ENGINEERING PHYSICS

The engineering physics program is designed for those students who have a strong interest in physics combined with a desire to acquire the skills and perspective of engineering. The program combines study in electrical engineering, materials science, and physics. Students are encouraged to pursue the degree, offered jointly by the School of Engineering and the University Honors College (UHC), by completing the engineering physics program and satisfying the special degree requirements of the UHC. This includes either completing and defending a thesis or taking a competency examination administered by the honors college. Students who decide not to seek honors college degree candidacy or who do not satisfy the special degree requirements will, upon successful completion of the curricula, be awarded the BSE from the School of Engineering. Graduates of this program will be well prepared for graduate study in any of its three areas: electrical engineering, materials science, or physics. For more information on the program, contact mseugrad@engr.pitt.edu or see www.engr.pitt.edu/materials/physics/index.html.

Engineering Physics Undergraduate Curriculum

During the freshman and sophomore years, the student will be given a basic educational foundation in mathematics (calculus, matrix theory) and the fundamental methods and principles of the physical sciences, as well as an introduction to electrical engineering (linear systems, electronics, and computer applications) and materials science. During the junior and senior years, the course work provides a comprehensive knowledge of the branches of physics that are closely related to modern technology. In particular, the student will take physics department courses in optics, electricity and magnetism, mechanics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Junior and senior engineering studies will stress such related topics as applications of electricity and magnetism, materials science, signal processing, and applied thermodynamics.

The major objectives of the engineering physics program are

• To provide students with fundamental understanding of physics and the engineering knowledge required to work in a variety of technical positions.
• To provide an undergraduate education that will allow qualified students to enter and be successful in graduate schools in electrical engineering, materials science and engineering or physics.
• To provide a general education in engineering science that will allow alumni to work in a variety of professional positions that benefit from some knowledge of engineering and physics such as management, teaching and law.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Significant productivity improvements in industry demand that industrial engineers focus on macro-level structures—a systems approach. Management of industrial, business, and service activities are growing increasingly complex as engineering, the sciences, and the humanities become more interdependent. Organizations need individuals capable of designing, installing, operating, and improving systems that will function efficiently in a society made more complicated by the explosion of technology and information. Management becomes the driving factor: managers direct, coordinate, and control the diverse components of the system; strive to use resources in an optimal manner; and translate discoveries into new products on a timely basis. The Department of Industrial Engineering meets this challenge through an intensive educational program. Building upon a solid foundation in the basic sciences, engineering, and computers, the curriculum provides the student with (1) a capability for systems analysis and design that crosses traditional disciplinary lines and (2) an awareness of and concern for the demands of today’s dynamic social systems.

Organizations employing industrial engineers include independent consultants, manufacturers, distributors, banks, hospitals, transportation, energy suppliers, distribution and logistics providers, retail corporations, and government/military and educational institutions. For more information on the industrial engineering program, contact pittie@pitt.edu or see http://www.ie.pitt.edu.

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum

The faculty has committed itself to the broad, multi-disciplinary approach needed to solve problems in today’s organizations. Specifically the industrial engineering program objectives are to

• Develop student competency in mathematics, sciences, engineering fundamentals, and computers;
• Provide students with knowledge of modern industrial engineering principles; methods and tools, including those associated with manufacturing systems; operations research; information systems; human factors; and method analysis;
• Foster in students the ability to visualize engineering problems within a total system context and apply engineering design methods to formulate and solve problems including the ability to recognize problem context and synthesize knowledge and skills from appropriate sources;
• Train students in effective oral and written communications; and
• Graduate students who possess the professional characteristics of leadership, ethics, the ability to work with others, an appreciation for other disciplines, adaptability, and an appreciation for lifelong learning.

In addition to the courses fundamental to industrial engineering, the student will be exposed to humanities and social sciences and will have the opportunity to select four technical electives. The technical electives may be chosen from specialized and advanced offerings of the industrial engineering department. In consultation with the student’s advisor, up to two of these electives may be selected from other programs in the University, such as other engineering departments, the sciences, mathematics, business, computer science, or information science. The final term of the program includes a senior design course where students, working in small teams, do a term-long project in an industrial setting. These projects are jointly supervised by a faculty member and an individual from the company. The curriculum is continuously being examined, and improvements are made in order to ensure that students receive the best education. Shown below is the most recent plan of study for students entering the Department of Industrial Engineering.

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Materials limitations often impede technological and social progress. The materials engineer applies special knowledge of the structure, behavior, and properties of materials to solve these engineering problems. The engineer may be concerned with developing and improving processes for producing metals and alloys or ceramics; developing new alloys or improving existing alloys; and/or achieving better use of alloys and other materials. New materials must be designed for a variety of functions, including structural, esthetic, electrical, or magnetic and operating environments. Materials may come in forms so minute that the work is done under a microscope or in forms so large that special handling cranes are required.

Research efforts in the department involve work on the development of new high-strength steels, corrosion and oxidation, structural and electronic ceramics, smart materials, high-temperature materials, plastic deformation, phase transformations, and strengthening mechanisms. A number of graduate students are engaged in thesis research on these topics, and undergraduates are encouraged to work on related senior projects. For more information on the program, contact mseugrad@engr.pitt.edu or see www.engr.pitt.edu/materials/programs/undergrad.html.

Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum

The undergraduate program is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the structure and properties of materials, the principles underlying the processing of materials, and the concepts of engineering design and problem solving. Both theory and practice are emphasized. Laboratory courses are integrated into the curriculum, and a variety of professional and engineering science electives are available. When desirable, specialized programs can be arranged for the students with well-defined interests and goals. Students are prepared to accept positions in production, research, and management, in both the basic materials and advanced or "high-tech" materials industries. This versatile education is a strong preparation for graduate work in metallurgy and materials and other related fields.

The major objectives of the materials science and engineering program are to

• Prepare students to assume positions of technical leadership in industries that require their specialized knowledge of materials science and engineering.
• Provide students with an education, grounded in the fundamentals, enabling them to succeed in graduate studies and research in materials science and engineering.
• Encourage students to remain committed and engaged in the discipline of materials science and engineering throughout their careers.
• Provide students with a comprehensive education in engineering science that will prepare them to succeed in management positions in industry, or other professional careers (e.g. teaching, law, etc.).

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical engineering is concerned with both energy use and the design of machines and systems in such sectors as transportation, manufacturing, materials handling, power generation, and environmental control. Mechanical engineers are involved in design, development, research, management, and related activities in these fields. The breadth and diversity of the profession requires an undergraduate curriculum that provides a sound foundation in the basic sciences, computational skills including use of computers, and the fundamentals of engineering and engineering design. This curriculum provides a base for future professional growth and is also an excellent background for those who wish to pursue careers in other professions including management, law, or medicine. For more information on the program, contact me@engr.pitt.edu or see www.engr.pitt.edu/mechanical/index.html.

The major objectives of the program are to

• train students in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering analysis, mathematics and sciences, and engineering problem solving;
• provide students with an education that recognizes the breadth of our profession by using modern instructional methods;
• Develop in students skills critical to the design process, including the ability to formulate problems, to communicate effectively, and to work collaboratively;
• Provide and encourage outside the classroom industrial and research engineering experiences that develop the appreciation for lifelong learning; and
• Provide students with a background in the use of modern engineering tools applicable to problems in mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum

In the first two years, the mechanical engineering curriculum concentrates on the fundamentals of sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The last two years provide increased depth in the engineering sciences, including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and systems analysis and also provide exposure to engineering applications, such as mechanical measurements, manufacturing, mechanical design, and thermal systems. Sufficient technical electives are allowed to permit each student to explore areas of special interest.

Course work in the social sciences and humanities is included for the enhancement of the student’s awareness of the importance of social, political, and economic problems in the practice of engineering. Where appropriate, the upper-level courses introduce consideration of human values, social benefits, and constraints to prepare future practicing engineers to be responsive to such concerns.