Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

The primary challenge for a mechanical engineer is to analyze, design and solve problems in the traditional areas of Mechanical Engineering, such as manufacturing, automation and robotic processes, thermal systems and mechanical systems.

Mechanical engineers also work in an interdisciplinary way in other areas of engineering: aerospace, automotive, naval, ocean, chemical, environmental, metallurgical, petroleum, materials, among others. Their activities include designing machinery for the transformation of raw materials into finished products, developing other machines, providing solutions for mass and energy transport problems, conducting scientific research, and teaching.

To qualify students for this career, the Mechanical Engineer program starts with core courses in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Drawing and Computer Science. Then,  the student goes on to take specific courses in Thermodynamics, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Construction Materials, Machine Elements, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, Aerodynamics, Heat Exchangers, Manufacturing Processes, Welding, Vibration and Acoustics, Robotics, Automation and Control, Vehicles, Pumps, Internal Combustion Engines, Product Design, among others. The majority of these subjects are taught as required courses, while others, focused on more specific issues, are offered as electives.

The program equips students with the skills to integrate computers into their engineering studies and projects. They can also engage in the field of production management. In the final year, students complete an internship at a company in Brazil or abroad or at one of the university’s laboratory. UFSC Mechanical Engineering graduates generally find it easy to enter the job market.

In recent years, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has seen significant growth in research activities, driven by the enhanced qualifications of both faculty and technical staff, acquisition of new equipment, and the expansion of research areas. Currently, more than half of the Mechanical Engineering students are involved in research groups within the School of Technology, often supported by Scientific or Technology Initiation scholarships.