Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)

  Institution: Swinburne University of Technology

About the course

Course Description:

Robots are computer-controlled mechatronic 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.

Mechatronics Engineering integrates three traditional engineering disciplines – Mechanical, Electronics and Software. Mechatronic engineers design and develop 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.

This course produces students who can use their multidisciplinary skills to meet growing demand from an industry that is pushing the limits of technology by exploiting the growing convergence of these fields.

Swinburne also offers double degrees in Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/Bachelor of Computer Science.

Course Objectives:

The following six 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

Course Outcomes:

At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) 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 :

Foundation studies units

• HET182 Electronics Systems
• HET124 Energy and Motion
• HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1
• HMS112 Engineering Mathematics 2
• HES1230 Materials and Processes
• HES1125 Mechanics of Structures
• HES1300 Robotics and Mechatronics Project 1
• HES1305 Robotics and Mechatronics Project 2

Technical studies units

• HET214 Circuits and Electronics 1
• HET312 Control and Automation
• HET202 Digital Electronics Design
• HET228 Electrical Actuators and Sensors
• HET232 Embedded Microcontrollers
• HMS211 Engineering Mathematics 3A
• HES3350 Machine Design
• HES2310 Machine Dynamics 1
• HIT3172 Object-Oriented Programming in C++
• HET489 Robotic Control
• HES2120 Structural Mechanics
• HIT3181 Technical Software Development

Advanced Engineering units

• HET329 Digital Signal and Image Processing
• HES5310 Machine Dynamics 2
• HET344 Mechatronics Systems Design
• HES5250 Robot System Design
• HET551 Design & Development Project 1
• HET557 Design & Development Project 2

Management and Business studies units

• HES3380 Engineering Management 1
• HES5380 Engineering Management 2 or HBN210N Introduction to Venture Development

Compulsory non-credit units

• HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum
• HED400 Professional Experience in Engineering

Specialist elective studies

• Specialist Studies unit 1
• Specialist Studies unit 2
• Specialist Studies unit 3
• Specialist Studies unit 4

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 can take up careers in a wide spectrum of industries including robotics, airlines, chemical industries, automotive, appliance manufacturing and industrial research. Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.

Professional recognition:

This course has also been professionally accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) Malaysia and Engineers Australia.
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia as well as Graduate Membership of Board of Engineers Malaysia.

English Language Requirements

Source : SwinBurne University Of Technology