About the Program
Introduction
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programme was designed from the ground up and benchmarked against leading programmes at MIT, KFUPM and Qatar University.
Program Mission
The mission of the programme is to prepare graduates equipped with a profound understanding of fundamental engineering principles. The programme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to the global engineering community. Emphasis is placed on developing innovative problem-solving abilities, ethical professionalism, and the capacity to adapt to the evolving demands of the mechanical engineering profession. Graduates are expected to excel in diverse engineering roles, contribute to the advancement of technology, and address challenges responsibly with regard to societal, environmental and global concerns.
At a Glance
Program Overview
PEOs
Program Goals
Within three to five years of graduation, UPM mechanical engineering alumni are expected to:
Apply engineering knowledge
Using engineering expertise, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving with integrity and inclusivity to turn theoretical knowledge into solutions for real-world challenges.
Address societal problems
Tackling technical and societal issues with creativity, imagination, confidence and responsibility.
Engage in professional practice and continuous learning
Through professional practice, further studies, and ongoing professional development.
Exhibit versatility in engineering tasks
Applying a broad engineering education across varied career paths in mechanical engineering and adjacent sectors.
PLOs
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the programme are able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
Skills
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs, with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, and global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyse and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions.
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
Values, Autonomy and Responsibility
- Recognise ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements that consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
Credit Distribution
Program Structure
| Category | Required / Elective | Courses | Credit Hours | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution requirements | Required | 5 | 15 | 10.9% |
| Institution requirements | Elective | 2 | 6 | 4.4% |
| College requirements | Required | 12 | 39 | 28.5% |
| Program requirements | Required | 22 | 55 | 40.1% |
| Program requirements | Elective | 3 | 9 | 6.6% |
| Capstone project | — | 1 | 4 | 2.9% |
| Field training / cooperative internship | — | 1 | 9 | 6.6% |
| Total | — | 46 | 137 | 100% |
Curriculum
Study Plan
First Year
First Semester (Freshmen)
18 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 101 | Calculus I | 4 | MATH 002 | — |
| PHYS 101 | General Physics I | 4 | MATH 002 | MATH 101 |
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry | 4 | — | — |
| ENGL 101 | First Year Composition | 3 | ENGL 005 | — |
| CS 113 | Introduction to Python | 3 | — | — |
Second Semester (Freshmen)
18 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 102 | Calculus II | 4 | MATH 101 | — |
| PHYS 102 | General Physics II | 4 | PHYS 101 | — |
| ENGL 102 | Introduction to Report Writing | 3 | ENGL 101 | — |
| CS 141 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 | PC 005 | — |
| ENGG 103 | Introduction to Engineering Drawing | 1 | — | — |
| GIAS 101 | Islamic Culture | 3 | — | — |
Second Year
First Semester (Sophomore)
19 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 201 | Differential Equations | 3 | MATH 102 | — |
| STAT 342 | Statistical Methods for Engineers | 3 | MATH 102 | — |
| ENGL 201 | Technical Writing | 3 | ENGL 102 | — |
| CE 201 | Statics | 3 | PHYS 101 | — |
| ME 201 | Thermodynamics I | 3 | PHYS 102, MATH 102 | — |
| — | Material Science | 3 | PHYS 101 | — |
| — | Material Science Lab | 1 | PHYS 101 | — |
Second Semester (Sophomore)
18 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 202 | Calculus III | 3 | MATH 102 | — |
| MATH 204 | Linear Algebra | 3 | MATH 102 | — |
| CE 212 | Strength of Materials | 3 | CE 201 | — |
| AI 283 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 | CS 113, STAT 342 | — |
| ME 202 | Dynamics | 3 | CE 201 | — |
| ME 204 | Thermodynamics II | 3 | ME 201 | — |
Third Year
First Semester (Junior)
19 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIAS 102 | Arabic Language Skills | 3 | — | — |
| EE 201 | Electric Circuits I | 3 | — | — |
| EE 203 | Electric Circuits I Lab | 1 | — | EE 201 |
| ME 301 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 | ME 201 | — |
| ME 303 | Machine Design I | 3 | ME 202 | — |
| — | Mechanical Engineering Drawing and Graphics | 3 | ENGG 103 | — |
| — | Numerical Methods | 3 | MATH 204 | — |
Second Semester (Junior)
18 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE 362 | Control Systems Analysis | 3 | ME 202 | — |
| EE 364 | Control Systems Lab | 1 | EE 362 | — |
| GSOS xxx | Social Sciences Elective | 3 | — | — |
| ME 304 | Machine Design II | 3 | ME 303 | — |
| ME 302 | Manufacturing Processes | 3 | ME 202 | — |
| ME 312 | Manufacturing Lab | 1 | ME 213 | — |
| ME 306 | Heat Transfer | 3 | ME 301 | — |
| ME 316 | Thermofluid Lab | 1 | — | ME 306 |
Fourth Year
First Semester (Senior)
9 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Mechanical Cooperative Training (7-month placement, begins the preceding summer) | 9 | Senior Status | — |
Second Semester (Senior)
18 Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | CH | Pre-requisite | Co-requisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHAL xxx | Humanities, Arts and Languages Elective | 3 | — | — |
| ENGG 404 | Engineering Economy | 2 | — | — |
| ME 492 | Capstone Project | 4 | ME 303 | — |
| ME 4xx | Professional Elective I | 3 | Senior Status | — |
| ME 4xx | Professional Elective II | 3 | Senior Status | — |
| ME 4xx | Professional Elective III | 3 | Senior Status | — |
Join the Program
Admission Requirements
Saudi High School Certificate
General Secondary School Certificate (or equivalent), minimum grade 80%.
International High School Certificate
No minimum overall average required; SAT of at least 1000/1600, or the equivalent IGCSE combination set by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
All Applicants
- Minimum IELTS 5.0 (or TOEFL 35–45, or Oxford Online Placement Test above 71%)
- A UPM Mathematics Placement Test score of 70% or above
- A UPM Computer Placement Test score of 70% or above
- Good conduct
Bridging Pathway for Diploma Holders
UPM also offers a bridging pathway into the BSME for holders of the Energy and Water Academy (EWA) diploma and the Yanbu Industrial College diploma, covering the remaining credit hours after transfer credit over five terms (Fall, Spring, a summer cooperative term, Fall, Spring).
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer Cooperative Term
- Fall
- Spring
Learning Environment
Facilities & Learning Resources
The department operates four fully equipped laboratories — thermofluids, machine design, mechanical testing, and manufacturing and fabrication — alongside the Fabrication Laboratory and the acoustofluidic research laboratory. Classrooms are outfitted with smart boards, and the curriculum includes hands-on training in industry-standard software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD and ANSYS.
Students have access to the university library’s engineering collection, Coursera, and the Saudi National Library’s research resources.
Industry-Standard Software
- SolidWorks
- AutoCAD
- ANSYS
Learning Resources
- University Library – Engineering Collection
- Coursera
- Saudi National Library
Your Future
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for roles including:
Mechanical Engineer
Designing, analysing and manufacturing mechanical systems.
Design Engineer
Conceptualising and detailing components and systems.
Quality Engineer
Ensuring products meet quality and performance standards.
Product Engineer
Developing, testing and optimising products.
Technical Sales Engineer
Combining technical knowledge with sales support.
Mechanical Technician
Assisting in design, development, testing and manufacture.
HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
CAD Technician
Producing detailed technical drawings and plans.
Maintenance Engineer
Overseeing maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment.
Relevant sectors:
- Oil and gas
- Engineering services
- Metalworking machinery manufacturing
- Railways
- General manufacturing
- Automotive
Our Team
Faculty Members
Dr. Hussain Alsadiq
Head of Department / Assistant Professor
Eng. Yahya Alshanqiti
Lecturer
