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Spring 2024 Elective Courses

students seen through the circle sculpture surrounded by flowering trees

In addition to the required courses that are offered, students can choose from a variety of elective courses across several engineering disciplines.

Spring 2024 ME Elective Courses

ME 112 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

(1-0-1) (F/S). An introduction to the broad field of biomedical engineering. This course will survey topics related to medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioinstrumentation. PREREQ: CHEM 111.

Instructor:  Clare Fitzpatrick
Schedule: 12:00-1:15 Mo
Delivery:  In Person

ME 356 Introduction to Solid Biomechanics

(3-0-3)(F/S). Principles of engineering mechanics as applied to the human musculoskeletal system. Topics include functional anatomy, human motion analysis, mechanical properties of biological tissues, and modeling of the human body. PREREQ: ME 201 (or ENGR 210), or PERM/INST.

Instructor:  Erin Mannen
Schedule:  09:00 am-10:15 am TuTh
Delivery:  In Person

ME 450/550 Advanced Mechanics of Materials

(3-0-3)(On Demand) Extension of stress-strain concepts to three-dimensions, plate and shell analysis, failure theories, and fatigue. Analysis and visualization techniques include Finite Element Analysis and photoelasticity. PREREQ: ME 301 or ME 350

Instructor:  Mahmood Mamivand
Schedule:  1:30-2:45 PM MMoWe
Delivery:  In Person

ME 460 Computer-Aided Design

(3-0-3)(On Demand) Computer programs used to develop 3-D CAD database for design, analysis, simulation, and manufacturing. Machinery design to meet functional, performance, reliability and manufacturing requirements. Design projects reinforce concepts and methodologies. PREREQ: ME 323 (or ME 302 and ME 330); ME 352 or ME 303

Instructor:  Ashley Hanson
Schedule:  Asynchronous
Delivery:  Online

ME461/561 Control Systems

(3-0-3)(As justified). Time and frequency domain analysis and design of feedback systems using classical and state space methods. Observability, controllability, pole placement, and observers. Cross-listed with ECE 461, may be taken once for credit. PREREQ: ECE 360 or ME 360

Instructor: John Chiasson
Schedule:  01:30 pm-02:45 pm TuTh
Delivery:  In Person

ME 471/571 Parallel Scientific Computing

(3-0-3)(Intermittently). Introduction to parallel scientific and technical computing on supercomputers and modern graphics processing units. Finite difference methods to solve partial differential equations governing heat conduction and wave propagation. Scientific visualization of simulation data. Performance optimization of scientific codes. Course projects involve parallel computer programming of prototype problems. PREREQ: MATH 333 and CS 117, or PERM/INS

Instructor:  Donna Calhoun
Schedule:  03:00 pm-04:15 pm MoWe
Delivery:  In Person

ME 479 Undergraduate Research Experience

Provides insight into research or creative work through inquiry, investigation, discovery, and application. There is a possibility of collaborating with graduate students who are performing graduate-level research. All research is supervised by a faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Either graded or pass/fail. It is recommended that the 0 credit option be offered as pass/fail.

Instructor:  Erin Mannen
Delivery:  In Person

Instructor:  Sophia Theodossiou
Delivery:  In Person

Instructor:  Todd Otanicar
Delivery:  In Person

ME 493 Work U

Designed to provide students with professional experiences, regardless of their major. Students will develop their professional network alongside a mentor at a Treasure Valley employer. Time spent on site with employers and in a weekly class session. The class sessions are designed to unpack what the students are learning on the job, attend interactive workshops, engage with dynamic guest leaders from partner employers, and learn skills that translate directly to a professional setting. No more than 12 credits of Work U and/or internship may be applied towards graduation requirements.

Schedule:  3:00-4:15 pm We or 10:30AM – 11:45AM Mo
Delivery:  In Person

ME 497 Special Topics

Special topics courses address special or unusual material not covered by the regular course offerings. Course topics may be offered no more than three times; after that, the course must be approved by the Curriculum Committee before it can be offered again.

Downloading a third party proctoring software may be needed in the administration of assessments such as quizzes and tests.

001 Multi-Scale Engineering (also ME 597-001)

Delve into the realm of Multi-scale Engineering, where the fusion of numerical homogenization and structural design equips students with the prowess to seamlessly bridge micro and macro scales. This course is structured to provide a robust understanding of theoretical concepts and hands-on applications, enabling students to explore material behavior via the Representative Volume Element (RVE), master structural optimization techniques, and synthesize both approaches to craft tailored material properties and groundbreaking structures. Journey into advanced territories, touching upon multi-objective optimization, uncertainty quantification, and the harmonious fusion of multi-scale models with experimental validation. Engage in real-world cases, simulations, and advanced methodologies, emerging ready to reshape engineering paradigms across industries.

Instructor:  Daicong Da
Schedule:   3:00 – 4:15 PM TuTh
Delivery:  In Person

003 HVAC Applications/Energy Efficiency

This industry-led course will be taught by kW Engineering’s CEO, Sunny Devnani, P.E., and Rachel Nutting (kW Project Engineer). They will focus on topics like HVAC applications, engineering for energy efficiency, and performing energy audits of building systems. This course is open to all College of Engineering students interested in sustainable energy solutions.

Instructor:  Sunny Devnani, P.E. and Rachel Nutting
Schedule:   7:30 – 8:45 AM TuTh
Delivery:  In Person

004 Material, Resource, Sustainability (also ME 597-004)

This course discusses how the importance of rare materials in modern technology such as the cell phone along with the scarcity of useable sources of these resources (e.g. ore deposits) create geopolitical instability, supply chain failure, environmental challenges – and opportunities to engage in meaningful careers. We will read David S. Abraham The Elements of Power – Gadgets, Guns, and the Struggle for a Sustainable Future in the Rare Metal Age and attend seminar presentations of government, industry, and academic speakers.

Instructor: Peter Mullner, Stephen Crowley
Schedule:   3:00-4:15 PM TuTh
Delivery:  In Person

005 Advanced Manufacturing Concepts

This special topics course explores advanced manufacturing techniques and emerging trends in the field of manufacturing. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the modern manufacturing landscape, focusing on innovative approaches and technologies that drive efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in manufacturing processes.

The course begins with an overview of traditional manufacturing methods and their evolution over time. It then delves into the study of cutting-edge techniques, such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), robotics, automation, and smart factories. Students will explore the principles behind these technologies, their applications in various industries, and the advantages and challenges they present.

The course also examines the integration of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, into manufacturing processes. Students will learn how these technologies enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization, fostering the development of smart and interconnected manufacturing systems.

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to manufacturing tools, equipment, and software, such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and simulation. Collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking will be emphasized, as students talk through real-world manufacturing challenges.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques, their applications, and the implications they have for various industries. They will be able to critically evaluate manufacturing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and propose innovative strategies to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

Instructor: Grey Beaudry
Schedule:   12:00-1:15 PM MoWe
Delivery:  In Person

006 FE Exam Preparation

This 1-credit course offers review and practice of materials that are included in the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

Instructor:  Varies
Schedule:  Monday 10:30 – 11:20 AM
Deliver: In Person

ME 597 Special Topics

Instruction on a topic that is not included in the catalog of regular graduate courses; the topic is indicated by the required modifier. Descriptions for these courses are given in the Schedule of Classes published each semester. Either graded or pass/fail.

Downloading a third party proctoring software may be needed in the administration of assessments such as quizzes and tests.

002 Design of Medical Devices

Explores the principles and processes of medical device design, including clinical need, biomaterial selection, shape and size, intellectual property, regulatory approval, reverse engineering, 3D modeling, and prototyping.