Mechanical engineers conceive, plan, design, and direct the manufacture, distribution, and operation of a wide variety of devices, machines, and systems for energy conversion, environmental control, materials processing, biomechanics, biofluid dynamics, automated manufacturing, materials handling, and other purposes.  The UAB Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate program embodies a curriculum of 128 semester credit hours. In addition to courses in pre-engineering, mathematics, calculus-based physics, chemistry, humanities, and social sciences, the mechanical engineering curriculum also includes a core of fundamental engineering course work and advanced courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of machinery, and mechanical design. Laboratory experiences are provided in each area to illustrate the application of theory in engineering practice. During the senior year, the curriculum provides for electives that allow specializations in the areas of mechanical systems or energy systems.