Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering

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.