Individual Graduate Program, Mechanical Engineering Emphasis, Ph.D.

Program Description

me.ucmerced.edu
Program Chair: Gerardo Diaz, gdiaz@ucmerced.edu
Admissions Chair:  Michael Modest, mmodest@ucmerced.edu

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduate emphasis 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 emphasis 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.

Courses are designed to provide the mathematical and scientific principles underlying the foundations of Applied Mechanics, with emphasis on applications and novel research developments in diverse topics such as Advanced Dynamics, Modern Control Systems, Continuum Mechanics, Viscous Flows, Rheology, Tribology, Radiative Transfer, etc. The ME graduate program provides a seamless transition for undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate studies in these areas.

The current ME faculty research strengths include:

• Continuum Mechanics
• Thermodynamics (Optimal Design, Low-Entropy Generating Systems)
• Heat Transfer (Radiative Transfer, Evolutionary Design of Thermal Systems)
• Fluid Mechanics (CFD, Sedimentation, Unsteady Viscous Flows, Microfluidics)
• Solid Mechanics and Mechanical Design (Motion Planning, Geometric Modeling)
• Robotics, Mechanisms and Artificial Intelligence
• Bio-Inspired Technologies
• Rheology, Polymers
• Vibration and Control
• Energy Conversion and Storage
• Solar Energy
• Molecular Dynamics
• Tribology
• Mechatronics and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• Cyber-Physical Systems

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering:

1. Are able to identify significant research questions in mechanical engineering, and contextualize their research in the current literature of the field.
2. Are able to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve a problem, and to design and implement a suitable solution.
3. Are able to design and 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, and to develop new methods and discover new knowledge.
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.