This course operates under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. The normal full-time load is four units of study per semester, each worth 12.5 credit points. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be 50 hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will vary in different semesters.

Students complete a total of 32 units (400 credit points), as follows:
10 x Foundation Studies units (125 credit points)
11 x Technical Studies units (137.5 credit points)
5 x Design and Projects units (62.5 credit points)
2 x Management and Business Studies units (25 credit points):

• HES3380, and
• HES5380
  

4 x Electives (50 credit points), either:

• Specialist Studies Elective units
• Approved Minor
  

In addition:
3 x Compulsory, non-credit point units (0 credit points):

• HED400 (or IBL), and
• HES0000, and
• HED402
  

Note: this program contains 2 Capstone experiences.

Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all Engineering students must complete a minimum of 12 weeks of relevant industry experience. Where students complete Industry-Based Learning, an exemption will be granted for HED400.

Industry-Based Learning (HEW050/HEW055) (0 credit points)
Engineering students have the option of undertaking a 6 or 12 month, full-time, paid professional placement to link theory to practice, develop leadership potential and enhance graduate employability. Placements are subject to availability and student eligibility, and unit fees apply. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL.
Please refer to the ‘Course Experience’ tab for more information. 

Careers in the Curriculum (HES0000) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.

Careers in the Curriculum has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. Careers in the Curriculum is a one semester compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year.

Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.
 

• Future students
• Current students

Most courses offer elective units, minors and/or majors within the structure, as listed above. Please refer to the Elective Options available for this program.

For this program, students may complete a minor in one of the following fields:

• Aviation Technology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechatronics
• or an approved minor

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.

1) Manage complex mechanical engineering projects that are motivational, entrepreneurial, research and/or industry linked.
2) Take leadership and mentoring roles during the design and implementation phases of mechanical engineering projects.
3) Work in local and/or international organisations demonstrating an understanding of global engineering issues.
4) Apply mechanical engineering technical expertise to industry-related fields.
5) Work autonomously and in teams within organisations or as a consultant.
6) Apply ethical standards, principles of design for sustainable development, and environmental consideration to conceptualising and implementing industry-related projects.

Program Outcomes 
At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) course, graduates will be able to: demonstrate the attainment of the following Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering within that context.
K4 Emerging Disciplinary Trends: Interprets and applies current or emerging knowledge from inside and outside Mechanical 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.

Employment may be found in many areas of industry and commerce including automotive, vehicle, transport, power, manufacturing, materials processing, appliance production, mechanical building services, mining and raw material conversion.

The mechanical engineer's contributions can include design, development, testing, innovation, project management, planning, research, quality control, and engineering management.

The Swinburne Graduate Attributes have been incorporated into the Swinburne Engineering Competencies, as described in the Program Learning Outcomes. These are also described at the Unit of Study level.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.