The field of mechanical engineering is concerned with the application of the fundamental principles and laws of nature to the development and betterment of a technological society and culture. Virtually anything that moves, whether animate or inanimate, falls within the scope of mechanical engineering.Of all the engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is the broadest and most diversified. In all technical areas and types of industries, mechanical engineers are involved in virtually every phase of design, synthesis, development, and refinement of machines, processes, and systems. Mechanical engineers are required to understand the laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, the effects of forces on solids and liquids, the flow of heat through substances, the properties of engineering materials, and the design of mechanisms to accomplish useful tasks. Mechanical engineers play a leading role in the advancement of technology for sustainable development.<br><br>If you love things that move, this is your program. At Waterloo, youll develop the skills you need to design everything from switches to spacecraft.Youll get a broad foundation in all aspects of mechanical design: mechanics, power, control, and manufacturing. Youll also learn to lead large, multidisciplinary teams, solve problems, come up with high-impact innovations, and have the chance to apply it all to real work experiences in co-op.Where you use those skills is up to you. Mechanical engineers work in all kinds of fields, constantly looking for ways to make machinery faster, lighter, cleaner, and more reliable.And with two years of career-relevant experience on your r'sum by the time you graduate, youll definitely impress potential employers. <br><br>Welding and joining processes are used to fabricate almost all manufactured products. New automated manufacturing methods have made welding and joining more important than ever before. The courses in this specialization are intended to prepare students to work in all areas related to welding and joining, including welding metallurgy, welding and joining processes (including robotic welding), welding metallurgy, and welding design and fabrication and quality control. The specialization is the only one of its type in Canada and compares well with programs in Europe and the US. If all Mechanical Engineering degree requirements and requirements for the Welding and Joining Specialization are satisfied, then a Welding and Joining Specialization Certificate of Completion will be awarded on graduation