The Fundamentals Aspects of Mechanical Engineering

The undergraduate program starts with introductory courses to mechanical engineering and systems engineering to familiarize students with the fundamentals aspects of mechanical engineering and design and manufacturing processes and the importance of computer skills in engineering. In the second year of the program, in depth studies of the mechanical engineering topics are studied in an integrated manner. Thermodynamics is integrated with fluid mechanics and heat transfer, mechanics and materials are studied in an integrated manner. This approach carries to the junior year where dynamics is studied together with controls topics. In each year of study, students experience design and manufacturing through courses or projects, which expose them to hands-on as well as computer-aided design and manufacturing.

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program at Bilkent University is to provide students with a rich environment for learning and intellectual growth through a broad-based education in the scientific and applied foundations of engineering and a solid foundation in problem solving, design and communication skills that they will need to pursue and meet the challenges of their individual career goals. The program envisions future engineers as life-long learners and prepares them for the global environment in which they can make responsible decisions while serving societal needs.

The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program at Bilkent University are:

1. To prepare students for their individual career paths and to foster the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing technologies faced by engineers.

2. To assist the students to distinguish themselves as innovative problem solvers and leaders in multidisciplinary settings, through a high quality and rigorous mechanical engineering education that is enriched by a flexible curriculum and interdisciplinary research opportunities.

3. To provide the students opportunities to pursue directions of personal interest, design and teamwork experiences, and to have significant hands-on experience

The Mechanical Engineering program has adopted the following ABET student outcomes:

The curriculum as a whole is integrated and advanced courses build on earlier ones. Our education programs include laboratory, design, and computational activities in a coordinated manner. Successful completion of the fundamental mechanical engineering courses along with other required studies prepares students for the final year mechanical engineering design courses. This is a sequence of two courses spread over a year where students undertake a major design project, often sponsored by industry, and produce a working prototype. The curriculum is supported by modern laboratory facilities.

Qualified undergraduates at BilMech have the opportunity to participate in student exchange programs, including Erasmus+. Likewise, our department welcomes exchange students from foreign universities.

Specifically, agreements for mutual exchange of students are currently in place with the with several European universities via the Erasmus+ program. Similarly, qualified students may spend one or two semesters at certain universities in the USA and Asia.

For more information, please contact Bilkent University Office of Exchange Programs or the exchange coordinator for our department, Asst. Prof. Selim Hanay.