Les Sudak Lecture

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

About the program

Mechanical engineers use math, physics and material science principles to design products, processes and systems. As a mechanical engineer, you could use your imagination and creativity to design and build anything from a robot that explores the surface of Mars to a biomedical device like an artificial joint. The revolution in computation technology is changing the face of mechanical engineering. With advancements in computer modelling and 3D printing, ideas can go from concept to prototype faster than ever before.


Optional minors

Aerospace Engineering

This minor enables you to design and build new aircraft and spacecraft systems, including: crewless aerial vehicles, flight-control systems, propulsion technologies, satellite technologies, and navigation and remote-sensing systems.

Program details

Manufacturing Engineering

The minor in manufacturing engineering is designed to equip students with the knowledge to develop sustainable solutions and assist industries in transitioning towards more environmentally friendly modes of production.

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Mechatronics Engineering

This minor integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to provide students with the skills needed to design and develop a wide range of mechatronics systems, such as intelligent robots.

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Biomedical Engineering

This unique, faculty-wide program integrates the study of complex living systems with engineering principles. Students learn how to apply these traditional principles to human and animal health.

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Digital Engineering

This minor allows you to develop some software engineering and coding skills while pursuing a non-software engineering major. Students learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things and more.

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Energy and Environment

This program is the first of its kind in Canada. Students learn about the direct and indirect impacts energy-related activities have on the environment and how to understand, avoid, reduce and solve potential problems. 

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Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development

This joint program with the Haskayne School of Business helps students build entrepreneurial skills. They learn the principles and practices of developing new ventures and managing small and medium-sized companies.

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Management and Society

This program teaches students about the role of management in our institutions and society. Engineering students learn how to practice managerial skills in a business environment.

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Petroleum Engineering

This program builds on mechanical engineering fundamentals and adds specialized studies in reservoir engineering, turbo machinery and gas dynamics, production engineering, materials science, and offshore and geological aspects of petroleum engineering.

Program details

Engineers Canada wants well-rounded engineering graduates. Learn about Complementary Studies now!

Highspeed Aerodynamics Combustion Lab

Career pathways

There are many diverse career paths for mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers research, design and evaluate machines, devices, equipment, systems and processes. They plan and oversee their development, installation, operation and maintenance. Mechanical engineers have great job mobility because they study broad areas of engineering and their skills can transfer easily from one industry to another. Graduates can work in virtually any industry from aerospace to renewable energy.

Graduates can focus on:

  • Natural resources (forestry, agriculture, oil and gas, mining)
  • Energy conversion (thermal and hydroelectric power stations, solar, wind and biofuels)
  • Engines (internal combustion, electric, turbojet, rockets)
  • Manufacturing (vehicles, appliances, furnishings, machining, 3D printing)
  • Materials (metallurgy, composites, polymers, biomaterials)
  • Buildings (mechanical systems such as elevators, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems)
  • Transportation (rail, road, air, marine, space vehicles and systems)
  • Utility systems (water, natural gas, electricity)
  • Automation (mechatronics, control systems, autonomous vehicles and robotics)

A degree in mechanical engineering also opens doors to graduate studies or a second professional degree such as law, medicine, architecture or business administration.

An academic path that works

Our students follow a tried and true educational path. This includes a common first year, an internship opportunity after year three and an exciting design project to cap things off.

 

Common 1st year

Undergraduate students spend their first year learning about the broad world of engineering. From there, they focus their studies on a specific engineering discipline for the remainder of their degree.

Choose a major

In their second year of studies, undergraduate students begin taking courses in their major. These programs include: biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, engineering physics, geomatics, mechanical, software and sustainable systems engineering.

Internship

Between their third and fourth year, students can apply to do an internship. These paid work experiences range from 12 to 16 months. For students interested in international internships, one in 15 intern abroad.

Design project

During their fourth year of study, students undertake a team design project. Many work with an industry partner. Together, they develop well-researched and tested solutions to real-world challenges.

Earn an engineering degree and a business degree

Are you torn between choosing an engineering or business education? At the University of Calgary you can simultaneously complete a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce in five years. This unique program is offered in partnership with the Haskayne School of Business.

Undergraduate admission enquiries

Engineering Student Centre

Mailing address:
ENC 205, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

Street address:
622 Collegiate Place NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4V8

Campus location:
Canadian Natural Resources Limited Engineering Complex (EN)

403.220.5732 
engginfo@ucalgary.ca