Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)

2021 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2021 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2021 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)
Course Map

These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2021:

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2021:

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

 

Campus
Cloud CampusNo
Duration4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code079999F Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS463
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

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 Cloud (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

Deakin’s Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) prepares you to be an industry-ready engineer capable of creating the electronics, robots and autonomous systems that power our future.

You’ll learn how to design, program and integrate electronic devices with mechanical designs to deliver innovative solutions to real-world problems such as anti-lock brakes, self-driving cars and even artificial hearts.

Mechatronics engineering at Deakin trains you in a range of engineering disciplines to ensure you graduate with a broad skill set that enhances your employability. This course is tailored to industry and gives you access to cutting-edge technology and facilities in our multi-million dollar engineering precinct, including state-of-the-art mechatronics systems and robots. Discover what it takes to work in teams on industry projects with our project-based learning activities.

Interested in joining aspiring engineers in some of the most advanced facilities in Australia?

Mix electrical, mechanical and robotics engineering into a single degree and you could land a career shaping the innovative robotics systems of the future. This course develops your business and project management skills to ensure you graduate with the entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed.

Delve into mechatronics engineering principles, then take your learning even further with opportunities to put your skills into practice. Through project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL), you’ll be challenged to apply theory and science to industry-relevant projects such as the automation of industrial processes using robotics and other cutting-edge technologies, flying drones, 3D printers, robotics and self-driving cars.

Another way we bring authentic industry experiences to you is through our $55 million dollar engineering precinct with state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation systems, purpose-built interactive labs and workshop learning spaces. At Deakin you’ll get hands-on with the very latest engineering tools, take part in work-integrated learning opportunities and hear from the brightest minds in the field with frequent guest lectures. Some of our world-class facilities include:

  • one of the two largest 3D printing labs in the southern hemisphere
  • state-of-the-art mechatronic systems
  • industrial robots
  • virtual reality lab
  • high-voltage lab
  • CNC machining centres
  • digital manufacturing lab
  • mechatronics and electronics lab
  • Deakin AusNet Services electrical engineering lab.

Through final-year projects, you’ll gain an introduction to advanced research areas such as mobile robotics and 3D printing and have the opportunity to design an autonomous robot.

Become even more employable by building transferable skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, project management, technical report writing and more. And be well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future by developing an understanding of the ethical, technical and professional issues within the industry, all while gaining an insight into the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the modern engineer.

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 Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) course is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degrees international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Career opportunities

With an international skills shortage in the 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.

As a mechatronics engineering graduate, you could be employed in the following roles:

  • biomedical service engineer
  • control systems engineer
  • automation engineer
  • electronics test engineer
  • robot engineer.


Participation requirements

In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to participate in Campus learning activities equivalent to a minimum duration of one full academic week for every trimester of effective full time study 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.

Cloud Campus 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 programmes, 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.

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Cloud Campus. 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 through the Cloud Campus may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory onsite components of the course.

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

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. Click here for more information.

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.  Information about the hardware and software requirements may be obtained from the School of Engineering, telephone 03 9244 6699.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

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 Mechatronics Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points. Units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 or 2 credit points, sometimes abbreviated as cps. Most students choose to study units amounting to 4 credit points (or cps) per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 32 credit points which must include the following:

  • 30 credit points of core units (including SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice (30 to 60 days) and 2 elective units (1 credit point each)
  • completion of SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Cloud Campus 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. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

STP010Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SEJ010Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit points)

SEJ101Design Fundamentals (2 credit points)‡

SEB101Engineering Physics

SIT199Applied Algebra and Statistics

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SEJ102Electrical Systems Engineering Project (2 credit points)

SIT172Programming for Engineers ‡

SIT194Introduction to Mathematical Modelling


Level 2 - Trimester 1

SEM200Machine Design (2 credit points)

SEP291Engineering Modelling

SEE216Analogue and Digital Electronics

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SEE212Power Electronics

SER203Programming and Visualisation ‡

SEE222Embedded Systems Design (2 credit points^)


Level 3 - Trimester 1

SER300Mechatronic Design (2 credit points)

SEE312Data Communication

SEE326Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Systems ‡

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SER301Electromechanical Systems Design (2 credit points)‡

SEE344Control Systems ‡

SEM327Dynamics of Machines


Level 4 - Trimester 1

SEJ441Engineering Project A (2 credit points)~

Plus 2 elective units (one credit point each)

Level 4 - Trimester 2

SEJ446Engineering Project B (2 credit points)~

SER400Virtual and Augmented Interfaces

SEP499Professional Engineering Practice *

* SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice 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)

‡ Not available from 2022, replacement units are as follows:

If student has not completed.....

.....then they will complete instead

SEJ101 Design Fundamentals (2credit points)

SET111 Sustainable Design (1 credit point)

SEJ104 Engineering in Society (1 credit point)

SIT172 Programming for Engineers

SEP105 Programming and Visualisation

SER203 Programming and Visualisation

SER203 recoded SEP105 Programming and Visualisation. 

SEE344 Control Systems

SEJ302 Control Systems Engineering (2 credit points)

SEE326 Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Systems

SEN771 Intelligent Systems for Autonomous Control

SER301 Electromechanical Systems Design (2 credit points)

SER204 Electromechanical Systems and SEE307 Systems and Signals

Electives

Engineering recommended elective units:

SEE407SCADA and PLC

SED304Product Development

SEJ451Materials Performance and Durability

SEE705Energy Efficiency and Demand Management

SEE711Sensor Networks

SEN700Research Methodology

SEE701Control Systems Engineering

SET404Engineering Design: International Study Tour

 

Work experience

Through SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice, you’ll 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.


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

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

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.