Mechanical Engineering, M.S.

Program Description

me.ucmerced.edu
Program Chair: Ashlie Martini, amartini@ucmerced.edu
Admissions Chair:  Venkattraman Ayyaswamy, vayyaswamy@ucmerced.edu

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduate program engages in individualized, research-based programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The ME faculty members strive to provide students with a comprehensive research experience based on the latest developments of the analytical, numerical and experimental tools available in the field.  Mechanical Engineering includes a broad spectrum of research activities that are based on well-defined scientific principles. Judicious application of the fundamental principles of mechanics allows specialized Mechanical Engineers to impact virtually all fields of science and technology. The goal of the ME program at UC Merced is to provide its graduate students with a very solid foundation in mechanical sciences and a strong and comprehensive exposure to modern research techniques.

The current ME faculty research strengths include:

• Design, manufacturing and optimization
• Dynamics, mechanics and controls for biomechanical applications
• Electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices
• Electrokinetic and multiphase heat transport in porous media
• Energy conversion and thermal systems
• Engineering systems and machines for agriculture
• Fuel cells
• Mechanics at extreme length scales
• Mechatronics for sustainability
• Plasma science and engineering
• Scientific data-drones and unmanned systems
• Solar power and renewable energy
• Friction, Wear and Lubrication
• Vibrations and noise control
• Water and energy technologies

Master’s Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering:

1. Are able to conduct supervised research in mechanical engineering and can contextualize this research in the current literature of the field.
2. Are able to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to implement a solution to solve a problem.
3. Are able to conduct experiments and simulations of mechanical systems and to analyze and evaluate these solutions in the context of existing technologies.
4. Have lifelong learning skills; are able to acquire and use new engineering techniques, skills, and tools for research and development in mechanical engineering.
5. Exhibit high professional standards in research, demonstrating objectivity, ethical conduct, and integrity.
6. Are able to communicate effectively through oral, visual, and written means, with a broad range of technical audiences.