Chairperson
| Lakkis, Issam |
| Professors | Asmar, Daniel; Ghaddar, Nesreen; Lakkis, Issam; Moukalled, Fadl; Shihadeh, Alan |
| Associate Professors | Harb, Mohammad; Mustapha, Samir |
| Assistant Professors | Abou Jaoude, Dany; Bakarji, Joseph; Honein, Theresa; Hussein, Hussein; Itani, Wael; Kaddouh, Bilal; Talih, Soha |
| Instructors | Al Saidi, Abed Alkader; Balhas, Zainab; Bou Karam, Samer; Fayad, Rami; Kassis, Lina; Kfoury, Elie |
Graduate Programs
Master of Engineering Programs
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers the degree of master of engineering (ME) with the following majors:
- Major: Mechanical Engineering (Thesis / Non-Thesis)
- Major: Applied Energy (Thesis / Non-Thesis)
Master of Science Programs
Also offered is a program leading to the degree of master of science (MS) in energy studies (thesis/non-thesis).
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers the degree of doctor of philosophy (PhD) with a major in mechanical engineering.
Master Programs
Master of Engineering (ME)
The department offers the following programs, all leading to the master of engineering in mechanical engineering degree:
- Master of Engineering, Major: Mechanical Engineering (Thesis / Non-Thesis)
- Master of Engineering, Major: Applied Energy (Thesis / Non-Thesis)
Program Mission
The master’s program in mechanical engineering at the American University of Beirut prepares graduates to advance and apply mechanical engineering knowledge to address critical regional and global challenges. The program offers focused depth in key technical areas, meaningful research experience, and strong training in communication and teamwork, enabling graduates to take leading roles in industry, consulting, research, entrepreneurship, and academia.
Program Objectives
Graduates of the master’s program in mechanical engineering will be able to:
- Equip our graduates with advanced expertise in at least one major area of mechanical engineering: thermal and fluid sciences; design, materials and manufacturing; or mechatronics.
- Empower our graduates with skills to plan and execute research that clearly defines engineering problems, applies appropriate analytical, numerical, and/or experimental methods.
- Prepare our graduates to understand interdisciplinary approaches in assessing complex engineering systems and their use in economic, social and environmental contexts.
Prepare and empower our graduates with skills to help them pursue impactful careers in industry, consulting, research, and academia, and sustain their professional growth through lifelong learning.
The objectives of the master’s program leading to the master of engineering: applied energy degree is for its graduates to be able to:
- Design and manage efficient energy systems for buildings with high-quality indoor environments.
- Integrate renewable energy technologies with conventional energy systems to improve sustainability of energy supply systems.
- Understand the economic, policy and regulatory frameworks within which decisions on sustainable energy utilization practices are made.
- Assess and evaluate the impact of new technical developments in energy systems on society, the environment, and the economy.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Advanced Core Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering: Critically evaluate and synthesize core concepts, theories, and research in mechanical engineering disciplines.
- Scholarly Communication: Demonstrate effective communication of mechanical engineering concepts and research findings through clear, well-structured, and professional oral and written formats, adhering to high academic and industry standards.
- Professionalism and Ethical Research Conduct in Mechanical Engineering: Apply professional ethics and responsible research practices in mechanical engineering, ensuring integrity, safety, and sustainability in both academic and industrial settings.
Admission Requirements
Students applying for admission to a graduate program are only eligible if they have a bachelor of engineering degree with a mechanical engineering major or the equivalent. Students must also satisfy the requirements of the university and the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture for admission to graduate study, as specified in the relevant sections of the university catalogue.
Residency Requirements
Refer to the General University Academic Information section in this catalogue.
Master of Engineering (ME) Major: Mechanical Engineering
Master’s Thesis (30 cr.)
In this program, students may choose a concentration in any of the following areas:
- Thermal and Fluid Sciences
- Design, Materials, and Manufacturing
- Mechatronics
Students are encouraged to select a concentration area of personal interest. The master’s degree requires a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework and a thesis equivalent to 9 credits. Twenty to twenty-four months of research are usually required to complete the master’s degree. The students and the graduate adviser, in coordination with the thesis committee, develop a plan of study tailored to the students’ specific interest and background. It is advisable that this plan be developed no later than the first month of the second term of graduate work.
The required 21 course credit hours and the 9 credits for thesis are distributed as follows:
- A mandatory 3-credit course in applied mathematics
Acceptable courses include, but are not limited to, the following: CMPS 354, CMPS 350, CMPS 373, ENMG 604, MATH 307, MECH 630, MECH 648, MECH 663, MECH 691/EECE 648/ENMG 628, MECH 764
The math or math-oriented course offered by other departments must be approved by the graduate students’ adviser.
- Three engineering technical courses (9 credit hours) in the concentration area and at least one from the list of fundamental courses in the area.
- Three engineering elective courses (9 credit hours) with a maximum of two courses in other departments within the MSFEA, also subject to the approval of the graduate students’ adviser.
- Seminar Course: MECH 797 (0 credit hours). This is a pass/fail course based on attendance and is offered at least once per year. Students must register for the course each time it is offered.
Thesis: MECH 799 (equivalent to 9 credit hours) should be completed based on independent research.
Master’s Non-Thesis (33 cr.)
The course-based master’s program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate level courses:
- A minimum of one 3-credit course in applied mathematics. Acceptable courses are listed on the previous page.
- Three engineering technical courses (9 credit hours) in the concentration area and at least one from the list of fundamental courses in the area.
- Seven engineering electives courses (21 credit hours) within ME with the option of having a maximum of two courses in other departments within the MSFEA, also subject to the approval of the graduate students’ adviser.
- Seminar Course: MECH 797 (0 credit hours). This is a pass/fail course based on attendance and is offered at least once per year. Students must register for the course every time it is offered.
Qualification examination: comprehensive exam (MECH 799T) should be done upon the completion of the coursework in all major and minor areas.
List of Mechanical Engineering courses for the thesis and non-thesis option is shown below:
Thermal and Fluid Sciences
Fundamental Courses: MECH 701 (Principles of Combustion), MECH 760 (Advanced Fluid Mechanics), MECH 761 (Convection Heat Transfer), MECH 762 (Advanced Thermodynamics), MECH 707 (Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics), MECH 764 (Advanced Topics in Computational Fluid Dynamics), MECH 763 (Radiative Heat Transfer), MECH 766 (Turbulent Flow and Transport), MECH 767 (Heat Conduction).
Technical Electives: MECH 602 (Energy Conservation and Utilization), MECH 603 (Solar Energy), MECH 604 (Refrigeration), MECH 606 (Aerosol Dynamics), MECH 607 (Micro Flows Fundamentals and Applications), MECH 609 (Experimental Methods in Fluid Dynamics), MECH 616 (Aerodynamics), MECH 663 (Computational Fluid Dynamics), MECH 665 (Unsteady Gas Flow), MECH 702 (Pollutant Formation and Control in Combustion), MECH 703 (Combustion Modeling), MECH 600 (Applied Reservoir Engineering I), MECH 608 (Applied Reservoir Engineering II), MECH 653 (System Analysis and Design), MECH 670 (Laboratory for Renewable Energy in Buildings), MECH 671 (Renewable Energy Potential, Technology and Utilization in Buildings), MECH 672 (Modeling Energy Systems), MECH 673 (Energy Efficient Buildings with Good Indoor Air Quality), MECH 674 (Energy Economics and Policy), MECH 675 (Building Energy Management Systems), MECH 676 (Passive Building Design), MECH 678 (Solar Electricity), MECH 679 (Energy Audit Lab), MECH 705 (Bioheat Modeling and Human Thermal Environments), MECH 751 (Simulation of Multiphase Flows), MECH 765 (Advanced Finite Volume Techniques), MECH 768 (Transport Through Porous Media), MECH 769 (Advanced Scientific Computing), MECH 770 (HVAC and Refrigeration Systems Lab), MECH 771 (HVAC System Control Strategies and Energy Efficiency), MECH 772 (Moisture and Control of Humidity Inside Buildings), MECH 773 (Numerical Methods in Energy Technology), MECH 778 (Special Projects on Renewable Energy Systems Design).
Design, Materials, and Manufacturing
Fundamental Courses: MECH 624 (Mechanics of Composite Materials), MECH 720 (Advanced Machine Design), MECH 721 (Elasticity and Plasticity), MECH 630 (Finite Element Methods in Mechanical Engineering).
Technical Electives: MECH611/BMEN611 (Computational Modeling in Biomechanics), MECH 615 (Continuum Mechanics), MECH 619 (Quality Control in Manufacturing Systems), MECH 532/620 (Intermediate Dynamics with Applications), MECH 622 (Advanced Manufacturing Processes), MECH 631 (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), MECH 632 (Structural Health Monitoring), MECH 633 (Biomechanics), MECH 634/BMEN 608 (Biomaterials and Medical Devices), MECH 637 (Micromechanics and Crystal Plasticity), MECH 736 (Modeling Solidification Processes).
Mechatronics
Fundamental Courses: MECH 643 (Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines Engineering), MECH 740 (Advanced Dynamics), MECH 641/ EECE 661 (Robotics), MECH 642/ EECE 692 (Computer Vision), MECH 648/ EECE 669 (Nonlinear Systems: Analysis, Stability and Control), MECH 650/ EECE 698 (Autonomous Mobile Robotics), MECH 653/ EECE660 (Systems Analysis and Control).
Technical Electives: MECH 532/620 (Intermediate Dynamics with Applications), MECH 628 (Design of Mechanisms), MECH 644 (Modal Analysis), MECH 645 (Noise and Vibration Control), MECH 646/ EECE697 (Wheeled Mobile Robotics), MECH 647 (Hydraulic Servo Systems), MECH 654/ EECE 665 (Adaptive Control), MECH 655/ EECE662 (Optimal Control), MECH 656/ EECE663 (System Identification), MECH 657 (Vehicle Dynamics and Control), MECH 691/EECE 648/ENMG 628 (Convex Optimization).
Master of Engineering (ME) Major: Applied Energy (APPE)
Master’s Thesis (30 cr.)
The master’s degree with the thesis option will normally require between 20 and 24 months for completion.
The program consists of 30 credits distributed as follows:
-
Mandatory Courses: 9 credits
-
Lab: 3 credits
-
Elective Courses (selected with the approval of the graduate students’ adviser in any of the following areas: sustainable energy production from renewable sources, hybrid systems, and sustainable energy utilization practices in the context of buildings): 6 credits.
-
General Graduate Technical Electives (from science, math, or engineering as approved by thesis adviser): 3 credits
-
Seminar Course: MECH 797 (0 credit hours). This is a pass/fail course based on attendance and is offered at least once per year. Students must register for it each time it is offered.
-
Thesis Course: MECH 788 (equivalent to 9 credit hours). The thesis must be based on independent research.
Master’s Non-Thesis (33 cr.)
The course-based master’s program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate level courses distributed as follows:
-
Mandatory Courses: 9 credits
-
Lab: 3 credits
-
Elective Courses (selected with the approval of the graduate students’ adviser in any of the following areas: sustainable energy production from renewable sources, hybrid systems, and sustainable energy utilization practices in the context of buildings): 15 credits.
-
General Graduate Technical Electives (from science, math, or engineering as approved by thesis adviser): 6 credits
-
Seminar Course: MECH 797 (0 credit hours). This is a pass/fail course based on attendance and is offered at least once per year. Students must register for it each time it is offered.
-
Qualification Examination: Comprehensive Exam (MECH 799T) should be done upon the completion of the coursework in all major and minor areas.
List of APPE courses for the thesis and non-thesis option is shown below:
Mandatory Courses, 3 credits each: MECH 671, MECH 672, MECH 673, MECH 674/ENST305
Lab Courses, 3 credits each: MECH 670, MECH 679, MECH 680
Technical Electives, 3 credits each: MECH 603, MECH 670, MECH 676, MECH 677, MECH 678, MECH 679, MECH 680, MECH 681, MECH 683, MECH 771, MECH 772, MECH 778
Any course from the thermal and fluid sciences concentration in the master of mechanical engineering program can be selected.
Master of Science (MS)
| Professor | Ghaddar, Nesreen (MECH) |
| Lecturers | El-Meouchi, Chadia; Habchi, Carine; Kinab, Elias; Rached, Mounir |
Program Mission
The energy studies program aims to engage students in the development of energy initiatives, prepare energy studies’ professionals to meet market needs of the region and internationally, advance knowledge in energy science and technology through research, and support energy dialogue for the development of appropriate and informed public policies. The program aims to enhance the conceptual understanding of policy making model in the region. It draws on the expertise of faculty members in the fields of science, engineering, economics, political science, architecture, business and humanities. The program will be able to address the complex needs of the region and issues of energy mix as linked to development and economies.
Program Objectives
- Equip graduates with ability to evaluate conventional and alternative sources of energy production, utilization and distribution.
- Prepare graduates to understand interdisciplinary approaches in assessing complex energy systems and their use in economic, social and environmental context.
Program Learning Outcomes
The master of science in energy studies program is planned to consolidate and build on AUB’s excellent research and professional profile addressing current and future energy research needs of the region in areas such as energy science and technology, economics, public policy, and energy management. The program’s educational goals are:
- Advanced Core Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering: Critically evaluate and synthesize core concepts, theories, and research in mechanical engineering disciplines.
- Scholarly Communication: Demonstrate effective communication of mechanical engineering concepts and research findings through clear, well-structured, and professional oral and written formats, adhering to high academic and industry standards.
- Professionalism and Ethical Research Conduct in Mechanical Engineering: Apply professional ethics and responsible research practices in mechanical engineering, ensuring integrity, safety, and sustainability in both academic and industrial settings.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to the program will follow AUB Graduate Studies Policies. Bachelor degree holders from relevant fields of study are eligible to apply for admission into the energy studies master’s program. Remedial courses may be needed for students as would be recommended by the program.
Applicants to any graduate program other than AUB graduates and graduates of recognized colleges or universities in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. See Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) under the Admissions section.
Residency Requirements
Refer to the General University Academic Information section in this catalogue.
Credit Waiver Policy
The energy studies program may recommend a waiving of up to 6 credits of graduate coursework for students who have completed a bachelor of engineering degree (BE) and are applying for admissions to a master of energy studies program (MS-ENST). This is subject to approval by the adviser, the chairperson and the MSFEA Graduate Studies Committee. In addition, the total number of transferable credits from BE to MS-ENST should not exceed 9 credits when students have taken credit overload during their undergraduate BE studies. To apply, the students must have completed graduate electives that meet the program requirements with a score of at least 3.3.
Master of Science (MS) in Energy Studies (ENST)
Master’s Thesis (30 cr.)
The program permits full-time or part-time enrollments. To obtain a master’s degree in energy studies (thesis program), students must complete a minimum of 24 credits of graduate coursework, 6 credits of interdisciplinary thesis work on energy-related fields and a 0-credit seminar. The course work is distributed as follows:
-
Required Core Courses: 9 credits
-
Elective Courses from List A (energy resources, economics, and policy): 3 or 6 credits
-
Elective Courses from List B (energy science and technology): 6 or 9 credits
-
Elective Graduate Course (approved by the thesis adviser/s and program coordinator if elective is not from List A or B): 3 credits
- Thesis: 6 credits
-
Comprehensive exam: 0- credit
-
Seminar: 0-credit
Master’s Non-Thesis (30 cr.)
To obtain a master’s degree in energy studies (non-thesis program), students must complete a minimum of 30 credits of graduate coursework and a 0-credit seminar. The coursework is distributed as follows:
-
Required Core Courses: 9 credits
-
Elective Courses from List A (energy resources, economics, and policy): 6 or 9 credits
-
Elective Courses from List B (energy science and technology): 9 or 12 credits
-
Elective Graduate Course (approved by the thesis adviser/s and program coordinator if elective is not from List A or B): 3 credits
-
Comprehensive exam: 0- credit
-
Seminar: 0-credit
Required Core Courses: ENST 305 / ECON 333 / MECH 674, ENST 320, ENST 300
List A: ENMG 645, ENMG 661, ENST 310, ECON 337, ECON 338, ECON 305, ECON 347, MFIN 360, ENMG 601, ENMG 603, ENMG 604, ENMG 611, ENMG 632, ENMG 656, ENMG 698L, PPIA 310G, PSPA 316, PSPA 362, PSPA 381, ENST 396, ENST 396C, ENST 398, MFIN 356
List B: ENHL 314, CHEN 619, CHEN 690, CHEN 798A, CIVE 628, CIVE 656, CIVE 659, CIVE 601, CIVE 686, CIVE 691A, ENMG 602, ENMG 622, ENMG 655, ENST 330, ENST 396B, ENST 396D, EECE 670, EECE 671, EECE 672, ENST 398, MECH 600, MECH 671, MECH 673, MECH 682
Sample Curriculum Program
The sample program schedule is given in the following table:
|
Fall (Term I) |
Spring (Term II) |
| Course Title | Cr. | Course Title | Cr. |
| Core Course I | 3 | Core Course II | 3 |
| List A Elective | 3 | List B Elective | 3 |
| List B Elective | 3 | Graduate Elective | 3 |
| Seminar | 0 | | |
|
Total Credits |
9 |
Total Credits |
9 |
|
Fall (Term III) |
Spring (Term IV) |
| Course Title | Cr. | Course Title | Cr. |
| Core Course III | 3 | Thesis | 6 |
| List A or B Elective | 3 | Seminar | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | | |
|
Total Credits |
6 |
Total Credits |
6 |
Comprehensive Exam for Master Programs
Refer to the General University Academic Information section in this catalogue.
Supervision of Master’s Thesis
For Thesis Proposal and Committee, Thesis Defense, and Deposit of the Project/Thesis in the Library, Refer to the General University Academic Information section in this catalogue.
Master’s Degree Graduation Requirements
Refer to the General University Academic Information section in this catalogue.
Dual Master’s Degrees – Master of Engineering Management and Master of Science in Energy Studies (thesis option only)
The dual master’s degrees – master of engineering management and master of science in energy studies – program is primarily intended for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in engineering who seek to deepen their knowledge in advanced energy studies and engineering management subjects.
Applicants must be accepted in both programs in accordance with the policies of each program and with AUB policies regarding dual graduate degrees.
Students wishing to apply for the dual degree may submit a single dual-degree application that will be sent to each program simultaneously when first applying for graduate admissions. If the students are already registered in one degree, they may apply for the second degree no later than the end of their second term at AUB.
The program permits full-time or part-time enrollments. To fulfill the basic requirements for the dual degree, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate coursework in each degree program. The remaining credits include additional course work and a thesis both of which are credited to the dual degree. The program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours of graduate coursework and 6 credits of thesis work. The coursework is distributed as follows:
- 9 credits of core Energy Studies (ENST) courses
- 6 credits of core Engineering Management (ENMG) courses
- 6 credits of common courses: Required core ENMG (ENST List A Electives)
- 12 credits of ENMG elective courses
- 6 credits of elective courses from ENST List B on energy science and technology
- 3 credits of elective course as approved by thesis adviser/s (ENST)
The courses that are counted towards both degrees are:
- ENMG 603 Probability and Decision Analysis 3 cr.
- ENMG 604 Deterministic Optimization Model 3 cr.
- Comprehensive Exam 0 cr.
- Thesis 6 cr.
Sample Schedule
|
Term: Fall I |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| ENST 305/ ECON 333/ Energy Economics and Policy MECH 674 | 3 | INDE 301 |
| ENST 320 Energy Law and Case Studies | 3 | |
| ENST 300 The Science and Technology of Energy | 3 | PHYS 210 or equivalent |
|
Term credit total |
9 | |
|
Term: Spring I |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| ENMG 601 Management Theory | 3 | |
| ENMG 602 Introduction to Financial Engineering | 3 | |
| ENMG Elective 1 | 3 | |
|
Term credit total |
9 | |
|
Term: Fall II |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| ENMG 603 Probability and Decision Analysis | 3 | |
| ENMG 604 Deterministic Optimization Models | 3 | |
| ENST List B Elective 1 | 3 | |
|
Term credit total |
9 | |
|
Term: Spring II |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| ENMG Elective 2 | 3 | |
| ENMG Elective 3 | 3 | |
| ENST List B Elective 2 | 3 | |
|
Term credit total |
9 | |
|
Term: Fall III |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| ENMG Elective 4 | 3 | |
| ENST Elective Graduate Course | 3 | |
| Comprehensive Exam | 0 | |
|
Term credit total |
6 | |
|
Term: Spring III |
|
Course Number & Title |
Credits |
Prerequisite(s) |
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Term credit total | 6 | |
|
Program Total |
48 | |
Doctor of Philosophy Programs (PhD)
Programs Overview
The Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture offers a graduate program of study leading to the PhD degree with specialization in mechanical engineering.
Program Mission
The doctor of philosophy graduate curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of advanced knowledge and fosters an individual experience of significant intellectual exploration.
Program Objectives
The graduate curriculum offers students opportunities to develop levels of expertise and knowledge consistent with a career of technical leadership. The doctoral program emphasizes the acquisition of advanced knowledge and the fostering of individual experience of significant intellectual exploration.
The educational objectives of the PhD program are to develop:
- Expertise in a core area of mechanical engineering.
- The ability to identify pertinent research problems, formulate and execute a research plan, and generate and analyze original research results.
- The capacity to communicate those results through oral presentations and written publications.
- The practice of independent learning and advancing knowledge.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Advanced Core Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering: Critically evaluate and synthesize core concepts, theories, and research in mechanical engineering discipline.
- Independent Research and Original Contribution to Knowledge: Produce original and independent research that contributes to knowledge in their discipline
- Scholarly Communication: Demonstrate effective communication of mechanical engineering concepts and research findings through clear, well-structured, and professional oral and written formats, adhering to high academic and industry standards.
- Professionalism and Ethical Research Conduct in Mechanical Engineering: Apply professional ethics and responsible research practices in mechanical engineering, ensuring integrity, safety, and sustainability in both academic and industrial settings.
- Pedagogy and Teaching: Employ teaching activities focused on student learning related to their discipline.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for the doctoral degree program are expected to have an outstanding academic record demonstrated by a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or a cumulative grade average of B+ according to AUB standards (3.3 in a 4.0 grade system) and have completed a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline with a cumulative grade average of A- according to AUB standards (3.7 GPA in a 4.0 grade system).
The application to the doctoral program follows the deadlines set by the Office of Admissions. All applicants are required to take the General Exam section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit their scores. Students who are not AUB graduates or graduates of recognized colleges or universities in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand are required to meet the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE).
Residency Requirements
The students must register for at least four terms beyond the completion of the master’s degree. Requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy must be completed within a period of five years after starting graduate work beyond the master’s degree. An extension will require the approval of the AUB Graduate Council.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
The PhD program in mechanical engineering requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree. The students must pass a two-part PhD Qualification Examination. In addition, the students must submit an original thesis based on independent research that makes a significant contribution to their area of research. The thesis is the principal component of the doctoral program and the part that will serve as the major indicator of candidates’ abilities. A minimum of 30 credits registered as thesis work is required.
Advisers
After admission into the department, a general adviser will be assigned to the PhD students to guide them with the initial selection of courses and to introduce the students to the various research areas in the department. The students must select a thesis adviser by the end of the first term after admission into the program. The students must seek the faculty members that are in the students’ area of interest and discuss possible research topics for the PhD thesis with them. Once an adviser is identified, the students will develop a Proposed Program of Study that lists the courses the students intend to take and the proposed dates for the written and oral Doctoral Qualifying Examinations. The Proposed Program of Study must then be submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval.
Course Requirements
The PhD program requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree. The program is composed of 3 credit hours of advanced study in mathematics, 9 credit hours of technical graduate level courses of advanced study in the students’ area of research (major course area requirements), and 6 credit hours of courses in a minor specialization area of study, selected by the student, in a field different from the major field of study. The minor specialization, which is composed of 6 credit hours of courses, must be taken from outside the Mechanical Engineering Department. The minor requirement could be satisfied through courses previously taken in the students’ master’s degree program. This, however, will not reduce the required minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework needed beyond the master’s degree. All PhD students are required to register MECH 797 (graduate seminar course) every term it is offered.
Mathematics Course Requirements
A 3-credit advanced course in mathematics is required from all doctoral candidates. The course must be approved by the candidates’ adviser. The mathematics course requirement is satisfied if the students have completed at least 6 credits of advanced courses in math beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Acceptable courses include the following: MATH 307, CMPS 354, CMPS 350, CMPS 373, ENMG 604, MECH 630, MECH 648, MECH 663, MECH 691 / EECE 648/ ENMG 628, MECH 764.
Note that in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, 300 level courses are graduate courses.
Major Area Course Requirements
At least 9 credit hours of core courses of advanced study in mechanical engineering are needed to satisfy this requirement. The courses should be in the major research area of the students and must be approved by the students’ graduate thesis adviser. This will enable the doctoral candidates to pursue coursework in direct support of their research. The coursework must address all recommendations made during the qualification period by the students’ adviser and thesis committee.
The following major course areas are offered:
- Thermal and Fluid Sciences: MECH 701, MECH 760, MECH 761, MECH 762, MECH 707, MECH 764, MECH 763, MECH 766, MECH 767, MECH 602, MECH 603, MECH 604, MECH 606, MECH 607, MECH 609, MECH 616, MECH 663, MECH 665, MECH 702, MECH 703, MECH 600, MECH 608, MECH 653, MECH 670, MECH 671, MECH 672, MECH 673, MECH 674, MECH 675, MECH 676, MECH 678, MECH 679, MECH 705, MECH 751, MECH 765, MECH 768, MECH 769, MECH 770, MECH 771, MECH 772, MECH 773, MECH 778
- Design, Materials and Manufacturing: MECH 611, MECH 620/532, MECH 624, MECH 720, MECH 721, MECH 630, MECH 615, MECH 619, MECH 622, MECH 631, MECH 632, MECH 633, MECH 634, MECH 637, MECH 736
- Mechatronics: MECH 620/532, MECH 643, MECH 645, MECH 740, MECH 641, MECH 642, MECH 650, MECH 628, MECH 644, MECH 648, MECH 647, MECH 653, MECH 654, MECH 657
Minor Subject Requirements
The minor is a program of advanced study that will help the students develop knowledge and some competence in an area related to their research other than the candidates’ major field of study. Two graduate courses (not less than 6 credits) must be taken in a coherent field that is different from the major field of study. These 6 course credit hours must be taken from outside the Mechanical Engineering Department (i.e., in other engineering or basic science departments). Part of this requirement could be satisfied through coursework done during the students’ master’s degree program. This, however, will not reduce the required minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework needed beyond the master’s degree. All courses taken in this minor area must be at the graduate level and must be taken while the students are registered in a graduate program at AUB. The minor subject must be approved in advance by the students’ thesis committee and the MSFEA Graduate Studies Committee. The approval of the department offering the minor should also be sought.
If the students choose mathematics as their minor, then the course taken to fulfill the mathematics course requirement will count towards the minor subject requirements.
Seminar Course
Seminar Course: MECH 797 (0-credit). The students must register for the course once a year. This is a pass/fail course.
Course Plan for PhD Students
All courses that are offered for credit in the master’s program will also be offered as graduate courses for those in the PhD program.
PhD Qualifying Exam
Refer to PhD Qualifying Exam under General University Academic Information section
Qualifying Exam Part I: Comprehensive Exam
Students must demonstrate that they have mastered the concepts of advanced calculus, solution of differential equations and computational methods.
The students must take four sections of the written qualification examination in four sub-disciplines that are normally selected from the list of topics below:
- Applied Mechanics
- Materials and Manufacturing Processes
- System Dynamics and Control
- Design
- Fluid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Heat and Mass Transfer
For more Information, Refer to Qualifying Exam Part I: Comprehensive Exam under General University Academic Information section.
Qualifying Exam Part II: Defense of Thesis Proposal
Refer to Qualifying Exam Part II: Defense of Thesis Proposal under General University Academic Information section.
Admission to Candidacy
Refer to Admission to Candidacy section under the General University Academic information section.
Supervision of Doctoral Thesis
PhD Thesis Committee
refer to PhD Thesis Committee under General University Academic Information section.
PhD Thesis Proposal
Following successful completion of the first part of the qualifying examination, all PhD candidates must submit a thesis proposal summarizing their thesis problem and planned approach. The purpose of the proposal is to inform the department and faculty, in a concise statement, of the candidate’s research program and those involved in it. It should explain what the students intend to do and how they intend to go about it. The thesis proposal must provide sufficient literature citations to indicate an awareness of previous work and enough detail to show how the work is expected to advance knowledge in the field.
PhD Thesis
MECH (982-986) PhD Thesis: The thesis is based on original, independent research. Students are required to register for a minimum of 30 credits of thesis work. Students may register for a maximum of 12 credits in any given term. They must submit a thesis based on the results of original, independent research.
PhD Thesis Defense
MECH 987 PhD Thesis: The PhD thesis is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of mechanical engineering. Upon completion of the thesis and after its approval by the students’ thesis adviser, a final oral examination will constitute the thesis defense.
Deposit of the Thesis in the Library
Refer to the section of Deposit Project/Thesis in the library under General University Academic Information section.
PhD Degree Graduation Requirements
Refer to PhD Degree Graduation Requirements under the General University Academic information section.
Course Descriptions