1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Design
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Mechanical Systems

Mechanical Systems

Bachelor of DesignMajorYear: 2021

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Overview

Mechanical systems involves understanding the operation and control of machines. A machine is practically anything with moving parts. Mechanical Systems students will learn to develop and design new products (in wide-ranging areas from transportation such as cars, aircraft and ships through to everyday devices such as air-conditioners, dishwashers, etc) and the machines to make them (robots, machine tools). They will also learn how to design, plan and manage the systems, people and technical facilities needed to produce goods and services for industry and domestic use. Students will also learn about the generation and harnessing of energy (gas turbines, wave power), transport in all its forms (automobiles, spacecraft) and protecting the environment (solar heating, wind turbines).
Mechanical Systems interacts with all other branches of engineering, and is increasingly involved with other fields of study such as medicine and biology. Students will integrate fundamental science in mechanics with engineering principles, and will learn to solve practical problems involving mechanical systems. Basic principles will be learnt through lectures, interactive small-classes, demonstrations, practical laboratory classes and challenging assignments. A design-based approach to solving problems will be applied to build solutions on the base of the fundamental knowledge acquired through the degree.

The Mechanical Systems Major opens pathways for students, including accredited professional or scientific research careers in mechanical and mechatronics engineering (through further study in the Masters in Engineering or PhD programs), teaching, project management, and in the finance industry.

Intended learning outcomes

In addition to the generic attributes of the University of Melbourne graduate, Mechanical Systems Major graduates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Comprehensive understanding of the principles of engineering design and fundamental science in mechanics with engineering principles, and the ability to apply these to solve practical problems of mechanical systems;
  • Knowledge and skills to construct accurate models of mechanical systems;
  • Critical analysis and abstract thinking in the conduct of laboratory experiments employed to test solutions to complex problems;
  • Strong engineering communication skills, conveying complex scientific information clearly and concisely;
  • The Mechanical Systems Major opens pathways for students, including accredited professional or scientific research careers in mechanical and mechatronics engineering (through further study in the Masters in Engineering or PhD programs), teaching, project management, and in the finance industry.

Last updated: 3 May 2024