Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
About This Programme
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf countries (GC) have a huge opportunity for graduates in Mechanical Engineering due to the active infrastructure development and remarkable economic growth. An important role in the economy of the UAE/GC is played by the energy sector, construction sector, production of construction materials and metals, water treatment and desalination, as well as textile and food processing industries. In response to these developing sectors and industries, the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at the University of Sharjah has developed a Master of Science program in Mechanical Engineering that would contribute to confronting the challenges in these industries. The program will be able to generate new ideas and findings in the Mechanical Engineering field to support the country's development. The proposed MSc in Mechanical Engineering will be able to provide in-depth knowledge on the three tracks, including Thermo-fluids and Water Desalination, Solid Mechanics, and Materials and Manufacturing. The addition of Water Desalination to the thermo-fluid track constitutes a unique aspect in this MSc program. The objective of the program is to graduate engineers who are ready to embark on advanced regional problems, explore new findings, and develop scientific discovery through modern scientific approaches to Mechanical Engineering in order to meet the challenges in solving tomorrow's issues.
Course Highlights
- 33 credit hours
- Taught in English
- College of Engineering
- Focus areas: Thermo-Fluids and Water Desalination, Solid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing
- Study system: Courses and Theses
- Full-time and part-time study
- AED 3,200 per credit hour
What You'll Study
The requirements for graduation from the MSc in ME Program are: • Completing successfully all courses of the program. • Accumulating a GPA with a minimum of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. • Completing all the other requirements of the study plan. • Spending the minimum period stipulated for the award of the MSc degree and not exceeding the maximum. • Full-time candidates for the Master’s degree must complete their requirements within a minimum of 3 semesters and a maximum of 8 semesters from the date they are admitted into the program. Program Structure: The program requirements for the MSc in ME Program comprise 33 credits and are classified into the following categories: • Compulsory Courses • Elective Courses • Thesis Compulsory Courses: 9 credit hours Elective Courses: 15 credit hours MSc Thesis: 9 credit hours Total: 33 credit hours Seminar All students enrolled in the MSc ME Program must successfully complete a zero Credits Seminar course (0408504). Master Thesis All students must complete nine (9) Credits Research-Based Thesis (0408599). Study plan flowchart: Coursework (24 CH), Seminar (0 CH), Proposal (approval), Thesis I (3 CH), Thesis II (6 CH), Defense (MSc).
Semester 1
9 credit hours
0408501Engineering Analysis3 credits
This course covers mainly three topics: Matrix Analysis; Solution Methods for Systems of Linear Equations, Rectangular Systems and Echelon Forms, Norms, Inner Products, Orthogonality, Determinants, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors. Integral Transforms: Fourier Integrals, Fourier Transform, Applications To Boundary Value Problems. Laplace Transform and Applications to Initial Value Problems. Calculus of Variations; Functions & Functionals, The Euler - Lagrange Equation, Functionals With Higher Derivatives, Functionals in Two Dimensions, Constrained Extremization, The Sturm-Liouville Problem, Rayleigh-Ritz Method, Approximate Solutions of Differential Equations, Finite Element and Galerkin Methods, Hamilton Principle, Conservative Forces. Other topics include Tensor and Special Functions.
0408502Computational Methods in Engineering3 credits
This course is intended to be a core course in computational methods for mechanical engineering graduate students, to gain a sound knowledge of the fundamental principles that provide the foundation for the software used in mechanical engineering. Topics include finite difference, finite volume and finite element techniques, discretization methods and applications to model equations, application of numerical methods to elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic equations.
- Elective Course 13 credits
Semester 2
9 credit hours
0408503Data Collection and Analysis3 credits
Introduction to research methodologies; formulating a research proposal: formulate a research question, conduct literature review, choose appropriate research methodology; data collection: interview, questionnaire, observation, etc.; data analysis, quantitative and qualitative; writing research proposal/reports and research papers; ethics in research, research case studies.
- 0408504Seminar0 credits
- Elective Course 23 credits
- Elective Course 33 credits
Semester 3
9 credit hours
- Elective Course 43 credits
- Elective Course 53 credits
0408599Master Thesis (first registration)3 credits
Prerequisite: Seminar (printed as 0408599 Seminar); Approval of the MSc thesis proposal; Completion of at least one semester with GPA > 3
All students must complete a nine-credit research-based Master Thesis (0408599). The zero-credit Seminar (0408504) is also a required component of the program. • Identify a meaningful mechanical-engineering research problem. • Work with faculty supervision to develop and defend a research proposal. • Apply analytical, computational and/or experimental methods. • Generate, analyze and interpret original research results. • Prepare a scholarly thesis and communicate findings in a final oral defense.
Semester 4
6 credit hours (programme total: 33)
0408599Master Thesis (remaining thesis credits)6 credits
Prerequisite: Seminar (printed as 0408599 Seminar); Approval of the MSc thesis proposal; Completion of at least one semester with GPA > 3
Advising note: This sequence is a recommended pathway. Elective availability and thesis registration timing should be confirmed with the program coordinator and applicable graduate regulations.
Elective courses: Thermo-Fluids & Water Desalination
Students complete 15 credit hours (five elective courses) selected from the approved graduate elective portfolio, subject to course offering and prerequisites. The study plan documents group the electives into three focus areas.
0408510Viscous Fluid Flow3 credits
Prerequisite: 0408501 Engineering Analysis
Equation of motion for viscous flow, exact solutions of Navier-Stokes equations. Creeping flow: Stokes and Oseen solutions, lubrication theory. Boundary layer theory: similarity solutions, approximate methods of solution, numerical methods of solution, stability, turbulent boundary layers. Introduction to compressible boundary layer flows.
0408511Advanced Thermodynamics Engineering3 credits
Review of the laws of thermodynamics, entropy generation, entropy generation minimization, single-phase systems, exergy analysis, multiphase systems, chemically reactive systems, classical thermodynamics of a general reactive system; conservation of energy and principles of increase of entropy; fundamental relation of thermodynamics; Legendre transformations; phase transitions and critical phenomena; equilibrium and stability criteria in different representation; multicomponent systems; multiphase systems including phase equilibrium; chemical reactions.
0408512Convective Heat Transfer3 credits
The fundamental theory and engineering applications of convective heat transfer: governing Equations of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer, Heat Transfer in Laminar Flows: scaling analysis, boundary layers, duct and tube flows, natural convection, Heat Transfer in Turbulent Flows: turbulence, time averaged equations, turbulence modeling; application to special cases such as boundary layers, pipe flow, natural convection, Jets, plumes and wakes. Convection with phase change: Boiling and condensation. Numerical Methods for Heat Convection: similarity solutions and Runge-Kutta methods, finite difference and finite volume schemes.
0408513Conduction and Radiation Heat Transfer3 credits
Prerequisite: 0408501 Engineering Analysis
The fundamental theories and engineering applications of heat conduction and thermal radiation: Steady and transient heat conduction; governing equations, solution methods and applications, fundamentals of radiative energy transport, radiative exchange between surfaces, radiative heat-transfer in absorbing-emitting-scattering media.
0408514Advanced Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Systems3 credits
In this course, an engineering approach is followed to achieve an energy balance of buildings according to the relevant standards. A systematic design approach of various HVAC systems (all air, air-water, and all water systems) is presented. HVAC system selection procedure and rules are presented according to client requirements, climate conditions, and building configurations. Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software packages are introduced in the HVAC course to enhance the design and analysis of HVAC in many aspects such as comfort factors, air circulation, temperature, pressure, velocity, noise, and energy.
0408515Advanced Refrigeration Systems3 credits
This course presents the analysis and design of various refrigeration systems, considering the knowledge gained in the undergraduate related courses. It also introduces learning about cryogenic properties and cryogenic system applications in various fields. Obtain depth of knowledge in the application of refrigeration systems in food processing, drying, and transportation is another goal in this course. The next objective is analyzing and evaluating the equipment and accessories projected to remove heat from large-scale processes or materials, lowering the temperature to the desired value in the industrial applications.
0408516Advanced Internal combustion Engines3 credits
In this course, the knowledge of the most recent technologies in the automotive industry for gasoline and diesel engines is presented. The fundamental of thermodynamics, kinetic chemistry, and heat transfer that are related to ICE will also be presented. The formation of tailpipe emissions of engines is described, and a systematic approach is presented for verifying the conformity with emission standards and related regulations.
0408541Membrane Technology and Application3 credits
Introduction to Membrane Synthesis, Fabrication Processes for Polymeric Membrane, Fabrication Processes for Inorganic Membrane, Fabrication of Polymeric and Composite Membranes, Surface Modification of Inorganic Materials for Membrane Preparation, Fabrication of Low-Fouling Composite Membranes for Water Treatment, Introduction to Membrane Characterization, Spectroscopy Methods for Membrane Characterization, Microscopy Methods for Membrane Characterization, Physical and Chemical Characterization Methods for Membrane Characterization, Mechanical Properties Characterization of Membranes.
0408542Thermal Desalination3 credits
The course describes the science and technology of thermal desalination processes. It addresses technical and economical parameters of both commercial operating and new technologies. It covers the recent developments, areas to enhance efficiencies, reduce water production cost and CO2 emission. The course also covers: the conventional thermal technologies; MSF, MED and VC, Hybrid, tri-Hybrid and Integrated Technologies, New Technologies Analysis (H-DH, MD), Power-Desalination Cogeneration Analysis, Solar and Nuclear Desalination, Related issues; scale, corrosion, material used and Brine Management and Environmental Impact and Enhancing Desalination Processes Performance.
0408543Advanced Special Topics in Thermofluids/ Desalination3 credits
This course is a graduate-level course designed to explore advanced, emerging, or highly specialized subjects within the broad field of thermos-fluids. Each offering of the course will focus on a specific topic, such as advanced heat transfer mechanisms, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiphase flows, or renewable energy systems. The course emphasizes contemporary challenges and interdisciplinary applications, enabling students to deepen their expertise in thermo-fluids and apply innovative solutions to complex engineering problems. This flexible course structure ensures relevance to current industry trends and research advancements.
Elective courses: Solid Mechanics & Computational Mechanics
0408521Theory of Elasticity3 credits
Mathematical background for the formulation of elasticity; deformation, strain and displacement, strain compatibility; stresses and equilibrium; linear elastic material behaviour, Hook's law, non-homogeneous, anisotropic, and thermoelastic constitutive forms; displacement and stress formulations, general solution strategies; strain energy, reciprocal theorem, virtual work, minimum potential and complimentary energy; two-dimensional formulations of plane strain and stress; torsion, and flexure problems.
0408522Vibration Analysis3 credits
Multi-degree of freedom discrete systems, continuous systems, approximate methods, finite element method, vibration control, random vibration, nonlinear vibration, introduction to human responses to vibration.
0408523Computer Aided Analysis of Multi-Body systems3 credits
Kinematics, dynamics, analysis of flexible mechanisms. Constrained mechanical systems with flexible components. Numerical methods. Computer-Aided Analysis. Applications. Large scale deformable bodies. Finite element method. Constrained motion of interconnected rigid and deformable bodies. Coordinate reduction. Computational methods. Applications using computer software, e.g. ADAMS.
0408525Modeling and Simulation3 credits
This course covers three main areas: modelling, simulation, and identification. It presents several modelling methodologies that can be used for mechanical systems. This will cover mathematical and graph models. Software tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink and/or LABVIEW, will be used to simulate the systems and analyze the responses. Also, an introduction to system identification will be provided.
0408527Advanced Robotics3 credits
Prerequisite: 0408525 Modeling and Simulation
This course covers industrial robotics systems. It starts with classifying the manipulators, defining their parameters, forward and inverse kinematic, equation of motion, path planning, sensors, and controlling the system. Several nonlinear control techniques will be taught, i.e. sliding mode control. Software tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink and/or LABVIEW, will be used to simulate the systems and analyze the responses.
0408545Advanced Special Topics in Solid Mechanics3 credits
The course focuses on specific, advanced, and emerging areas within the field of Solid Mechanics. The aim is to engage students in discussions and activities that enable them to understand, integrate and apply recent trends in the field. Course activities include assignments/project, presentations, and group and class interactions. At the beginning of the semester, the instructor determines topics to be covered based on the emerging trends and areas of interest.
Elective courses: Materials & Manufacturing
0408531Engineering Nanomaterials3 credits
This course provides the student with an understanding of the fundamental aspects related to nanomaterials including their classification, synthesis and processing, characterization, property measurements, performance evaluation and applications.
0408532Materials Failure Analysis3 credits
Foundation of failure mechanisms and analysis, stress, fatigue, creep and corrosion failures. Stress/strain response and the initiation and propagation of crack, influence of severe environment, Analyze and interpret cause of failure of an engineering structural component using fractography examination.
0408533Advanced Engineering Materials3 credits
Introduction to Materials Engineering (Crystal structures, Diffusion in metals, Solidification of metals, Equilibrium diagrams, Heat treatment of metal alloys, Defects in materials, Strengthening of materials), Principles of Advanced Engineering Materials - Properties and applications of advanced ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors, biomaterials, and what we may term materials of the future (i.e., smart materials and nanoengineered materials). Materials selection, relationships between structure and mechanical properties. Aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, high strength steels, nickel-base and cobalt-base superalloys, fibers.
0408534Materials Characterization3 credits
This course introduces the fundamental theoretical framework for materials characterization techniques and provide an understanding of advanced materials characterization techniques to the students, to be able to use different techniques for characterizing advanced engineering materials, to develop the ability to utilize appropriate characterization techniques in research and provide a foundation for advanced courses in materials science and engineering. Course content includes diffraction, spectroscopy and imaging methods used in the structural and compositional characterization of engineering materials. Thermal and electrochemical analysis are also covered. Recent developments in a wide range of experimental techniques and their application to the quantification of materials properties.
0408535Advanced Manufacturing Processes3 credits
This course provides the student with an understanding of the fundamental aspects related to manufacturing processes including their classification, major conventional manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing, micro and nanoscale manufacturing.
0408544Advanced Special Topics in Materials & Manufacturing3 credits
The course focuses on specific, advanced, and emerging areas within the field of Advanced Materials/Advanced Manufacturing. The aim is to engage students in discussions and activities that enable them to understand, integrate and apply recent trends in the field. Course activities include assignments/project, presentations, and group and class interactions. At the beginning of the semester, the instructor determines topics to be covered based on the emerging trends and areas of interest.
What You'll Learn
Why This Program? • Develop in-depth knowledge in advanced Mechanical Engineering topics. • Apply analytical, computational, and modern engineering tools to complex problems. • Build research capability through independent, thesis-based investigation. • Address regional and global challenges in energy, water, manufacturing, mechanics, and sustainable engineering. • Strengthen technical communication, professional judgment, and innovation. Program Goals 1. Acquire in-depth knowledge in advanced topics in Mechanical Engineering. 2. Conduct advanced research and projects to serve the community. 3. Propose innovative solutions to real-world problems. 4. Develop leadership skills for research-oriented environments. Upon Successful Completion, Graduates Will Be Able To 1. Integrate advanced theories and applications in the field of Mechanical Engineering. 2. Design and conduct experiments/simulations for Mechanical Engineering research. 3. Use appropriate and advanced tools to analyze and interpret data in Mechanical Engineering. 4. Identify professional ethics issues and develop fair and valid judgments in contemporary contexts. 5. Propose proper solutions for Mechanical Engineering problems taking into consideration sustainability, economic, environmental, and societal factors in local and global context. 6. Communicate effectively in oral and written form to present complex and diverse Mechanical Engineering problems and solutions to a variety of audiences. 7. Function on teams with management and leadership capabilities.
Entry Requirements
Careers
The program is positioned for engineers and researchers seeking advanced roles in sectors that are central to the UAE and the wider region, including energy, water and desalination, HVAC and refrigeration, advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, automotive and combustion systems, mechanical analysis, computational engineering, robotics, and research & development. Energy & Thermal: Power, HVAC, Refrigeration Water: Desalination, Membranes Advanced Mechanics: Simulation, Vibration, Elasticity Materials & Industry: Materials, Failure, Manufacturing
Programme Details
Award
MSc
Start Date
Fall and Spring
Duration
2-4 Years
Qualification
MSc
Subject Area
Engineering
Study Pattern
Full time / Part time
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