MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

About the Mechanical Engineering Transfer Pathway

This pathway enables you to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba by completing the first portion of your degree studies in Malaysia at UCSI University (UCSI) then transferring to the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada for the remainder of your degree studies.  You can complete uo to two years of the University of Manitoba four-year degree program at UCSI then transfer to the University of Manitoba for the remainder of your studies.  

What is Mechanical Engineering?
This pathway provides the education required by those who wish to practice in the broad field of Mechanical Engineering. This includes, among other subdivisions, the design of mechanical devices and systems, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, power generation and utilization, air conditioning, the material sciences, fluid mechanics and the aeronautical sciences. The four main areas of study available to the student in this Program includes: Engineering Mechanics and Design, Energy and Heat Transfer, Material Sciences and Fluid Mechanics.

Mechanical engineers use the principles of mechanics, materials and energy to design machines and processes. Many mechanical engineers work in energy and environmental specialties such as building systems, engine design, oil refining, mining, and air quality control, and pollution control processes. Others are involved in the automotive, manufacturing, materials science and biomechanics areas. Mechanical engineers can specialize in the aerospace area, and work in the design and development of technology for aviation and space exploration.

Mechanical Engineering originated when people first started to use levers, ropes, and pulleys to multiply their own strength and to use wind and falling water as a source of energy. Today mechanical engineers are involved with all forms of energy utilization and conversion, machines, manufacturing materials and processes, and engines.

Mechanical engineers utilize energy in many ways for our benefit; such as in refrigeration systems, heating systems, ventilation systems, and in heat exchangers. They are also involved in research in solar, geothermal, and wind energy sources, along with research to increase the efficiency of producing electricity from fossil fuel, hydroelectric, and nuclear sources.

Machines and mechanisms used in all forms of manufacturing and transportation are designed and developed by mechanical engineers. Examples in the area of transportation include automobiles, airplanes, tractors, trains, etc. Other examples include automated machinery and robotics (a rapidly growing area of mechanical engineering), lathes, milling machines, grinders, drills, etc. (in manufacturing), sorting devices, typewriters, staplers, and mechanical engineering background and a vivid imagination.

In order to drive the machines, a source of power is needed. The mechanical engineer is involved with the generation of electricity by converting chemical energy in fuels to thermal energy in the form of steam, then to mechanical energy through a turbine to drive the electric generator. Internal combustion devices such as gasoline, turbine, and diesel engines are designed for use in all areas of transportation. The mechanical engineer studies engine cycles, fuel requirements, ignition performance, power output, cooling systems, engine geometry, and lubrication in order to develop high-performance, low-energy-consuming engines.

The engines, machines, mechanical devices, etc., that are designed by mechanical engineers require many types of materials in their construction. Material science deals with the behaviour of engineering materials.

What are the typical courses in the program?
Mechanical Engineering starts with a common first year with other engineering students, then goes on to a common second year with Manufacturing Engineering students. Undergraduate engineering courses teach students how to use computer software, analysis techniques, devices and equipment, and standardized data to improve mechanical systems and processes. Typical courses are heat transfer, mechanics of machines, stress analysis, fluid mechanics, energy, controls, dynamics, vibrations and acoustics, communications, electronics, economics, production and operations management, and materials science.  Further information on the department, program and courses can be found at the following web sites: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/engineering/departments/mechanical/index.html, http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/engineering/departments/mechanical/undergrad/mechprog.html, and http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/engineering/departments/mechanical/undergrad/mechprogcrs.html.

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What subjects do I take at UCSI?
The list of subjects taken at UCSI and the UM equivalent are shown below.

What subjects do I take at The University of Manitoba?

What choices do I have in Mechanical Engineering?
The Mechanial Eneering Program has 5 Technical Elective slots to be filled with non-core courses of your choice.  The five Elective spots an be filled with courses from one of our Options or Streams.  An Option consists of 5 courses to fill the 5 Elective slots.  The Aerospace Option has a preset list of 5 courses while the Maufcturing Option has a larger list of courses from which to choose.  A Strem consists of 3 courses to fill 3 of the 5 Elective slots.  The Options and Streams and available courses are listed below.

Aerspace Option (must take all 5 courses)

• Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Structures: Analyss ad Design
• Aerospace Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Gas Turbine Propulsion Systems
• Aircaft Perfomance, Dynamics and Design.

Manufacturing Option (must take five of the following)

Is there a practical or work experience component?
The University of Manitoba Mechanical Engineering program was the first in Canada to introduce a team-based capstone engineering design course. Because Manitoba industry competes to have students work on their projects (more projects are submitted than required each year), the designs are challenging real life projects. Each team has both an industry contact person and professional engineer advisor to guide them. Engineering design is also incorporated in other courses throughout the program.

In addition, a co-op work experience option is available in Mechanical Engineering, with paid work, and recognition on the diploma.

Can a UCSI Student do the cooperative education program?
Yes, as long as the student is in good academic standing, he/she can apply to enter the cooperative program. Acceptance into the program is dependent upon the student receiving a job placement either through the Office of Cooperative Education or on their own. Once a job placement has been secured, the student is accepted into the program and enrolls in the respective coop courses. A work permit must also be obtained.

In order to stay in the cooperative program in, a student must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.00 and must obtain a grade of ’’pass’’ for each work term report. All rules and regulations of the Faculty of Engineering apply. Students who do not maintain these standards, may not remain in the cooperative program and may be transferred back into the traditional program or required to withdraw completely.

What is the advantage of studying Mechanical Engineering over science or other areas?
Small class sizes and a focus on design courses characterize Mechanical Engineering. Award winning teachers are among the faculty of the department, and staff are routinely among the top-rated professors in student evaluations. In addition, it is an accredited professional program, leading to registration as a professional engineer, and the accompanying enhancements in employment, salary and respect.

What types of jobs do Mechanical engineers do?
Since the University of Manitoba offers an option in Aerospace Engineering, many graduates work in that field, or the closely related automotive manufacturing area. However, mechanical engineers also can work for consultants, manufacturers, government, and utilities (gas, hydro, telecommunications). Mechanical engineers have strong employment opportunities, particularly in growth markets in advanced materials and manufacturing.

Why should I take Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba?
The University of Manitoba’s Mechanical Engineering program is ranked 5th among universities in Canada, and 15th in comparison with other mechanical engineering programs in North America. The program is also fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).  A PC-based computer laboratory facility is available 24 hours a day to students in the department, as well as access to Sun workstations. Well equipped, modern laboratory facilities enhance course work: biomechanics, wind tunnel, robotics and automation, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, thermal fluid sciences, and polymer composite processing. There are a number of student chapters of technical societies events each year: SAE (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers), CASI (Canadian Aerospace Students Institute) and CSME (Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers) build cars and gliders for international competitions.

How do I get in?
Students with good academic standing in SPM or STPM or Equivalent can apply directly to UCSI using the e-mail contact below, or through the UCSI web site at http://www.ucsi.edu.my/.  Do not apply through The University of Manitoba.

This pathway is also available to other students from outside Malaysia.   We have had students from India, Bangladesh, Mauritius and Indonesia successfully complete their engineering degree through this program.

Contact Information:
Prospective students should direct all inquiries to UCSI:
Mr. L.K. Moey, Engineering
Email: mailto:sudeshb@ucsi.edu.my

Present UCSI students can obtain additional information from
The University of Manitoba by contacting:
Mr. J.P. Burak, P.Eng.
Coordinator, UM/UCSI International Programs, Faculty of Engineering
Email: mailto:burakjpw@cc.umanitoba.ca