What Does a Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Degree Really Cover?

Core Curriculum

The mechanical design, manufacturing and automation program is structured around three major knowledge areas: design, manufacturing, and automation, each supported by foundational courses.

Foundational Courses

Technical Drawing : 2‑D drafting with AutoCAD; 3‑D modeling with ProE, Catia, SolidWorks, UG, and domestic CAXA. Fluid‑flow analysis may use Fluent. Finite‑element analysis tools such as ANSYS, Patran/Nastran, Abaqus, and Hypermesh are typically introduced at the graduate level.

Mechanics : Study of Newton’s laws, statics, dynamics, and material mechanics (stress, strain, stiffness, strength) through courses like Theoretical Mechanics and Material Mechanics.

Electronics : Basic electronic theory, digital and analog circuit fundamentals, providing the electrical basis for automation systems.

Mechanical Design

Students learn design standards for common components (e.g., screws, nuts), develop the ability to design mechanisms, and perform motion and power‑transmission analysis.

Manufacturing

The curriculum covers material forming, metal‑cutting, and machining processes, along with process planning, typical part‑manufacturing routes, and quality‑control methods. Concepts of lean manufacturing (e.g., Japanese lean theory) are also introduced.

Automation

Automation topics include control engineering, programmable logic controllers (PLC), mechatronics, and motor control. Basic programming skills are taught, covering the C language, micro‑computer principles, and the 8051 microcontroller.

Internships

Metal‑working workshop: hands‑on experience shaping metal and fabricating simple parts such as a hammer or nut.

Production internship: placement in a manufacturing enterprise (e.g., Dongfeng Motor in Shiyan, Hubei) to observe real‑world production processes.

Course Project Example

A typical capstone project is the design of a gearbox. One student completed a hand‑drawn gearbox design over a month; the illustration is shown below.

Employment Outlook

Graduates enjoy a very high employment rate (often close to 100 %). Salaries are generally lower than those in the IT sector, and compensation varies by specialization: mold‑design roles may involve harsh environments, while CAD‑based design positions typically offer office settings. The mechanical engineering field is considered stable, with fewer mid‑career “wall” effects compared to some technology professions.