The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor's of Science degree with sub-specialties that may include an emphasis in aerospace or petroleum engineering. The curriculum provides the student with the necessary tools for a career as a professional mechanical engineer, an engineering consultant, or for a career in advanced studies and research (see Departmental Mission and Objectives).
A mechanical engineering education incorporates studies in the areas of thermodynamics, computer aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), nanotechnology, statics, dynamics, mathematics, fluid mechanics, and the environment. This knowledge leads to careers in aerospace, resource extraction, energy and power, building design, chemical and processing plant operation, design and manufacturing, building maintenance, Heating Ventilating and Air-conditioning (HVAC), and just about all forms of product development.
Study Engineering
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is broadly concerned with energy--its transformation from one form to another, its transmission, use and conservation.
Mechanical engineers conceive, plan, design and direct the production, distribution and operation of a wide variety of devices, machines and systems for energy conservation, environmental control, materials processing, transportation and materials handling.
Virtually every product you touch from morning to night bears the imprint of a mechanical engineer.
Who Makes a Good Mechanical Engineer?
Mechanical engineers are curious about how things are made and work; they have a desire to solve problems and a talent for understanding the operation of mechanical devices.
They enjoy mathematics, chemistry and physics; these are some of the tools used in the mechanical engineering profession.
Studies in the North
Why Attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks?
Alaska is a really cool place.
UAF places special emphasis on mechanical engineering problems encountered in cold regions (such as the brittle fracture of steel at low temperatures, water vapor migration through building walls, efficient use of energy, and automotive emissions at cold temperatures).
The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national accrediting agency for engineering programs.
Class sizes are small.
Our students have a pass rate on the Fundamentals of Engineering examination of over 90%.
Our students have ready access to modern computer facilities.
The department has access to a number of unique research facilities where ME professors and students conduct research.
Standards
The B. S. degree program in mechanical engineering has been accredited since 1980 by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The Duckering building at UAF in the smoke of a summer forest fire. Photo by Michael Wilson
Mechanical Engineering professor Zhang and Colleagues Receive Major Research Instrumentation Grant from NSF. Full Story.
ME Undergraduate Students Win Flint Hills Resources Undergraduate Research Competition with projects that study power generation from waste heat, as well as the the effects of electric cars on pollution Full Story...
ME faculty and students participate in the Engineering Week Open House. Full story...
ME department faculty, Professor Goering, applies thermosyphons to keep roadways chilled in permafrost areas. Full story...
