Course summary
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering equips students with the relevant skills, experiences and knowledge to provide a range of professional mechanical engineering services in regional, national and international environments.
The course prepares graduates for work involving the design and maintenance of machinery, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), consumer product design, automotive, robotics and control systems, water supply, vibration, acoustics and noise control, heat transfer and refrigeration, energy technology and pollution control in the marine, oil, gas and aerospace industries.
The course is structured around 16 key competencies identified by Engineers Australia as being essential to the graduating engineer. The educational philosophy and objective of this course aims to cultivate insight and knowledge in the mechanical engineering discipline, producing highly skilled engineers who not only have technical skills but also a commitment to continuous learning throughout their careers.
Students gain the skills necessary to define and develop solutions to challenging problems, as well as leadership skills and the ability to respond to the demands and expectations of society, industry and academia.
The course comprises three main study streams that cover all aspects of mechanical engineering:
Design and Production System Engineering
This stream will develop your knowledge and skills in machine element design, mechanical systems design, dynamics of machines, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), finite element methods, mechanics of solids and fracture mechanics. Immerse yourself in this stream via a research project.
Thermo-Fluid Mechanics and Energy Systems
This stream will develop your knowledge and skills in thermodynamics, thermal engineering, fluid mechanics, hydraulic systems, modern internal combustion engines, heating and refrigeration technology and conventional and renewable energy. You will improve your understanding about the design and operation of coal, oil, gas, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, nuclear and cogeneration power plants, developing alternatives to thermal energy, power cycle devices, fuel cells, gas turbines, and innovative uses of wave, wind, ocean thermal energy conversion and tidal energy. You will be involved in all aspects of the production and conversion of energy from one form to another.
Mechatronics and Control Systems
This stream will develop your knowledge and skills in electro-mechanical systems, robotics technology, control systems and automation. Modern experimental facilities are used to teach electrical circuits and machinery – alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) motors and generators, industrial automation using programmable logic controllers (PLC), automobile technology, mechatronics, and robotics engineering. Students learn industrial robotics and work together with local industry to design and build autonomous systems. Additionally, Southern Cross runs a robotics club to practice and create innovative ideas with the opportunity to take part in national and international competitions.
Elective units include: Ecological and Environmental Economics for Sustainable Development, Waste Technology and Local Government.
Thesis unit
All students undertake a full-year subject in engineering research (thesis unit) in their final year, which enables them to explore the frontiers of engineering development and contribute to new knowledge in their chosen field.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Develop research skills in order to be able to design plan and execute a research project with some independence. Identify all influencing factors in complex engineering problems and to think about the macro and micro ramifications. Develop cognitive and technical skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise engineering knowledge to identify and find solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. |
| Creativity | Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts to form alternative solutions to complex problems. |
| Ethical practice | Apply ethics and judgment to complex engineering problems. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Develop technical skills and an in-depth understanding of specialist bodies of engineering knowledge. Develop conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences that underpin the engineering discipline. |
| Lifelong learning | Self manage and be resourceful and effective at developing new knowledge and applying it to engineering problems. Demonstrate computer literacy skills in both standard applications and discipline specific applications. Develop appropriate professional practice, reflection skills and engineering competencies through study and professional practice. |
| Communication and social skills | Effectively communicate engineering ideas, concepts and arguments using written mediums to a variety of audiences. Verbally communicate and influence a variety of audiences including the engineering team, community and people of diverse backgrounds. |
| Cultural competence | Engage with diverse cultural and indigenous perspectives with the engineering environment. |
As part of this course, students are required to undertake a compulsory 60-day industry experience unit in a relevant engineering role.
Industry experience enables students to gain experience in applying their knowledge and skills to engineering problems within a real work environment, and to make valuable contacts with potential employers and other members of the mechanical engineering community. Students engage with industry representatives from the early stages of the course, creating valuable professional networks.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering has provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer and will be assessed for full accreditation at this level in 2021. Courses accredited by Engineers Australia at this level are recognised in many different countries worldwide through the Washington Accord, an international agreement governing recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.
Course overview
Course code
3507328
Course abbreviation
BE(Hons)Mech
Credit points
384
Equivalent units
32
Domestic duration
4 years full-time; 8 years part-time
International duration
4 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
| Location | Session | UAC code | QTAC code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Online | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Domestic fees
International
| Location | Session | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | 1 | $32,000 ($4,000 per unit) | 086409G |
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 32 single-weighted units (384 credit points), comprising:
- all core units (360 credit points),
- 2 equivalent elective units (24 credit points), and
- at least 60 days of industrial experience of a nature acceptable to the Course Coordinator.
Honours
All candidates successfully completing this course will be awarded Honours. Additionally, a candidate who has reached the required standard of academic performance may, on the recommendation of the Course Coordinator, be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors:
- First Class Honours
- Second Class Honours — Division I
- Second Class Honours — Division II
Honours merit descriptors will be determined based on a candidate’s academic record throughout the course of study, as described on the Engineering Student Centre website.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| ENG10759 - Processes and Philosophy of Engineering | Introductory | ||
| PHY10760 - Physics and Materials | Introductory | ||
| ENI72005 - Introduction to Mechanical Design and Manufacturing | Intermediate | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10720 - Linear Algebra this session | Intermediate | ||
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| ENG10758 - Humanitarian Engineering Project | Introductory | ||
| ENG10757 - Applied Mechanics | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71215 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10719 - Calculus | Intermediate | ||
| CHE00201 - Chemistry | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| ENG62003 - Introduction to Solid Mechanics | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| ENG72003 - Mechanics of Materials | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| ENI73025 - Thermodynamics | Advanced | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10721 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations | Advanced | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| ENI72001 - Dynamics | Intermediate | ||
| ENG62002 - Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| ENG72004 - Fluid Dynamics | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| ENG20007 - Engineering Computations | Intermediate | ||
| ENI73005 - Machine Element Design | Advanced | ||
| Year 2, Session 3 | |||
| ENO71001 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I | Introductory Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| ENI83005 - Mechanical Systems Design | Intermediate | ||
| ENI73001 - Dynamics of Machines | Advanced | ||
| ENI82005 - Thermal Engineering | Advanced | ||
| ENI73015 - Electro-Mechanical and Robotics Technology | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| ENI81005 - Energy, the Environment and Mechanical Engineering | Introductory | ||
| ENI83015 - Modern Internal Combustion Engines | Intermediate | ||
| ENI73020 - Fluids Engineering | Advanced | ||
| ENI73009 - Finite Element Method and Fracture Mechanics | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 3 | |||
| ENG72005 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II | Intermediate Note 1 | Note 1 | |
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced Note 2 | Note 2 | |
| ENG40007 - Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics | Advanced | ||
| ENI83040 - Control Systems and Automation | Advanced | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | ||
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced Note 3 | Note 3 | |
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the (subject to availability) | |||
Notes
| Note 1: | Half-weighted unit. |
| Note 2: | Students must satisfactorily complete any 20 units from the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering degree before undertaking this unit. |
| Note 3: | Double-weighted unit. |
Unit groups
Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway)
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students who have not completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent must choose Option 1 | |||
| Take the following 3 units: | |||
| MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics | Introductory | ||
| MAT71215 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus | Introductory | ||
| MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists | Introductory | ||
Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway)
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 2 is an alternative pathway for students who have completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent and wish to undertake more advanced mathematics study | |||
| Take the following 3 units: | |||
| MAT10719 - Calculus | Intermediate | ||
| MAT10720 - Linear Algebra | Intermediate | ||
| MAT10721 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations | Advanced | ||