Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)

Testamur Title of Degree:	Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
Abbreviation:	BE(Mech)
Home Faculty:	Faculty of Engineering
Duration:	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	192
Delivery Mode:	Face-to-face
Starting Session(s):	Autumn/Spring
Location:	Wollongong
Approx. UAI Entry:	80
Assumed Knowledge:	Any two units of English plus Mathematics
Recommended Studies:	Physics, Chemistry and HSC Mathematics Ext. 1
UOW Course Code:	721
UAC Code:	755614
CRICOS Code:	027466K

Overview / Course Aims

• To solve engineering problems by applying the fundamentals of sciences and engineering sciences, including mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, mechanics, materials and fluids.

• Work in a team in a modern, diverse, multi-disciplinary environment (workmates, managers, policy-makers and the wider community) using effective management techniques and communicating clearly to a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.

• Work with the highest acceptable engineering and environmental standards and professional ethics, adhere to occupational health and safety regulations while recognising the economic, environmental, global, social and legal contexts of their work.

• Utilise sophisticated engineering analysis, software and design tools to simulate the real world including computer aided design and modelling of engineering systems.

• Solve problems creatively by designing and managing the production of new and improved machines, systems and processes.

• To carry out innovative, conceptual and detailed design of systems and components by establishing key aspects of the problem, researching current knowledge, problem solving, generating options and identifying feasible/optimal solutions.

• Design, optimise and maintain machines, systems and processes, including examples such as: vehicles and engines; conventional and renewable energy production systems; manufacturing plant and machinery; bulk materials handling systems; building services, refrigeration and air conditioning systems; rail, road and aerospace systems.

• Measure and control the performance of machines and systems in the real world using sensors and transducers, data acquisition systems, test facilities, lab experimentation, etc.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Engineering has the broadest scope of all the branches of engineering, and graduates in this field have the core skills to adapt to other fields of engineering. It includes many exciting fields such as advanced manufacturing, metal forming technology, robotics, control of systems, computer aided design and manufacturing, air conditioning, bio-mechanics, powder technology and bearing dynamics. The degree covers a wide range of technical subjects including engineering computing and instrumentation, workshop practice, mechanical engineering design, control of machines and processes, process design and analysis, manufacturing process analysis, manufacturing systems, sustainable energy, transport and engine technologies, dynamics of engineering systems, bulk solids handling technology, fluid power, heat transfer and aerodynamics. Design innovation and project management are important aspects of mechanical engineering. The highlight of the course is the final year thesis, which requires each student to complete a major engineering project in a field of their choice or in research projects funded by government and/or industry.

Study Options

Students can select electives from a number of specialist areas in their final year including: Sustainable Energy and Engineering Systems, Manufacturing Engineering, Applied Mechanics, and Bulk Materials Handling. The list of electives on offer in any one year varies somewhat, depending on staff availability and other factors.

Double degrees are also available.

Course Program

Subject		Session	Credit Points
Year 1
CHEM103	Chemistry for Engineers	Autumn	6
ENGG101	Foundations of Engineering	Autumn	6
ENGG153	Engineering Materials	Autumn	6
MATH141	Foundations of Engineering Mathematics	Autumn	6
or
MATH187	Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus	Autumn	6
ENGG152	Engineering Mechanics	Spring	6
ENGG154	Engineering Design and Innovation	Spring	6
MATH142	Essentials of Engineering Mathematics	Spring	6
or
MATH188	Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus	Spring	6
PHYS143	Physics for Engineers	Spring	6
Year 2
MECH252	Thermodynamics, Experimental Methods and Analysis	Autumn	6
ENGG251	Mechanics of Solids	Autumn	6
ENGG252	Engineering Fluid Mechanics	Autumn	6
MATH283	Mathematics 2E for Engineers Part 1	Autumn	6
ECTE290	Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering	Spring	6
MECH201	Engineering Analysis	Spring	6
MECH215	Fundamentals of Machine Component Design	Spring	6
MECH226	Machine Dynamics	Spring	6
Year 3
MECH321	Dynamics of Engineering Systems	Autumn	6
MECH341	Thermodynamics of Engineering Systems	Autumn	6
MECH372	Solids Handling and Process Engineering	Autumn	6
MECH382	Manufacturing Engineering Principles	Autumn	6
ENGG361	Project and Business Management	Spring	6
MECH311	Mechanical Engineering Design	Spring	6
MECH343	Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics	Spring	6
MECH365	Control of Machines and Processes	Spring	6
Year 4
ENGG461	Management and Human Factors in Engineering	Autumn	6
ENGG452	Thesis A	Annual	12
or
ENGG453	Thesis B**	Annual	18
ENGG454	Professional Experience		0
MECH419	Finite Element Methods	Autumn	6
PLUS	4 electives	Autumn/Spring	24
Electives listed below*
Sustainable Energy and Engineering Systems
MECH378	Sustainable Energy Technologies		6
MECH442	Sustainable Energy in Buildings		6
MECH474	Reliability Engineering		6
MECH479	Sustainable Transport and Engine Technologies		6
Applied Mechanics
MECH417	Biomedical Engineering		6
MECH418	Mechanical Behaviour of Engineering Materials		6
MECH419	Finite Element Methods in Engineering		6
MECH420	Engineering Stress Analysis		6
MECH430	Automotive Dynamics		6
MECH431	Computational Fluid Dynamics		6
MECH438	Fluid Power		6
Bulk Materials Handling
MECH426	Storage and Flow of Bulk Solids		6
MECH427	Mechanical Conveying of Bulk Solids		6
MECH428	Pneumatic Conveying and Dust Control		6
MECH429	Physical Processing of Bulk Solids		6
Manufacturing
MECH409	Micro/Nano Robotic Systems		6
MECH421	Manufacturing Process Analysis		6
MECH422	Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems		6
MECH423	Design for Manufacturing		6
MECH424	Managing Manufacturing Activities		6
MECH468	Computer Control of Machines and Processes		6
ENGG434	Materials Welding and Joining		6
MECH487	Systems Analysis for Maintenance Management		6
MECH488	Introduction to Condition Monitoring in Mechanical Engineering		6
MECH489	Engineering Asset Management		6
ECTE471	Robotics and Flexible Automation		6

* Not all electives may be available each year - check subject timetable. Electives may be taken in other departments, subject to written approval by the Discipline Advisor (maximum of two for full-time and one for part-time students).

** 18 credit point thesis is equivalent to the 12 credit point thesis and one 6 credit point elective.