Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours)
Deakin course code	S462
Course version	2
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Course Information	For students who commenced from 2016 to 2021
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS code	079996J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
* Only the first year of this Engineering program is available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus. Students enrolled at the Melbourne Burwood Campus will be required to transfer to the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or online mode for the second year of their program. International students holding student visas – this course is registered for delivery to student visa holders at Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Mechanical engineers lend their expertise to almost every industry sector imaginable. They are instrumental in the design, development, production and maintenance of the products and systems that enable our lives and will be needed for future challenges in society. Not only will this internationally recognised course prepare you to be an industry-ready professional engineer, it provides you with practical experience using advanced technologies in our multi-million-dollar engineering precinct.

No matter what industry sectors or technologies spark your interest, Deakin provides the ultimate training ground to design, construct and test your ideas. You will have access to the same tools as industry professionals and work alongside professional engineers on projects that inspire your creativity. You will also have ample opportunity to develop your ability to communicate, collaborate and thrive in teams and in your future career.

Ready to be the brains behind machines big and small?

Mechanical engineers are crucial to the design and development of the systems, devices and machinery that power our lives, including complex products like biomedical devices, electric cars, automated or robotics equipment and renewable energy systems.

By studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours), you will be able to confidently apply principles of technology and science to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. You will learn the design, engineering and entrepreneurial skills required to develop and run the complex mechanical systems, devices and machines of the future

This highly sought-after skill set allows you to transition into a variety of engineering roles, from automotive manufacturing and robotics design, assistive technology necessary in the health sector or through to engineering spacecrafts fit for deep space. Graduates can expect to gain employment in supplier companies, leading manufacturing and design companies, aircraft, ship building, automotive, aerospace and biomedical areas.

During the course you will cover core mechanical disciplines including machine, structural and thermo-fluids design and industrial control, all while developing professional skills that make you more employable – like project management, communication and teamwork. Importantly, throughout your degree you will put these skills into practice with frequent industry-linked experiences including:

project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL)
access to Deakin’s state-of-the-art Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training
international and national competition challenges such as the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the Warman Design and Build Competition.

Project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry, means that practical, real-world learning experiences are woven throughout the duration of our engineering courses. And with a minimum of 60 days’ work experience in one or more organisations, you will gain insight into your future career options.

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and abroad. Secure your future career by learning the design, development and production skills needed to work in a diverse range of industries that contribute to developing the systems of the future.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degree international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Career opportunities

With an international skills shortage in the engineering industry, and roles expected to rise significantly in the next five years, Deakin graduates are in demand both in Australia and further abroad.

Not only that, employers seek out Deakin graduates for their forward-thinking, innovative and entrepreneurial qualities.

Graduate ready to transition into a number of areas and roles including:

product development
biomedical
aerospace
automotive
field and test engineering
advanced manufacturing
mining
defence
railroad
textiles
research and development
control and systems design.

Participation requirements

In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all online enrolled students, or students enrolled online for specific units, are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester in order to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.

Attendance and participation in learning activities during intensive week is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, and failure to attend may result in students not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. This may result in a fail grade being awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.

International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Articulation and credit transfer

Flexible entry into the course allows students to upgrade their qualifications and to obtain credit for previous studies/experience. Applicants with appropriate TAFE qualifications or other approved post-secondary studies may apply for Recognition of prior learning. Credit may be considered for skills obtained in the workforce or by informal means.

Equipment requirements

Students must have access to a suitable computer and a network connection. The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course may also require that students have access to a range of software. Access to high-cost specialist equipment is provided but students may be required to purchase minor equipment for particular unit(s) as detailed in unit site.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Integrate well-developed knowledge of physical sciences and engineering fundamentals, which underpins the engineering discipline to analyse complex engineering problems and to evaluate possible solutions. Apply professional engineering knowledge, and knowledge of contextual factors in order to design, develop and maintain sustainable engineering infrastructure, systems or products. Plan and execute research projects to show capacity for advanced knowledge and skills in an engineering discipline and thereby demonstrate the ability to continue professional development and/or scholarship.
Communication	Apply effective communication skills in a professional context to interpret, evaluate and present technical engineering information using oral, written, visual modes. Demonstrate proficiency in comprehending viewpoints of others and present arguments and justifications for representing engineering position to technical and non-technical audience.
Digital literacy	Identify, select and use digital technologies and tools relevant to the engineering discipline to generate, manage and share information. Demonstrate the ability to independently and systematically locate information, evaluate its reliability, and use the information for engineering design, problem solving and research purposes.
Critical thinking	Demonstrate autonomy and judgement through balanced application of logic, intellectual and research criteria to review, analyse, and synthesise information for engineering problem solving.
Problem solving	Apply engineering knowledge, skills and techniques to identify and define complex problems in a variety of contexts. Evaluate and use established engineering methods to identify potential solutions to independently and collaboratively resolve complex engineering problems and realise solutions. Demonstrate innovative and creative approaches and/or solutions in planning, designing or executing engineering projects.
Self-management	Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in engineering environments to demonstrate professionalism.
Teamwork	Undertake various team roles, work effectively within a team, and utilise effective teamwork skills in order to achieve learning goals. Apply interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate to enhance outcomes through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution.
Global citizenship	Formulate sustainable engineering practices by integrating aspects of design, development or research through concern for economic, environmental, social and cultural perspectives and values. Engage with global traditions and current trends in engineering practice in order to appreciate diversity, seek equity in outcomes and adopt ethical and professional standards.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.

SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit point compulsory unit)
STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
31 credit points of core units, including minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 60 days Professional Engineering Practice in SEP499*
1 credit point elective unit
Online enrolled students are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Week in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programs, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

*replacement unit SEL703

Course structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit DAI001]

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SEJ010

Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit points)

SEJ101 Design Fundamentals (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement units SET111 (1 credit point), SEJ104 (1 credit point)]

SEB101

Engineering Physics

SIT199

Applied Algebra and Statistics

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SEJ103

Materials Engineering Project (2 credit points)

SIT172 Programming for Engineers [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEP105]

SIT194

Introduction to Mathematical Modelling

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SEM200

Machine Design (2 credit points)

SEM218

Fluid Mechanics

SEP291

Engineering Modelling

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SEJ201

Structural Design (2 credit points)^

SEM216

Stress and Failure Analysis

SEM202

Thermodynamics

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SEM300 Thermo-Fluid System Design (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEM310 (1 credit point)]

SED304 Product Development [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SED344 (2 credit points)]

SEM313

Manufacturing

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SEM301 Industrial Control (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SEJ302 (2 credit points)]

SEM302

Advanced Stress Analysis

SEM327

Dynamics of Machines

Level 4 - Trimester 1

SEJ441

Engineering Project A (2 credit points)~

SEM400

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Plus 1 elective (one credit point)

Level 4 - Trimester 2

SEJ446

Engineering Project B (2 credit points)~

SEM406 Advanced Modelling and Simulation [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit SED344 (2 credit points)]

SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice *^ [No longer available for enrolement, replacement unit SEL703

* SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice [SEL703] is available in trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3. Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.

~Note: Students are expected to undertake SEJ441 and SEJ446 in consecutive trimesters. Students will be required to seek approval from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SEJ441 and SEJ446 consecutively.

^ Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

Work experience

Through SEP499* Professional Engineering Practice, you will gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace, developing and enhancing your understanding of the engineering profession, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.

*From 2022 alternate unit SEL703

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Other learning experiences

In your final year of the course, you may apply to undertake an international study tour to engage in a structured program of study, usually involving short project work overseas to gain discipline specific technical expertise and to enhance your global engineering awareness and experience.

Research and research-related study

The key assessment of research and research skills in the programme is through the two linked 2 credit point units in the final year of the course. The first of these units is for students to develop a detailed research proposal and undertake preliminary proof-of-concept or testing of their experimental methods. The second unit is designed to undertake the proposed research and critically evaluate the outcomes of the project. The project is predominantly student-led with direction from an academic supervisor that has expertise in the research field.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.