205
Graduate Programs
205.40
Mechanical Engineering
205.40 Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
4-9 Mechanical Engineering Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G8
205.40.1 General Information
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers graduate courses and provides research facilities for well qualified students of recognized universities who wish to pursue advanced studies leading to the MEng, MSc, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, the Department offers a program in Engineering Management to graduate engineers of any discipline, leading to the MEng, MSc, and PhD degrees in Engineering Management.
The general fields of study include solid mechanics, dynamics, vibration, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, biomedical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and engineering management.
While the general guidelines for entrance and program requirements are listed below, specific details for each of the degrees are found in the documents Program Manual for Graduate Study in Mechanical Engineering and Program Manual for Graduate Study in Engineering Management, available from the Department. As well, the currently active areas of research are documented on the Department's home page on the Internet.
Entrance Requirements
The Department's minimum admission requirements for degrees in Mechanical Engineering are an undergraduate degree with an average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution, and a TOEFL score of 95 (internet-based) or 580 (paper-based) where applicable (see §203.2.4).
The Department's minimum admission requirements for degrees in Engineering Management are an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline, with an average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work, and a TOEFL score of 95 (internet-based) or 580 (paper-based) where applicable (see §203.2.4).
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships and fellowships (see Graduate Financial Aid section of this calendar) and through the Department in the form of graduate assistantships and contract research (available for Canadian students and students holding valid work permits). The assistantships are normally available to students registered full time in thesis programs; funding is not normally provided for students registered part time or in MEng programs. Summer assistance can usually be arranged for students without scholarship support who continue their research full time through the summer months. Further information is available on the Department's home page.
205.40.2 The Degree of MSc in Mechanical Engineering
Program Requirements
For the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program the candidate must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 
15 in graduate courses, including ENGG 600, plus a thesis acceptable to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. One 3 course (of the 15) must be a course in applied mathematics, numerical analysis, or finite element methods. Either a maximum of one MEC E 700-level course and one MEC E 500-level course, or a maximum of two MEC E 700-level courses and no MEC E 500-level courses can be credited towards the minimum course requirement of the MSc in Mechanical Engineering. No reading courses can be credited towards the minimum course requirement. Note that all courses must be approved by and additional courses may be required by the Graduate Coordinator and Thesis Supervisor.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally, it will take 18 to 24 months to complete the MSc. The maximum time permitted is four years.
205.40.3 The Degree of MSc in Engineering Management
Program Requirements
For the Master of Science in Engineering Management program the candidate must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 18 in graduate courses, including ENGG 600, plus a thesis acceptable to the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Note that all courses must be approved by and additional courses may be required by the Graduate Coordinator and Thesis Supervisor.
The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally, it will take 18 to 24 months to complete the MSc. The maximum time permitted is four years.
205.40.4 The Degree of MEng in Mechanical Engineering
Program Requirements
The minimum requirement for a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering program is nine single term graduate courses (the weight of each course must be greater or equal to 3) plus a project equivalent to 3. Of the required nine graduate courses, five must be in the candidate's major field (i.e., MEC E courses). A maximum of three courses in any combination of MEC E 500- and MEC E 700-level courses can be credited towards the requirements of the degree of MEng in Mechanical Engineering. No reading courses can be credited towards the minimum course requirements. ENGG 600 is required. Note that all courses must be approved by and additional courses may be required by the Graduate Coordinator.
There is no residence requirement for the degree of MEng in Mechanical Engineering.
Length of Program
Candidates may complete the program in 9 to 12 months. The maximum time permitted for completion of a Master of Engineering program is six years from the date of first registration.
205.40.5 The Degree of MEng in Engineering Management
Program Requirements
The minimum requirement for a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program is credit in 27 in graduate courses, plus a project equivalent to 3. Seven courses from the list approved by the EM Committee must be included in the course program, except that students may substitute up to two technical courses from the Faculty of Engineering. ENGG 600 is required. Note that all courses must be approved by and additional courses may be required by the Graduate Coordinator.
There is no residence requirement for the degree of MEng.
Length of Program
Candidates may complete the program in nine to 12 months. The maximum time permitted for completion of a Master of Engineering program is six years from the date of first registration.
205.40.6 The Degree of PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Program Requirements
The Department normally requires candidates to satisfactorily complete approved courses in one major field and at least one minor field. The minimum requirements after a bachelor's degree are 30 in graduate courses, 18 of which must be in the major field, including MEC E 680, plus research leading to a thesis of high calibre. For those students entering the PhD program after a master's degree the minimum course requirement is 15 in graduate courses including MEC E 680. Either a maximum of two MEC E 700-level and one MEC E 500-level courses, or a maximum of three MEC E 700-level and no MEC E 500-level courses can be credited toward the 30 and a maximum of one MEC E 700-level course and no 500-level Mechanical Engineering courses can be credited toward the 15 in a post-master's program. No reading courses can be credited towards the minimum course requirements. ENGG 600 is required. Note that all courses must be approved by and additional courses may be required by the Graduate Coordinator and the Thesis Supervisory Committee.
The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary with the individual candidate; however, a minimum of 30 months is normally required. The maximum time permitted is six years.
205.40.7 The Degree of PhD in Engineering Management
Program Requirements
The normal requirements for course work after a bachelor’s degree are 30 (ten graduate courses). The normal requirements after a Master of Science degree are 18 (six graduate courses). Courses require the approval of the supervisor and the Department Graduate Coordinator. Additional courses may be required by the Supervisor, Graduate Coordinator or the Thesis Supervisory Committee. In addition candidates must prepare and defend a thesis of high calibre on an approved topic.
The minimum period of residence is one academic year of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary with the individual candidate; however, a minimum of 30 months is normally required. The maximum time permitted is six years.
205.40.8 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the subject headings Mechanical Engineering (MEC E) and Engineering Management (ENG M).
