ASSIGNMENT IN ME LAWS

ASSIGNMENT #1

Milarpez, Marvick A.
BSME V

1/19/2017

BS in Mechanical Engineering in the Philippines

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) is a college program leading to a

degree in one of the most diverse engineering disciplines which deals with the design,
development, installation, operation and maintenance of anything that has moving parts such as
machineries, engines, and structures used in industrial, biomedical, instrumentation and
transportation systems. The course also includes the study of conversion of thermal and chemical
energy into mechanical work through engines and power plants and how to utilize these energies,
forces and structures to perform a variety of tasks.

The BSME curriculum is composed of CHED-mandated general educations courses, technical

courses, fundamental engineering courses, professional mechanical courses, elective courses, and
on-the-Job training or plant visitation. Most subjects are taught through classroom discussions
with laboratory exercises and group projects. During the Practicum, theoretical knowledge is put
into practice.

Mechanical Engineering graduates can pursue careers in manufacturing firms, automotive

companies, power generation and utility plants. Since all manufactured products contain parts
that transmit forces, mechanical engineering is considered vital in designing and selecting
materials that will ensure the structural integrity of almost every product.

Recently, several schools offer the ladderized BSME program which now provides better career

opportunities for students, even to those who may not be able to finish the full course. TechnicalVocational education trainings (TVET) are embedded in the enriched ladderized curriculum and
students will be awarded TESDA certifications for acquired competencies at certain levels.
Example: PC Operation Certificate after the first year; Welding Certificate, after the second year;
then the Certificate in Automotive Body Repairing after the third year. The remaining two years
will be devoted to major courses leading to the award of a BSME degree.
Is Mechanical Engineering a profession?

Mechanical Engineering is a profession. A graduate of BS in Mechanical Engineering who

passed the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination is called a Mechanical Engineer.
(source)
What are the admission requirements for BSME?

Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
o

Must be a high school graduate. Those who did not complete high school education may
opt to first attend Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational
Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer
selected courses for PEPT passers admission.

Must pass the college entrance examination

Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer

Medical laboratory results and health certificate

Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from enrollees Barangay)

Some schools require particular rating in the National Secondary Assessment Test
(NSAT)

Some schools require particular high school grade or gross point average

What skills will help you succeed in this course?

o

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills the ability to solve and use different computational methods

Technical Skills the ability to accomplish mathematical, engineering, scientific or

computerrelated duties

Creativity ability to propose concepts and create prototype for classroom presentation

Communication skills the ability to read, write and converse in English as most
technical literature is in English.

Interpersonal skills will help you in studying together with classmates, doing group
assignments and forming connections with friends and colleges.

How difficult is this course?

BS in Mechanical Engineering is a tough and challenging course. A logical mindset and the
ability to apply new concepts and technologies are vital in succeeding in this course. Several
subjects in this program deal with computations and analysis. Students are frequently exposed on
hands-on technical activities on laboratories and workshop long before internship or practicum
on industry-related company or institution. Students also have a need for innovation, design and
creativity.
How long does it take to complete BS in Mechanical Engineering in the Philippines?

Normally, the BSME takes 5 years to complete. Universities which go by the Trimester school
calendar require less time to finish the course.

On The Job Training / Internship

As mandated by CHED (the official governing body of Higher Education Institutions in the
Philippines), at least 120 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) or practicum, is required for the
graduation of a Mechanical Engineering student to ensure the efficiency in this field. Plant
visitation and seminars may also be substituted to OJT as long as there is substantial equivalence
of the activities. (source: section 12)

During the final year, or the summer prior to it, students are assigned to undergo OJT in any of
the following industries: Power Plants, Industrial Plants, Manufacturing Companies, Service or
Industrial Sales, Machine Shops or Foundries, Engineering Contracting Companies, Mechanical
Engineering or Management Consultancy Firms.

The Board Exam

A Mechanical Engineering graduate needs to take the Mechanical Engineering Licensure

Examination before he/she can practice as a Mechanical Engineer. The examination is conducted
by the Board of Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC). It is scheduled twice a year in the months of March and September.

The subjects in which the applicant for Mechanical Engineers shall be examined are: Machine
Design, Materials, and Shop Practice; Industrial and Power Plant Engineering; and Mathematics
Engineering Economics and Basic Engineering Sciences.

After graduation, students have 5-6 months review time before the September exam. Those who
completed the course on irregular timeframe typically choose the March examination date.
Review programs are usually provided for by the school. However, some students decide on
enrolling at specialized review centers.

Career opportunities for BSME graduates

o

Jobs for licensed Mechanical Engineers (board exam passers)

Entry Level jobs

Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:

o

Junior Mechanical Engineer supports the production process internally

or with suppliers by providing detailed mechanical designs and sketches specific
regarding

Associate Mechanical Engineer responsible for design, specification

and acquisition of equipments such as exchangers, vessels, rotating equipment
and machinery used in the industry; decides equipment selections and adaptation
of engineering alternatives, performs specific and well-defined assignments.

Technical Support Engineer works in installation, maintenance and

repair of hardware operating systems and applications

Product Engineer responsible for providing engineering assistance in

prototype support, sales, product development, and manufacture; aide to assigned
customer platform/vehicle programs.

Junior Program Analyst composes draft in a variety of electronic

formats for delivery via presentation or submission to senior authorities.

Automotive engineers are involved in the design, manufacture and

operation of ground-based vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, buses and
trucks and their respective engineering subsystems

Maintenance Engineers work involves the maintenance of machinery

and equipment, as well as optimization of procedures, systems, infrastructures,
and budgets for the purpose of improving reliability and maintainability.

Facilities Engineers are involved in the creation of the various systems

that drive a manufacturing plant such as designing the layout for the production
process, the utility systems within the space, including power sources, climate
control, water, and lighting.

Durability and Corrosion Engineer responsible for the evaluation and

testing of a vehicle for its useful life, includes assessment of mileage
accumulation, severe driving conditions, and corrosive salt baths.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer provides primary control

system hardware/software support, instrumentation, and process engineering
/optimization to a variety of field

Computer Systems Engineer work out specific computer systems that

match the companys operational needs in a particular field.

Advanced Positions

Require years of extensive experience and practice:

o

Senior Mechanical Engineer uses engineering principles to provide

efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from
small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles from
design stage to final commissioning of the new system.

Automotive Structural Engineer automotive engineers specializing in

the overall design, fabrication and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, buses
and trucks.

Ergonomics Engineer or Package Engineer are automotive engineers

who design and analyze the occupant accommodations (seat roominess),
evaluates the access to the steering wheel, pedals, and other areas of the vehicle
like the engine compartment, and the component to component placement.

Systems Engineer deals with work-processes, optimization methods,

and risk management tools in various projects. He ensures that all likely aspects
of a project or system are considered, and integrated into a whole.

Chartered Engineer have a strategic role in planning, researching and

developing new ideas, and streamlining day-to-day management methods of
engineering operations.

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer a specialist, who

conceives, plans and coordinates company projects and programs. Verify and/or
perform all project design calculations

Senior Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements and maintains

world class manufacturing methods, processes and operations for new and
existing products to assure the highest level of customer satisfaction and to meet
the profitability objectives of the company

Systems and Storage Administrator perform reporting, analysis,

monitoring, and troubleshooting using tools such as Operating System utilities
and hardware diagnostic utilities.

Mechatronics engineers work on the development of any product that

requires mechanical components that are controlled by electronics or computer
programs.

Academician faculty members, instructors, and professors in an

institution that offers Mechanical Engineering course

Jobs for Non Board Passers:

o

Mechanical Appraiser / Estimator determine cost of repair, estimates and

recommendations for parts and services

Mechanical Designer supports the fabrication and/or assembly of prototype

and production hardware. This involves the release of drawings, the preparation of
parts list or Bill of Materials (BOM), coordinating parts procurement and conducting
tests for first articles and production units.

Industrial Product Designers create a wide range of items, from everyday

products, such as mobile phones, household appliances and cars, to larger items, such
as industrial tools, equipment and machinery

Jobs not related to mechanical engineering that graduates can apply to

Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides

customer support, usually to people from other countries

Administrative Staff personnel responsible for the organization and

management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office secretary, personal
assistant and office clerk
Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data

entry, article writing, SEO, customer support, administrative support etc., which
mainly depends on your skills
o

Career Opportunities Abroad

Mechanical and Automotive Engineering is one of the in-demand-jobs at present. It is
interesting to note though, that there are fewer job posts for Mechanical Engineers here in
the Philippines compared to those abroad (source 1, source 2).

Overseas job opportunities for Filipino Mechanical Engineers are available in countries
such as Singapore, Malaysia, Africa, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and other Asian
countries. However, the main bulk of request comes from the Middle East and Gulf
countries like Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (source).
o

Salary Levels
In the Philippines, the salary range of Mechanical Engineer with 14 years experience
ranges from php13,000 to php18,000 per month, while those with more experience and
working in more advanced positions can earn between php18,000 and php27,000per month
(source).

Salaries for those who work abroad are generally much higher.