171410 v.6 Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

Introduction

Mechanical Engineering addresses the conception, design, manufacture, control, maintenance and management of any system in which motion is a key feature. The system may comprise moving solid elements - components - combined to create a mechanism or machine. Alternatively, it may involve a fluid flowing within or around a solid structure. Mechanical Engineering permits humanity to harness the energy and forces that exist in nature, providing for the needs of society. The range of Mechanical Engineering is therefore vast, machines from the size of micro-mechanical devices through to massive power generating turbines are covered by the discipline. Similarly, the flight and performance of modern aircraft is largely an accomplishment of Mechanical Engineering. The work of a mechanical engineer could include the design and specification of components or entire systems, design and planning of manufacturing processes, plant operation and maintenance, consulting, research and development and management. These tasks are common to a wide range of industries such as power generation, mining, mineral processing, transport, water supply and their support industries.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Applicable Mathematics and two out of TEE Calculus/Physics/Chemistry. Well-performed candidates without one of the prerequisite subjects may be accepted and required to undertake an additional program of preparatory studies.

Specific Requirements

The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete at least 12 weeks of approved work experience associated with engineering in industry and hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate. For professional work experience students may make their own arrangements for employment or seek the assistance of the Careers and Prospective Students Service. As one objective of this work is to make theoretical studies in courses more meaningful, it must be done during the period that the student is undertaking those studies, ie it is to be done in vacations or in employment as a part-time student, rather than after all course work has been completed. Students are strongly urged to consider the 12 weeks a minimum and to undertake as much additional work experience as they can. Students are required to submit a report covering the work carried out. Further details regarding the work report required are available from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Note

In certain cases, the need to complete bridging and special units may result in extension of studies beyond the regular four year term. Students with other or equivalent qualifications should direct enquiries to the Head of the Department.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis

Duration and Availability

This course is of four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Provided that the stipulated prerequisites and corequisites are fulfilled, enrolment on a part-time basis is permitted.

Course Organisation

Students undertake the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major in the first year and on successful completion, proceed to the second year of an engineering discipline. Please refer to the section at the front of the Department of First Year Engineering Studies to obtain details about the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major.

Professional Recognition

This course has been accorded full recognition by The Institution of Engineers, Australia. This satisfies all theacademic requirements for Corporate Membership of The Institution of Engineers, Australia. To qualify for the grade of Corporate Member of The Institution of Engineers, Australia, a graduate also requires a minimum of four years of approved experience following the award of the Bachelor of Engineering degree. All degree courses are also recognised by various overseas professional institutions. Further information regarding membership of professional institutions can be obtained from the Department of Mechanical Engineering or from the Secretary, Institution of Engineers, Australia, Western Australia Division.

Career Opportunities

Graduates in mechanical engineering find their first employment opportunities in manufacturing industry and commerce, in the Public Service, both State and Commonwealth, and in the armed forces. Curtin mechanical engineering graduates have won for themselves a sound reputation, both in Western Australia and elsewhere, frequently occupying managerial positions in industry. Some return to academic life or engage predominantly in research. Any graduate from a basic course in mechanical engineering should be sufficiently well grounded to adapt to any of these various specialised activities.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note

The curriculum was revised during 2003 and the revised program will be phased in from 2004 to 2007. Information on the original course structure and units for students who commenced this course prior to 2004 is available by consulting the 2003 Curtin Courses Handbook.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.