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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313586 v.1 Mechatronic Engineering Major


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


Mechatronics is an engineering discipline which deals with studies the integration of mechanical, electronic and computer technologies in a wide range of machines and systems. Mechatronic systems can be found in most industrial machines, many domestic appliances, as well as in intelligent machines such as robots and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Curtin Mechatronic engineering major offers a sound theoretical core in the key disciplines of mechanics, electronics and computer systems, as well as a strong practical emphasis in project and problem based learning units which give a real world focus to theoretical concepts. Project work is undertaken from the second year onwards, culminating in a major design or research project in the final year of study.


Professional Recognition

Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies stipulated by Engineers Australia (EAust) as the pathway to chartered-engineer status (CPEng).


Career Opportunities

Mechatronic graduates are equipped with a broad range of skills and knowledge, facilitating careers in engineering disciplines ranging from mechanical design to software engineering as well as those more purely focused on mechatronics, automation and robotics. Graduates from this program are employed in industries ranging from mining to manufacturing, agriculture and defence.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply a sound working knowledge of the principles that underpin mechatronic engineering.

2. apply creative and analytical thinking skills when designing mechatronic solutions for engineering problems.

3. access, evaluate and synthesise information from multiple sources when designing mechatronic solutions

4. communicate effectively with a wide range of both engineering and non-engineering personnel.

5. apply knowledge using a realistic and practical approach to problem-solving and designing with mechatronics.

6. apply self-discipline and self-management skills, and set goals for themselves.

7. work effectively in teams with an international and cross-cultural perspective.

8. continuously develop their potential as a professional engineer contributing positively to the community at large.

9. be ‘employment-ready’ for the engineering profession, but readily adaptable to other professions/occupations and able to respond to entrepreneurial opportunities.


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
308768 v.1   Foundations of Digital Design 201 5.0 25.0
308805 v.1   Machine Dynamics 231 6.0 25.0
308824 v.1   Mechatronic Project 234 4.0 12.5
12706 v.3   Electrical Circuits 203 4.0 25.0
308808 v.1   Engineering Mathematics 233 3.0 12.5
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
10163 v.10   Unix and C Programming 120 4.0 25.0
308823 v.1   Linear Systems Modelling 232 4.0 12.5
310683 v.1   Engineering Management 302 4.0 25.0
308809 v.1   Engineering Graphics 232 4.0 12.5
308822 v.1   Mechatronic Modelling 231 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
308827 v.1   Mechatronic Automation 331 4.0 25.0
12855 v.4   Embedded Systems Engineering 301 4.0 25.0
308828 v.1   Mechanical Design 321 4.0 25.0
308829 v.1   Automatic Control 321 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
12835 v.3   Power Electronics 304 5.0 25.0
308825 v.1   Mechatronic Project 332 7.0 25.0
307660 v.4   Engineering Sustainable Development 201 3.0 12.5
307664 v.2   Law for Engineers 202 2.0 12.5
308826 v.1   Manufacturing for Mechatronics 332 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
12906 v.3   Mechatronic Systems Design 431 5.0 25.0
11501 v.3   Mechatronic Project 491 8.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
308830 v.1   Mechatronic Project 493 9.0 37.5
310544 v.1   Professional Practice 434 3.0 12.5
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
300786 v.3   Renewable Energy Principles 301 5.0 25.0
302863 v.1   Vibration 431 3.5 25.0
308785 v.1   Power Electronics and Drives 401 5.0 25.0
310545 v.1   Design Methodology 431 3.0 25.0
312200 v.1   Sustainable Energy Systems and Technologies 431 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
12861 v.4   Renewable Energy Systems 402 4.5 25.0
12907 v.3   Design For Manufacturing 431 4.0 25.0
12911 v.2   Automatic Control 432 4.0 25.0
302866 v.1   Noise 432 5.0 25.0
308787 v.1   Instrumentation and Control 402 6.0 25.0
308794 v.2   Embedded Software Engineering 302 4.0 25.0




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