Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering uses mechanics and energy principles to design, research, develop and manufacture tools, engines, motors and other devices.

This programme combines papers in Mechanical Engineering, Science and Mathematics to give graduates a good balance between intellectual rigour and engineering practice. This prepares graduates typically for employment in industry and a wide range of other careers such as automotives, manufacturing, air-conditioning and refrigeration, and robotics.

Degrees

• Bachelor of Engineering

School subjects

NCEA Level 3 Chemistry, Physics and one of Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics with Modelling. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biochemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Materials and Process Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering.

Career Opportunities

• Aeronautical Engineer
• Automation Engineer  
• Equipment Prototype Engineer  
• Mechanical Engineer  
• Optomechanical Engineer
• Process Engineer  
• Project Manager  

Potential Employers

• Agricultural Sector
• Automotive Industries
• Equipment Design and Manufacturing
• Health and Biomedical Industries
• Iron and Steel Manufacturing
• Pulp and Paper Industry

Papers

CHEM101 Chemical Concepts
A study of chemical concepts fundamental to the sciences and technology. Topics include atoms, elements, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces, states of matter, gas-phase, solution, acid-base and redox equilibria, atomic structure, quantum theory, orbitals and electronic configurations, bonding and structure and systematic chemistry of main group elements.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1
This paper introduces computer programming (assuming no prior knowledge) and a variety of concepts in computer science including representation, storage and manipulation of computer-based information, algorithms for problem-solving and an introduction to information systems.

ENEL111 Introduction to Electronics
This paper is concerned with basic electronic concepts. Topics covered include fundamental DC and AC circuits, Boolean logic, digital circuits, analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion, computer architecture and solid state devices such as diodes and transistors.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, or Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics and Modelling, or CIE Physics a minimum D pass at AS or A level, or CIE Mathematics a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

ENGG180 Foundations of Engineering
An introduction to engineering analysis and design and the engineering profession. Topics include: the skills of a successful engineer, the nature of design and the design process, fundamental laws for engineering analysis, accounting principles applied to mass, energy, charge, momentum and money, as well as design-build-test experience.

ENMP102 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
An introduction to the basic laws and concepts of materials science. Topics include: relation of the structure of solids to the physical and mechanical properties of materials and uses of different type of materials. This paper is also a requirement for Materials and Processing Engineering.

PHYS103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1
An introduction to physics suitable for scientists and engineers. Applications of physics to the real world will be emphasised. Topics include: mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, sound, light and electric and magnetic forces. This paper includes a compulsory laboratory component. Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, CIE Physics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

MATH102 Introduction to Algebra
A study of the fundamental techniques and applications of algebra including vector and matrix algebra, complex numbers, induction, and recursion.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Statistics and Modelling, or Mathematics with Calculus, or CIE Mathematics a minimum C pass at AS or A level.

PHYS103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1
An introduction to physics suitable for scientists and engineers. Applications of physics to the real world will be emphasised. Topics include: mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, sound, light, and electric and magnetic forces. This paper includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, or CIE Physics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover topics from Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics, and Physics, including optoelectronics, high speed communications and options such as mechatronics. Economic and professional training elements are also included in this programme.