Frequently Asked Questions
- What are BSME 1.0 and BSME 2.0?
BSME 1.0 is the Mechanical Engineering major that was described on program sheets dated before Academic Year 18-19. BSME 2.0 is the Mechanical Engineering major program sheet from Academic Year 18-19 and beyond. The BSME 2.0 program is intended for those in the class of 2020 or later. Those in the class of 2019 should remain with the BSME 1.0 program.
- How is BSME 2.0 different from 1.0?
BSME 2.0 is designed to provide our students a more structured and flexible experience than BSME 1.0. In BSME 1.0, students are expected to take a large number of depth courses with two technical electives.In contrast, BSME 2.0 allows students to go through a more organized journey, starting with the ME Core in which students are introduced to the fundamental knowledge in ME. After the ME Core, students are given the opportunity to further their knowledge in a field of interest in the ME Concentration, which provides four exciting major topics for students to pick from. Along with the ME Concentration, students will then complete a two-quarter capstone sequence to apply engineering knowledge they learn from the Core and Concentration in real-world problems, and work on projects that are in theme areas addressing pressing needs of society with students from different concentrations. Please refer to the BSME 2.0 Model Graphic and the BSME 2.0-1.0 Course Mapping Table below:
- What can I do with a BSME?
Our graduates have gone on to do wonderful things in different settings. Some have gotten jobs at companies in automobiles, defense, tech, consulting, finance and many others. Some have continued to pursue advanced graduate degree in prestigious universities across the country.
- Is there any change to the Math and Science requirements?
There is no change to the Math and Science requirements under BSME 2.0. Please refer to the Undergraduate Student Handbook for more information.
- What about the Engineering Fundamentals requirement with BSME 2.0?
The School of Engineering requires engineering students to take two Engineering Fundamental courses (E-courses). For BSME 2.0, students are required to take E70/CS106a: Programming Methodology as their first Engineering Fundamental course. As for their second one, one of the ME required E-courses (E14: Intro to Solid Mechanics or E15: Dynamics) can be double counted and used. E40M/E40A&B (Introductory Electronics) will not be required in BSME 2.0.
- I have taken E40M/E40A&B. Can the course be counted towards my degree when I declare the BSME 2.0?
Yes. Your E40M/E40A&B experience can be counted under BSME 2.0 as you will not be required to take the ME123 course (for those in the graduate classes of 2020 and 2021). Please refer to the BSME 2.0 Course Translation Table for more information (below).
- I have taken some of the BSME 1.0 classes. How would those be counted in BSME 2.0? And if I have taken a course that undergoes unit-reduction, how would the units be listed in my BSME 2.0 Program Sheet?
The BSME 1.0 classes you take can fulfill BSME 2.0 requirements based on the BSME 2.0 Course Mapping Table (above). For courses that are undergoing unit-reduction, you will be awarded the unit count that was stipulated when you enrolled in the course. For instance, if you took E14 when it was listed as 4 units, it will show up as 4 units on your Program Sheet, even though it is a 3-unit course in BSME 2.0.
- I missed out on taking ME1. I am concerned that I will be behind when I take the ME Core courses. What should I do?
ME1 provides students brief introduction and exposure to the three cores (Solid Mechanics, Thermo, Fluid and Heat Transfer, Design and Manufacturing). In the follow-up courses (E14, ME30, ME102), instructors will provide an overview at the early part of the course to ensure those who do not take ME1 are caught up with their peers.
- When should I declare BSME 2.0? And how can I do it?
If you are a sophomore in academic year 2017-18, we encourage you to declare BSME 1.0 by Spring 2018 and submit a revised BSME 2.0 Program Sheet in 2018-19. If you are a freshman in academic year 2017-18, you can declare with a BSME 2.0 Program Sheet in 2018-19. To declare, please obtain a ME Declaration Form from the Wall of Forms located next to the Mechanical Engineering Student Services Office and refer to the Undergraduate Engineering Handbook for next steps.
- If I have already declared for BSME 1.0, should I re-declare for BSME 2.0?
You do not have to though we highly recommend it for those graduating in 2020 and beyond. In fact, several courses associated with the BSME 1.0 will not be offered beyond AY 18-19 (ME131b, ME140, and ME113). Should you decide to, you can submit a revised BSME 2.0 Program Sheet to the ME Student Services Office in 2018-19.
- Can I pick and choose requirements from both BSME 1.0 and 2.0 to obtain my bachelor’s degree?
No. If you have declared for BSME 2.0, you are required to adhere to the requirements mandated in the curriculum. The BSME 2.0 Course Translation Table is only applicable for students who have already taken certain courses in BSME 1.0 before the launch of BSME 2.0 Program Sheet in 2018-19.
- Is ME103 the same course as ME103D? What is ME102?
ME103 is not the same course as ME103D. ME103 is a course based on restructuring of the current ME203: Design and Manufacturing. ME102, on the other hand, is a new course entitled Foundations of Product Realization, which will act as the gateway course for the Design & Manufacturing Core.
- Must ME102 be taken along with ME103?
No. Students are actually encouraged to take ME102 before taking ME103.
- Must the courses in the ME Core be taken consecutively?
Yes, the courses within each of the three Cores (Thermo-Fluids, Design & Manufacturing, and Solid Mechanics) are designed to be taken sequentially as shown in the BSME 2.0 Model Graphic (above).
- Will the Core courses be offered multiple quarters?
Yes.
- Will I be able to study abroad?
Yes. The ME Department encourages its students to go abroad for a quarter through the Bing Overseas Studies Program. BSME 2.0 is designed to factor in study abroad for our students. Please refer to the recommended plans if you are planning to participate in the program.
- How many concentrations are there in BSME 2.0?
There will be four concentrations to choose from: Dynamic Systems and Controls, Materials and Structures, Product Realization, and Thermo-Fluids.
- How do I know which concentration I would like? Do I have to know before I declare?
There are several resources available for you to get more informed on the concentrations. These include the ME Concentration webpage on the ME website and your academic advisor (ME faculty members). You do not have to know exactly what concentration you would like to choose before you declare. However, you are expected make a decision in your early junior year so that you can start taking courses within the concentration.
- What do I need to complete in the BSME 2.0 to apply for the co-term program in the ME?
The co-terminal requirements will remain the same as they have been in the past for AY 18-19 (more information onthe admissions tab).