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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors Honours Degree (C/w)

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BE(Hons)Mech

  • Course code

    3507328

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

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.

Course Learning Outcome

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.

Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts to form alternative solutions to complex problems.

Apply ethics and judgment to complex engineering problems.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

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.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

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.

Entry requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Language requirements

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.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
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
ENG72003 -  Mechanics of Materials Intermediate 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
ENG72004 -  Fluid Dynamics Intermediate Note 1
ENG20007 -  Engineering Computations Intermediate
ENI73005 -  Machine Element Design Advanced
Year 2, Session 3
ENO71001 -  Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I Introductory 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
Year 4, Session 1
ENG40001 -  Engineering Thesis I Advanced 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
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the (subject to availability)

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 Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core Units
Choose one of the following Mathematics Pathway Options:

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
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

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
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 Calculus and Linear Algebra II Intermediate
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced
Take all of the following remaining core units:
ENG10759 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
ENG10758 Humanitarian Projects Introductory
ENG10757 Applied Mechanics Introductory
CHE00201 Chemistry Introductory
ENG62003 Introduction to Solid Mechanics Intermediate Note 1
ENG72003 Mechanics of Materials Note 1
ENO71001 Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I Note 1
ENG72005 Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II Note 1
ENI72001 Dynamics Intermediate
ENI72005 Introduction to Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Intermediate
ENI73025 Thermodynamics Advanced
ENG62002 Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals Intermediate Note 1
ENG72004 Fluid Dynamics Note 1
ENG20007 Engineering Computations Intermediate
ENI73005 Machine Element Design Advanced
ENI73009 Finite Element Method and Fracture Mechanics Advanced
ENI73001 Dynamics of Machines Advanced
ENI82005 Thermal Engineering Advanced
ENI73015 Electro-Mechanical and Robotics Technology Advanced
ENI81005 Energy, the Environment and Mechanical Engineering Introductory
ENI83015 Modern Internal Combustion Engines Intermediate
ENI73020 Fluids Engineering Advanced
ENI83005 Mechanical Systems Design Intermediate
ENG40001 Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 2
ENG40007 Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics Advanced
ENI83040 Control Systems and Automation Advanced
ENG40004 Engineering Thesis II Advanced
ENG40005 Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 3

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose two (2) elective units from the following list. Additional units may be selected as approved by the Course Coordinator.
ECO00202 Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development Intermediate
ENS00218 Waste Technology Intermediate
POL00010 Local Government Intermediate
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced
MAT10251 Statistical Analysis Intermediate
ENO51001 Introduction to Computer Aided Design and Drafting Introductory Note 1
ENO61001 Computer Aided Design Applications Introductory Note 1
GLY62001 Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Intermediate Note 1
ENG61005 Cost Estimation, Monitoring and Control Introductory Note 1
ENG61006 Tendering for Civil Construction Projects Introductory Note 1
ENG61003 Construction Materials - Concrete Introductory Note 1
ENG63001 Concrete Structures Fundamentals Advanced Note 1
ENG30004 Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures Advanced
ENG61004 Construction Materials - Soils Introductory Note 1
ENG63002 Soil Mechanics Fundamentals Advanced Note 1
ENG30010 Traffic and Road Safety Engineering Introductory
ENG63004 Hydraulic Design and Modelling Advanced Note 1
ENG30007 Geotechnical Engineering Advanced
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced
ENG62004 Road and Pavement Design Intermediate Note 1
SUR61001 Surveying Fundamentals Introductory Note 1
ENG30011 Regional and Urban Transport Planning Introductory
ENG83003 Advanced Structural and Building Design Advanced
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
BIO10120 Marine Systems Science and Management Advanced
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
ENG62001 Civil Construction Career Development Intermediate Note 1
ENG63003 The Diverse Civil Construction Workplace Advanced Note 1
FOR00100 Fire Ecology and Management Intermediate
FOR00104 Forest Operations Intermediate
FOR00112 Product Development and Marketing Intermediate
FOR00106 Wood Science and Utilisation Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
GLY30001 Contamination Assessment and Remediation Advanced
GLY73001 Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics Advanced
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate
MNG10247 Managing Organisations Introductory
MNG10253 Sustainable Business Management Advanced
MNG92100 Strategic Asset Management Intermediate
PLN10001 Rural and Regional Planning Introductory
PLN10002 Sustainability and Professional Ethics for Planners Introductory
PLN20001 Land and Development Economics Intermediate
SUR00201 Environmental Mapping Introductory
SUR73001 Drone Technology and Use Advanced
ENG72002 Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Intermediate Note 1
ENG51001 Construction Site Safety and Risk Management Introductory Note 1
ENG61001 Civil Construction Planning and Compliance Introductory Note 1
ENG61002 Environmental Sustainability in Construction Introductory Note 1
ISY00245 Principles of Programming Intermediate
CSC71001 Programming I Introductory
CSC72003 Programming II Intermediate