Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) / Bachelor of Computer Science

  Institution: Swinburne University of Technology

About the course

Course Description:

There is clear synergy between the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) and Bachelor of Computer Science programs which, when combined, result in a homogeneous and focused program. Graduates will possess a combination of skills that will allow them to make a valuable contribution to society.

Today’s society is dependent on complex computer-based systems. From online, multimedia electronic commerce to air-traffic control, from enterprise-wide systems in manufacturing to interactive games, the computer has invaded all of our lives. Complex computer systems are built by teams of professionals who have the technical expertise, project know-how and communication skills that are best achieved by studying computer science and software engineering in depth.

Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical, electronic and software engineering in the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries. Examples of mechatronic systems include aircraft, whitegoods, automobiles, automated plant and robots. Robots are computer-controlled mechatronics devices, which have been used to assist humans in various tasks. While the majority of robots have been used in manufacturing, a recent trend has seen robots used in a variety of applications including space and underwater exploration, medicine and a wide range of service industries. The discipline of robotics embraces the design and operation of these devices and their integration with other systems in the work environment.

Graduates of this program will have extensive skills in integrating engineering with software development, particularly relating to multi-disciplinary projects, and will have developed experience in working on team projects. They will also have well-developed oral, written and graphical communication skills.

Course Objectives:

The following objectives are the typical skills and abilities that Swinburne graduates will have a few years after graduation as they develop their professional engineer careers.

• Manage complex robotics and mechatronics engineering projects that are motivational, entrepreneurial, research and/or industry linked.
• Take leadership and mentoring roles during the design and implementation phases of robotics and mechatronics engineering projects.
• Work in local and/or international organisations demonstrating an understanding of global engineering issues.
• Apply robotics and mechatronics engineering technical expertise to industry-related fields.
• Work autonomously and in teams within organisations or as a consultant.
• Apply ethical standards, principles of design for sustainable development, and environmental consideration to conceptualising and implementing industry-related projects.
• Manage and develop software, particularly relating to medium- and large- scale projects, using the object-oriented approach.

Course Outcomes:

At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) course, graduates should be able to demonstrate the attainment of the following Robotics and Mechatronics Swinburne Engineering Competencies, required for external professional recognition:

• K1 Basic Science: Proficiently applies concepts, theories and techniques of the relevant natural and physical sciences
• K2 Maths and IT as Tools: Proficiently uses relevant mathematics and computer and information science concepts as tools
• K3 Discipline Specific: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering within that context
• K4 Emerging Disciplinary Trends: Interprets and applies current or emerging knowledge from inside and outside Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
• K5 Practice Context: Discerns and appreciates the contextual factors affecting professional engineering practice
• K6 Professional Practice: Appreciates the principles of professional engineering practice in a sustainable context
• S1 Engineering Methods: Applies engineering methods in practical applications
• S2 Problem Solving: Systematically uses engineering methods in solving complex problems
• S3 Design: Systematically uses engineering methods in design
• S4 Project Management: Systematically uses engineering methods in conducting and managing projects
• A1 Ethics: Values the need for, and demonstrates, ethical conduct and professional accountability
• A2 Communication: Demonstrates effective communication to professional and wider audiences
• A3 Entrepreneurial: Appreciates entrepreneurial approaches to engineering practice
• A4 Information Management: Demonstrates seeking, using, assessing and managing information
• A5 Professional Self: Demonstrates professionalism
• A6 Management of Self: Demonstrates self management processes
• A7 Teamwork: Demonstrates effective team membership and team leadership

Course Structure:

Units of Study :

• HES1230 Materials and Processes
• HES1300 Robotics and Mechatronics Project 1
• HET182 Electronic Systems
• HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1
• HES1305 Robotics and Mechatronics Project 2
• HES1125 Mechanics of Structures
• HET124 Energy and Motion
• HMS112 Engineering Mathematics 2
• HET214 Circuit and Electronics 1
• HET202 Digital Electronics Design
• HIT3181 Technical Software Development
• HMS211 Engineering Mathematics 3A
• HIT1402 Database Analysis and Design
• HES2120 Structural Mechanics
• HET228 Electrical Actuators and Sensors
• HET232 Embedded Microcontrollers
• HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum
• HES3350 Machine Design
• HIT2316 Usability
• HET312 Control and Automation
• HIT3172 Object-Oriented Programming in C++
• HED400 Professional Experience in Engineering OR
• HEW050 Industry-Based Learning (Placement 1) (Optional)
• HEW055 Industry-Based Learning (Placement 2) (Optional)
• HES2310 Machine Dynamics 1
• HET344 Mechatronics Systems Design
• HIT1307 Internet Technologies
• HIT2038 Software Development Practices
• HET551 Design and Development Project 1
• HES3380 Engineering Management 1
• HIT3002 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• HIT2120 Data Communications and Security
• HET489 Robotic Control
• HIT3037 Programming in Java
• HET556 Design and Development Project 2
• HIT3309 Software Project Practices and Management
• HIT3047 Real-Time Programming
• HES5310 Machine Dynamics 2
• HIT3310 Software Architectures and Design
• HIT3158 Software Engineering Project A
• HIT3258 Software Engineering Project B
• HIT3311 Software Deployment and Evolution
• HES5250 Robot System Design
• HET329 Digital Signal and Image Processing

Students studying on an international student visa must complete Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400). All other students may complete an Industry-Based Learning placement instead (exemption will be granted for HED400 on completion of IBL).

Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400): Equivalent of 12 full-time weeks of approved relevant engineering practical experience (0 credit points, 0 fees). To be taken at any stage during the degree.

Industry-Based Learning (Placement 1) (HEW050), Industry-Based Learning (Placement 2) (HEW055): Full time paid placement in industry for 6 (HEW050) or 12 months (HEW050 & HEW055) in an area relevant to your studies (0 academic credit points, unit fees apply). Students should attend an information session one semester prior to the scheduled IBL entry point.

Education Abroad:

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne’s Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.

Employment Outcomes

Career opportunities:

Graduates from this course can take up careers in a wide spectrum of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defence, automotive and manufacturing where complex software plays a major role, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and commerce. Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, software engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.

Professional recognition:

This program has also been professionally accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) Malaysia and Engineers Australia.
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with Board of Engineering Malaysia (BEM), Engineers Australia (EA) and the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

English Language Requirements

Source : SwineBurne University Of Technology