Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

: At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. differentiate between science, engineering and technology, and relate them to innovation; 2. identify the various branches of mechanical engineering discipline and their applications to the solution of societal problems; 3. demonstrate appreciation of the problem of climate change; and 4. demonstrate appreciation of the role of energy systems to environmental sustainability.

Historical development of the mechanical engineering discipline. Philosophy and scope of contemporary mechanical engineering course programme. Overview of mechanical engineering special fields: applied (solid) mechanics, fluid and thermal engineering (thermodynamics and heat transfer). Industrial/production engineering and engineering management sciences. The linkage between mechanical engineering and other engineering disciplines and the sciences. The concept of innovation. Illustrations of a wide variety applications of mechanical engineering. The role of mechanical engineers in the society and human development. Professional ethical responsibility. Climate change, renewable energy and environmental sustainability. 200 Level