Mechanical Engineering - Ferrous Physical Metallurgy Concentration, BSE

Freshman Engineering Program

All engineering freshmen pursue a common academic program, selecting a major upon completion. The freshman-year curriculum includes two specially designed engineering-oriented courses (ENGR 0011 Introduction to Engineering Analysis  and Engineering 0012 Introduction to Engineering Computing ). These courses provide freshman students with an overview of the various areas of engineering, introduce certain engineering skills and tools, and acquaint students with the engineering problem solving process. Freshman students also participate in an engineering seminar, conducted in part by the Freshman Leadership Team’s Peer Advisors. These seminars provide general information on the transition to college and the improvement of study skills and provide an overview of the various engineering fields so that freshmen can make an informed choice of majors at the end of the first year. Students are also given several opportunities to visit the various programs in order to talk to the faculty and learn about the specific academic requirements. All engineering freshmen participate in the Freshman Engineering Conference during the Spring Term. Outstanding freshman students may also participate in the Fessenden Honors in Engineering Program (See Special Academic Opportunities/Programs for details). For more information on the Freshman Engineering Program, visit http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/freshman/

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum

In the first two years, the mechanical engineering curriculum concentrates on the fundamentals of sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The last two years provide increased depth in the engineering sciences, including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and systems analysis and also provide exposure to engineering applications, such as mechanical measurements, manufacturing, mechanical design, and thermal systems. Sufficient technical electives are allowed to permit each student to explore areas of special interest.

Course work in the social sciences and humanities is included for the enhancement of the student’s awareness of the importance of social, political, and economic problems in the practice of engineering. Where appropriate, the upper-level courses introduce consideration of human values, social benefits, and constraints to prepare future practicing engineers to be responsive to such concerns.

The major objectives of the program are to:

• Demonstrate successful application of mechanical engineering knowledge and skills for industry, public sector organizations or their profession.
• Pursue life-long learning through advanced professional degrees, graduate studies in engineering, professional training or engineering certification.
• Demonstrate professional and intellectual growth as leaders in their profession and/or community.

Concentration in Ferrous Physical Metallurgy for Undergraduate Students

The concentration program of study in Ferrous Physical Metallurgy is offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. This concentration available as an option for all undergraduate engineering students pursuing the BS degree in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering or engineering physics. Four courses (12 credits) are required to complete the concentration.

The goal of this concentration is to provide a strong educational and training program focused on the use of physical metallurgy, advanced alloy design philosophies and modern thermomechanical processing strategies for the enhanced design and manufacture of high-performance steels.