The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) offers combined 4plus1 Bachelors and MSDS programs that allow students to complete both the Bachelor's degree from a variety of departments and the MSDS in a total of five years of full-time study. The undergraduate degree options include those from the Departments of Mathematical Sciences and of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Departments of Computer and Information Sciences, of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering. All requirements of both degree programs must be satisfied. Up to six credits of graduate coursework in the department of the undergraduate major may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of both degrees.
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse branches of engineering, and it involves the design and analysis of machines, structures, and materials by applying the principles of physics and materials science. Mechanical engineers can do it all, from designing cars, airplanes, and robots, to developing renewable energy systems, medical devices, and stronger and lighter composite materials.
Air and fluid flow: Mechanical engineers apply the physics of gases and fluids to design devices like air conditioners, heating systems, respirators, engine cooling systems, aircraft, and spacecraft.
Biomechanics: The body is a mechanical system containing fluid flow and structural and dynamical components. Mechanical engineers are leaders in the field of biomechanics, which encompasses medical device design and the analysis and enhancement of human motion.
Composite materials: Composite structures have become the standard for wind-turbine blades, high-performance sporting goods and aerospace vehicles, and mechanical engineers are leading the development of more and better applications for these advanced materials.
Design: Engineering design makes extensive use of science but is concerned with creating new devices or processes that improve our quality of lifeturning ideas into reality.
The environment: Mechanical engineering fundamentals are used to understand oceanic and atmospheric transport and transformation of pollutants and particle dynamics.
Manufacturing: Modern manufacturing employs machines (including 3D printers for additive manufacturing) that mechanical engineers design and build.
Robots: Machines that operate autonomously are used in industrial production, space exploration, robotic surgery, bomb disposal and even household cleaning. Self-driving cars are also examples of robots.
Smart materials and controls: Mechanical engineers exploit new engineering materials to develop novel sensors and actuators including artificial muscles, shape memory alloys, self-healing materials, thermoelectric and piezoelectric materials.
