154410 v.5 Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic Engineering)

Introduction

Mechatronics is the title given to the sub-discipline of engineering which studies the integration of mechanical and electronic technologies to create 'intelligent' machines, systems and controllers. High levels of automation in manufacturing environments require designers with skills in the mechanical sciences since the machinery and robotic equipment utilised is fundamentally mechanical in nature. The actuation, monitoring and control of the mechanical devices is, however, achieved by electrical and electronic means. This course provides graduates with skills and knowledge in both mechanical and electrical technologies which will equip them for employment in manufacturing and related environments.

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 Careers and Prospective Students Service. As one objective of this work is to make theoretical studies in courses more meaningful, it must be doneduring 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This course is one 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

The Bachelor of Engineering has been accorded full recognition by the Institution of Engineers, Australia. This satisfies all the academic 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 School of Engineering or from the Secretary, Institution of Engineers, Australia, Western Australia Division.

Career Opportunities

A graduate in mechatronic engineering can expect to find employment in the manufacturing or process industries, particularly where automation is being practiced. Organisations which employ only a few professional engineers will find the combined and diverse mechanical and electronic skills, which the mechatronics graduate will have, an advantage over the more focused traditional disciplines.

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.

Curtin University of Technology
Current as of: July 7, 2004
CRICOS provider code 00301J