Undergraduate - Course3280 - Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering

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.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• understand and proficiently apply the relevant sciences and scientific methods to mechatronics engineering, to design solutions to complex problems
• identify, interpret and critically appraise current developments and advanced technologies and apply them to mechatronics engineering
• identify and synthesise the constraints posed by economic factors, safety considerations, environment impacts and professional standards on mechatronics engineering practice and use them to inform professional judgements
• determine, analyse and proficiently apply theoretical and numerical analysis of phenomena to predict, design, control and optimise the performance of mechatronics engineering systems
• research, identify, conceptualise, investigate, and interpret knowledge from modern engineering tools and techniques to synthesise a coherent approach to the solution of a problem and/or the design of a project
• identify and critically evaluate the performance of a mechatronics engineering system in terms of economics, safety and the social and physical environment, and implement approaches to minimise any adverse impact leading to sustainable development
• understand and proficiently apply a systems approach to the design cycle, addressing the broad contextual constraints, leading to sustainable development
• show awareness of and ability to proficiently apply project management tools and methodologies to the planning and execution of projects leading to mechatronics engineering solutions of a professional standard
• develop and implement creative and innovative approaches to problem solving
• communicate effectively on both technical and general issues with peers, associates, clients and the general public
• operate effectively and professionally within a team environment
• plan, organise and use resources efficiently
• demonstrate the highest standards of personal performance
• demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and professional development
• understand the responsibilities of mechatronics engineers to the community, the engineering profession and the industrial and business world
• demonstrate commitment to ethical standards and legal responsibilities to the community and the profession

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/2012handbooks/undergrad/eng-03.html

This course consists of core and elective units, and foundation units if required.

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.

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.

Key areas of engineering important to the discipline of mechatronics are also undertaken, including civil, electrical, materials and mechanical engineering.

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 through the selection of four 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
• ENG1090 Foundation mathematics
• PHS1080 Foundation physics

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

• ECE2061 Analogue electronics
• ECE2071 Computer organisation and programming
• ECE2072 Digital systems
• ENG2092 Advanced engineering mathematics B
• TRC2201 Mechanics
• MEC2402 Engineering design I
• TRC2000 Mechatronic project I
• TRC2200 Thermo-fluids and power systems

Total: 48 points

Level three

• ECE3051 Electrical energy systems
• ECE3073 Computer systems
• TRC3000 Mechatronics project II
• TRC3200 Dynamical systems
• TRC3500 Sensors and artificial perception
• TRC3600 Modelling and control
• TRC3801 Mechatronics and manufacturing
• 6-point mechatronics elective from the list below

Total: 48 points

Level four

• TRC4000 Mechatronics final year project I
• TRC4002 Professional practice
• TRC4800 Robotics
• 30 points of mechatronics electives from the list below:

Mechatronics electives

All electives must be approved by the course director.

• ECE2041 Telecommunications
• ECE4053 Electrical energy - generation and supply
• ECE4054 Electrical energy - power converters and motor control
• ECE4063 Large scale digital design
• ECE4074 Advanced computer architecture
• ECE4075 Real time embedded systems
• 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
• MTE2544 Functional materials
• MTE3545 Functional materials and devices
• TRC4001 Mechatronics final year project II
• one 6-point interfaculty elective

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.