Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Mechanical Engineering
WHAT IS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the designing, analysing, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. When we say a mechanical system we mean a set of physical components or things that convert an input of motion and force into a desired output of motion and force. An example of this system is a bicycle, when you push the pedal down with some force (input), the bicycle goes forward with some speed (desired output).
Mechanical engineers analyse their work using the principles of motion, energy and force so that they ensure that the things they design work safely, efficiently and are not expensive. These engineers deal with anything that moves from components of machines to the human body. Their work makes a big difference in human life, this is because they create things to meet human needs. For example, they create elevators and escalators so that humans can go up and down in their buildings easily.
WHERE DO MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WORK?
As it has been said above, these engineers work on machines that have moving parts. This means that they can work in any place or company that has equipment that moves or in places where these machines are designed or made. They are employed by Toyota Zambia and other companies that own and sell vehicles. They are employed also by mines to help with the mechanical tasks such as assembling, maintaining and fixing the machinery used in the mining process. They also work for construction companies and engineering consultation firms (together with other engineers). They are employed in manufacturing companies because these places have machinery with many moving parts e.g. cranes and conveyor belts. Examples of such companies include Lafarge and Chilanga Cement, Zambia Sugar, Zambia Breweries, Trade Kings, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia etc. They also work for the government, electricity production and distribution companies e.g. ZESCO and CEC, railway systems of Zambia, and other companies.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The tasks that are involved in the work of a mechanical engineer are dependent on where they work. Overall, their work involves them designing, maintaining and repairing mechanical systems. If they are working for a mine, mechanical engineers work with machines that are used in the mining process e.g. vehicles, motor graders, rotary drill rigs, elevators and lifts etc. They also deal with air-conditioning and heating not just in mines, but also in buildings especially if they work for a construction company. More specifically, mechanical engineers may work with refrigeration systems by designing, maintaining and repairing of cold rooms, when they work for companies such as Zambeef that require refrigeration to store and transport their products. Mechanical engineers are expected to find innovative ways of increasing the productivity of their company that are both energy and time efficient.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
The work schedule is dependent on the place of work. They mostly work from 8 to 17 hours on Monday through to Friday but may also work on the weekends.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The job market for mechanical engineering is good. The reasons for this may be because these engineers are needed in many places. In some companies they may be employed in more than one department. This means that one company may employ more than one mechanical engineer.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
A person who wants to do mechanical engineering needs to have good problem-solving skills, creativity and a love for hands-on work. To enjoy studying mechanical engineering you need to have a good background in mathematics and physics.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Mechanical Engineering
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Courses covered in this program include engineering drawing, engineering workshop technology, engineering materials, principles of electricity, information technology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine tools, strength of materials, dynamics, production technology, machine design, heat engines, vibrations and control engineering, engineering management and society, heat transfer and maintenance engineering. Some courses especially in the final year are electives, meaning a student can pick which ones they want to learn depending on their area of interest. Examples of these courses include refrigeration and air-conditioning, automobile engineering, environmental engineering and alternative energy sources.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The general entry requirements for this program are 5 O' level credits (grade 6) or better inclusive of Mathematics, English and Science. You need to have scored at least 12 points in 6 subjects at grade 12 in order to stand a good chance of being selected.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
An alternative program to mechanical engineering is mechanical technology. The program is offered at diploma, technician and craft level mostly in trade schools.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
There are many types of master’s degree programs in the field of mechanical engineering that are available. The masters allows the engineer to concentrate on one area. These areas include dynamics, fluids, transportation systems, design, controls, biomechanical engineering, energy science, manufacturing and many more. Acquiring this masters allows one to have more chances to be employed because employers will have the confidence that he/she has special and great skills and knowledge in the area in which they will be working from.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 129 2792
E-mail: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-engineering-beng-mechanical-engineering
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Evening
Admitting school: School Of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 or +260 212 290817 or +260 212 290815
E-mail: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees/
COPPERSTONE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma) / 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science and Technology
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 967 499 161 or +260 967 499 149 or +260 967 499 292
E-mail: copperstonecustomercare@gmail.com
Website: www.copperstone.education
MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: + (260) 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm/index.php/engineering-department/122-engineering-department/693-bachelor-of-engineering-in-mechanical-engineering
UNIVERSITY OF EDENBERG
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma) / 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Engineering
Intakes: March and September
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 964 292501 or +260971874752 or +260977867401
E-mail: academic@ue.edu.zm / evanschungu540@gmail.com
Website: www.ue.edu.zm/fees-structure.html
NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Intakes: January and July
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260-212-671699 or +260-955-667674
E-mail: principal@nortec.edu.zm
Website: www.nortec.edu.zm/?page_id=135