Advanced Engineering Technical Electives

ME 590 - Dr. Bergman       Fluid Systems & Gas Dynamics       Pre: ME 510      

ME 627 - Dr. Sorem           Automotive Design (Required for JMS)         Pre: ME 617

ME 633 - Dr. Fischer          Basic Biomechanics (Required for BIOE)        Pre: ME 311 or ME 309 and ME 320 or CE 250 or CE 260 

ME 636 - Dr. Depcik          Internal Combustion Engines          Pre: ME 212**

ME 702 - Dr. Yang             Mechanical Engineering Analysis      Pre: MATH 220

ME 712 - Dr. Depcik           Adv Engineering Thermodynamics      Pre: ME 212**

ME 716 - Dr. Kwon             Intro to Surface & Interface Science     Pre: ME 312

ME 722 - Dr. Luchies          Modeling Dynamics Mech Systems      Pre: ME 320 or CE 300                         

ME 754 - Dr. Yang              Medical Imaging (BIOE)        Pre: ME 508

ME 765 - Dr. Tamerler         Biomaterials (BIOE)       Pre: ME 306  

ME 788 - Dr. Fang               Optimal Estimation        Pre: MATH 290; MATH 365 or MATH 526, or DSCI 202; and ME 682         

ME 790 - Dr. Pourladian      Mechanical Metallurgy          Pre: ME 306, ME 311; Corequisite: ME 307   

ME 790 - Dr. Deng            Design Optimization for Mechanical System     Pre & Co: MATH 125 or MATH 145 and EPHX 210

ME 797 - Dr. Liu               Materials for Energy Applications        Pre: ME 312  

ME 840 – Dr. Surana          Continuum Mechanics I                         Pre: Instructor approval

ME 861 – Dr. Surana          Theory of Finite Element Method        Pre: Instructor approval

** ME 212 grade of C- or better.

ME 590 - Dr. McVey             Life Cyc Asses for Sust Design    Pre: Junior or Senior standing. MATH 365, ME 212, 306, 311

ME 608/708 - Dr. Wilson     Intro to Mechatronics / Mechatronics   Pre: ME 208, 320

ME 696 - Dr. Maletsky         Design for Manufacturability   Pre: ME 501

ME 751 - Dr. Luchies          Experimental Methods of Biomechanics (BIOE)  Pre: ME 320

ME 752 - Dr. Yang              Acoustics       Pre: ME 320            

ME 755 - Dr. Fischer           Computer Simulation in BIOM        Pre: ME 311 and ME 320         

ME 760 - Dr. Friis               Biomedical Product Development (BIOE)   Pre: Senior or Graduate Student    

ME 790 - Dr. Bergman        Advanced Heat & Mass Transfer      Pre: ME 612

ME 790 - Dr. Spencer         Characterization of Materials          Pre: ME 306 

ME 790 - Dr. Kwon             Adv Functional Materials & Coatings

ME 790 - Dr. Deng             Machine Learning for Engr Dsgn    Pre: MATH 125 or 145, EPHX 210, ME 508

ME 798 - Dr. Liu                Manufacturing for Energy Applications         Pre: ME 508 and ME 797

ME 810 – Dr. Coil               Advanced Fluid Mechanics                 Pre: ME 510 and Instructor approval

ME 841 – Dr. Surana          Continuum Mechanics II                     Pre: ME 840 and Instructor approval

ME 862 – Dr. Surana          Finite Elemnt Mthd Transnt Anl          Pre: ME 861 and Instructor approval

Fall 2025

ME 590 Fluid Systems & Gas Dynamics

One-third of the course will extend the coverage of ME 510 to include rotating machinery (fans, pumps) and practical fluid-handling issues and fluid-handling systems. The second two-thirds of the course will introduce the basic concepts of compressible fluid flow.

Topics: Reynolds Transport Theorem, Conservation of Mass and Linear Momentum (1 week); Conservation of Angular Momentum (1 week); Fluid Machinery (1 week); Fluid Handling and Pumping Systems (1 week); Thermodynamics and the Velocity of Sound (1 week); Isentropic Flow of Ideal Gases (1 week); Stationary Normal Shocks (1 week); Oblique Shocks (1 week); Prandtl-Meyer Flow and Supersonic Airfoils (1 week); Flow with Friction (1 week); Flow with Heat Transfer (1 week); Flow with Variable Area and Heat Transfer (1 week); In-class Examples and Problems (1.5 weeks); Examinations (1.5 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 510

ME 627 Automotive Design

Basic concepts of automotive design and manufacture. Primary focus of course on vehicle design and performance. Design is subdivided into vehicle components of frame, suspension, front and rear axle, steering power train, front and rear wheel drive, and braking. Integration of these ideas into a vehicle design project with analysis of its performance culminates the course.

Topics: Vehicle Design: Chassis and frame; Suspension and steering; Front and rear axles and power train; Braking and vehicle dynamic performance; Design Project: Engineering specifications; Project scheduling; Concept generation and evaluation; Performance evaluation; Design for manufacture, assembly and implementation; Analysis (stress, thermal, economic, environmental, etc.)

Prerequisite: ME 617

ME 633 Basic Biomechanics

Provides an overview of musculoskeletal anatomy. Biodynamics includes linear and angular dynamics of human movement, energy expenditure, and power required to perform a given activity. Students will learn to determine joint forces and torques (in 2-D) from kinematic data for body segments and force plate data. The tissue mechanics section builds on ME 311.

Topics: Brief History of Biomechanics (1 week); Cellular Biomechanics (3 weeks); Tissue Biomechanics (5 weeks); Orthopedic pathologies, treatments, implants, and FDA considerations (2 weeks); Basic Dynamics applied to Human Motion (2 weeks); Cardiovascular Biomechanics (3 weeks); Extracellular Matrix Biomechanics (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 311 and ME 320

ME 636 Internal Combustion Engines

Study and analysis of internal combustion engine physical phenomena dynamic function, components, and system design. Emphasis on spark ignition and compression ignition engine analysis. Performance, current technology, thermodynamics, fluid-mechanics, combustion products and pollution, fuels and lubrication, and mechanical design. 

Prerequisite: ME 212 with a grade of C- or better

ME 702 Mechanical Engineering Analysis

A study of advanced methods for engineering analysis of practical problems utilizing fundamental principles from engineering disciplines. The emphasis is on the solution of these problems and the interpretation and generalization of the results.

Topics: ODE review (1 week); Laplace transform techniques (2 weeks); Partial differential equations (analytical and [numerical, time permitting] solutions) (3 weeks); Eigenvalue problems (2 weeks); Matrices and vectors (1 week); Fourier transforms (1 week); Complex numbers, integration, residues (3 weeks); R^3 space and vector calculus (time permitting); Examinations and special topics (1-2 weeks)

Prerequisite: MATH 220

ME 712 Adv Engineering Thermodynamics

An advanced course in thermodynamics, mathematical in nature, with emphasis on a critical re-evaluation of the laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamics of one-dimensional gas flow, development of the classical thermodynamic relations and their application to engineering problems.

Topics: Review of basic thermodynamics (1 week); Reacting systems and chemical equilibrium (2 weeks); Thermodynamic relationships and real gas models (2 weeks); Exergy (2 weeks); One-dimensional gas flow and compressibility (3 weeks); Special thermodynamic systems (2 weeks); Examinations and special topics (2 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 212 (grade C- or better)

ME 716 Intro to Surface & Interface Science

The first segment of the course is devoted to understanding interfacial phenomena by examining the roles of surface composition and surface texture. The second segment covers how this fundamental understanding can be used to design bio-inspired surfaces for self-cleaning mechanisms, anti-reflective coating, fog harvesting and de-icing.

Topics: Theory of capillarity, and the equation of Young and Laplace (2 weeks); Surface and interfacial energy and kinetics of wetting (2 weeks); Thermodynamics of interfaces and Gibbs free energy (2 weeks); Adsorption and Langmuir isotherm (2 weeks); Surface modification and characterization (2 weeks); Electrowetting and electric double layer (1 week); Recent development of bio-inspired surfaces with special wettability (4 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 212 or physical chemistry or equivalent.

ME 722 Modeling Dynamics Mech Systems

Modeling, analysis and simulation of dynamic mechanical systems. Emphasis on the analysis of kinematics and dynamics of rigid mechanical multibody systems undergoing large overall motion using interactive computer simulation programs. Applications to the design and control of dynamic systems such as robots, machine tools, and artificial limbs.

Topics: Modeling and Simulation Techniques (2 weeks); Foundations (3 weeks): Virtual prototyping process, parts, initial conditions, constraints, rotation, joints, measures, forces, moments, torques, bushings, impact, scripts, solver, sensors, quiver plots, splines, and design studies; Applications (6 weeks): Falling stone, inclined plane, lift mechanism, pendulum, projectile motion, spring damper, suspension system, four bar linkage, cam-follower, crank slider, controls, valve-train, cam-rocker-valve, stamping mechanism, robot arm, optimization, and airplane control surface; Term Project (3 weeks); Examinations (1 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 754 Medical Imaging

This course will focus on the fundamental physics of modern medical imaging technologies, which includes X-Ray, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ultrasound imaging, optical imaging, and more. Recent trends in medical imaging technology development will also be introduced.

Topics: Background of biomedical optics (1 week); Single scattering (1 week); Monte Carlo modeling (4 weeks); Convolution for broad-beam response (1 week); Radiative transfer equation and diffusion theory (2 weeks); Hydride model of Monte Carlo method and diffusion theory (1 week); Sensing of optical properties and spectroscopy (1 week); Ballistic imaging and microscopy (1 week); Diffuse optical tomography (1 week); Photoacoustic imaging (1 week); Examination (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 508 or permission of instructor

ME 765 Biomaterials

An introductory course on biomaterials science and consideration of biomaterials in the design of biomedical implants. Topics including ethical considerations in biomaterials research and the role of the FDA in medical device design are also presented.

Topics: Technical Writing (2 weeks); Economic Analysis (0.5 week); Ethics (0.5 week); Research Design (3 weeks); Regulatory (0.5 week); Biomaterials (7 weeks); Oral Communication (0.5 week); Examinations (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 306

ME 788 Optimal Estimation

Covers the principles of optimal estimation theory, with particular focus on Kalman filtering and its engineering applications.

Prerequisite: Elementary linear algebra (e.g. MATH 290), statistics (e.g. MATH 365, MATH 526, or DSCI 202), and system dynamics and control systems (e.g. ME 682.)

ME 790 Mechanical Metallurgy

This course will present an area of knowledge which deals with the behavior and response of metals to applied forces. This knowledge will be presented in four parts: 1) Mechanical fundamentals; 2) Metallurgical fundamentals; 3) Applications in materials testing; 4) Plastic forming of metals.

Topics: Mechanical Fundamentalssuch as stress and strain relationships for elastic behavior and an introduction to elements of the theory of plasticity (2 weeks); Metallurgical Fundamentals such as plastic deformation, dislocation theory, strengthening mechanisms, fracture (3 weeks); Applications in materials testing such as Tension Test, Torsion Test, Hardness Test, Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue, Brittle fracture and impact testing (3 weeks); Plastic forming of metals such as Fundamental of metalworking, Forging, Rolling of metals, Drawing of rods, wires and tubes, Sheet-Metal forming (3 weeks); Literature reviews and case studies (3 weeks); Exams (1 week).

Prerequisite: ME 306 and ME 311; Corequisite: ME 307

ME 790 Design Optimization for Mechanical System

This course is designed to provide mechanical engineering students with a view of optimization as a tool for decision-making when solving engineering problems. Students will be given a fundamental introduction to optimization techniques and an opportunity to learn how to model design and manufacturing problems and solve them using analytical and numerical optimization techniques.

Topics: Introduction to engineering optimization (1 week), Optimum formulation (1 week), Graphical optimization approach (1 week), Optimality conditions (2 weeks), Numerical methods for optimization (3 weeks), Mixed-variable optimization algorithms (1 week), Nature-inspired design methods (1 week), Global optimization (1 week), Structural (topology) optimization (1 week) and Design of experiments and machine learning approaches (3 weeks). 

Prerequisite and Corequisite: MATH 125 or MATH 145 and EPHX 210

ME 797 Materials for Energy Applications

Focus on fundamentals of materials for energy applications. The main topics covered will be: 1) introduction to material science & engineering and electrochemical technologies, 2) microscopic view of solid materials, 3) mass transfer by migration and diffusion, 4) energy related materials and devices, 5) electrochemical engineering fundamentals, etc. 

Prerequisite: Basic Engineering Thermodynamics (e.g., ME 312) or equivalent

ME 840 Continuum Mechanics I

Principles of Continuum Mechanics for solids, fluids, and gases. Frames of references, measures of motion, deformation, strains, stresses, their rates, objectivity and invariance. Conservation laws, constitutive equations, equations of state and thermodynamic principles for developing mathematical models of continuum matter. Theoretical solutions of model problems.

Prerequisite: Background in Calculus and Differential Equations is recommended and instructor approval

ME 861 Theory of Finite Element Method

Finite element method for solid mechanics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and dynamics. Modeling techniques, software implementation, and solution of problems. 

Prerequisite: Background in Calculus and Differential Equations is recommended and instructor approval

Spring 2026

ME 590 Life Cyc Asses for Sust Design

Introduction to and application of environmental life cycle assessment as a quantitative tool for sustainable engineering design, with a focus on whole-building and MEP applications.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. MATH 365, ME 212, ME 306, and ME 311. 

ME 608/708 Intro to Mechatronics / Mechatronics

Undergrads should enroll to ME 608. Graduate students should enroll to ME 708. If you are an undergraduate who would like to take ME 708 instead for an honors class, please email Dr. Wilson for permission. sewilson@ku.edu

Design and implementation of interfaces of microcomputers to mechanical equipment. Includes laboratory experiments presenting selected industrial applications. Emphasis on human factors, functional design parameters and microprocessor interfaces. Includes instruction concerning specifications of practical hardware configurations and writing of programs necessary to accomplish mechanical systems applications.

Topics: C++ programming of microcontrollers (4 weeks); Sensors and actuators (3 weeks); Robotic system integration and programming (3 weeks); Modeling and design of mechatronic systems (3 weeks); Individual projects (2 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 208 and ME 320

ME 696 Design for Manufacturability

Tools to incorporate manufacturing and life-cycle concerns into the design of products.

Topics: Design process and concurrent engineering (2 weeks); Quality function deployment (1 week); Embodiment and parametric design (1 week); Modeling and prototyping (1 week); Manufacturing process in design (1 weeks); Design for assembly (1 week); Quality engineering (SPC) (2 weeks); Statistics and statistical tolerancing (2 weeks); Design of experiments (Taguchi method) (1 week); Current topics related to manufacturing and engineering (2 weeks); Examinations (1 week)

Prerequisite: ME 501

ME 751 Experimental Methods of Biomechanics

This course will focus on methods of experimental measurement and computational modeling used in biomechanics. Instrumentation used to measure three-dimensional motion, ground reaction forces, center of pressure and EMG measures are considered. Methods used for inverse dynamics, direct dynamics and simulation are introduced.

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 752 Acoustics

This course will teach the production, propagation, and effects of sound waves. Detailed topics include plane wave, spherical wave, and cylindrical wave propagation in free space and waveguides, wave reflection and transmission on an interface, piston radiation, wave scattering and diffraction.

Topics: Wave equation (1 week); Plane waves (1 week); Reflection and transmission (3 weeks); Waveguides (1 week); Absorption and dispersion (1 week); Spherical waves (2 weeks); Cylindrical waves (1 week); Radiation (2 weeks); Scattering and diffraction (1 week); Examination and special talk (3 weeks)

Prerequisite: ME 320

ME 755 Computer Simulation in Biomechanics

Provides an in-depth knowledge of 1) the process of developing a research question to be addressed with computer simulation, 2) various techniques for medical imaging to obtain model geometries (including hands-on experience with low-field MR imaging), 3) image segmentation techniques, 4) issues affecting geometric accuracy in model building, 5) the determination and specification of loading and/or kinematic boundary conditions, 6) the interpretation of model results in the context of the model limitations and the medical application. Knowledge and/or experience with finite elements is desirable but not required. 

Prerequisite: ME 311 and ME 320 or equivalent

ME 760 Biomedical Product Development

Introduction to methods of taking medical product inventions from conception to initial stage production. Students work in cross-functional teams to investigate development potential of inventions. Topics covered include product development processes, regulatory issues with the FDA, quality system requirements, SBIR/STTR funding pathways, biomaterial and biomechanics issues in medical product design, and ethical considerations.

Topics: Technical Writing (2 weeks); Economic Analysis (2 weeks); Ethics (1 week); Research Design (3.5 weeks)

Intellectual Property (1 week); Regulatory (1 week); Quality Systems (1 week); Product Design (2 weeks); Biomaterials and Biomechanics (1 week); Examinations (0.5 weeks)

Prerequisite: Senior or graduate student standing in engineering, business, industrial design, or an applicable life science field.

ME 790 Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer

Conduction, convection, and radiation are covered in more detail relative to ME 612, with a focus on the underlying physical phenomena and associated mathematical analyses. Diffusive and convective mass transfer is a significant part of this class, with emphasis on the analogies between conduction heat transfer and diffusive mass transfer, as well as convection heat transfer and convection mass transfer.

Prerequisite: ME 612

ME 790 Characterization of Materials

Principles and application of current techniques for structural, morphological, physical, and mechanical property characterization of a range of materials including polymers, composites, ceramics, tissues, wood, metals and metallic alloys. Particular attention will be on the characterization of interfaces that form when dissimilar materials are joined, such as fiber/matrix etc. The course will explore the fundamental connections between materials structure and physical properties at length scales from the sub-micron to fractions of meters. Techniques studied include vibrational spectroscopies, thermal analysis, chromatographic techniques, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopies, XPS, and X-ray tomography. Examples from various industries and fields of materials research will illustrate the application and significance of these techniques.

Prerequisite: ME 306

ME 790 Machine Learning for Engr Dsgn

This course aims to provide mechanical engineering students with a view of machine learning techniques to solve engineering analysis and design problems. Students will be given a fundamental introduction to a family of machine learning techniques and an opportunity to learn how to model design and analysis problems and choose proper machine learning techniques to solve different engineering problems.

Topics: Introduction to machine learning and design, Review of probability and statistics, Analytical optimization techniques, Numerical optimization techniques, Basic Python programming, Regression and classification, Gaussian Process (GP), Bayesian Optimization (BO), Numerical integration and Design of Experiments (DoE), Feedforward neural networks (FFNN), Convolutional neural networks (CNN), Recurrent neural networks (RNN), Physics-informed neural networks (PINN), Variational Autoencoders (VAE), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and Engineering design via machine learning

Prerequisite: MATH 125 or MATH 145, EPHX 210, and ME 508

ME 798 Manufacturing for Energy Applications

The focus of the course is on fundamentals of materials for energy applications. The main topics covered include: 1) introduction and overview of manufacturing, 2) material properties and engineering materials, 3) traditional and nontraditional manufacturing processes, 4) surface engineering and processing, and 5) energy-related materials and device fabrication. 

Prerequisite: ME 508 or equivalent and ME 797

ME 841 Continuum Mechanics II

Fundamental principles of Continuum Plasticity, measures of plastic strains, stresses and constitutive equations for flow theory of plasticity. Internal variable theory of thermo-mechanical behaviors and endochronic theory of plasticity and viscoplasticity. Anisotropic plasticity and advanced topics. Continuum mechanics principles for viscoelastic solids with emphasis on constitutive equations. Development of complete mathematical models and solutions of selected model problems. 

Prerequisite: ME 840

ME 862 Finite Elemnt Mthd Transnt Anl      

Advanced treatment of dynamic and transient response for linear and nonlinear problems in solid mechanics. Formulation and solution of time dependent linear and nonlinear field problems using finite element techniques. 

Prerequisite: ME 861