Mechanical and Materials Engineering


Why study Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western?

Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers two streams of graduate studies. The research intensive, thesis-based stream comprised of MESc and PhD programs provide opportunities for students to conduct innovative leading-edge fundamental or applied research, using state-of-the-art experimental and computational research facilities.

The department has research strengths in diverse areas addressing present day challenges, as well as developing technologies for the future. Our two or four year programs provide a motivating training environment and an opportunity to conduct scholarly research using developed analytical/experimental skills to produce highly capable professionals.

Degree Options

Learn more about the degree options available to you.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

  • Admission average: Minimum 70%
  • Course based: 10 graduate courses
  • Project based: Eight graduate courses and a research project
  • Time to complete: One year (three terms)
  • 4-term (16-months) combined MEng and Graduate Diploma option

Master of Engineering Science (MESc)

  • Admission average: Minimum 78%
  • Funded program (supervisor required)
  • Four graduate courses and a thesis
  • Time to complete: Two years (six terms)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • Admission average: Minimum 78%
  • Funded program (supervisor required)
  • Eight graduate courses and a thesis
  • Time to complete: Four years (12 terms)

Areas of Specialization

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering has the following areas of research and graduate education. 

Automation Technologies and Systems

Research focus areas include: 

  • Mechatronic systems, nonlinear and stochastic mechanics
  • Dynamics & control, intelligent machining systems
  • Computer assisted and surgical robotics, implantable transducer design, geometric modelling
  • Sensors and actuators, medical devices and wearable sensor systems

Faculty members specializing in Automation Technologies and Systems:

S. Asokanthan, G. Knopf, M. Naish, A. Price, O.R. Tutunea-Fatan

Biomechanics

Research focus areas include:

  • Orthopaedic biomechanics, impact biomechanics, rehabilitation sciences
  • Joint replacement (implant) design and analysis, motion and load transfer
  • Advanced medical imaging, electromagnetic tracking system to measure motion
  • Sport science, injury causation, analysis of elite and recreational sport
  • Head biomechanics, traumatic brain injury

Faculty members specializing in Biomechanics:

L. Ferreira, J. Johnson, T. Jenkyn, G. Knopf, E. Lalone, D. Langohr, H. Mao, R. Willing

Design and Manufacturing

Research focus areas include:

  • Design methodologies and tools, computer-aided design
  • Multi-axis CNC machining, intelligent machining systems
  • Ultra-precise single point cutting, micro-optics, laser polishing
  • Additive manufacturing of advanced materials

Faculty members specializing in Design and Manufacturing:

G. Knopf, A. Price, O.R. Tutunea-Fatan

Materials and Solid Mechanics

Research focus areas include: 

  • Microstructure and properties of metals, polymers, composite materials, nanomaterials
  • Energy materials, optoelectronics, smart materials for mechatronic systems
  • Fracture and failure analysis, tribology, material processing

Faculty members specializing in Materials and Solid Mechanics:

H. Abdolvand, S. Asokanthan, K. Coley, L. Jiang, E. Johlin, R. Klassen, D. Langohr A. Price, X. Sun, J. Wood, Y. Zhao

Micro and Nano Systems

Research focus areas include: 

  • Micro/nano-materials functionalization, characterization, and modeling
  • Energy conversion, Fuel cells and Energy storage (Lithium-ion batteries)
  • MEMS and NEMS, Additive micro/nano-engineering
  • Micro-optics and Biotechnology, nanophotonics

Faculty members specializing in Micro and Nano Systems:

H. Abdolvand,L. Jiang, E. Johlin, R. Klassen, G. Knopf, X. Sun, J. Wood, Y. Zhao

Thermo-fluids

Research focus areas include: 

  • Renewable energy systems, thermal energy storage
  • Biological and environmental flows, turbulence
  • Porous media, combustion
  • Two-phase flows, conjugate heat and mass transfer
  • Theoretical and computational fluid mechanics, biofluid mechanics

Faculty members specializing in Thermo-fluids:

C. DeGroot, J.M. Floryan, R. Khayat, K. Ogden, E. Savory, K. Siddiqui, A. Straatman, C. Zhang

Research Facilities

Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research

  • A joint venture between Western University and the Fraunhofer Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany
  • Develops, tests validates and characterizes new lightweight materials & advanced manufacturing processes at industrial scale
  • Learn more 

To learn more about the key research areas in Western Engineering, visit Western Engineering's Research webpage.

Next steps...

question-symbol.pngHave questions? To learn more about the research and degree specializations offered in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, visit the department's website, or contact the department’s Graduate Office at mme@uwo.ca for more information and application deadlines.  

money-symbol.pngCurious about funding opportunities? Learn more about financial planning for graduate school and discover scholarships available to you. 

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