Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course focuses on mechatronics engineering by emphasising mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computing. Designing, utilising, maintaining and upgrading mechatronic devices and systems will require this knowledge. Also required will be an understanding of the synergies and trade-offs at the interfaces between the mechanical, electrical and computing elements in system and subsystem level that the devices and systems contain. Design projects at levels two, three and four of the course facilitate integration of mechanical, electrical and computing knowledge provided in the course.

This course aims to provide students with a solid grounding in mechatronics engineering by emphasising studies of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computing.

Vacation work/industrial experience

In order to fulfil the requirements of the various degree regulations and Engineers Australia, all engineering students must complete 12 weeks of approved engineering work experience and submit a report on that work. Such work is normally undertaken in the vacations between second and third years and/or between third and fourth years (but may also be taken between first and second years). Students who have completed all academic requirements for their degrees are not eligible to graduate until this work experience has been completed and a satisfactory report submitted.

For information about professional recognition of Faculty of Engineering courses visit http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/undergrad/eng-03.html

Level one focuses on providing students with a background in the foundation sciences, including mathematics. At the end of level one, all students (irrespective of their year 12 preparation) will have a basic foundation in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Key areas of engineering important to the discipline of mechatronics are also undertaken, including civil, electrical, materials and mechanical engineering. The large majority of students entering the faculty have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), and references in the following paragraphs are to the prerequisite VCE subjects. Some domestic and international students enter the faculty with equivalent qualifications, and advice about unit choice for students with qualifications other than the VCE may be obtained from the faculty administration offices. Foundation units are required for students who have not completed appropriate VCE studies.

At level two, units focus on providing fundamental knowledge across the wide range of disciplines that form the basis of mechatronics. Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electronics, mechanics, computer programming and digital electronics are some of the topics covered at level two.

During level three, further fundamental knowledge is introduced together with units that build on these fundamentals to cover areas of mechatronics to a professional level. These specialised areas include mechatronics and manufacturing, and power electronics and drives.

At level four, students undertake further units that draw together a wide range of fundamental knowledge in a mechatronics context such as robotics. Level four of the course allows for specialisation in wider areas of mechatronics through the selection of three elective units. Students have the opportunity to study a unit from another faculty as one of their electives and to undertake a substantial independent investigation in their chosen area of engineering interest. There is a strong emphasis on project work throughout the mechatronics course. As well as project units at levels two, three and four, many other units contain a strong project/design element.

The award of an honours degree in engineering is based on academic achievement.

Level one

Core units

• ENG1020 Engineering structures
• ENG1030 Electrical systems
• ENG1040 Engineering dynamics
• ENG1050 Engineering materials
• ENG1060 Computing for engineers
• ENG1091 Mathematics for engineering

Foundation units

Students who have not completed VCE units 3 and 4 of Chemistry or Physics and/or Specialist mathematics are required to select one or two appropriate foundation units(s) from:

• ENG1070 Foundation chemistry
• ENG1080 Foundation physics
• ENG1090 Foundation mathematics

Elective units

Select none, one or two units from:

• ENG1010 Process systems analysis
• ENG1061 Engineering profession
• ENG1071 Chemistry for engineering
• ENG1081 Physics for engineering

Total: 48 points

Level two

• ENG2092 Advanced engineering mathematics B
• TRC2000 Mechatronics project I
• TRC2100 Mechatronic design
• TRC2200 Thermo-fluids and power systems
• TRC2201 Mechanics
• TRC2300 Digital electronics
• TRC2400 Computer programming
• TRC2500 Electronics

Total: 48 points

Level three

• MTE2544 Functional materials
• TRC3000 Mechatronics project II
• TRC3200 Dynamical systems
• TRC3300 Microprocessor systems
• TRC3500 Sensors and artificial perception
• TRC3501 Power electronics and drives
• TRC3600 Modelling and control
• TRC3801 Mechatronics and manufacturing

Total: 48 points

Level four

• TRC4000 Mechatronics final year project I
• TRC4001 Mechatronics final year project II
• TRC4002 Professional practice
• TRC4800 Robotics
• TRC4801 Digital communications

Elective units

Students complete18 points of approved elective units* from the list below (six of the 18 points may be taken as an inter-faculty elective):

• ECE4053 Electrical energy - generation and supply
• ECE4054 Electrical energy - power converters and motor control
• ECE4063 Large scale digital design
• ECE4074 Advanced computer architecture
• ECE4078 Intelligent robotics
• MEC4418 Control systems
• MEC4425 Micro-nano solid and fluid mechanics
• MEC4426 Computer-aided design
• MEC4428 Advanced dynamics
• MEC4444 Industrial noise control
• MEC4446 Composite and structures
• MTE3545 Functional materials and devices

* All electives must be approved by the course director.

Total: 48 points

Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering

Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (with Honours)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award(s) conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.