The Mechanical Engineering Program is an ABET accredited program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME). The significance of this accreditation is presented below (as taken from the ABET website at www.abet.org):
“ABET, Inc., is the recognized U.S. accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Accreditation ensures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive.
In the United States, accreditation is a non-governmental, peer review process that ensures educational quality. Educational institutions or programs volunteer to periodically undergo this review in order to determine if certain criteria are being met.
ABET accreditation is assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For example, an accredited engineering program must meet the quality standards set by the engineering profession.”
The ABET criteria for Mechanical Engineering Programs encompasses many aspects of engineering education. In addition to the Program Objectives, there are eleven mandatory Program Outcomes that must be satisfied by all students graduating from our Program. These are listed below (ABET Outcomes 3(a) – 3(k)):
ABET Outcome 3(a): an ability to apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
Our Meaning: Students will have knowledge of math (statistics, linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and differential equations), science (chemistry and physics), and engineering (thermal and mechanical systems) essential for solving problems in an engineering context.
ABET Outcome 3 (b): an ability to design & conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
Our Meaning: Students will have the ability to complete an experiment as well as to design the appropriate procedures to conduct a successful experiment. The students will also have the ability to analyze and interpret data from any source (experiment, simulation, etc).
ABET Outcome 3(c):
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
within realistic constraints.
Our Meaning: Students will utilize the design process, typically iterative, wherein math, science, and engineering concepts are used to configure thermal and mechanical components, systems, or processes to meet a given need and satisfy given constraints. Realistic constraints are those that would typically be encountered in real-world design problems and may include performance, time (scheduling), funding, manufacturability, environmental, societal, and other constraints.
ABET Outcome 3(d): an
ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
Our Meaning: Students will comprehend the multidisciplinary nature of a problem (technical and/or non-technical aspects) when appropriate, and function as a successful team member.
ABET Outcome 3(e): an
ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
Our Meaning: Students will have the capability to identify, formulate and solve both well-defined and open-ended or ill-defined problems.
ABET Outcome 3(f): understanding
of professional and ethical responsibility
Our Meaning: Students will recognize their professional and ethical responsibilities as engineers.
ABET Outcome 3(g): an
ability to communicate effectively
Our Meaning: Students will demonstrate clear communication, both oral and written, in both technical and non-technical styles.
ABET Outcome 3(h):
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering
solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal context
Our Meaning: The students, through Binghamton University's General Education curriculum, will develop an understanding of and respect for different peoples and civilizations as well as knowledge of and appreciation for the natural world, achieved through active engagement with the methods and philosophy of natural science. The University’s General Education requirement, combined with our curriculum, provides students the basis to understand the impact of engineering solutions from a broader perspective.
ABET Outcome 3(i): recognition of the need for, and ability to engage in life-long learning
Our Meaning: Students will recognize the need for and have the ability to acquire knowledge of material (technical and/or non-technical) through self-directed learning.
ABET Outcome 3(j): knowledge
of contemporary issues
Our Meaning: Students will have knowledge of contemporary issues; relatively
recent events that are engineering and science related topics.
ABET Outcome 3(k): an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Our Meaning: Students will have the ability to use a wide range of modern tools including computer-based tools or state-of-the-art algorithms and solution techniques.