Undergraduate Programs

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)

AND

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS) (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING)

For these two programs students follow a common program. The Honours Degree is awarded on the basis of good performance during the four years of the program.

The Mechanical Engineering programme is broad based. A key objective is to produce graduates who would be capable of readily adapting to any engineering activity.

The program structure and content is available in the Curtin Online Handbook - Mechanical Engineering.

Program Summary

The program contains studies in Mathematics, Computing, Thermodynamics, Materials, Applied Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and advanced Design. Design occupies a central role in the program because it is the area in which knowledge acquired from other disciplines is united to create engineering products. Throughout the second and third years, theoretical studies are complemented by substantial practical experience in both laboratory and workshop activities where a wide range of test equipment is used. There is also a three-year sequence of units in Industrial Technology that concentrates on planning and design for production. These units cover aspects such as machine tool types and capabilities, precise measurement techniques, economics, and methods of manufacture and quality control.

The fourth year of study allows students to select units to match their areas of interest and desired specialism. Additionally, a substantial, year-long, project is undertaken. Examples of recent projects include: an investigation of operating characteristics of a strain gauge dynamometer; design of a solar heating/cooling system for a residential house; development of a rock crusher; and design of a wheelchair for a person with cerebral palsy.

Work experience and professional development

As part of their study program, students must complete a minimum of 12 weeks of approved work experience associated with engineering in industry. The main objective of this work is to make the theoretical elements in the academic units more meaningful. It is therefore most beneficial that the work experience is carried out during the program study period, for example in the vacations or through employment while a part-time student. This is a formal requirement of the program and students will prepare and submit a report detailing their placement(s). Students may make their own arrangements for employment or seek the assistance of Careers Services.

Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in other engineering activities (for example, attending external lectures) that will contribute to their development as an engineer.

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