) are also useful. Students who have not taken EECS C106A / BioE C106A / ME C106A / ME C206A/ EECS C206A should have a strong programming background, knowledge of Python and Matlab, and exposure to linear algebra, and Lagrangian dynamics
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Bajcsy, Sastry
Formerly known as: Electrical Engin and Computer Sci 206B
Also listed as: EECS C206B
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Students will learn the application of engineering concepts including statics, dynamics, optimization theory, composite beam theory, beam-on-elastic foundation theory, Hertz contact theory, and materials behavior. Topics will include forces and moments acting on human joints; composition and mechanical behavior of orthopedic biomaterials; design/analysis of artificial joint, spine, and fracture fixation prostheses; musculoskeletal tissues including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and muscle; osteoporosis and fracture-risk predication of bones; and bone adaptation. Students will be challenged in a MATLAB-based project to integrate the course material in an attempt to gain insight into contemporary design/analysis/problems.
Advanced Orthopedic Biomechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is twofold:
•
to learn the fundamental concepts of orthopaedic biomechanics;
•
to enhance skills in mechanical engineering and bioengineering by analyzing the mechanical behavior of various complex biomedical problems.
Student Learning Outcomes: Working knowledge of various engineering concepts such as composite beam theory, beam-on-elastic-foundation theory, Hertz contact theory and MATLAB-based optimization design analysis. Understanding of basic concepts in orthopaedic biomechanics and the ability to apply the appropriate engineering concepts to solve realistic biomechanical problems, knowing clearly the assumptions involved.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME C85/CE C30 or Bio Eng 102; concurrent enrollment OK. Proficiency in MatLab or equivalent. Prior knowledge of biology or anatomy is not assumed
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit for this course if they have taken ME C176/Bio E C119.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: O'Connell, Keaveny
Also listed as: BIO ENG C209
Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
This course offers a modular and systems mechanobiology (or "machine") perspective of the cell. Two vitally important components of the cell machinery will be studied in depth: (1) the integrin-mediated focal adhesions system that enables the cell to adhere to, and communicate mechano-chemical signals with, the extracellular environment, and (2) the nuclear pore complex, a multi-protein gateway for traffic in and out of the nucleus that regulates gene expression and affects protein synthesis.
The Cell as a Machine: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mathematics 54; Physics 7A; graduate standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mofrad
Terms offered: Spring 2008, Fall 2007, Spring 2006, Spring 2005
Fundamental processes of heat and mass transport in biological systems; organic molecules, cells, biological organs, whole animals. Derivation of mathematical models and discussion of experimental procedures. Applications to biomedical engineering.
Heat and Mass Transport in Biomedical Engineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 106 and 109 (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Formerly known as: Mechanical Engineering 212
Also listed as: BIO ENG C212
Heat and Mass Transport in Biomedical Engineering: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Spring 2019, Spring 2016
Fluid mechanical aspects of various physiological systems, the circulatory, respiratory, and renal systems. Motion in large and small blood vessels. Pulsatile and peristaltic flows. Other biofluidmechanical flows: the ear, eye, etc. Instrumentation for fluid measurements in biological systems and for medical diagnosis and applications. Artificial devices for replacement of organs and/or functions, e.g. blood oxygenators, kidney dialysis machines, artificial hearts/circulatory assist devices.
Fluid Mechanics of Biological Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 106 or equivalent; 265A or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Berger, Liepmann
Also listed as: BIO ENG C213
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2015
The goal of this course is to provide a foundation for characterizing and understanding the mechanical behavior of load-bearing tissues. A variety of mechanics topics will be introduced, including anisotropic elasticity and failure, cellular solid theory, biphasic theory, and quasi-linear viscoelasticity (QLV) theory. Building from this theoretical basis, we will explore the constitutive behavior of a wide variety of biological tissues. After taking this course, students should have sufficient background to independently study the mechanical behavior of most biological tissues. Formal discussion section will include a seminar series with external speakers.
Advanced Tissue Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 102A, 176, 185; graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: BIO ENG C214
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2020
This course covers the structure and mechanical functions of load bearing tissues and their replacements. Biocompatibility of biomaterials and host response to structural implants are examined. Quantitative treatment of biomechanical issues and constitutive relationships of materials are covered in order to design implants for structural function. Material selection for load bearing applications including reconstructive surgery, orthopedics, dentistry, and cardiology are addressed.
Advanced Structural Aspects of Biomaterials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Credit Restrictions: Students should not receive credit if they've taken ME ME C117 or Bio Eng C117.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: BIO ENG C222
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
This course develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum and statistical mechanics to understand micro- and nano-scale mechanobiological phenomena involved in the living cell with particular attention the nucleus and the cytoskelton as well as the interactions of the cell with the extracellular matrix and how these interactions may cause changes in cell architecture and biology, consequently leading to functional adaptation or pathological conditions.
Molecular Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Cell: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course, which is open to graduate students in diverse disciplines ranging from engineering to biology to chemistry and physics, is aimed at exposing students to subcellular biomechanical phenomena spanning scales from molecules to the whole cell.
Student Learning Outcomes: The students will develop tools and skills to (1) understand and analyze subcelluar biomechanics and transport phenomena, and (2) ultimately apply these skills to novel biological and biomedical applications.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 54, PHYSICS 7A; BIO ENG 102 or MEC ENG C85; or instructor’s consent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mofrad
Also listed as: BIO ENG C215
Molecular Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Cell: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2014, Fall 2010
Study of nature's solutions to specific problems with the aim of determining appropriate engineering analogs. Morphology, scaling, and design in organisms applied to engineering structures. Mechanical principles in nature and their application to engineering devices. Mechanical behavior of biological materials as governed by underlying microstructure, with the potential for synthesis into engineered materials. Trade-offs between redundancy and efficiency. Students will work in teams on projects where they will take examples of designs, concepts, and models from biology and determine their potential in specific engineering applications.
Biomimetic Engineering -- Engineering from Biology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Dharan
Also listed as: BIO ENG C217/INTEGBI C217
Biomimetic Engineering -- Engineering from Biology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
UG and Grad. introduction to nanotechnology and nanoscience. The course has two components:1) Students receive a set of formal lectures introducing nanotechnology and nanoscience, covering nanofabrication technology (how one achieves the nanometer length scale, from "bottom up" to "top down" technologies), the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology and nanoscience (including areas of chemistry, material science, physics, and molecular biology), examples of nanoscience phenomena (the crossover from bulk to quantum mechanical properties) and applications from integrated circuits, quantum computing, MEMS, and bioengineering 2) Projects. Students are asked to present on a variety of current journal papers to the class & lead discussion.
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To introduce and provide a broad view of the nascent field of nanoscience and nanotechnology to undergraduates.
To introduce students to inter- and multi-disciplinary science and engineering.
Student Learning Outcomes: A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. An ability to communicate effectively.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chem 1A, Physics 7B, Physics 7C, Engineering 45. BIO 1A and Chem 1B preferred
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Lin
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Physics, fabrication, and design of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Micro and nanofabrication processes, including silicon surface and bulk micromachining and non-silicon micromachining. Integration strategies and assembly processes. Microsensor and microactuator devices: electrostatic, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, thermal, magnetic transduction. Electronic position-sensing circuits and electrical and mechanical noise. CAD for MEMS. Design project is required.
Introduction to MEMS Design: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering or science; undergraduates with consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Nguyen, Pister
Formerly known as: Electrical Engineering C245, Mechanical Engineering C218
Also listed as: EL ENG C247B
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Fundamentals of microelectromechanical systems including design, fabrication of microstructures; surface micromachining, bulk-micromachining, LIGA, and other micro machining processes; fabrication principles of integrated circuit device and their applications for making MEMS devices; high-aspect-ratio microstructures; scaling issues in the micro scale (heat transfer, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics); device design, analysis, and mask layout.
Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course aims to provide basic understanding of micromachining processes, including surface micromachining, bulk micromachining and LIGA. Students should learn the design and fabrication aspects of MEMS by using computer-aided-design tools to design and draw their own microstructures.
Student Learning Outcomes: ABET: A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning; a knowledge of contemporary issues; an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
ABET: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Students completing this course will have: The ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems relating to MEMS manufacturing.
Students should be able to design micro-machining process flows by using fundamental skills learned in the class and combine with knowledge from other courses to construct their own micro-machines.
The ability to apply mathematics, basic science, and engineering science to the solution of MEMS manufacturing problems.
The ability to design a component and select a fabrication process or sequence of processes suitable for production of a MEMS device.
The ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems relating to MEMS manufacturing.
The ability to interpret the results of engineering investigations.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 100 and PHYSICS 7B
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 219 after completing MEC ENG 219, or MEC ENG 219. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 219 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 219, or MEC ENG 219.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Lin
Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Spring 2011
Parametric design and optimal design of MEMS. Emphasis on design, not fabrication. Analytic solution of MEMS design problems to determine the dimensions of MEMS structures for specified function. Trade-off of various performance requirements despite conflicting design requirements. Structures include flexure systems, accelerometers, and rate sensors.
Parametric and Optimal Design of MEMS: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Lin, Pisano
Formerly known as: 219
Also listed as: EL ENG C246
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
Introduction to precision engineering for manufacturing. Emphasis on design and performance of precision machinery for manufacturing. Topics include machine tool elements and structure, sources of error (thermal, static, dynamic, process related), precision machining processes and process models (diamond turning and abrasive (fixed and free) processes), sensors for process monitoring and control, metrology, actuators, machine design case studies and examples of precision component manufacture.
Precision Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 101, 102B, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Dornfeld
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Introduction to input/output concepts from control theory, systems as operators in signal spaces, passivity and
small-gain theorems, dissipativity theory, integral quadratic constraints. Compositional stabilility and
performance certification for interconnected systems from subsystems input/output properties. Case studies in
multi-agent systems, biological networks, Internet congestion control, and adaptive control.
Input/Output Methods for Compositional System Analysis: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Standard computational tools for control synthesis and verification do not scale well to large-scale, networked
systems in emerging applications. This course presents a compositional methodology suitable when the
subsystems are amenable to analytical and computational methods but the interconnection, taken as a whole, is
beyond the reach of these methods. The main idea is to break up the task of certifying desired stability and
performance properties into subproblems of manageable size using input/output properties. Students learn about
the fundamental theory, as well as relevant algorithms and applications in several domains.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Arcak, Packard
Also listed as: EL ENG C220D
Input/Output Methods for Compositional System Analysis: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
Fundamentals of lean manufacturing systems including manufacturing fundamentals, unit operations and manufacturing line considerations for work in process (WIP), manufacturing lead time (MLT), economics, quality monitoring; high mix/low volume (HMLV) systems fundamentals including just in time (JIT), kanban, buffers and line balancing; class project/case studies for design and analysis of competitive manufacturing systems.
Graduate Introduction to Lean Manufacturing Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course will enable students to analyze manufacturing lines in order to understand the production process and improve production efficiency. The course provides practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in industry, covering the complete manufacturing system from production planning to quality control. Students are given a chance to practice and implement what they learn during lectures by conducting projects with local or global manufacturing companies.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will understand the whole scope of manufacturing systems from production planning to quality control, which can be helpful to set up manufacturing lines for various products. Students will be capable of identifying sources of manufacturing problems by analyzing the production line and produce multi-level solutions to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Engineering, or consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit for this course after taking ME 101.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: McMains
Graduate Introduction to Lean Manufacturing Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2021
This course provides an overview of engineering polymers and an introduction to polymer physics. The molecular variables that play a role in structural performance of polymer systems are examined. The assessment of structural behavior of macromolecules and engineering polymers are addressed for functional design in broad applications including medical devices as well as product design. Environmental impact and novel applications of plastics are evaluated.
Polymer Engineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MECENG 108, BIOENG 102, MATSCI 113 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: BIO ENG C223
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Fall 2018, Fall 2016
This course covers elastic and plastic deformation under static and dynamic loads. Prediction and prevention of failure by yielding, fracture, fatigue, creep, corrosion, and wear. Basic elasticity and plasticity theories are discussed.
Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Civil and Environmental Engineering 130 or 130N; Engineering 45
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022
This course covers the fundamental materials science, mechanical behavior and failure modes of structural materials. Case studies of failure analysis involving materials, designs and ethical considerations are presented. The course utilizes three team-based projects. All course content is accessible in B-courses.
Failure Analysis of Structural Material: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MECENG 108 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Pruitt
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2022
This course covers deformation and fracture behavior of engineering materials for both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions.
Deformation and Fracture of Engineering Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Civil Engineering 130, Engineering 45
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Ritchie, Pruitt, Komvopoulos
Formerly known as: Materials Science and Engineering C212, Mechanical Engineering C225
Also listed as: MAT SCI C212
Deformation and Fracture of Engineering Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Surface interactions. Fundamentals of contact mechanics. Friction theories. Types of measurement of wear. Response of materials to surface tractions. Plastic deformation, void/crack nucleation and crack propagation. Delamination wear. Microstructural effects in wear processes. Mechanics of layered media. Solid film and boundary liquid film lubrication. Friction and wear of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymeric composites. Brief introduction to metal cutting and tool wear mechanisms.
Tribology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 102B, 104, 108
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Komvopoulos
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
This course will discuss concepts from the physical sciences and engineering (e.g. heat and mass transfer, phase transitions, fluid mechanics, etc.) that serve as a foundation for everyday cooking and haute cuisine. The course will integrate the expertise of visiting chefs from the Bay Area (and beyond) who will serve as guest lecturers and present their cooking techniques. These unique opportunities will be complemented by lectures that investigate in-depth the science and engineering that underlie these techniques.
The Science and Engineering of Cooking: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture, 1 hour of discussion, and 2 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Sohn
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Response of composite materials (fiber and particulate-reinforced materials) to static, cyclic, creep and thermomechanical loading. Manufacturing process-induced variability, and residual stresses. Fatigue behavior,fracture mechanics and damage development. Role of the reinforcement-matrix interface in mechanical behavior. Environmental effects. Dimensional stability and thermal fatigue. Application to polymer, metal, ceramic, and carbon matrix composites.
Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Dharan
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Fundamental principles of magnetics, electro-magnetics, and magnetic materials as applied to design and operation of electro-mechanical devices. Type of device to be used in a particular application and dimensions of parts for the overall design will be discussed. Typical applications covered will be linear and rotary actuators, stepper motors, AC motors, and DC brush and brushless motors. A design project is required.
Design of Basic Electro-Mechanical Devices: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: EECS 100, graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2018
Advanced optimization, polyhedra manipulation, and multiparametric programming. Robust Invariant set theory. Analysis and design of model predictive controllers (MPC) for linear and nonlinear systems. Stochastic MPC. Learning MPC. Computational oriented models of hybrid systems. Analysis and design of constrained predictive controllers for hybrid systems.
Predictive Control: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course is designed for graduate students who want to expand their knowledge on model predictive control. 80% will be focusing on advanced theory. 20% on applications.
Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will write a theoretical paper on MPC and/or will design an application where the advanced theory is implemented.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME C232 and ME C231A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Borrelli
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Theoretical development of the common methods in control system robustness analysis, including general dissipative systems and supply rates, structured singular value, and integral quadratic constraints. Transforming theory into pragmatic algorithms. Use cases in industrial examples.
Advanced System Theory: Control-Oriented Robustness Analysis: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course is designed for graduate students who want to quickly expand their knowledge on robustness analysis comprising one part of a complete validation process for complex feedback systems. Students will learn about theory, algorithms, applications and existing software.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain a deep understanding of the modeling assumptions and precise results offered by current state-of-the-art robustness analysis techniques. The wide applicability as well as the limitations of the techniques will be emphasized. The course concludes with a self-directed project, covering a theoretical, algorithmic or applications-oriented issue of interest to each individual student.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Basic graduate background in linear algebra and linear differential equations (ME C232 or EECS 221A or equivalent)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Packard
Advanced System Theory: Control-Oriented Robustness Analysis: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Experience-based learning in the design of SISO and MIMO feedback controllers for linear systems. The student will master skills needed to apply linear control design and analysis tools to classical and modern control problems. In particular, the participant will be exposed to and develop expertise in two key control design technologies: frequency-domain control synthesis and time-domain optimization-based approach.
Experiential Advanced Control Design I: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: EL ENG C220B
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Experience-based learning in design, analysis, & verification of automatic control for uncertain systems. The course emphasizes use of practical algorithms, including thorough computer implementation for representative problems. The student will master skills needed to apply advanced model-based control analysis, design, and estimation to a variety of industrial applications. First-principles analysis is provided to explain and support the algorithms & methods. The course emphasizes model-based state estimation, including the Kalman filter, and particle filter. Optimal feedback control of uncertain systems is also discussed (the linear quadratic Gaussian problem) as well as considerations of transforming continuous-time to discrete time.
Experiential Advanced Control Design II: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate controls course (e.g. MECENG 132, ELENG 128) Recommended: MECENG C231A/ELENG C220B and either MECENG C232/ELENG C220A or ELENG 221A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mueller
Also listed as: EL ENG C220C
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Input-output and state space representation of linear continuous and discrete time dynamic systems. Controllability, observability, and stability. Modeling and identification. Design and analysis of single and multi-variable feedback control systems in transform and time domain. State observer. Feedforward/preview control. Application to engineering systems.
Advanced Control Systems I: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Borrelli, Horowitz, Tomizuka, Tomlin
Also listed as: EL ENG C220A
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Linear Quadratic Optimal Control, Stochastic State Estimation, Linear Quadratic Gaussian Problem, Loop Transfer Recovery, Adaptive Control and Model Reference Adaptive Systems, Self Tuning Regulators, Repetitive Control, Application to engineering systems.
Advanced Control Systems II: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Tomizuka, Horowitz
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2011
Analysis and synthesis techniques for multi-input (MIMO) control systems. Emphasis is on the effect that model uncertainty has on the design process.
Multivariable Control System Design: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232 or EECS 221A, as well as firm foundation in classical control
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Packard, Poolla
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course provides preparation for the conceptual design and prototyping of mechanical systems that use microprocessors to control machine activities, acquire and analyze data, and interact with operators. The architecture of microprocessors is related to problems in mechanical systems through study of systems, including electro-mechanical components, thermal components, and a variety of instruments. Laboratory exercises lead through studies of different levels of software.
Design of Microprocessor-Based Mechanical Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 132, or C134/Electrical Engineering and Computer Science C128, or any basic undergraduate course in controls
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 4.5 hours of lecture and 4.5 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Design of Microprocessor-Based Mechanical Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
Physical understanding of automotive vehicle dynamics: simple lateral, longitudinal and ride quality models. An overview of active safety systems will be intros including basic concepts and terminology, the state-of-the-art development, and basic principles of systems such as ABS, traction control, dynamic stability control, and roll stability control.Passive, semi-active and active suspension systems will be analyzed. Concepts of autonomous vehicle technology including drive-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. Design of software control systems for an actual 1/10 scale race vehicle.
Vehicle Dynamics & Control: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Develop skills in using professional computer-aided control system design and analysis tools, e.g, Matlab/Simulink and ROS, to explore properties of dynamic systems composed of a large number sub-systems such as sensors and actuators.
Develop the analytical skills necessary to quantitatively predict the behavior of open-loop and closed-loop systems.
Experimental design will be complemented with a careful analysis of the performance by simulation.
Feedback control systems will be presented that are currently being used in active safety systems, the student will be expected to design feedback control systems for an actual 1/10 scaled vehicle platform which will be distributed to every group of two students in the class.
Present and motivate the appropriate level of dynamic modeling that is required to analyze the performance of vehicle control systems.
The development of such models is as much of an art as a science in that the models must be kept as simple as possible so that real-time controller implementation can be achieved while retaining the fundamental stability and dynamic response characteristics.
Student Learning Outcomes: Assess the stability of dynamic systems using differential equation theory, apply frequency-response methods to assess system response to external disturbances, sensor noise and parameter variations.
Expected to design feedback control systems for an actual 1/010 scaled vehicle platform which will be distributed to every group of two students in the class
Follow the literature on these subjects and perform independent design, research and development work in this field
Formulate simple but accurate dynamic models for automotive longitudinal, lateral and ride quality analysis.
Have a basic understanding of modern automotive safety systems including ABS, traction control, dynamic stability control and roll control.
Students should be able to follow the literature on these subjects, perform independent design, be able to design vehicle dynamics control systems for a 1/10 scale vehicle.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 52, MATH 53, 54, PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, ENGIN 7; and MEC ENG 132 (for Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students) or MEC ENG C231A (for Mechanical Engineering graduate students)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 236C after completing MEC ENG 131. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 236C may be removed by taking MEC ENG 131.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Borrelli
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This course supplements ME 236U, Introduction to Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The aim is to provide hardware experiments corresponding to the virtual lab exercises provided in ME236U. Students will work in teams.
Hardware laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: •
Embedded programming and constraints following there from.
•
Evaluating data from real experiments, with corresponding issues.
•
Experimental flight hardware.
•
Real noisy sensors.
Student Learning Outcomes: evaluate experimental data
explain utility of simulations and hardware experiments for development
program an embedded flight controller
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Co requisite 236U
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 236HL after completing MEC ENG 236SL.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mueller
Hardware laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024
This course complements MEC ENG 236U, Introduction to Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The aim is to provide (virtual) laboratory experiments corresponding to the theory provided in ME236U. Students may work alone or in teams.
Software laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: embedded programming and constraints following therefrom
evaluating data from experiments with corresponding issues
real (i.e., noisy) sensors
simulated flight hardware
Student Learning Outcomes: data evaluation
non-idealities in real sensors and actuators
programming embedded computers
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Co requisite of MEC ENG 236U
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 236SL after completing MEC ENG 236HL.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 6 weeks - 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mueller
Software laboratory: Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course is a room share with ME136, and teaches students the dynamic analysis and control of uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs). The course covers modeling and dynamics of aerial vehicles, common control strategies, sensing and estimation. A laboratory sequence allows students to apply knowledge on a real quadcopter system, by programming a microcontroller to control a UAV.
Dynamics and Control of Autonomous Flight: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce the students to analysis, modeling, and control of unmanned aerial vehicles. Lectures will cover:
•
Principle forces acting on a UAV, including aerodynamics of propellers
•
The kinematics and dynamics of rotations, and 3D modeling of vehicle dynamics
•
Typical sensors, and their modeling
•
Typical control strategies, and their pitfalls
•
Programming a microcontroller
During the laboratory sessions, students will apply these skills to create a model-based controller for a UAV.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Introductory control (Mechanical Engineering 132 or similar), Dynamics (Mechanical Engineering 104 or similar). Taken concurrently: a graduate controls class (Mechanical Engineering C232/Electrical Engineering C220A or similar)
Credit Restrictions: Student will not receive credit for this course if they have taken Mechanical Engineering 136.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mueller
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Distributed systems and PDE models of physical phenomena (propagation of waves, network traffic, water distribution, fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, blood vessels, beams, road pavement, structures, etc.). Fundamental solution methods for PDEs: separation of variables, self-similar solutions, characteristics, numerical methods, spectral methods. Stability analysis. Adjoint-based optimization. Lyapunov stabilization. Differential flatness. Viability control. Hamilton-Jacobi-based control.
Control and Optimization of Distributed Parameters Systems: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: CIV ENG C291F/EL ENG C291
Control and Optimization of Distributed Parameters Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2013
Fundamental properties of nonlinear systems. Stability of nonlinear systems via Lyapunov’s Direct Method. Controllability and observability of nonlinear systems. Controller design of nonlinear systems including feedback linearization and sliding mode control. Design of nonlinear discrete and adaptive controllers. Nonlinear observers and compensators.
Control of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To develop non-simulative/analytical tools to predict the stability and performance of nonlinear systems and to develop an appreciation for the differences between linear and nonlinear systems such as multiple equilibrium points, initial condition dependent stability. To develop controller synthesis methods for nonlinear and uncertain dynamic systems.
Student Learning Outcomes: The ability to design, evaluate and implement closed loop controllers for highly nonlinear and uncertain systems.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME C232
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Basic graduate course in nonlinear systems. Nonlinear phenomena, planar systems, bifurcations, center manifolds, existence and uniqueness theorems. Lyapunov’s direct and indirect methods, Lyapunov-based feedback stabilization. Input-to-state and input-output stability, and dissipativity theory. Computation techniques for nonlinear system analysis and design. Feedback linearization and sliding mode control methods.
Nonlinear Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MATH 54 (undergraduate level ordinary differential equations and linear algebra)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Arcak, Tomlin, Kameshwar
Also listed as: EL ENG C222
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2013
This hands-on laboratory course focuses on the mechanical engineering principles that underlie the design, fabricaton, and operation of micro/nanoscale mechanical systems, including devices made by nanowire/nanotube syntheses; photolithography/soft lithography; and molding processes. Each laboratory will have different focuses for basic understanding of MEMS/NEMS systems from prototype constructions to experimental testings using mechanical, electrical, or optical techniques.
Advanced Micro/Nano Mechanical Systems Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: EE 16A or 40, Physics 7B, ME 106, (ME119 or ME118 are highly recommended but not mandatory)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Mechanical Engineering 238 after taking Mechanical Engineering 138.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Advanced Micro/Nano Mechanical Systems Laboratory: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course will provide students with a solid understanding of robotic locomotion and the use of dynamics, control and embedded microcomputers in designing artificial legs such as prosthetics, orthotics and exoskeletons.
Robotic Locomotion: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: 1.The course objectives are to train students to be able to design artificial legs, select and design components of the robotic legs.
2. Conduct various analyses on the legs’ performance, propose and study practical applications such as orthotics and prosthetics in medical field, back support, knee support and shoulder support exoskeletons in industrial field and recreational exoskeletons.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: A preliminary course in the design and control of mechanical systems
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 239 after completing MEC ENG 139. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 239 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 139.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Kazerooni
Terms offered: Fall 2013, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
This course introduces a probabilistic description of ocean waves and wave loads acting on marine structures. These topics are followed with discussion of structural strength and reliability analysis.
Advanced Marine Structures I: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; Statistics 25 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mansour
Terms offered: Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014
This course is concerned with the structural response of marine structures to environmental loads. Overall response of the structure as well as the behavior of its members under lateral and compressive loads are discussed.
Advanced Marine Structures II: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mansour
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2014
Navier-Stokes Equations. Boundary-layer theory, laminar, and turbulent. Frictional resistance. Boundary layer over water surface. Separated flow modeling. Steady and unsteady flow. Momentum theorems. Three-dimensional water-wave theory. Formulation of wave resistance of ships. Michell's solution. Wave patterns. Applications.
Marine Hydrodynamics I: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide students with a sufficient introduction to each of the topics of the course so that he/she will be able to understand the background of current literature in the hydrodynamics of marine vehicles, offshore engineering, and other ocean-related activities.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students with ocean- and marine-related interest will develop the necessary theoretical and experimental background to keep up with existing literature and begin research on contemporary topics.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 165 recommended or graduate standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Yeung
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
Momentum analysis for bodies moving in a fluid. Added-mass theory. Matched asymptotic slender-body theory. Small bodies in a current. Theory of motion of floating bodies with and without forward speed. Radiation and diffraction potentials. Wave forces. Hydro-elasticity formulation. Ocean-wave energy. Memory effects in time domain. Second-order formulation. Impact hydrodynamics, Hydrofoil theory and lifting surface.
Marine Hydrodynamics II: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide students with a sufficient introduction to each of the topics of the course so that he/she will be able to understand the background of current literature in the hydrodynamics of marine vehicles, offshore engineering, and renewable ocean energy
Student Learning Outcomes: Students with ocean- and marine-related interest will develop the necessary theoretical and experimental background to keep up with existing literature and begin research on contemporary topics.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 260A or 241A, or CEE 200A recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Yeung
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2020
Viscous-fluid flow, boundary-layer theory surface waves, ship waves, and applications. Ocean environment. Physical properties and characteristics of the oceans. Global conservation laws. Surface-waves generation. Gravity-wave mechanics, kinematics, and dynamics. Design consideration of ocean vehicles and systems. Model-testing techniques. Prediction of resistance and response in waves--physical modeling and computer models.
Ocean-Environment Fluid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide training of mechanical engineers to understand the unique characteristics of the ocean environment, local and global scale, and to provide background on engineering and design tools that are commonly used by engineers working with system and component designs of ocean, marine energy, and ship systems.
Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students should understand general scientific properties that characterize the main body of the oceans; understand components of drags that contribute to the resistance of a marine vehicle and the associated engineering skills in model-testing that quantify the drag characteristics of a ship hull; comprehend simple harmonic surface-wave theory, with strong realization of the underlying concepts of wave kinematics, wave energy, and group velocity.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 106 OR CEE 100 OR equivalent fluids/hydro undergraduate class
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mäkiharju
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2012, Spring 2009
Analytical and numerical methods in free-surface problems. Elements of inviscid external lifting and nonlifting flows. Analytical solutions in special coordinates systems. Integral-equation methods: formulations and implementations. Multiple-bodies interaction problems. Free-surface Green functions in two and three dimensions. Hybrid integral-equation methods. Finite-element formulations. Variational forms in time-harmonic flows. Finite-difference forms, stability, and accuracy. Boundary-fitted coordinates methods. Unsteady linearized wave-body interaction in time domain. Nonlinear breaking waves calculations. Particle dynamics. Extensive hands-on experience of microcomputers and/or workstations in developing solution.
Advanced Methods in Free-Surface Flows: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To present a relatively broad spectrum of analytical and numerical methods commonly used in tackling wave-body interaction problems. Topics covered include classical techniques in special coordinate systems, modern computational techniques based on boundary-integral, finite-element, and boundary-fitted coordinates methods. Lectures focus on formulations and implementation techniques. Students are given opportunities to implement methods discussed in class on workstations or mainframe.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be conversant and have abilities to handle fluid-structure interactions problems with free-surface present.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 260A or CEE 200A; ME 241B recommended or with Instructor’s permission
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Yeung
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2021, Spring 2018
Covers dynamics of wave propagation in the ocean and the atmosphere. Specifically, formulation and properties of waves over the surface of a homogenous fluid, interfacial waves in a two-/multi-layer density stratified fluid, and internal waves in a continuous stratification will be discussed.
Oceanic and Atmospheric Waves: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 241A or 241B or 260A or Civil and Environmental Engineering 200A or equivalent courses
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2018, Spring 2018
Covers the fundamental principles of energy conversion processes, followed by development of theoretical and computational tools that can be used to analyze energy conversion processes. Also introduces the use of modern computational methods to model energy conversion performance characteristics of devices and systems. Performance features, sources of inefficiencies, and optimal design strategies are explored for a variety of applications.
Advanced Energy Conversion Principles: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This class provides students with an understanding of the thermophysical principles that govern energy conversion processes of different types, and will introduce them to modern computational methods for modeling the performance of energy conversion processes, devices and systems. This course is a capstone experience for ME students, synthesizing thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer and computational analysis tools to facilitate engineering design analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes: This course will provide a foundation for design analysis of energy conversion systems encountered in a variety of applications.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Engineering 7, Mechanical Engineering 40, Mechanical Engineering 106, and Mechanical Engineering 109 or their equivalents
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Mechanical Engineering 246 after taking Mechanical Engineering 146.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Carey
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2000
Fundamentals of modern single & multiphase flow measurement techniques, w. intrusive and non-intrusive techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of particle image velocimetry, electrical impedance measurements, X-ray based multiphase flow measurements, and advanced measurement data processing and analysis techniques. Different demos are conducted, students will work in teams in their labs, on both simple experiments, and on one major experiment design. The course provides understanding of modern measurement techniques used to generate validation and verification data numerical models, and as such is expected to benefit the modelers as well. Relevant to mechanical, ocean, nuclear, civil, & numerical modeling grad.
Experimental Methods in Single-and Multiphase Flows: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Students will gain hand-on experience on several techniques, and become familiar (through theory and practice) with the strengths and limitations of various techniques.
The students will be trained in good experimental practices, introduced to modern techniques and approaches to data analysis.
Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course the students will be prepared to conduct leading edge experimental research work from design of the experiment through data analysis.
They will understand the fundamental principles of numerous measurement techniques, especially those relevant to fluids measurements.
This course will prepare students for graduate level experimental work, or its management, in academic or industrial labs.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 103 or similar undergraduate introductory measurements class
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 248 after completing MEC ENG 248. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 248 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 248.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Mäkiharju
Experimental Methods in Single-and Multiphase Flows: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course teaches students how machine learning tools work and their effective use in energy related research and technology development. This course first covers basic probability, linear algebra concepts, and foundation mathematics principles used in machine learning tools. Python programming will be used in class projects. Students will construct a genetic algorithm and a neural network model from scratch to explore basic features of these tools, and will then use Python neural network programming tools to develop models for energy conversion and energy transport process applications. Students will explore different machine learning methods in 3 assigned projects and can construct a final project in an application of interest to them.
Machine Learning Tools for Modeling Energy Transport and Conversion Processes: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in multivariable calculus and linear algebra Math 53 and Math 54 or equivalent), an undergraduate course in thermodynamics (MECENG 40, ENGIN 115 or equivalent), and an undergraduate course in computer programming (ENGIN 7 or COMPSCI 61A or equivalent)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Van Carey
Machine Learning Tools for Modeling Energy Transport and Conversion Processes: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Fundamentals of conductive heat transfer. Analytical and numerical methods for heat conduction in rigid media. Fundamentals of radiative transfer. Radiative properties of solids, liquids and gas media. Radiative transport modeling in enclosures and participating media.
Advanced Conductive and Radiative Transport: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course will provide students with knowledge of the physics of conductive transport in solids, the analysis of steady and transient heat conduction by both analytical and numerical methods and the treatment of phase change problems. Furthermore, the course will provide students with knowledge of radiative properties, the mechanisms of radiative transfer and will present theory and methods of solution of radiative transfer problems in participating and nonparticipating media.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain knowledge of the mechanisms of conductive transfer and will develop the ability to quantify steady and transient temperature in important engineering problems often encountered (e.g. manufacturing, materials processing, bio-thermal treatment and electronics cooling) by applying analytical methods and by constructing numerical algorithms. Students will also gain knowledge of the fundamental radiative properties and the mechanisms of radiative transport in enclosures, absorbing, emitting and scattering media as well as the interaction of thermal radiation with other modes of heat transfer.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in engineering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (Mechanical Engineering 40, Mechanical Engineering 106 and Mechanical Engineering 109 or equivalent). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Credit Restrictions: Students will not be able to receive credit for this course if they have taken Mechanical Engineering 151, 151A or 251.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Grigoropoulos
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2020
The transport of heat and mass in fluids in motion; free and forced convection in laminar and turbulent flow over surfaces and within ducts. Fundamentals of computational methods used for solving the governing transport equations will also be covered.
Advanced Convective Transport and Computational Methods: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course will provide students with knowledge of the physics of convective transport and an introduction to computational tools that can model convective processes in important applications such as electronics cooling, aerospace thermal management. The course also teaches students to construct computational models of natural and forced convection processes in boundary layers nears surfaces, in enclosures and in ducts or pipes that can be used to design heat exchangers and thermal management equipment for applications.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain a knowledge of the mechanisms of convective heat and mass transfer for flow over surfaces and within ducts, and will develop the ability to construct computer programs that implement computation methods that predict the flow and temperature fields and heat transfer performance for convective flows of interest in engineering applications.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in engineering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer (Mechanical Engineering 40, Mechanical Engineering 106 and Mechanical Engineering 109 or equivalent). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Credit Restrictions: Students will not be able to receive credit for this course if they have taken Mechanical Engineering 252.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Carey
Advanced Convective Transport and Computational Methods: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Analytical and numerical methods for the determination of the conduction of heat in solids.
Heat Conduction: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 151; Engineering 230A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
The transport of heat in fluids in motion; free and forced convection in laminar and turbulent flow over surfaces and within ducts.
Heat Convection: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 151, 265A; Engineering 230A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Greif
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
Fundamentals of electromagnetic theory, principles of optics, waves, diffraction theory, interference, geometrical optics, scattering, theory of molecular spectra, optical and spectroscopic instrumentation. Lasers and laser materials processing, laser spectroscopy. Modern optics, plasmonics.
Graduate Applied Optics and Radiation: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course will provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles of optics to analyze optical phenomena and develop the background and skills to design optical instrumentation applied to engineering fields, including additive manufacturing, radiometry and spectroscopy.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain knowledge of the EM theory, optical properties of materials, principles of spectroscopy for gases, liquids and solids, principles and applications of lasers and optical diagnostics. Students will develop the ability to design optical instrumentation systems in the context of key industrial applications, including additive manufacturing, materials processing, bio-optics, semiconductor industry applications, reacting systems, forensics.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses in physics (e.g. 7A,B,C). Each student must have access to a PC, Macintosh or workstation machine with scientific programming capabilities for use in homework and projects
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit for this course if they have taken ME 153.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Grigoropoulos
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Development of classical thermodynamics from statistical treatment of microscale molecular behavior; Boltzmann distribution; partition functions; statistical-mechanical evaluation of thermodynamic properties; equilibrium; chemical equilibrium; phase transitions; molecular collisions; Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution; collision theory; elementary kinetic theory; molecular dynamics simulation of molecular collisions; kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of gas-phase and gas-surface reactions. Implications are explored for a variety of applications, which may include advanced combustion systems, renewable power systems, microscale transport in high heat flux electronics cooling, aerospace thermal management, and advanced materials processing.
Advanced Thermophysics for Applications: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To introduce students to the statistical foundation of thermodynamics and provide skills to perform advanced calculations for analysis of advanced energy conversion processes and devices.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students ability to calculate partition functions, perform equilibrium calculations, and undertake molecular- dynamics and Monte-Carlo simulations of non-equilibrium systems. This course will provide a foundation for design analysis of energy conversion systems and transport phenomena encountered in a variety of applications.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 40
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit for this course if they have taken ME 154.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Carey, Frenklach
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Fundamentals of combustion, flame structure, flame speed, flammability, ignition, stirred reaction, kinetics and nonequilibrium processes, pollutant formation. Application to engines, energy production, and fire safety.
Advanced Combustion Processes: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course provides an introduction to the subject of combustion, covering a broad range of topics important to the fields of energy conversion, engines, pollution and fires. It consists of classroom lectures and laboratory demonstration. It treats the fundamental processes occurring in combustion systems and emphasizes on technological-problem solving skills. The laboratory demonstrations provide practical experience with real combustion systems. The course also uses computer programs to aid the students in the calculations and analysis, especially in thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students shall be able to:
Understand and calculate the stoichiometry, adiabatic flame temperature and heat of combustion of a fuel and oxidizer mixture. Understand the role of elementary and global reactions. Calculate reaction rates. Know how to use computer codes (e.g. Cantera) to solve combustion problems. Understand and calculate the ignition characteristics of a fuel and oxidizer mixture: flammability limits, self-ignition. Understand and calculate the structure and properties of a premixed flame: propagation speed, thickness, quenching distance, and minimum ignition energy. Understand and calculate the structure and properties of a diffusion flame: height, lift-off distance and blow-off limit. Understand the formation of pollutants from hydrocarbon combustion. Understand the operation of practical systems, specifically, furnaces and boilers, spark ignition and diesel internal combustion engines, and gas turbines.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 40, ME 106, and ME 109 (or their equivalents)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for this course if they have taken ME 140.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Chen, Fernandez-Pello
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Combustion modeling. Multicomponent conservation equations with reactions. Laminar and turbulent deflagrations. Rankine-Hugoniot relations. Diffusion flames. Boundary layer combustion, ignition, and stability.
Combustion: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course provides students a solid foundation in combustion sciences and technologies relevant to current and future energy conversion devices using combustion.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will have the ability to perform critical analyses of current and future reacting systems using analytical and numerical methods. For practical combustion systems with complex geometries, students will have gained sufficient background to further their capabilities of using advanced numerical models.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 40, ME 106, and ME 109 (106 and 109 may be taken concurrently) or their equivalents. ME 140/ME255 is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Chen
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Fall 2012
Critical analyses of combustion phenomenon. Conservation relations applied to reacting systems. Reactions are treated by both asymptotic and numerical methods. Real hydrocarbon kinetics are used; where available reduced kinetic mechanics are introduced. Flame propagation theory and experiments are discussed in detail for both laminar and turbulent flows.
Advanced Combustion: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 256
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Fall 2018
Heat transfer associated with phase change processes. Topics include thermodynamics of phase change, evaporation, condensation, nucleation and bubble growth, two phase flow, convective boiling and condensation, melting and solidification.
Heat Transfer with Phase Change: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 151
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Carey
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2017, Spring 2016
This course introduces advanced statistical thermodynamics, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, and kinetic theory concepts used to analyze thermophysics of microscale systems and explores applications in which microscale transport plays an important role.
Microscale Thermophysics and Heat Transfer: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 151, 254, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Carey, Majumdar
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Introduces the foundations of fluid mechanics. Exact flow solutions are used to develop a physical insight of the fluid flow phenomena. Rigorous derivation of the equations of motion. Incompressible and compressible potential flows. Canonical viscous flows.
Advanced Fluid Mechanics I: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 106; 185 (strongly recommended) or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Develops a working knowledge of fluid mechanics by identifying the essential physical mechanism in complex canonical flow problems which leads to simplified yet accurate formulation. Boundary layers, creeping flows, rotational flows, rotating flows. Stability and transition, introduction to turbulence.
Advanced Fluid Mechanics II: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 260A or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2018, Fall 2014
Discussions of linear and nonlinear instabilities in a variety of fluid flows: thermal convection, Rayleigh-Taylor flows, shearing flows, circular and cylindrical Couette flows (i.e., centrifugal instability). Use of the Landau equation, bifurcation diagrams, and energy methods for nonlinear flows.
Hydrodynamic Stability and Instability: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185 and 106, or equivalents
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Marcus
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2019, Spring 2017
Physics of turbulence: Summary of stability and transition. Description of turbulence phenomena. Tools for studying turbulence. Homogeneous turbulence, shear turbulence, rotating turbulence. Summary of engineering models. Discussion of recent advances.
Turbulence: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 260A-260B or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Savas
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2022
Introduction to the lift, drag, and moment of two-dimensional airfoils, three-dimensional wings, and the complete airplane. Calculations of the performance and stability of airplanes in subsonic flight. The course is run on two loosely aligned parallel tracks: a traditional sequence of lectures covering the basic topics in aerodynamics and a set of projects on vortex dynamics and aerodynamics that are loosely aligned with lectures. The distinguishing factor will be the extend of the projects assigned to the graduate level participants, which will be substantially more involved than those expected from the senior level participants.
ENGINEERING AERODYNAMICS: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 40, ME 106
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 263Z after completing MEC ENG 163. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 263Z may be removed by taking MEC ENG 163.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: SAVAS
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2019
This course examines high-Reynolds number flows, including their stability, their waves, and the influence of rotating and stratification as applied to geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics as well as to engineering flows. Examples of problems studies include vortex dynamics in planetary atmospheres and protoplanetary disks, jet streams, and waves (Rossby, Poincare, inertial, internal gravity, and Kelvin) in the ocean and atmosphere.
Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate-level standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Marcus
Formerly known as: 260C
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2013, Fall 2011, Spring 2011
An introduction to the hydrodynamics of capillarity and wetting. Balance laws and short-range forces. Dimensionless numbers, scaling and lubrication approximation. Rayleigh instability. Marangoni effect. The moving contact line. Wetting and short-range forces. The dynamic contact angle. Dewetting. Coating flows. Effect of surfactants and electric fields. Wetting of rough or porous surfaces. Contact angles for evaporating systems.
Physicochemical Hydrodynamics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: A first graduate course in fluid mechanics sucs as 260A-260B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Morris
Also listed as: CHM ENG C268
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
This course provides hands-on experience in designing prostheses and assistive technologies using user-centered design. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the state-of-the-art, design processes and product realization. Teams will prototype a novel solution to a disabilities-related challenge, focusing on upper-limb mobility or dexterity. Lessons will cover biomechanics of human manipulation, tactile sensing and haptics, actuation and mechanism robustness, and control interfaces. Readings will be selected from texts and academic journals available through the UCB online library system and course notes. Guest speakers will be invited to address cutting edge breakthroughs relevant to assistive technology and design.
Advanced Augmentation of Human Dexterity: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course objectives are to:
- Learn the fundamental principles of biomechanics, dexterous manipulation, and electromechanical systems relevant for non-invasive, cutting-edge assistive device and prosthesis design
- Enhance skill in the areas of human-centered design, teamwork and communication through the practice of conducting labs and a project throughout the semester
Student Learning Outcomes: a knowledge of contemporary issues.
an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
an ability to communicate effectively.
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MECENG 132, or equivalent. Proficiency with Matlab or equivalent programming language
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 270 after completing MEC ENG 179.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Stuart
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course introduces and investigates Lagrange's equations of motion for particles and rigid bodies. The subject matter is particularly relevant to applications comprised of interconnected and constrained discrete mechanical components. The material is illustrated with numerous examples. These range from one-dimensional motion of a single particle to three-dimensional motions of rigid bodies and systems of rigid bodies.
Intermediate Dynamics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce students to the notion of exploiting differential geometry to gain insight into the dynamics of a mechanical system. Familiarize the student with classifications and applications of generalized forces and kinematical constraints. Enable the student to establish Lagrange's equations of motion for a single particle, a system of particles and a single rigid body. Establish equivalence of equations of motion using the Lagrange and Newton-Euler approaches. Discuss the developments of analytical mechanics drawing from applications in navigation, vehicle dynamics, toys, gyroscopes, celestial mechanics, satellite dynamics and computer animation.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 104 or equivalent
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MEC ENG 271 after completing MEC ENG 175, or MEC ENG 271. A deficient grade in MEC ENG 271 may be removed by taking MEC ENG 271.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: O'Reilly, Casey
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2022
This course presents an introduction to the global problem of wildland fires with an overview of the social, political and environmental issues posed as well as detailed coverage of the science, technology and applications used to predict, prevent and suppress wildland fires. Some specific topics covered will include fire spread theory, risk mapping, research instrumentation, suppression, ignition sources, relevant codes and standards, remote sensing, smoke management, and extreme fire behavior. Engineering analyses in many of these areas, as well as specific coverage of fire protection design in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) will also be covered.
Wildland Fires: Science and Applications: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course objectives are to provide students with the knowledge necessary to work within the highly interdisciplinary field of wildland fire, including a broad understanding of the social, ecological, and economic factors influencing wildland fire, a firm understanding of the underlying mechanisms affecting wildland fire processes, and an ability to apply the tools necessary to predict the spread rate and intensity of wildland fires and assess protection of WUI communities.
Student Learning Outcomes: (a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MEC ENG 109 or equivalent course in heat transfer (concurrent enrollment allowed)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Gollner
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Response of discrete and continuous dynamical systems, damped and undamped, to harmonic and general time-dependent loading. Convolution integrals and Fourier and Laplace transform methods. Lagrange’s equations; eigensolutions; orthogonality; generalized coordinates; nonreciprocal and degenerate systems; Rayleigh’s quotient.
Oscillations in Linear Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To give a compact, consistent, and reasonably connected account of the theory of linear vibration at the advanced level. A secondary purpose is to survey some topics of contemporary research. Applications will be mentioned whenever feasible.
Student Learning Outcomes: Acquired necessary knowledge and scientific maturity to begin research in dynamics and vibration.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 104 and ME 133 or their equivalents
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Ma
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2015, Spring 2011
Random variables and random processes. Stationary, nonstationary, and ergodic proceses. Analysis of linear and nonlinear, discrete and continuous, mechanical systems under stationary and nonstationary excitations. Vehicle dynamics. Applications to failure analysis. Stochastic estimation and control and their applications to vibratory systems.
Random Oscillations of Mechanical Systems: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 104 and 133
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Ma
Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2012
Review of Lagrangian dynamics. Legendre transform and Hamilton's equations, Cyclic coordinates, Canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, integrability. Dynamics of asymmetric systems. Approximation theory. Current topics in analytical dynamics.
Advanced Dynamics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 175
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This course provides a foundation in data science with emphasis on the application of statistics and machine learning to engineering problems. The course combines theoretical topics in probability and statistical inference with practical methods for solving problems in code. Each topic is demonstrated with examples from engineering. These include hypothesis testing, principal component analysis, clustering, linear regression, time series analysis, classification, and deep learning. Math 53 and 54 are recommended before Engin 178, Math 53 and 54 are allowed concurrently.
Statistics and Data Science for Engineers: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To demonstrate the use of data science in engineering tasks.
To enable students to import, clean, visualize, and interpret data sets using modern computer languages.
To familiarize students with a range of techniques for building models from data.
To introduce the concepts of quantitative statistics and probability.
To provide a theoretical and conceptual basis for students to understand the role of data in engineering.
To teach students how to build and train machine learning models.
Student Learning Outcomes: A knowledge of contemporary issues.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 7 or equivalent, MATH 51, MATH 52, MATH 53; and MATH 54 (may be taken concurrently)
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for ENGIN 278 after completing ENGIN 178. A deficient grade in ENGIN 278 may be removed by taking ENGIN 178, or ENGIN 178.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Gomes,Gabriel, Horowitz, Roberto
Formerly known as: Engineering 278
Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2016, Spring 2014
Oscillations in nonlinear systems having one or two degrees of freedom. Graphical, iteration, perturbation, and asymptotic methods. Self-excited oscillations and limit cycles. Random variables and random processes. Analysis of linear and nonlinear, discrete and continuous, mechanical systems under stationary and non-stationary excitations.
Nonlinear and Random Vibrations: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To give a compact, consistent, and reasonably connected account of the theory of nonlinear vibrations and uncertainty analysis at the advanced level. A secondary purpose is to survey some topics of contemporary research.
Student Learning Outcomes: Acquired necessary knowledge and scientific maturity to begin research in nonlinear vibrations and uncertainty analysis.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 104 and Mechanical Engineering 133 or their equivalent
Credit Restrictions: Students will not receive credit if they have taken Mechanical Engineering 274.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Ma
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
The course provides project-based learning experience in understanding product design, with a focus on the human body as a mechanical machine. Students will learn the design of external devices used to aid or protect the body. Topics will include forces acting on internal materials (e.g., muscles and total replacement devices), forces acting on external materials (e.g., prothetics and crash pads), design/analysis of devices aimed to improve or fix the human body, muscle adaptation, and soft tissue injury. Weekly laboratory projects will incorporate EMG sensing, force plate analysis, and interpretation of data collection (e.g., MATLAB analysis) to integrate course material to better understand contemporary design/analysis/problems.
Adv Designing for the Human Body: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is twofold:
•
to learn the fundamental concepts of designing devices that interact with the human body;
•
to enhance skills in mechanical engineering and bioengineering by analyzing the behavior of various complex biomedical problems;
•
To explore the transition of a device or discovery as it goes from “benchtop to bedside”.
•
Three separate written projects evaluating devices that interact with the body. Projects will focus on 1) biomechanical analysis, 2) FDA regulations and procedures, and 3) design lifecycle.
Student Learning Outcomes: Working knowledge of design considerations for creating a device to protect or aid the human body, force transfer and distribution, data analysis, and FDA approval process for new devices. Understanding of basic concepts in orthopaedic biomechanics and the ability to apply the appropriate engineering concepts to solve realistic biomechanical problems, knowing clearly the assumptions involved. Critical analysis of current literature and technology.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Proficiency in MatLab or equivalent. Prior knowledge of biology or anatomy is not assumed
Credit Restrictions: There will be no credit given for MEC ENG C178 / BIO ENG C137 after taking MEC ENG 178.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: O'Connell
Also listed as: BIO ENG C237
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2020, Spring 2017
Introduction to statistical mechanics for engineers. Basics of ensembles, phase spaces, partitions functions, and free energies. Analysis of expectation values and fluctuations in system properties. Applications to the study of elementary gases, phonons in solids, polymer chains and networks, harmonic and quasi-harmonic crystalline solids; limitations of classical methods and quantum mechanical influences; molecular dynamics simulations for solids.
Introduction to Statistical Mechanics for Engineers: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide a modern introduction to the application of statistical mechanics for engineering with a particular emphasis on mechanical response.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: CE C231 or MSE C211 or ME 185 or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Govindjee, Papadopoulos
Also listed as: CIV ENG C235
Introduction to Statistical Mechanics for Engineers: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Weighted-residual and variational methods of approximation. Canonical construction of finite element spaces. Formulation of element and global state equations. Applications to linear partial differential equations of interest in engineering and applied science.
Introduction to the Finite Element Method: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mathematics 50A-50B; some familiarity with elementary field theories of solid/fluid mechanics and/or thermal science
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Papadopoulos, Zohdi
Formerly known as: 280
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Spring 2019
A brief review of continuum mechanics. Consistent linearization of kinematical variables and balance laws. Incremental formulations of the equations of motion. Solution of the nonlinear field equations by Newton's method and its variants. General treatment of constraints. Applications to nonlinear material and kinematical modeling on continua.
Finite Element Methods in Nonlinear Continua: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 280A or equivalent; background in continuum mechanics at the level of 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Papadopoulos
Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2017, Fall 2015
Methods of tensor calculus and classical differential geometry. The tensor concept and the calculus of tensors, the Riemann-Christoffel tensor and its properties, Riemannian and Euclidean spaces. Geometry of a surface, formulas of Weingarten, and equations of Gauss and Codazzi.
Methods of Tensor Calculus and Differential Geometry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mathematics 53 and 54
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Methods of Tensor Calculus and Differential Geometry: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Fundamentals and general theorems of the linear theory of elasticity (in three dimensions) and the formulation of static and dynamic boundary value problems. Application to torsion, flexure, and two-dimensional problems of plane strain, generalized plane stress, and bending of plates. Representation of basic field equations in terms of displacement potentials and stress functions. Some basic three-dimensional solutions.
Theory of Elasticity: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Bogy, Steigmann
Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2009
Propagation of mechanical disturbances in unbounded and bounded media. Surface waves, wave reflection and transmission at interfaces and boundaries. Stress waves due to periodic and transient sources. Some additional topics may vary with instructor.
Wave Propagation in Elastic Media: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Bogy
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2019
Fundamentals of the nonlinear theory of elasticity. Material symmetry. Exact solutions in elastostatics. Internal constraints. Useful strain-energy functions. Uniqueness. Compatibility conditions. Volterra dislocations. The Eshelby tensor. Small deformations superposed on finite deformations. Waves in pre-stressed solids. Stability. Bifurcations and buckling. Acceleration waves. Entropic elasticity.
Nonlinear Theory of Elasticity: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To provide students with a working knowledge of elasticity.
Student Learning Outcomes: Ability to embark on modern research in the field.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME 185 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Casey
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2020, Spring 2018
A general development of thermodynamics of deformable media, entropy production, and related entropy inequalities. Thermomechanical response of dissipative media, including those for viscous fluids and nonlinear elastic solids. A discussion of invariance, internal constraints, material symmetry, and other special topics.
Foundations of the Theory of Continuous Media: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Casey
Formerly known as: 285
Foundations of the Theory of Continuous Media: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2011, Spring 2010, Fall 2008
Finitely deforming thermo-mechanical media. Moving surfaces of discontinuity. Shock waves and acceleration waves in elastic materials. The Eshelby tensor and Eshelbian mechanics. Fracture. Microstructured continua.
Surfaces of Discontinuity and Inhomogeneities in Deformable Continua: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Casey
Surfaces of Discontinuity and Inhomogeneities in Deformable Continua: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2019, Spring 2015
This course presents the fundamentals of electromagnetic interactions in deformable continuous media. It develops the background necessary to understand various modern technologies involving MEMS devices, sensors and actuators, plasmas, and a wide range of additional phenomena. The emphasis of this course is on fundamentals, beginning with Maxwell's equations in vacuum, the ether relations and their extension to electromagnetic interactions in materials. The treatment is general within the limits of nonrelativistic physics and accommodates coupling with mechanical and thermal effects. The topics discussed are all developed at a general level including the effects of finite deformations. Various linear models, which are especially useful in applications, are developed through specialization of general theory. This course will be of interest to students in engineering, physics, and applied mathematics.
Electrodynamics of Continuous Media: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: A first course in continuum mechanics (such as 185 or Civil Engineering 231.)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Steigmann
Formerly known as: 284B
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2014
Rheology is the study of the interaction between forces and the flow/deformation of materials. It deals with aspects of the mechanics of materials that are not covered in the standard curriculum, such as the response of viscoelastic fluids and solids, together with methods for modeling and simulating their response. Such materials exhibit a host of counterintuitive phenomena that call for nonlinear modeling and a close interaction between theory and experiment. This is a special-topics course for graduate students seeking advanced knowledge of these phenomena and associated modeling.
Engineering Rheology: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To expose students to the theory and methods of modern rheology, including: the mechanics of flow in complex non-Newtonian fluids and the mechanics of viscoelastic solids.
Student Learning Outcomes: Skill in modeling and simulating rheological problems.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: A basic background in continuum mechanics (as covered in ME 185)
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Steigmann
Terms offered: Fall 2017
Lipid bilayers constitute the membrane that encloses every animal cell and many of its interior structures, including the nuclear envelope, the organelles and the endoplasmic reticulum. This is a unique course devoted to modern developments in this exceptionally active field of research, ranging from models based on continuum theory to recent developments based on statistical mechanics.
Mechanics and Physics of Lipid Bilayers: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes: To expose students to advanced current work on the mechanics and physics of lipid bilayers (a very active field of current research relevant to biomechanics and biophysics)
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Mechanical Engineering 185 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Steigmann
Also listed as: CHM ENG C294A
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2020, Fall 2018
Formulation of the theory of plasticity relative to loading surfaces in both strain space and stress space and associated loading criteria. Nonlinear constitutive equations for finitely deformed elastic-plastic materials. Discussion of strain-hardening and special cases. Applications.
Theory of Plasticity: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Casey, Papadopoulos
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
This course is a general introduction to the fundamental concepts of the mechanics of continuous media. Topics covered include the kinematics of deformation, the concept of stress, and the conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy. This is followed by an introduction to constitutive theory with applications to well-established models for viscous fluids and elastic solids. The concepts are illustrated through the solution of tractable initial-boundary-value problems. This course presents foundation-level coverage of theory underlying a number of sub-fields, including Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.
Graduate Introduction to Continuum Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This is a gateway course for graduate students entering the fields of Solid Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics. It is designed for students who require a rigorous foundation-level understanding in support of their future work in the theory, modeling and analysis of problems arising in the Engineering Sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain a deep understanding of the concepts and methods underlying modern continuum mechanics. The course is designed to equip students with the background needed to pursue advanced graduate work in allied fields.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 7A, Math 53 and Math 54, as well as some prior exposure to the elementary mechanics of solids and fluids
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit after taking ME 185.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Casey, Johnson, Papadopoulos, Steigmann
Terms offered: Spring 2009, Fall 2007, Fall 1999
Dynamic stability of elastic bodies. Small motion on finite deformation. Classical treatments of buckling problems. Snapthrough and other global stability problems. Stability theory based upon nonlinear three-dimensional theory of elasticity.
Theory of Elastic Stability: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185 and 273
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Steigmann
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2017, Spring 2012
A direct formulation of a general theory of shells and plates based on the concept of Cosserat (or Directed) surfaces. Nonlinear constitutive equations for finitely deformed elastic shells. Linear theory and a special nonlinear theory with small strain accompanied by large or moderately large rotation. Applications.
Theory of Shells: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 185 and 281
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Johnson, Steigmann
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2020, Spring 2015
Lectures on special topics which will be announced at the beginning of each semester that the course is offered. Topics may include transport and mixing, geophysical fluid dynamics, biofluid dynamics, oceanography, free surface flows, non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, among other possibilities.
Topics in Fluid Mechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Savas, Yeung
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Fall 2018
Graduate survey of solid modeling research. Representations and algorithms for 3D solid geometry. Applications in design, analysis, planning, and manufacturing of mechanical parts, including CAD/CAM, reverse engineering, robotics, mold-making, and rapid prototyping.
Solid Modeling and CAD/CAM Fundamentals: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Students will gain experience with critical close reading of primary sources, evaluating and synthesizing the content of research papers. They will design, implement, and analyze a sample of geometric algorithms for applications in Solid Modeling and CAD/CAM.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be familiar with seminal research and important solid modeling representations and fundamental geometric algorithms, giving them insight into the capabilities and limitations of commercial solid modeling systems. They will have gained programming experience and skills and an understanding of theoretical and practical concerns as they design, implement, and analyze a sample of geometric algorithms for applications in Solid Modeling and CAD/CAM.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An introductory programming course; graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: McMains
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
The course provides a detailed account of laser interactions with materials in the context of advanced materials processing and diagnostics.
Laser Processing and Diagnostics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or undergraduate elective upon completion of ME109
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Grigoropoulos
Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2019, Spring 2017
The focus of the course is management of innovation processes for sustainable products, from product definition to sustainable manufacturing and financial models. Using a project in which students will be asked to design and develop a product or service focused on sustainability, we will teach processes for collecting customer and user needs data, prioritizing that data, developing a product specification, sketching and building product prototypes, and interacting with the customer/community during product development. The course is intended as a very hands-on experience in the "green" product development process. The course will be a Management of Technology course offered jointly with the College of Engineering and the Haas School of Business. In addition, it will also receive credit towards the new Certificate on Engineering Sustainability and Environmental Management program. We aim to have half MBA students and half Engineering students (with a few other students, such as from the School of Information) in the class. The instructors will facilitate students to form mixed disciplinary reams for the development of their "green" products.
Green Product Development: Design for Sustainability: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Engineering or Information, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Agogino, Beckmann
Green Product Development: Design for Sustainability: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Sustainable design, manufacturing, and management as exercised by the enterprise is a poorly understood idea and one that is not intuitively connected to business value or engineering practice. This is especially true for the manufacturing aspects of most enterprises (tools, processes, and systems). This course will provide the basis for understanding (1) what comprises sustainable practices in for-profit enterprises, (2) how to practice and measure continuous improvement using sustainability thinking, techniques, and tools for product and manufacturing process design, and (3) the techniques for and value of effective communication of sustainablilty performance to internal and external audiences. Material in the course will be supplemented by speakers with diverse backgrounds in corporate sustainability, environmental consulting, non-governmental organizations, and academia.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, or consent of instructor, especially for students not in engineering, business, or other management of technology programs
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Dornfeld
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2014, Spring 2013
Advanced optimization, polyhedra manipulation, and multiparametric programming. Invariant set theory. Analysis and design of constrained predictive controllers for linear and nonlinear systems. Computational oriented models of hybrid systems. Analysis and design of constrained predictive controllers for hybrid systems.
Predictive Control for Linear and Hybrid Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course is designed for graduate students who want to expand their knowledge on optimization-based control design. 50% will be focusing on advanced theory. 50% on applications.
Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will write a theoretical paper on MPC and will design an experiment where the theory is implemented.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ME C232 and ME C231A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Borrelli
Predictive Control for Linear and Hybrid Systems: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Designed for professionally-oriented graduate students, this course explores key concepts in design innovation based on the human-centered design approach called “design thinking.” Topics covered include human-centered design research, analysis of research to develop design principles, creativity techniques, user needs framing and strategic business modeling.
Innovation through Design Thinking: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes: The primary goal is to provide students with a set of innovation skills that will allow them to flourish in a climate of complex problem solving and design challenges. Students will develop expertise in innovation skills drawn from the fields of critical thinking, design thinking and systems thinking. Students should be able to apply the skills mastered to real world design problems.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate level standing; Prior design course
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Agogino
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
How do we design and manufacture greener products, and how do we know if they really are? This class both provides tools for sustainable design innovation and metrics to measure success. Students will use both creative and analytical skills, generating new ideas as well as evaluating designs with screening-level life cycle assessment.
Life Cycle Thinking in Engineering Design: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to provide students with the tools to frame, analyze, and redesign their projects in terms of life cycle environmental impacts, to improve the sustainability of their projects.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students can expect to depart the course understanding the practice of basic life cycle assessment, including how to set boundaries, choose functional units, and use LCA software. Students will also learn how to integrate this practice into new product development in the context of the “triple bottom line” – economy, environment and society. Students should be able to apply the skills mastered to real world design and engineering problems.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate level standing; Prior design course
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Agogino
Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Spring 2017
This course introduces graduate students in Mechanical Engineering to the nascent field of Nano-Biology. The course is comprised of both formal lectures and projects. Lectures will include an introduction to both molecular biology (components of cells, protein structure and function, DNA, gene regulation, etc.) and nanotechnology ("bottom up" and "top down" nanotechnologies), an overview of current instrumentation in biology, an in-depth description of the recent integration of molecular biology with nanotechnology (for sensing or labeling purposes, elucidating information on cells, etc.), and an introduction to Systems Biology (design principles of biological circuits).
Introduction to Nano-Biology: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course introduces engineering students to the interplay between Nanotechnology and Biology and serves to 1) broaden the areas of research that students might not have necessarily considered, 2) expose students to cutting-edge research, and 3) develop analytical skills.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students should be able to critique methods and techniques that researchers have used to study and probe biological systems at the nano-scale. They will learn how to write research proposals and how to give an effective presentation. Through the research proposals, students will learn about the scientific-research process: formulating the problem, determining the appropriate experimental methods, interpreting the results, and arriving at a conclusion. Through presentations, students will gain valuable experience in public speaking and learn the process by which they would have to propose a research problem, be it in academia or industry.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Sohn
Terms offered: Fall 2005, Fall 2003, Spring 1999
Introduction to artificial intelligence and decision analysis in mechanical engineering. Fundamentals of analytic design, probability theory, failure analysis, risk assessment, and Bayesian and logical inference. Applications to expert systems in probabilistic mechanical engineering design and failure diagnostics. Use of automated influence diagrams to codify expert knowledge and to evaluate optimal design decisions.
Expert Systems in Mechanical Engineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 102A and 102B or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Agogino
Terms offered: Spring 2020, Fall 2010, Fall 2008
This course is intended to provide a comprehensive treatment of both classical system identification and recent work in control-oriented system identification. Numerical, practical, and theoretical aspects will be covered. Topics treated include time and frequency domain methods, generalized parameter estimation, identification of structured non-linear systems, modeling uncertainty bounding, and state-space methods.
System Identification: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 232, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences 221A or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Poolla
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
This course is aimed at developing the interdisciplinary skills required for successful product development in today's competitive marketplace. We expect students to be disciplinary experts in their own field (e.g., engineering, business). By bringing together multiple perspectives, we will learn how product development teams can focus their efforts to quickly create cost-effective products that exceed customers' expectations.
New Product Development: Design Theory and Methods: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Students can expect to depart the semester understanding new product development processes as well as useful tools, techniques and organizational structures that support new product development practice.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students can expect to depart the semester understanding new product development processes as well as useful tools, techniques and organizational structures that support new product development practice in the context of the “triple bottom line” – economy, environment and society.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of voluntary per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Agogino
New Product Development: Design Theory and Methods: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2008, Spring 2007, Fall 2001
Dynamic and kinematic analysis of robotic manipulators. Sensors (position, velocity, force and vision). Actuators and power transmission lines. Direct drive and indirect drive. Point to point control. Straight and curved path following. Industrial practice in servo control. Applications of optimal linear quadratic control, preview control, nonlinear control, and direct/indirect adaptive controls. Force control and compliance control. Collision avoidance. Utilization of dynamic controls
Dynamic Control of Robotic Manipulators: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 230, 232, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Horowitz, Kazerooni
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2017, Spring 2016
Advanced topics in manufacturing research. Topics vary from year to year.
Topics in Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Dornfeld, McMains, Wright
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2014, Spring 2013
This course deals with fundamental aspects of plasmonic materials. The electromagnetic responses of those artificially constructed materials will be discussed. Physics of surface plasmons and dispersion engineering will be introduced. Resonant phenomena associated with the negative permittivity and permeability and the left-handed propagation will be presented. Methods of design, fabrication, and characterization of plasmonic materials will be discussed.
Plasmonic Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 110A or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zhang
Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course teaches concepts and skills required to design, prototype, and fabricate interactive devices -- that is, physical objects that intelligently respond to user input and enable new types of interactions.
Interactive Device Design: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To educate students in the hybrid design skills needed for today's electronic products. These combine mechanical devices, electronics, software, sensors, wireless communication and connections to the cloud. Students also learn scale up procedures for volume manufacturing.
Student Learning Outcomes: 3D printed prototypes, learned software, programming and design skills
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Instructor consent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Hartmann, Wright
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Weekly lecture series featuring guest speakers from academia, industry, government, and civil society. Speakers will address cutting-edge topics involving novel technologies in energy and climate; the production, consumption, and economic exchange of energy resources and commodities; and energy and climate policy. Undergraduate and graduate students welcome.
Topics in Energy, Climate, and Sustainability: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Introduce UC Berkeley students to a variety of perspectives from stakeholders working on the science, technology, economics, and policy of energy and climate issues.
Student Learning Outcomes: Introduce students to interdisciplinary perspectives on energy and climate issues; attract top speakers to campus from academia, industry, government, and civil society; and build community at UC Berkeley around interdisciplinary energy and climate issues.
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Instructors: Wright, Burns, Cullenward
Topics in Energy, Climate, and Sustainability: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2018
Analysis of hybrid systems formed by the interaction of continuous time dynamics and discrete-event controllers. Discrete-event systems models and language descriptions. Finite-state machines and automata. Model verification and control of hybrid systems. Signal-to-symbol conversion and logic controllers. Adaptive, neural, and fuzzy-control systems. Applications to robotics and Intelligent Vehicle and Highway Systems (IVHS).
Hybrid Systems and Intelligent Control: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Formerly known as: 291E
Also listed as: EL ENG C291E
Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2012, Spring 2011
This course will help the advanced Ph.D. student further develop critically important technical communication traits via a series of lectures, interactive workshops, and student projects that will address the structure and creation of effective research papers, technical reports, patents, proposals, business plans, and oral presentations. One key concept will be the emphasis on focus and clarity--achieved through critical thinking regarding objectives and context. Examples will be drawn primarily from health care and bioengineering multidisciplinary applications.
Advanced Technical Communication: Proposals, Patents, and Presentations: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Instructors: Keaveny, Pruitt
Also listed as: BIO ENG C290D
Advanced Technical Communication: Proposals, Patents, and Presentations: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Fall 2020
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in bioengineering and biomechanics. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Bioengineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Faculty
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This series covers current topics of research interest in controls. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Controls: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024
This series covers current topics of research interest in design. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Design: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This series covers current topics of research interest in dynamics. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Dynamics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2019
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in energy science and technology. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Energy Science and Technology: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Advanced Special Topics in Energy Science and Technology: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in fluids. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Fluids: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in manufacturing. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Manufacturing: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in materials. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
This series covers current topics of research interest in mechanics. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Mechanics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2018
This 292 series covers current topics of research interest in MEMS/nano. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in MEMS/Nano: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This series covers current topics of research interest in ocean engineering. The course content may vary semester to semester. Check with the department for current term topics.
Advanced Special Topics in Ocean Engineering: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Varies with course.
Student Learning Outcomes: Varies with course.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring:
6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of lecture per week
8 weeks - 2-7.5 hours of lecture per week
10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of lecture per week
15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session
Supervised experience relative to specific aspects of practice in engineering. Under guidance of a faculty member, the student will work in an internship in industry. Emphasis is to attain practical experience in the field.
Engineering Field Studies: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 2.5-20 hours of independent study per week
10 weeks - 1.5-18 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Advanced studies in various subjects through special seminars on topics to be selected each year. Informal group studies of special problems, group participation in comprehensive design problems, or group research on complete problems for analysis and experimentation.
Group Studies, Seminars, or Group Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-12 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Summer 2025 10 Week Session, Spring 2025
Investigations of advanced problems in mechanical engineering.
Individual Study or Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering, physics, or mathematics
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Weekly seminars and discussions on effective teaching methods. Educational objectives. Theories of learning. The lecture and alternative approaches. Use of media resources. Student evaluation. Laboratory instruction. Curricula in mechanical engineering. Practice teaching. This course is open to Teaching Assistants of Mechanical Engineering.
Teaching of Mechanical Engineering at the University Level: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Mechanical Engineering/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Formerly known as: Mechanical Engineering 301
Teaching of Mechanical Engineering at the University Level: Read Less [-]
Contact Information
Department of Mechanical Engineering
6141 Etcheverry Hall
Phone: 510-642-1338
Fax: 510-642-6163
Director of Student Services
William Orta, MBA
6189 Etcheverry Hall
Phone: 510-642-5085
Student Services & EDI Advisor
Patrick Civello
6193 Etcheverry Hall
Phone: 510-642-4094