Academic Clusters and Core Courses

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at UP Diliman structures its academic program around four core clusters. These clusters reflect key areas in mechanical engineering and shape how courses, instruction, and research are organized across the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each cluster supports both foundational learning and specialization, offering students a structured way to explore their academic and professional interests.

In addition to these clusters, students also engage in research, capstone design, and core mechanical engineering courses that provide practical skills and integrative experiences throughout their academic journey.

Academic Clusters

The academic clusters serve as the framework for organizing expertise within the department. Each cluster groups together related courses and research areas, enabling students to build depth in a specific field while connecting with the broader discipline of mechanical engineering.

Dynamics and Control

The Dynamics and Control cluster focuses on the motion of mechanical systems and how this motion can be predicted, analyzed, and regulated. It covers the modeling and simulation of dynamic systems, as well as feedback control mechanisms used in robotics, mechatronics, and intelligent machines. Students in this cluster gain the skills to design systems that move precisely and respond intelligently to external inputs.

Courses under this cluster include:
– ME 146 – Machine Dynamics
– ME 147 – System Dynamics and Control

Mechanics and Materials

This cluster delves into the behavior of solid bodies and materials under various loading conditions. It includes stress analysis, deformation, structural design, and the selection of appropriate materials. Students learn how materials fail, how structures withstand loads, and how these insights are applied in real-world mechanical systems.

Courses under this cluster include:
– ME 51 – Mechanics of Materials I
– ME 152 – Mechanics of Materials II
– ME 156 – Machine Design

Product Engineering and Manufacturing

This cluster combines creative design with practical fabrication. Students learn to turn ideas into engineered products through design thinking, CAD modeling, and understanding the fundamentals of manufacturing. This area also explores how manufacturing systems can be optimized for cost, efficiency, and innovation.

Courses under this cluster include:
– ME 133 – Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design
– ME 134 – Fundamentals of Manufacturing Engineering

Thermal and Fluids Engineering

The Thermal and Fluids Engineering cluster addresses how energy and fluids behave in various systems. Students learn about heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and the design of energy systems such as HVAC, turbines, and renewable energy devices. This cluster supports research and careers in power, energy, and environmental applications.

Courses under this cluster include:
– ME 61 – Fundamentals of Thermal and Fluids Engineering
– ME 62 – Thermal and Fluids Engineering Systems
– ME 163 – Thermal and Fluids Engineering Processes
– ME 166 – Thermal and Fluids Engineering Design

Core Mechanical Engineering Courses

Beyond the clusters, all students take a set of core mechanical engineering courses that provide essential knowledge and practical skills. These include introductions to engineering thinking, simulations, fabrication techniques, and industry practices. They form the backbone of a student’s mechanical engineering education.

Core courses include:

  • ME 1 – Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 11 – Mathematical Methods in Mechanical Engineering I
  • ME 12 – Mathematical Methods in Mechanical Engineering II
  • ME 31 – Mechanical Engineering CAD
  • ME 32 – Machine Operations
  • ME 71 – Sensors and Actuators
  • ME 100 – Mechanical Engineering Industries
  • ME 113 – Mechanical Engineering Simulations
  • ME 172 – Experimentation and Technical Exposition in Mechanical Engineering

Capstone and Research Courses

In their final years, students synthesize their learning through design and research projects. These courses provide opportunities to apply engineering theory to real-world problems, collaborate with peers, and communicate technical findings.

Capstone Project Courses:

  • ME 195 – Product Engineering I
  • ME 196 – Product Engineering II

Research Courses:

  • ME 190 – Mechanical Engineering Research I
  • ME 199 – Mechanical Engineering Research II

Whether you’re interested in how machines move, how materials behave, how products are made, or how energy flows—there’s a place for you in mechanical engineering. The academic clusters and core courses in our program are designed to help you discover your strengths, build technical expertise, and prepare for careers in industry, research, or further studies.

As you explore your path, remember that these clusters are not strict boundaries but gateways to multidisciplinary learning and innovation. You’ll have the flexibility to engage with multiple areas, participate in hands-on projects, and work alongside faculty on cutting-edge research.