Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)
Deakin course code	S463
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Online	No
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	079999F 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

This course prepares you to be a practical and industry-ready engineer capable of designing the electronics, robots and autonomous systems of the future. You will learn how to design, program and integrate electronic devices with mechanical designs that communicate with other computers, devices or even cloud-based systems. You will be able to deliver innovative solutions to real-world problems and design autonomous and intelligent devices ranging from self-driving vehicles to biomedical systems.

Throughout this course you will have opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies using the facilities in our multi-million-dollar engineering precinct, including state-of-the-art mechatronics, manufacturing robotics and IoT systems. Discover what it takes to work in teams on industry projects with our project-based learning activities in this Engineers Australia Accredited degree.

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.

Mechatronics engineering at Deakin ensures skills in electronic, mechanical and computer engineering to ensure that graduates obtain a broad skill set that enhances your employability and industry relevance.

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 will 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 engineering precinct with state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation systems, purpose-built interactive labs and workshop learning spaces. At Deakin you will get hands-on experience 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 will 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 online enrolled students, or students enrolled online in specified units, are required to participate in campus-based learning activities at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) during intensive week each trimester 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 network connection. Students may also require access to a range of technologies beyond this minimum requirement as detailed in unit site. 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.

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, and 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.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points, which must include the following:

Twenty-two (22) core units (30 credit points), including minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 60 days Professional Engineering Practice in SEP499*
Two (2) credit points of elective units
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)
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.

*From 2022 alternate unit SEL703

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

Other course information

Course duration

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.

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.