Advancements in power electronics, electronic sensors, computer hardware and software have led to an expanding role for “smart” systems, which combine electronic and mechanical components.  Automotive examples illustrate this point. The replacement of carburetors by fuel injection systems is almost universal, and hybrid/electric cars are replacing traditional automobiles. Not only are auxiliary devices such as fuel pumps, air bags, and air-conditioner compressors, but fundamental components such as intake and outtake valves will soon be driven by electric motors controlled by microprocessors. The internal combustion engine itself may be replaced by fuel cells and motors. Medical devices, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), robots, fly-by-wire aircraft, and wind turbines all also rely on electronic sensing of mechanical parameters and actuation of motion. These examples suggest strongly that engineers who are adept in the design, analysis, and simulation of electro-mechanical systems will be in demand. The minor in Mechatronics is created to encourage our students to study this important subject and provide recognition to those who do so.

Director of the Minor Program: Hiro Mukai (ESE)

This program is primarily designed for students in the ESE and MASE Departments and has been approved by the two departments. It is available for others as well.

The proposed minor program consists of 4 required courses, 2 electives and 1 prerequisite. 

Four (4) required courses:
1. MASE 255 Engineering Mechanics II [Dynamics]
2. MASE 411 Mechanical Engineering Design Project (Mechatronics project)
3. ESE 446 Robotics: Dynamics and Control
4. ESE 444 Sensors and Actuators

Two (2) electives from the following:
1. MASE 431 Structural Dynamics & Vibration
2. MASE 5101 Fluid Power Systems
3. MASE 4301 Modeling, Simulation and Control or MASE 4302 Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control or ESE 441 Control Systems
4. ESE 336 Principles of Electronic Devices
5. ESE 442 Digital Control Systems
6. CSE 467S Embedded Computing Systems
7. ESE 482 Digital Signal Processing
8. CSE 550A Mobile Robotics

Prerequisite course:
 Basic programming course: CSE 131 or CSE 126 or CSE 200.