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Student Spotlight - Andrew Farris
Student Spotlight: Andrew Farris
Generating Power in Space
As an undergraduate student, Andrew Farris has already developed quite a resume: the Mechanical and Energy Engineering student has been a researcher, team leader and teaching assistant and is currently helping to develop a cryogenic engine that will generate power in space.
“All of these experiences have helped me grow a lot in the relatively short time I’ve been here,” he says.
Quick Facts
MEE Department
- Nation's first Mechanical and Energy Engineering Dept.
- Began in 2007 with 77 students
- 28% enrollment increase over past three years
- Current undergraduate enrollment: 457
- Current Masters enrollment: 35
- Current Ph.D. enrollement: 13
- International enrollment: 50
- Faculty count: 15
- Avg. class size: 30
- Avg. lab class size: 10
- Degrees offered: 3
- # of B.S. degrees awarded: 55
- Avg. SAT/ACT score: 621/1170
- Avg. external funding: $1,350,000
- # of facilities: 12
UNT
- Nation's 26th largest public university
- Total enrollment: about 36,000
- Countries represented: 140
- States represented: 49
DFW
- Nation's second largest technology corridor
- Nation's 4th largest metropolitan area
- Home to many of the nation’s fastest growing cities
Undergraduate Studies in Mechanical and Energy Engineering
The mechanical and energy engineering undergraduate program allows future engineers to gain in-depth knowledge about the mechanical engineering and energy studies industry from renowned experts. Students perform cutting-edge student research in exceptional facilities and work with industry leaders on real-world projects. The department offers enriching activities beyond the classroom as well, including student organizations and competitions that allow students to stretch their creativity and skills while having fun with friends.
Undergraduate Studies
What will I learn here?
The broad undergraduate curriculum includes similarities to traditional mechanical engineering curriculum, with the addition of several energy-related courses that emphasize energy applications and materials. The mechanical and energy engineering department offers small classes averaging 30 students and lab classes averaging ten students, which allow each student to receive personal attention from faculty members and interact with peers.
In their first year, students take preparatory courses in math and basic science, including physics, computer science and chemistry. These classes lead to advanced sophomore, junior and senior level courses of the student’s choice, which focus on the following areas of mechanical engineering and energy studies:
- Thermal science, fluid flow and energy
- Mechanics and materials
- Dynamics, design and controls
- Environmental impact of energy production and use
- Entrepreneurship
In their final year of studies, undergraduate students choose from a variety of elective courses, which provide in-depth knowledge of specific engineering subjects. Seniors will also have the chance to get involved in the College of Engineering's unique senior design program that allows them to solve real-world issues, making meaningful contributions to an existing local business.
The mechanical and energy engineering program also teaches students to be responsible industry leaders by giving them a global understanding of the environmental, ethical and societal impacts of the technologies they help develop.
A sample MEE degree plan, sample curriculum flowchart and list of electives can be found in Undergraduate Advising.
> Learn more about why you should study engineering at UNT
Explore Classes
Required undergraduate courses
What does it take to succeed here?
Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical and detail-oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and communicate well, both orally and in writing. Students should also be open to a wide variety of engineering disciplines, as they will take several courses in other departments and will be working with other students of different engineering disciplines.