Are you the kind of person who’s constantly curious about how things work, from smart machines to air crafts that float 30,000ft above the ground? Have you ever wanted to invent devices or equipment that could serve great benefits to society? Yes? Then a degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics engineering is perfect as your starting point.
This article will help students to distinguish between Mechanical and Mechatronics engineering to decide on which course suits their preference for their future careers.
What is Mechanical Engineering
Video credit: Zach Star
Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse engineering disciplines that study the principles of motion, energy and force to design and develop mechanical systems which fulfil the demands of society, such as vehicle engines, refrigerators, air conditioning systems and elevators.
They introduce innovative technologies in food production, develop 3D printers and even wireless chargers. They also create solutions in technological aspects of health care, transportation, energy and space crafts.
Career Opportunity in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineer
Design, develop, construct, and testing mechanical and thermal sensors and appliances.
Automotive Engineer
Responsible for vehicle design, development, manufacture and testing.
CAD Technician
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technicians create electronic design plans for buildings and machinery using computer software.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer (HVAC)
HVAC engineers improve the available technologies in heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration systems.
What is Mechatronics Engineering?
Video credit: Richard Engineer
Mechatronics Engineering covers both electrical and mechanical devices and can include the use of computer, Artificial Intelligence (AI), power, electronics and telecommunications systems.
Examples of devices developed for mechatronics technologies include robotic systems, anti-lock braking systems for vehicles and prosthetic limbs. While these products are mechanical, computers and electrical control systems are required to operate.
Career Opportunities in Mechatronics Engineering
Robotic Engineer
Responsible in design and test machine prototype and conduct research in creating safe and cost-efficient manufacture of the robotic system
Automation Engineer
Work with other teams in the automation industry to identify problems and implement automated solutions for software processes to be implemented in vehicles.
Instrumentation Engineer
Responsible for planning, implementing and maintaining control systems and machines in the manufacturing industry.
Control System Engineer
Design, develop and implement solutions that stabilize dynamic systems such as anti-lock braking systems in cars.
Differences between Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
In simpler terms, mechanical engineering combines the fundamentals of other engineering disciplines such as chemical, civil and electrical engineering in designing and developing safe, efficient and reliable devices or systems. A mechanical engineer knows better than a mechatronics engineer in the mechanical aspect of machines or devices.
Mechatronics engineering focuses on computing and electronics in developing innovative technologies or modifying existing ones. Students who enrol in this course will learn about robots, smart systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Entry Requirement for Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering in Australia
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STPM |
Minimum CGPA of 3.30 or grade of 3Bs and above |
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A-Levels |
A minimum grade of BCC |
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UEC |
A minimum grade of 5Bs |
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ATAR |
A minimum score of 80 points or above |
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International Baccalaureate (IB) |
A minimum score of 30 or above |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
English Requirement for Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering in Australia
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IELTS |
6.5 Overall and 6.0 in every sub-bands |
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TOEFL |
79 overall with Listening: 16, Reading:16, Writing:21, Speaking:18 |
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PTE |
58 overall with 50 in every sub-bands |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top Universities to Study Mechanical and Mechatronics in Australia
#1 University of New-South Wales (UNSW)
Image credit: University of New-South Wales
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Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechatronic) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February, May & September |
|
|
Duration |
4 years (Full-time) |
|
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Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUS $47,760 |
|
#2 University of Melbourne
Image credit: University of Melbourne
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Program |
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Systems |
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Systems |
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Intake (2021) |
March & July |
|
|
Duration |
3 years (Full-time) |
|
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $41,912-$45,944 |
|
#3 University of Sydney
Image credit: University of Sydney
|
Program |
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechanical Engineering) |
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Mechatronic Engineering) |
|
Intake (2021) |
March & August |
|
|
Duration |
4 years full time |
|
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $50,000 |
|
#4 University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Image credit: University of Technology Sydney
|
Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronic Engineering |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
|
Duration |
4 years (Full-time) |
|
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $48,164 |
|
#5 University of Western Sydney
Image credit: University of Western Sydney
|
Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Mechanical |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Robotics and Mechatronics |
|
Intake (2021) |
March & July |
|
|
Duration |
4 years (Full-time) |
|
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $33,000 |
|
#6 Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Image credit: Queensland University of Technology
|
Program |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechatronics) |
|
Intake (2021) |
February & July |
|
|
Duration |
4 years (Full-time) |
|
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $39,300 |
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About the Author
Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion..