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Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) B.E(Mech)
2009

Program Outline | Program Structure | Related Programs | Admission Information | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Professional Accreditation | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 4 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

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.

Program Structure

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 seven 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.

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

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Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2008 CSP IB 28
SATAC Code 314221
2008 CSP TER 83.15
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,412
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Year 12 applicants
You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics

IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4), Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

Assumed Knowledge ?
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
Alternative entry pathways
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
  • Without formal qualifications?
    You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply ?

SATAC Code: 314221

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 80
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
Mathematics and Physics
Assumed Knowledge ?
Chemistry is desirable
Equivalent Scores
International TER 80
IELTS
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6

How to Apply ?

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

International TER 80
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,000
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics

IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4), Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

Assumed Knowledge ?
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Level I

Semester 1

Semester 2

Level II

Semester 1

Semester 2

Level III

Semester 1

  • MECH ENG 3102 Heat Transfer & Thermodynamics (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3103 Manufacturing Engineering (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3105 Sustainability & the Environment (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3030 Structural Design & Solid Mechanics (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3501 Mech Eng level 3 Prac

Semester 2

  • MECH ENG 3028 Dynamics & Control II (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3027 Engineering Systems Design & Communication (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3101 Applied Aerodynamics (3 units)
  • APP MTH 3017 Waves III (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 3502 Mech Eng Level 3 Prac
Level IV

Semester 1

  • MECH ENG 4133A Mechanical Honours Project Level IV OR
    MECH ENG 4132A Mechanical Design Project Level IV Part I (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4501 Mech Eng Level 4 Prac

Semester 2

  • MECH ENG 4133B Mechanical Honours Project Level IV OR
    MECH ENG 4132B Mechanical Design Project Level IV Part 2 (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4116 Engineering Management & Quality Systems (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4502 Mech Eng level 4 Prac
Electives

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • MECH ENG 4104 Advanced Topics in Fluid Mechanics (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4120 Fracture Mechanics (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4122 Mechanical Signature Analysis (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4117 Finance for Engineers (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4121 Materials Selection & Failure Analysis - Not offered in 2009 (3 units
  • MECH ENG 4119 Fire Engineering (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4125 Stresses in Plates & Shells - Not offered in 2009 (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4101 Biomechanical Engineering (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4107 Airconditioning (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4114 Corrosion: Principles & Prevention (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4113 Computational Acoustics (3 units)
  • MECH ENG 4110 Automotive Vehicle Dynamics & Safety (3 units)

Note: Only one elective not offered by the School of Mechanical Engineering may be taken

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Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineers offer expertise in the fields of combustion, noise and vibration control, energy technology, vibrations, control systems, robotics, quality management, bioengineering, aeronautics or fluid mechanics, water supply, mining, manufacturing, production planning, maintenance planning, consumer product design, pollution control and new materials.

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Graduate Attributes

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.

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Professional Accreditation

This program is accredited by The Institute of Engineers Australia.

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Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
Phone: +61 8 8303 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 9 Jun 2009

Program Talks

Mechanical Engineering: Designing the Future

Listen to the Open Day Talk

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A discussion that will emphasise the diversity of mechanical engineering with a focus on the opportunities that await successful graduates from some of South Australia's most sought after and unique engineering programs.