BE(Hons) - Mechatronics Engineering as a major
Specified Programme
The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is the basis for a professional career in engineering, and at Waikato you're provided with plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learnt in real-life work situations.
The rapid spread of automated systems into most aspects of life has dominated technological innovations in the 21st century. Mechatronics engineers are trained to be masters of intelligent machines and work across many industries, making the latest “Smart Systems” work for us.
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Key information
| Years: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 480 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $8,170 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $43,430 per year (any of years 1-3) |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Career opportunities
- Mechatronic Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Control Engineer
- System Engineer
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Computer Aided Engineer
- Product Design and Development
- Project Manager
Degree Planner
Degree planner — BE(Hons) in Mechatronics Engineering
If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 2
Year 3
Programme Elective
Year 4
Programme Elective
Programme Elective
Programme Elective
- Stream
- Compulsory
- Elective
- Placement
Entry requirements
Entry into the BE(Hons) in the specified programme of Mechatronics Engineering will be guaranteed to applicants who gain University Entrance, including a minimum of 16 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Calculus. Applicants must also gain at least 14 credits in NCEA at Level 3 in Physics.
All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and pathways are available.
Papers
Papers available within Mechatronics Engineering
The Mechatronics Engineering programme produces work-ready engineering graduates that specialise in effective integration of mechanical systems and electronics with intelligent control combining expertise from three areas: computer science, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering. The programme will develop students’ ability to handle complex real-world mechatronics projects, providing skilled engineers that contribute to the success of high-value food manufacturing (dairy, meat and horticulture), forestry and wood product manufacturing, and high-value manufacturing (agritech, aviation and equipment manufacturing).
Mechatronics Engineering is available as a specified programme for the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)).
To complete the specified programme in Mechatronics Engineering, students must complete the following programme.
Year 1
Students must take the following papers: ENGEN101, ENGEN102, ENGEN103, ENGEN110, ENGEN111, ENGEN112, ENGEN170 and ENGEN180.
Year 2
Students must take the following papers: COMPX203, ENGEE231, ENGEE233, ENGEN201, ENGEN270, ENGEN271, ENGME251, ENGMP213 and ENGMT280.
If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN272 (in place of ENGEN271).
Year 3
Students must take the following papers: COMPX310, COMPX349, ENGEE358, ENGEN301, ENGEN370, ENGEN371, ENGME353 and ENGMT380.
Plus 15 points from: ENGEE331 or ENGME380.
If you are studying the Diploma in Engineering Management, concurrent with the BE(Hons), you must complete ENGEN372 (in place of ENGEN371).
Year 4
Students must complete the following papers: ENGEN570, ENGEN582 and ENGMT558.
Plus 45 points from: COMPX525, COMPX550, ENGEE523, ENGEE531, ENGEE532, ENGEE580, ENGME540, ENGME551 or ENGME580.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGEN101 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1A | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart), 24A (Tauranga) & 24B (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. | |||
| ENGEN102 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1B | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton) |
| A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. Includes an introduction to relevant statistical methods. | |||
| ENGEN103 | Engineering Computing | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga), 24G (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| This paper introduces computer programming in languages such as the MATLAB and Python languages. It provides the basis for the programming skills required in more advanced papers. | |||
| ENGEN110 | Engineering Mechanics | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton) |
| Statics and dynamics of rigid bodies. Application of freebody diagrams and equations of equilibrium to calculate internal and external forces and moments on/in structures and mechanisms. Kinetics and kinematics of particles. Geometric properties of areas. | |||
| ENGEN111 | Electricity for Engineers | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24X (Hamilton) |
| Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems. | |||
| ENGEN112 | Materials Science and Engineering | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors and biomaterials) and their atomic structure and mechanical properties. Includes; elastic and plastic deformation, fracture mechanisms, failure in service, iron-carbon phase diagram, redox reactions in corrosion, production of polymers, ce... | |||
| ENGEN170 | Engineering and Society | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to the role of engineering in society with a focus on sustainable development, data analysis, holistic systems thinking, and the future of work within a global and New Zealand context including an introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi. | |||
| ENGEN180 | Foundations of Engineering | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
| Introduction to the engineering design process and computer aided design, fundamental principles of engineering analysis, open ended problem solving, engineering economics and the skills of a successful engineer. Includes a design-build-test experience. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX203 | Computer Systems | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides an overview of the operation of computer systems. The central theme is the way in which the hardware and software co-operate to allow the execution of programs written in a high-level language. | |||
| ENGEE231 | Electrical Circuits | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| This paper covers the theory, analysis and frequency response of electrical circuits involving passive elements, complex impedance, complex gain, and feedback. The application of electric circuit model to analyse electrical machine performances and three phase electrical power system will be covered. | |||
| ENGEE233 | Digital Electronics and Microprocessors | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides students with an introduction to digital electronics and microprocessors. It covers combinatorial and sequential logic, hardware description languages, and processor architecture and construction. | |||
| ENGEN201 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 2 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24H (Online) |
| Calculus of Several Variables and its Applications. Vector calculus (Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems). Taylor's Theorem in n dimensions. Introduction to ordinary differential equations and methods to solve them. | |||
| ENGEN270 | Engineering and Business | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on empowering students to become “business savvy” and prepared to enter the workplace and solve real-world problems. Topics covered include; team formation, design thinking, Lean Canvas, project management, Agile, risk management, project finance, professional ethics, preparing for the workplace, and business... | |||
| ENGEN271 | Engineering Work Placement 1 | 0.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the two years of engineering study. | |||
| ENGEN272 | Engineering Work Placement 1 | 30.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their first work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window aft... | |||
| ENGME251 | Dynamics and Vibration | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers dynamics of rigid bodies and fundamentals of vibration. Topics in rigid body dynamics are planar kinematics, mass moment of inertia, and planar kinetics including force, acceleration, work, energy, impulse and momentum. Vibration topics include equation of motion for a single degree of freedom vibration systems, u... | |||
| ENGMP213 | Mechanics of Materials 1 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Analysis of skeletal structural members, supports and connections subject to single and combined loading. Calculation of displacements (translations or rotations) and stresses both normal (direct) and shear stresses, in bars, beams and shafts and bearing stress. Use of Mohr's circle for stress transformation and its use in failure ... | |||
| ENGMT280 | Mechatronics Design and Manufacturing | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the system approach to design and development of mechatronics systems. Modern computer aided tools will be used to design, develop and test the systems. This is the key 200-level integrative mechatronics design paper. The use of characteristics mechatronics design tools/methods such as multi-domain simulation, har... | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX310 | Machine Learning | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces Machine Learning (ML) which is the science of making predictions. ML algorithms strive to be fast and highly accurate, while processing large datasets. This paper will use standard Python-based ML toolkits to teach the fundamentals of ML. | |||
| COMPX349 | Embedded Systems | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This course covers the principles and design of embedded systems, including micro-controllers, embedded system architecture, real-time programming and operating systems, and Field Programmable Gate Arrays. | |||
| ENGEE331 | Signals | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| Signals are all pervasive in electrical and electronic engineering. This paper teaches analogue signals and digital signal processing. Topics taught include the Fourier representation of signals, digital filter design and windowing, the Z-transform, and the signalling principles behind radio technology. | |||
| ENGEE358 | Control Theory and Applications | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches control theory and its applications in electrical and mechatronics engineering. The theory convers behaviour of linear time-invariant systems in time and frequency domain as well as the impact of feedback on the system behaviours. | |||
| ENGEN301 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 3 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering. | |||
| ENGEN370 | Engineering and the Environment | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers sustainability in engineering design and renewable energy generation through the critical lens of environmental impact assessment, risk and resilience, sustainable infrastructure and development, material and energy flow analysis, emissions, carbon accounting and life cycle analysis. | |||
| ENGEN371 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 0.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons). It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window after completing the three years of engineering study. | |||
| ENGEN372 | Engineering Work Placement 2 | 30.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| This paper is taken by students undertaking their second work placement for the BE(Hons) concurrent with the Diploma in Engineering Management or Certificate in Professional Engineering Practice. It involves 400 hours of engineering-related work experience. The paper is typically undertaken during the November to February window af... | |||
| ENGME353 | Mechanical and Electrical Machines | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper builds on the fundamentals taught in ENGEN110, ENGEN111 and ENGEN180; it covers application of electromechanical machine characteristics in drive design, selecting suitable power sources and matching transmission components. Problem-based learning is used in conjunction with experimentation to compare theory to real mach... | |||
| ENGME380 | Design and Manufacturing 2 | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper uses problem and project based learning methods to help students gain knowledge and skills in design and manufacturing. Students will be taught how to apply dirty prototyping to a design project, and use modern manufacturing methods to design and produce a complex machine. | |||
| ENGMT380 | Mechatronics Design and Real-time System | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces the use of sensors and microcontrollers/embedded systems in conjunction with advanced control theory to design and develop autonomous mechatronics systems. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX525 | Deep Learning | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper provides an introduction into Deep Learning, focussing on both algorithms and applications. It covers both the basics of Neural networks and current mainstream and advanced Deep Learning technology. | |||
| ENGEE523 | Sensors, Instrumentation and Measurement | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| An overview of instruments used by engineers, including sensor fundamentals and measurement uncertainties for discussions leading to measurement system development with technical procedures (characterisation, calibration, accreditation, documentary standards and accreditation). | |||
| ENGEE532 | Image Processing and Machine Vision | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is an introduction to image processing and machine vision in the engineering context. Students will learn to develop image processing algorithms from theory through to software implementation. | |||
| ENGEN570 | Engineering and the Profession | 15.0 | 24D (Hamilton) |
| The roles and responsibilities of professional engineers are examined. Topics include; project management, leadership, negotiation, ethical responsibilities, legal duties, Treaty of Waitangi, intellectual property and professional communication. | |||
| ENGEN582 | Honours Research and Development Project | 45.0 | 24X (Hamilton) & 24X (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides the "capstone" project required to complete an accredited engineering degree. The paper builds on the knowledge and skills students have gained in the first three years of their professional engineering degree and reinforces the multidisciplinary aspect of engineering. Students will learn how to carry out a Res... | |||
| ENGME540 | Finite Element Analysis | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Theory of finite elements analysis using variational methods. Numerical modelling for finding the stresses and displacements of bars, beams and plates, and the temperature distribution in 1D heat transfer. Matlab code development assignment for simpler problems and assignments using commercial software to solve more complicated pro... | |||
| ENGME551 | Mechanics of Vibration | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers vibrations of two and multiple degree of freedom systems, modelling and analysis for design improvements, vibration control. Students will learn how to calculate natural frequencies and dynamic response of machines and machine components. | |||
| ENGME580 | Product Innovation and Development | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| ENGME580 teaches students the innovation and product development process; levels of innovation, how to screen ideas, Intellectual Property and how to develop a Business Plan. Students will be required to start with a basic product brief, produce a product idea, design and develop a prototype and 'pitch' it to 'investors'. | |||
| ENGMT558 | Robotics | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches students advanced mechatronics with applications to mobile and industrial robotic applications. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
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Practical experience
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Contacts
School of Engineering
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Website: eng.waikato.ac.nz
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