Mechatronic Engineering
Mechatronics is the discipline concerned with the integration of mechanical, electronic and software engineering.
What is Mechatronic Engineering?
Mechatronics is an exciting field because it combines the knowledge and skills of these three engineering disciplines. A detailed understanding of how mechanical, electronic and software engineering areas interact enables the development of ‘smart’ products and systems such as computer-controlled robots, washing machines, automotive equipment, medical imaging systems, wind and wave generators, advanced CNC machines and hybrid and electric vehicles. Mechatronics has applications in a range of fields, including robotics, medical and assistive technology, human-machine interaction, manufacturing, unmanned aerial vehicles and education.
What You Study
Core Engineering studies include mathematics, systems design and engineering computation. Mechatronic Engineering study areas include control systems, programming, dynamics of machines, and electrical network analysis and design. At the Masters level of this course the emphasis is on industry interaction, featuring guest lectures in the areas of project management, intellectual property, ethics and patenting. In their final year, students undertake an industry-focussed project, where they will exercise their technical knowledge and research skills with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Career Outcomes
Graduates have advanced skills and knowledge that can be used in a variety of interesting careers, such as developing ‘smart’ products and systems in the manufacturing or robotics industries. A wealth of job opportunities are available with companies that use advanced automation equipment and computer integrated manufacturing systems, in fields such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Graduates can participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams in areas such as product development, manufacturing, computing and electronics, hardware and software, mining engineering and robotics.
How to Become a Mechatronic Engineer
Step 1: Mechanical Systems
The Mechanical Systems major may be taken as a part of the following degree. You can find out more on the following websites:
Bachelor of Commerce students may choose the Mechanical Systems sequence, and study between eight and ten engineering subjects as the breadth component of their degree. You can find out more about the degree on the following website:
Duration
300 credit points / 3 years full-time
Fees
Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Places: Fees per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $4547–$6714 (with 10% up-front discount)
Commonwealth Supported Places are guaranteed until 2019 for the duration of the undergraduate degree and Master of Engineering course.
International Students
Fees per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $28,788–$32,600
For more information please refer to the Fees page on the University’s Future Students website.
Course Structure
Sample Course Plan — Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Systems)
This example is provided as a guide only. Subject availability will vary from year to year and there is no guarantee that the listed subjects will be available in future years. This information is for students with VCE Units 3 and 4 Specialist Mathematics.| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Engineering Systems Design 1 | Calculus 2 | Physics 1 | Breadth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Engineering Systems Design 2 | Linear Algebra | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Engineering Computation | Engineering Mathematics | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 2 | Foundations of Electrical Networks | Engineering Mechanics | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Mechanical Dynamics | Mechanics & Materials | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 2 | Mechanical Design | Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Science elective | Breadth |
Step 2: Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
Graduates with a Mechanical Systems major (with a 65% average) are eligible for a two-year Master of Engineering (Mechanical) or a Master of Engineering (Mechatronics).
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
- Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
Sample Course Plan —Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Control Systems | Programming the Machine | Electrical Network Analysis and Design | Digital System Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Semester 2 | Mechatronics Design | Object Oriented Software Development | Dynamics of Machines | Solid Mechanics |
| Year 5 | Semester 1 | Manufacturing Systems | Algorithms and Data Structures | Advanced Motion Control | Mechanical Project |
| Year 5 | Semester 2 | Advanced Control Systems | Embedded System Design | Mechatronics elective | Mechanical Project |
| Mechanical Systems subjects | Electives | Breadth |
Make an Enquiry
Please call or email Eastern Precinct Student Centre:
13 MELB (13 6352)
+61 3 9035 5511 (overseas)
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Engineering Study Guide
Download Engineering Study Guide [PDF 2.9MB]
Andrew George
Aeronautical Engineer, BAE systems
Andrew George studied mechanical engineering during his undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, but soon found that the broad foundation of his studies meant his skills were also highly applicable in the areas of mechatronics and aeronautical engineering.
He secured his role as an Aeronautical Engineer at BAE systems, working on cutting edge technology, thanks to a final year project he undertook at BAE, which gave him access to a graduate role.
It’s good to have the breadth of knowledge you get at Melbourne. It means it’s easier to go into the mining industry, the aerospace industry or the finance industry and apply that knowledge to whichever application interests you. Any field seems approachable and your skills are applicable.
You need a very broad understanding of a number of systems, mechanical and electrical to be effective in the workplace. As we move into the future, more and more applications will be integrating mechanical and electronic systems together.