DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Introduction

Background

Adama Science and Technology University, ASTU, is one of the two national science and technology universities articulating and affirming the fundamental values and purposes of science and technology in the rapidly changing world. Following its renaming by the Council of Ministers as Adama Science and Technology University in May 2011, the university has started working towards the attainment of becoming a center of excellence in science and technology, thereby allowing for the realization of goals set in the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP).

After ASTU has launched transformation, its academic wing has been restructured into five Schools named as School of Applied Natural Science, School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, School of Electrical Engineering and Computing, School of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering and School of Humanities and Social Science. In addition, there is a Division of Freshman Programs where the students stay for one year to take university required courses. As strategic institute, ASTU’s schools and their respective departments/programs are reestablished in such a way to support the eight centers of excellence endorsed by the former Ministry of Science and Technology to achieve the national goals.

Focused on strategic direction of Ethiopian development, all schools of the University are working aggressively to produce qualified, competent, and socially responsible professionals in the fields of science and technology through promoting research-oriented science and technology education. To achieve this, the curricula of the undergraduate programs are revised to meet the requirements of accreditation which rely on principles of outcome-based education (OBE) and emphasize on continuous quality improvement (CQI). Enhancing the quality of our  programs via curriculum accreditation helps to assure the structure and contents to meet internationally recognized standards. This will in turn allow international movement of educated workforce. To this end, it is necessary to revise the existing curriculum by applying accreditation process based on ABET guidelines.

Vision and Mission of the University (ASTU)

Vision

• ASTU aspirestobe the first choice in Ethiopia and the premier center of excellence in applied science and technology in Africa by 2030.

1.2.2. Mission

M-1: Produce ethical and internationally competent graduates in applied science and technology through quality education.

M-2: Conduct problem solving research.

M-3: Provide demand driven community service.

M-4: Serve as center for innovative knowledge and technology transfer for various industries.

Undergraduate Programs Curriculum

Introduction

Background of the Program

Mechanical Engineering Department of Adama Science and Technology University was  established in September 2008 G.C., with the objective of responding to the need for rapid industrialization and the changing societal needs of the country for sustainable development. The department is devoted in cultivating the full potential of students, the advancement of all forms of knowledge and technology, keeping in pace with international standards of academic quality including the high skilled employment needs presented by a growing economy operating in global environment.

Rationale of the Program

Mechanical Engineering, with a diverse range of specializations, plays a leading role in the technological development of a country. Though there have been several attempts to accommodate the needs of local industry, there still exits huge demand of qualified mechanical engineers. This is because of the economic development of the country is bringing remarkable  industrial expansion rate that requires mechanical engineering profession of higher caliber that meets the current technological development strategy.

As a leading science and technology university in Ethiopia, ASTU is highly dedicated to innovative knowledge. This revised curriculum provides the graduate with the required knowledge and skill to enable them lead the current and future industrial expansion in the country.

Moreover, the department finds it necessary to make the education more practice oriented in order to address the different areas of industrial applications and make the engineers more productive. In recognition of this fact, the range and scope of elective courses in this revised curriculum have been enlarged while retaining the broad-based nature of educational training in Mechanical Engineering. Likewise, this curriculum includes entrepreneurship knowledge that will enable graduates to be innovative and create their own job.