Mechanical Engineering Programme

Among the most diverse of the engineering fields, mechanical engineering affects almost all aspects of our lives and embraces many areas of specialization: automotive systems; bioengineering; combustion and propulsion; design methodology and tribology; dynamic systems and controls; energy systems and thermodynamics; fluid mechanics; heat transfer; manufacturing and production; materials behaviour and processing; and micro scale and Nano scale phenomena and systems.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, having culminated from the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Traditionally concerned with harnessing and converting energy forms, mechanical engineers are inherently multi-disciplinary. For example, the design of a car engine combines the fields of chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electronic controls, dynamics and vibrations, materials science, and mechanical design. Although the mechanical engineer may specialize in one of these fields, a cursory knowledge of each of these fields is necessary to interact with other engineers.

MISSION

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to prepare our graduates:

• To become science-based engineers and professionals, having a thorough knowledge of mathematics and physical science, a broad grasp of mechanical engineering principles and methods, and an ability to apply those fundamentals in practical situations;
• To develop as persons and professionals, continually expanding their knowledge and abilities, communicating effectively with others, exercising leadership, contributing as team members, and functioning capably within the global workforce; and
• To sustain and advance human society by contributing to technological innovation, creating new knowledge and new engineering techniques, as well as through service to professional societies and community services.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

The educational objectives for the Mechanical Engineering programme reflect the mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the importance placed on successful professional practice, the ability to pursue advanced degrees, the assumption of professional and societal leadership roles, and a commitment to life-long learning.  The Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda Mechanical Engineering graduates will:

• Successfully enter a profession that involves Mechanical Engineering skills or pursue graduate/professional education.
• Advance in their chosen fields to management and/or technical leadership positions.
• Engage in continued learning through professional development.
• Participate in and contribute to professional societies and community services.

Why study Mechanical Engineering at SENG?

The mechanical engineering curriculum at The Catholic University of Cameroon educates students in logical thinking – a prerequisite for professional competence. The curriculum consists of basic theory courses complemented by laboratory experiences in dynamic systems and controls, design, experimentation, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, manufacturing, and materials.

Elective courses are offered in several areas including air conditioning, automotive engineering, computer aided design, controls, energy conversion, internal combustion engines, manufacturing, materials, polymer processing, nondestructive evaluation, metallurgy, power generation, stress analysis, fluid mechanics, turbo machinery, and others. The selection of elective courses is dictated by the interests and goals of the student with the aid of the department advisors.

Many students enhance their education by participating in internship programmes, which offer opportunities for employment in engineering positions while working toward a degree. Many students also participate in research projects through individual directed studies courses with a professor. The programme culminates with a senior design course sequence highlighted by real-life projects. Students benefit from the challenge and gratification that come through direct interaction with practicing engineers.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineers design machines, devices, various products and control systems, and work with the generation, conversion, transmission, and utilization of mechanical and thermal power. Assignments often include analysis and synthesis of mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems.

Mechanical engineers are also responsible for characterization, specification, and analysis of materials used in design and manufacturing. Manufacturing systems, robotics, electromechanical devices, and control systems are also the purview of the mechanical engineer. Graduates in mechanical engineering are among the most versatile engineers and enjoy professional employment in industry, government, consulting, and research organizations.

Mechanical engineers work in almost every industry that employs engineers. The work of mechanical engineers varies from general engineering to numerous, narrow specialties. In general, mechanical engineers work in one of the following areas: design, construction, controls, materials specification and evaluation, analysis of thermal systems, fluid and solid mechanics, manufacturing, plant engineering, research and development, and technical sales.