Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing

Design Experience

The mechanical engineering program at CSU, Chico is a traditional balance of engineering science and design. The design sequence for mechanical engineers is a progressive one. The courses which are primarily devoted to design are:

  • MECH 140 - Introduction to Engineering Design and Automation
  • MECH 340 - Mechanical Engineering Design
  • MECH 440A - Mechanical Engineering Design Project I
  • MECH 440B - Mechanical Engineering Design Project II

The freshman experience (MECH 140) focuses on the creative aspects of design and gives students an opportunity to practice the engineering design process with little or no emphasis on engineering science. At the junior level (MECH 340), there is an opportunity to learn about safety, failure, reliability, codes and standards, and economic considerations, while carrying out detailed design of mechanical components. In the final senior project (MECH 440A and MECH 440B), students are expected to exercise what they learned throughout the preceding design courses in a final project that includes manufacturing and testing, as well as the more global aspects of design including product realization, economic factors, environmental issues, and social impact. (For more information go to Capstone Design Program.) Together, these experiences prepare graduates to be successful practitioners with an awareness of the multitude of issues involved.