Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical Engineering

Description

The Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical Engineering (BRMSE w/EE) is an undergraduate degree program that is focused on the fundamentals necessary for the design of systems and products in which electronic and computer control of mechanisms, as well as environment sensing and interpretation, are combined to achieve “intelligent” products and environments and “life-like” performance. The program explores what can be considered Cyber-Physical or “smart” systems.  Such systems are co-engineered and interacting networks of physical and embedded computational systems that are characterized by the blurring of boundaries between mechanisms, sensors, electronic communication & control, and computational systems. Examples include intelligent and autonomous transportation systems that will make travel faster and safer, mobile sensor nets that can perform detailed environmental and pollution tracking, and smart and autonomous robots that will assist with elder care, automate household tasks, undertake customize manufacturing, and explore uncharted, uncertain, or hostile terrain. These hybrid systems all involve multiple modes of operation with different software and hardware elements often distributed across multiple agents. 

The Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department has deep roots in the fundamental areas that comprise Cyber-Physical systems.  This, combined with our highly collaborative College of Engineering & Science, and our cooperative education program, which partners with the world’s leading automotive, computer and robotics industries, makes the Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical Engineering both highly unique and effective.  The program is structured to address hybrid-system theory and development by fusing mechanical engineering and computer science fundamentals with an electrical engineering program focused on robotics and embedded systems.

This multi-technological program underwent a successful ABET visit for accreditation as an electrical engineering degree in 2016-17 when its first students graduated. It provides students with an in-depth knowledge of engineering science and design methodology in a multidisciplinary context that includes electronics and circuits, embedded systems and controls, and software and hardware integration as well as mechanics and mechanisms.  By working with hands-on projects from the freshman through senior years, exploring a series of robotic/mechatronic, sensor, and communication systems, you combine electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering concepts with practical applications. Then, at multiple points in your four-year program, you work in industry (a co-op assignment with an engineer's salary) to apply your knowledge and build real work experience. Rather than focusing on dry theoretical topics separately, we teach you engineering theory through an integrated and applied approach in system design, so you learn how concepts work together - as they would in the "real world." Thus your education in this program helps prepare you to develop the next neural-controlled artificial limb or hybrid "green" autonomous vehicle!

Students also have team-oriented design experiences integrated throughout their curriculum. A capstone design experience, conducted in the senior year, challenges students with a sophisticated systems-level electrical engineering project that involves the development of intelligent vehicles for entry in national competitions, an assistive-technology product for a real client, or a process-related problem that draws on knowledge from a variety of topics to which they were exposed.

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    Program Learning Outcomes

    Graduates of this program will have the ability to:

    1. identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
    2. apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
    3. communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
    4. recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
    5. function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
    6. develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
    7. acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies;
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    Combined Five-Year Bachelor/Master Program

    The Five-Year Bachelor/Master Degree program is designed to enable completion of both the BRMSEw/EE and the Master of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus in Robotics or Mechatronics in five calendar years. The program allows qualified University Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering: Electrical Engineering students to take up to two graduate level courses (six credits) during their final three academic semesters that will meet undergraduate degree requirements while also accruing course credits toward their graduate degree.

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    Statement of RMSEw/EE Program Educational Objectives

    The following list presents the specific RMSEw/EE Program Educational Objectives. ABET defines Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) as “broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation.”

    The graduates of the Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering with a Concentration in Electrical Engineering program are expected, within a few years of graduation, to:

    1. Demonstrate by successful professional engineering practice and/or pursuit of advanced engineering degrees, technical proficiency in engineering fundamentals;
    2. Excel in the practice of engineering through effective communication, collaboration and teamwork, lifelong learning, and creative engineering problem solving; and,
    3. Contribute to the engineering profession and to society in a manner consistent with the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, which include leadership and service within a strong moral and ethical framework
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    Degree Requirements - Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering Concentration in Electrical Engineering (144 credits)

    The BRMSE w/EE curriculum includes, University Core Curriculum Courses, Engineering core courses, and major courses for Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering: Electrical Engineering, and Technical Electives.  There is a basic core of material that every electrical engineering student should know to provide the foundation for all other learning and work. To this EE base, one must add topics from computer science and mechanical engineering which enable the development of computer controls and mechanisms associated with robotic and mechatronic systems. For this reason, all RMSEw/EE majors are required to take a series of core courses in addition to the general Engineering core requirements.

    Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering: Electrical Engineering Concentration Major Courses (61 credits)

    • CSSE 1712 Introduction to Programming I (3 credits)
    • CSSE 1722 Introduction to Programming II (3 credits)
    • ELEE 2500 Fundamentals of Electrical & Computer Eng I (3 credits)
    • ELEE 2510 Fundamentals of Electrical & Computer Eng I Lab (1 credit)
    • ELEE 2520 Fundamentals of Electrical & Computer Eng II (3 credits)
    • ELEE 2530 Fundamentals of Electrical & Computer Eng II Lab (1 credit)
    • ELEE 2640 Digital Logic Circuits (3 credits)
    • ELEE 2650 Digital Logic Circuits Lab (1 credit)
    • ELEE 3860 Intro to Microcontrollers (3 credits)
    • ELEE 3870 Intro to Microcontrollers Lab (1 credit)
    • ELEE 3880 Signals and Systems (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4000 Hardware and Software Integration (3 credits)
    • ELEE 3720 Electromechanical Energy Conversion (3 credits)
    • MENG 4760 Vehicle Dynamics* (3 credits)
    • MENG 4900 Robotics (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4200 Autonomous Mobility Robotics (3 credits)
    • ENGR 4220 Control Systems (3 credits)
    • ENGR 4520 Sensors and Actuators (3 credits)
    • ENGR 4790 Mechatronics Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
    • ELEE 4011 ECE Senior Capstone Design I** (2 credits)
    • ELEE 4012 ECE Senior Capstone Design I Lab I** (1 credit)
    • ELEE 4031 ECE Senior Capstone Design II** (2 credits)
    • ELEE 4032 ECE Senior Capstone Design II Lab** (1 credit)
    • ELEE Technical Elective (4000/5000-level course or ELEE 3540/3550) with advisor approval (3 credits)
    • ELEE Technical Elective (4000/5000-level course) with advisor-approval (3 credits)

    * Substitution with Machine Design (MENG 3920)  or other program-consistent course with program director’s approval is possible.

    When approved joint ECE/ME projects are undertaken for the capstone sequence, students must still register for ELEE 4011/4012/4031/4032.  Furthermore, an EE faculty member must supervise the project and provide the final course grade.  program director or chair approval is required.

    This ABET-accredited electrical engineering program provides broad exposure to the sub-disciplines within Electrical and Robotics Engineering. Through the two Technical Electives (TE) listed above, students can explore many areas of interest such as signal processing, communications, mechatronics, robotics, control systems, and technical entrepreneurship. The Technical Elective courses are required to be at a 4000-level or above, and shall be selected from Electrical Engineering (ELEE) or other Engineering departments with advisor/chair’s approval. The exception to this requirement is ELEE 3540/ELEE3550 Electronic Systems & Lab which may be taken as a Technical Elective in the RMSE/EE program. 

    Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major courses listed above.  Technical Electives are included in the major GPA calculation.

    Engineering Foundation Courses (59 credits)

    • MTH 1410 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (B1) (4 credits)
    • MTH 1420 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 credits)
    • MTH 2410 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (4 credits)
    • MTH 3720 Differential Equations with Linear Algebra (4 credits)
    • MTH 4270 Applied Probability and Statistics (B2) (3 credits)
    • PHY 1600 General Physics I (3 credits)
    • PHY 1610 General Physics Laboratory I (1 credit)
    • PHY 1620 General Physics II (3 credits)
    • PHY 1630 General Physics Laboratory II (1 credit)
    • CHM 1070 General Chemistry I (C1) (3 credits)
    • CHM 1100 Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
    • ENGR 1000 Engineering Ethics (F1, IT6) (2 credits)
    • ENGR 1020 Basic Engineering Graphics and Design (1 credit)
    • ENGR 1023 Engineering Computing and Problem Solving (1 credit)
    • ENGR 1080 Fundamentals of Engineering Design (2 credits)
    • ENGR 3120 Statics (3 credits)
    • ENGR 3130 Dynamics (3 credits)
    • ENGR 3260 Mechanics of Materials (3 credits)
    • ENL 3030 Technical Writing (IT1) (3 credits)
    • ENGR 3000 Intro to Engineering & Science Co-op (1 credit)
    • ENGR 3110 Professional Practice of Engineering (C2, IT3) (2 credits)
    • ENGR 3030 Professional World of Work III (or ENGR 3112 Fundamentals of Engineering Practice) (1 credit)
    • CTA 3010 Engineering Co-op I (2 credits)
    • CTA 3020 Engineering Co-op II (2 credits)
    • CTA 3030 Engineering Co-op III (2 credits)

    University Core Curriculum Courses

    In addition to the courses required for this program listed above, the student must also fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum for this program.

    Some of these courses may be satisfied by courses in your program.  Please review your Degree Evaluation or consult your academic advisor for more information.

Program Contact Information

Department Chairperson: Mark Paulik, Ph.D.
Office: Engineering 330/331
Telephone: (313) 993-3365
Fax: (313) 993-1187
Email: ece_chair@udmercy.edu

Program Director: Miriam Faied, Ph.D.
Office: Engineering 326
Telephone: (313) 993-1169
Email: faiedma@udmercy.edu