Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (STEM)

at EDUCO - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology USA

The science of light, once confined to research labs and science fiction novels, has found its way into our everyday lives. The applications of optics can be seen everywhere. A list of more common examples of these applications include laser printers, fiber optic communication, internet switches, fiber optic telephone lines, compact disc players, credit cards bearing holograms, grocery checkout scanners, computers and eye surgery. The field of optics is an enabling technology and is growing at a rapid pace. Optical techniques are found in a wide range of areas such as surveying and construction, measurements of material parameters and deformation, flow measurements, communications, machine vision, laser cutting, drilling and welding, data storage, internet switches, optical computers and sensors etc. Surveys show that there is a growing demand for optical designers/scientists/ engineers every year. Opportunities for graduates in Optical Engineering are available in many industries, including automated inspection, consumer electronics, fiber optic communications, optical instrumentation, laser devices, radar systems, data storage etc.

The Optical Engineering bachelor’s degree program is one of the few in the country. This program provides a firm foundation for those interested in continuing thier studies in optics at the graduate level, as well as for those going into industry. The curriculum was developed by the faculty with input from industrial representatives as well as from renowned national and international optics educators. Because of the diverse applications of optics, the curriculum contains a mix of courses in physics and mathematics as well as humanities and social sciences. The Optical Engineering program at Rose-Hulman stresses laboratory instruction. We also encourage students to look at options for a double major, especially Optical Engineering with electrical, computer or mechanical engineering.

OE Program Educational Objectives

• Our graduates will set their career path and advance beyond their entry-level position or progress toward the completion of an advanced degree.
• Our graduates will make a positive impact on society.
• Our graduates will behave ethically and act as responsible members of the engineering and science community.
• Our graduates will continue to develop professionally

The twenty-first century will see unparalleled advances in the biological sciences. Disciplines such as biology and biomedical engineering are burgeoning and will greatly impact the way we live in the future. The areas of functional genomics and proteomics will drive discoveries in molecular medicine, gene therapy and tissue engineering. Drug discovery will be facilitated by the elucidation of new target molecules and many pharmaceutical compounds will be produced using biological processes. Environmental management, remediation and restoration will also benefit from advances in biology. Biologists will be at the forefront of these advances and will drive the medical, agricultural, environmental and industrial applications of biological sciences.

The biology program will produce biologists with the chemistry, mathematics, and physics background needed to solve biotechnological problems in the coming decades. Those students wishing to strengthen their engineering skills can earn the area minor in biomedical engineering. Other students may choose to pursue a second major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The program will prepare graduates for professional careers in government and industrial research laboratories, and in the biotechnology and health-related industries.

Those wishing to continue their studies in graduate or health professions programs will be exceptionally well qualified to do so.

Biology Learning Objectives

Upon graduation, Rose-Hulman Biology students will be able to

• Identify questions of interest to the scientific community.
• Develop and implement a strategy to answer open-ended questions or achieve a goal through scientific investigation or experimentation.
• Develop evidence-based conclusions through a process of informed evaluation and judgement.
• Communicate with a range of audiences through a variety of media.
• Demonstrate integrity with respect to ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Exhibit growth as a person and professional using appropriate learning strategies.
• Use examples from molecules to ecosystems to illustrate core concepts of biology.

Graduates with a degree in biochemistry will be well prepared for employment, graduate study in biochemistry or other chemistry-related fields, or professional school. Biochemists are employed in research, quality control, design, sales and management. Many graduates pursue masters and doctoral degrees in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and in other life science fields. A biochemistry degree is excellent preparation for medical school and related fields, and also for careers in business, law or education.

The curriculum at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provides a rigorous introduction to all subdisciplines of chemistry along with biochemistry and applied biology. Students have access to modern instrumentation along with a well-equipped biochemistry lab. Rose-Hulman students are introduced to modern computational methods beginning in the sophomore year. There are many opportunities for research or other individual projects, and students are encouraged to present their results at regional and national chemistry conferences. Close interaction with engineering departments provides students with a point of view not available at most other undergraduate institutions.

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to have by the time of graduation.

• An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
• An ability to recognize the professional and ethical responsibilities of a biochemist.
• An ability to communicate effectively in presentations and reports.
• An ability to use the scientific method to investigate biochemical systems.
• An ability to conduct biochemistry in both academic and industrial settings.

Computer Engineers (CPE) are electrical engineers that have additional training in the areas of software design and hardware-software integration. Common CPE tasks include writing embedded software for real-time microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, working with analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also well-suited for research in the field of robotics, which relies on using computers together with other electrical systems. Below is a recommended plan of study for CPE.

Computer Engineering graduates shall:

• Practice excellence in their profession using a systems approach encompassing technological, economic, ethical, environmental, social, and human issues within a changing global environment;
• Function independently and in leadership positions within multidisciplinary teams;
• Continue life-long learning by acquiring new knowledge, mastering emerging technologies, and using  appropriate tools and methods;
• Adapt and independently extend their learning to excel in fields about which they are passionate;
• Strengthen teams and communities through collaboration, effective communication, public service, and leadership.

CPE Student Learning Outcomes

At the time of graduation, students will have demonstrated:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and 2018-2019 Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs – Proposed Changes 40 welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

As has been done since we awarded the nation’s first degree in chemical engineering in 1889, the undergraduate program in chemical engineering undertakes to prepare individuals for careers in the chemical process industries. These include all industries in which chemical and energy changes are an important part of the manufacturing process, such as the petroleum, rubber, plastics, synthetic fiber, pulp and paper, fermentation, soap and detergents, glass, ceramic, photographic and organic and inorganic chemical industries. In view of the dynamic nature of this technology, the course of study stresses fundamental principles rather than technical details. It prepares the student either for advanced study at the graduate level or for immediate entrance into industry. Opportunities in the process industries are found in a variety of activities, including design, development, management, production, research, technical marketing, technical service, or engineering.

Mission: The mission of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is to provide an excellent chemical engineering education through a combination of theory and practice that prepares students for productive professional careers including postgraduate studies.

Program Educational Objectives
Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation.

• Our graduates will attain a promotion and/or responsibilities beyond their entry-level position, or progress toward the completion of an advanced degree.
• Our graduates will continue to develop professionally.
• Our graduates will collaborate professionally within or outside of their organizations at a regional, national and/or international leve

The Department of Physics and Optical Engineering has provided both science and engineering foundation at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology through its physics and optics engineering programs. Physics is the foundation subject to all engineering and through the study in engineering physics we aim at blending a strong physics component with relevant engineering backgrounds that are usually necessary to work in areas such as semiconductor, optical technologies, biomedical applications, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, and polymer and biochemistry. The students will get their traditional undergraduate engineering education that has a broad foundation in mathematics, engineering sciences and technology. This program emphasizes problem solving skills and an understanding of engineering design to address the needs and challenges of the technology age and allow students to take a broad range of engineering careers.

Engineering Physics at Rose-Hulman will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn the foundation concepts of physics and make a concentrated study in micro and nano technology. Engineering physicist will be able to apply both scientific and engineering approaches to a wide variety of problems which otherwise is not possible with any traditional engineering or science degree. Rose-Hulman’s engineering physics graduates will be trained to take up challenging jobs in engineering and development of new technologies or to pursue further studies in engineering or physics.

EP Program Educational Objectives

• Our graduates will set their career path and advance beyond their entry-level position or progress toward the completion of an advanced degree.
• Our graduates will contribute to society locally, nationally or globally
• Our graduates will collaborate within their organization; and be active in research and development in a relevant area of science and technology.
• Our graduates will continue to develop professionally.

Electrical Engineering (EE) is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Common EE tasks include designing communication systems, energy conversion and power delivery, control systems applications, design of analog and digital systems, and others. Below is a recommended plan of study for EE.

EE Program Educational Objectives

• Practice excellence in their profession using a systems approach encompassing technological, economic, ethical, environmental, social, and human issues within a changing global environment;
• Function independently and in leadership positions within multidisciplinary teams;
• Continue life-long learning by acquiring new knowledge, mastering emerging technologies, and using  appropriate tools and methods;
• Adapt and independently extend their learning to excel in fields about which they are passionate;
• Strengthen teams and communities through collaboration, effective communication, public service, and leadership.

EE Student Learning Outcomes

At the time of graduation, students will have demonstrated:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and 2018-2019 Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs – Proposed Changes 40 welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The twenty-first century will see unparalleled advances in the biological sciences. Disciplines such as biology and biomedical engineering are burgeoning and will greatly impact the way we live in the future. The areas of functional genomics and proteomics will drive discoveries in molecular medicine, gene therapy and tissue engineering. Drug discovery will be facilitated by the elucidation of new target molecules and many pharmaceutical compounds will be produced using biological processes. Environmental management, remediation and restoration will also benefit from advances in biology. Biologists will be at the forefront of these advances and will drive the medical, agricultural, environmental and industrial applications of biological sciences.

The biology program will produce biologists with the chemistry, mathematics, and physics background needed to solve biotechnological problems in the coming decades. Those students wishing to strengthen their engineering skills can earn the area minor in biomedical engineering. Other students may choose to pursue a second major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The program will prepare graduates for professional careers in government and industrial research laboratories, and in the biotechnology and health-related industries.

Those wishing to continue their studies in graduate or health professions programs will be exceptionally well qualified to do so.

Biology Learning Objectives

Upon graduation, Rose-Hulman Biology students will be able to

• Identify questions of interest to the scientific community.
• Develop and implement a strategy to answer open-ended questions or achieve a goal through scientific investigation or experimentation.
• Develop evidence-based conclusions through a process of informed evaluation and judgement.
• Communicate with a range of audiences through a variety of media.
• Demonstrate integrity with respect to ethical and professional responsibilities.
• Exhibit growth as a person and professional using appropriate learning strategies.
• Use examples from molecules to ecosystems to illustrate core concepts of biology.

The Department of Physics and Optical Engineering has provided both science and engineering foundation at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology through its physics and optics engineering programs. Physics is the foundation subject to all engineering and through the study in engineering physics we aim at blending a strong physics component with relevant engineering backgrounds that are usually necessary to work in areas such as semiconductor, optical technologies, biomedical applications, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, and polymer and biochemistry. The students will get their traditional undergraduate engineering education that has a broad foundation in mathematics, engineering sciences and technology. This program emphasizes problem solving skills and an understanding of engineering design to address the needs and challenges of the technology age and allow students to take a broad range of engineering careers.

Engineering Physics at Rose-Hulman will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn the foundation concepts of physics and make a concentrated study in micro and nano technology. Engineering physicist will be able to apply both scientific and engineering approaches to a wide variety of problems which otherwise is not possible with any traditional engineering or science degree. Rose-Hulman’s engineering physics graduates will be trained to take up challenging jobs in engineering and development of new technologies or to pursue further studies in engineering or physics.

EP Program Educational Objectives

• Our graduates will set their career path and advance beyond their entry-level position or progress toward the completion of an advanced degree.
• Our graduates will contribute to society locally, nationally or globally
• Our graduates will collaborate within their organization; and be active in research and development in a relevant area of science and technology.
• Our graduates will continue to develop professionally.

Mechanical engineering is a broad field of endeavor with opportunities in many areas of industry: production and manufacturing; aeronautics and aerospace; robotics and automation; conventional and renewable energy; automotive and transportation; and many others. Additional opportunities for mechanical engineers include careers in government, education, and private consulting. The mechanical engineering curriculum is designed to prepare students for this wide range of options by providing them with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of science and engineering to tackle the complex technological problems of today and adapt for the challenges of tomorrow.

The required courses of the undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum provide the basic mathematical and scientific fundamentals underlying the practice of mechanical engineering. Technical, free, and math/science elective courses allow the student flexibility in adapting the program to their interests in pursuit of their specific career goals. Electives in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts help to foster the links between society and engineering so that the mechanical engineering graduate is aware of the roles of engineering and science in solving complex technological and social problems as well as of the impacts of social and environmental factors on engineering activities such as design. For those undergraduates who choose to continue their education at Rose-Hulman, graduate work leading to a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering is offered by the department.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. We expect our graduates to have the ability to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusion.
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.