Mechanical engineering is concerned with the management of people and resources, the development and use of new technologies and the design and development of new processes and products, which mainly involve ‘things that move’, such as motor vehicles, aircraft systems, engines, pumps, gas turbines, industrial plants, air-conditioning/refrigeration systems, manufacturing processes, building services and even space stations. Mechanical engineers offer expertise in the fields of combustion, noise and vibration control, energy technology, control systems, robotics, quality management, bioengineering, aeronautics, fluid mechanics, water supply, mining, manufacturing, production planning, maintenance planning, consumer product design, pollution control and new materials.

Design is the backbone of the program. It begins in earnest in the second year with a design and build project, followed by a more advanced project in third year and a large design/research project in the final year. This activity is supported by both design and engineering science courses, including, in second year, courses on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine dynamics, control, mechatronics, materials, manufacturing, stress analysis and design for function. In the third year these courses are extended and students prepare for the final professional year, which deals with specialist courses. The academic program also develops written and oral communication skills and familiarity with project management.

The first two years include 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. Year three develops a more complex understanding in these fields coupled with a design project, and year four allows for some technical specialisation through the requirement to complete five elective courses, in addition to a project work and a management course. The program provides a solid foundation in core mechanical disciplines and problem solving skills. There is a strong focus on design with design projects as part of each year's program of study. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

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

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