Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical)

Mechanical engineers work with ‘things that move’, from prosthetic limbs and robots to motor vehicles, aircrafts and space stations.When it comes to new technologies, mechanical engineers are key.

They design and develop materials, processes and products to improve our lives and the world.In your final year you’ll apply your advanced capabilities in an industry-focused research project.

The first two years of the program include mathematics, physics and an introduction to the basic principles of design, structural analysis, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, control and computer programming. This is complemented by laboratory and project work. In the third year, courses are extended to develop students' understanding in these fields. This is coupled with a design project, to prepare students for the final year. The fourth year of the degree allows for some technical specialisation. This is enabled through the completion of elective courses, in addition to project work and a management course. A major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. All graduates—irrespective of major—qualify as mechanical engineers and can pursue a career in any specialist field within the profession. Majors are available in Aerospace Engineering, Defence Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics, Medical Technologies, Renewable Energy, Smart Technologies, and Sports Engineering. Completion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field where there technical knowledge can be applied. This allows students to explore career opportunities in these areas. Minors are available in Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian engineering. Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

The first two years of the program include mathematics, physics and an introduction to the basic principles of design, structural analysis, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, control and computer programming. This is complemented by laboratory and project work.In the third year, courses are extended to develop students' understanding in these fields. This is coupled with a design project, to prepare students for the final year.The fourth year of the degree allows for some technical specialisation. This is enabled through the completion of elective courses, in addition to project work and a management course.Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Areas of Specialisation

MajorsAerospace EngineeringAerospace Engineers design and launch equipment to help explore our solar system and beyond, and their future prospects are equally vast. This major prepares graduates for opportunities in the field through courses in aeronautical engineering, space vehicle design and aerospace structures. Defence SystemsThis major focuses on complex systems engineering and equips graduates for careers working with a range of advanced defence technologies. Mechanical EngineeringMechanical engineers design and build mechanical systems and machines. This major focuses on the materials and numerical methods used to solve engineering challenges in the field, and includes topics in advanced manufacturing. Mechatronics and RoboticsDreams of the future become today's innovations when engineers take ideas from science fiction and turn them into science fact. This major prepares students to take these quantum leaps, by studying the components that make up complex mechatronic and robotic systems. Medical TechnologiesThis major prepares students for cutting-edge design work in the rehabilitation and assistive medical devices feilds. Courses involve working with artificial joints, heart valves and bone fixation devices. Sports EngineeringThis major prepares graduates to enter and excel inn the rapidly-growing international sports engineering field. It focuses on appying mechanical engineering skills to the design and manufacture of sports equipment and apparel, rehabilitation and exercise equipment, and sports facilities.In addition to topics related to design and engineering science fundamentals, students undertake studies in physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and sports materials.Smart TechnologiesThe Smart Technologies major prepares students for engineering careers of the future. It covers technologies that will enable 'smart cities', including computer networks, algorithms, and wireless connectivity. Renewable EnergyThis major focuses on the design of systems that generate and consume energy efficiently and sustainably including tidal, wind, and solar thermal generation. MinorsMinors are available in the following: Humanitarian Entrepreneurship

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.

Assessment

Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, project work and exams.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Professional Accreditation

Engineers Australia

Potential careers

Mechanical Engineer, Mechatronic Engineer, Production Engineer, Machinist, Manufacturing Engineer, Marine Engineer, Maritime Engineer, Medical Device Developer, Medical Technician, Biotechnologist, Biotechnology, Biotechnology Engineer, Nanotechnologist, Naval Ship Engineer, Noise Control Engineer, Power Generation Engineer, Process Engineer, Product Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Railway Engineer, Energy Engineer, Energy Managers, ...