This program is specifically aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in the automotive industry and has been designed to enable students to develop a thorough understanding of mechanical engineering principles, while at the same time developing expertise that is uniquely automotive in nature.

Based on the mechanical engineering program, this program provides students with a broad education designed to give them the skills necessary to become professional automotive engineers. Years one and two of the program are the same as mechanical engineering, concentrating on basic engineering principles and including studies in mathematics and physics with an introduction to the basic principles of design, structural analysis, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, control and computer programming, complemented by laboratory and project work. Years three and four build upon earlier years and include specialised topics such as Automotive Safety, Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Power Train and Vehicle Dynamics, Automotive Combustion Technology, Automotive NVH and Aerodynamics, Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems, Advanced Materials and Joining, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Fracture Mechanics. Students are also required to undertake studies in courses designed to assist them develop the communication skills necessary to work effectively.

As part of the final year of the program, students are offered the opportunity to be involved in the Formula SAE racing car design, build and drive competition. Students who are involved in this project gain important skills, which are highly valued by the automotive industry.

Based on the Mechanical Engineering program, this program provides students with a broad education designed to give them the skills necessary to become professional engineers either in general or automotive industries. Years 1 and 2 of the program are the same as Mechanical Engineering. They concentrate on basic engineering principles and include studies in mathematics and the physical sciences. Years 3 and 4 of the program build upon earlier years and include specialised topics such as Emission Control, Automotive Safety, Alternative Fuels, Advanced Manufacturing and Quality Systems, Advanced Materials and Joining, Automotive Combustion Technology, Power Train and Vehicle Dynamics, NVH and Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Structural Analysis. Engineering students are also required to undertake studies in courses designed to assist them develop the communication skills necessary to work effectively. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience. As part of the program, students are offered the opportunity to be involved in the Formula SAE racing car design, build and drive competition as their fourth year project. Students who are lucky enough to be involved in this project gain important skills, which are highly valued in the automotive industry.

• Master of Engineering (Advanced) in Aerospace Engineering
• Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Mechanical Engineering)
• Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Mechatronics)
• Master of Engineering (Aerospace)
• Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
• Master of Engineering (Mechatronics)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Sports)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Energy - Mechanical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Automotive) with Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Automotive Engineering. Specialisation topics can be taken in acoustics, astrophysics, control, combustion, failure analysis, finance, fluid mechanics, fracture mechanics, hypersonics, robotics, signal procesing vibrations and welding.

The Mechanical and Automotive Engineering program introduces principles covering a wide range of relevant areas, which allows graduates to be well prepared for careers in the automotive industry and other high-tech industries. However, being based on a Mechanical Engineering degree, graduates in Automotive Engineering will retain flexibility in the choice of engineering industry for their careers. In most cases graduates will also be able to work wherever mechanical engineers are employed. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.  

The objectives of the undergraduate programs in Aerospace, Automotive, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering are to support the mission of the University of Adelaide to provide an inclusive curriculum that allows all students to learn and progress unhindered through the program, and to produce graduates who:

• Have advanced and internationally recognised skills, understanding and knowledge (scientific knowledge, problem solving skills, IT skills, analytical skills, in-depth technical competence, communication skills and flexibility) necessary for a successful career in Aerospace, Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering.
• Have the ability to locate, analyse evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.
• Can contribute as effective members of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member with skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.
• Have a commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life and are able, by self directed study, to remain up to date with developments in their profession.
• Have an ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems and are able to guide developments in the profession.
• Understand the context in which they work (economics, finance, teamwork, competition) while remaining committed to the highest standard of professional endeavour, not losing sight of the need for technical excellence and environmental responsibility.
• Can communicate with government and the community on engineering issues.
• Are educated in a broad sense, are socially, environmentally, ethically and professionally responsible, understand the need for and the principles of sustainable development, are well informed and have an ability to take a leadership role their place as leaders in the community.
• Are familiar with current best practice in aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering.
• Are capable of synthesising fundamental engineering science and engineering practice in the creation of engineering systems and have the ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.

Included in the above attributes are those required by Engineers Australia who accredit our programs. These have been specified by Engineers Australia and require that graduates have:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large.
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline.
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
• Understanding of the principles of sustainable development.
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them.
• Expectations of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and the capacity to do so.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences