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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

About the Program

The mechanical polymer engineering program will prepare you for the challenges a career in a rapidly expanding field with unlimited opportunities. The University of Akron's comprehensive approach to engineering education means that the program maintains a balance between theory and practice. The curriculum stresses students' comprehension of the fundamentals of both mechanical engineering sciences, the behavior of polymer materials, and polymer processing.

At the University of Akron, extensive laboratories in both mechanical engineering and polymer engineering enhance lessons learned in the classroom and through textbooks. Laboratories for mechanical engineering are located in the Auburn Science and Engineering Center and those of polymer engineering are located in the Olson Research Building and the Akron Polymer Training Center. The departments' extensive facilities include a cluster of graphics terminals, personal computers and laboratories in the following: stress analysis, systems and control, heat transfer, thermal and fluid sciences, vibrating and acoustics, polymer processing, and specialized test equipment for the study of the engineering properties of polymeric materials. Laboratory hands-on experience reinforces and clarifies classroom knowledge.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Polymer Engineering trains engineers for a rapidly growing field with special opportunities in polymer processing equipment design and polymer processing. Opportunities include project engineering process management, new product research and development. Background is obtained in the rapidly growing field of thermoplastics as well as elastomers and other thermosetting materials. Growth in these materials is occurring in all industries. The amount of plastic materials used in automobiles continues to increase each year. Graduates from this program will have unlimited opportunities in the Ohio area as well as other areas of the country.

Student Activities

Classroom training is enhanced through student activities. In the College of Engineering, student organizations include:

• Tau Beta Pi (engineering honorary)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Society of Plastic Engineers

Participation in student organizations provides valuable experiences and a chance to interact with other engineering students and professionals.

Akron's ASME student section has won the prestigious Allied-Simal Award for five consecutive years. Student members of SAE design Formula One race cars, super mileage vehicles, mini Baja vehicles, and cargo aircraft. SAE members then drive these vehicles in national competitions.

Where Learning is Doing

Cooperative education (co-op) provides you with valuable career experience. Participating in cooperative education allows you to experience first-hand what a career in mechanical/polymer engineering is all about by alternating work for salary and school each semester after your sophomore year. Cooperative education improves your employment opportunities and potential salary upon graduation. Students participate in co-op assignments with:

• Aircraft Braking Systems
• Akron Packaging Machinery
• Automated Packaging Systems
• BF Goodrich
• BP America
• Cleveland Pneumatic
• General Electric
• General Motors
• Goodyear
• NASA
• Telxon Corporation

You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working with faculty who are engaged in research, consulting and public service.

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