Mechanical Systems

You can major in this discipline through the Bachelor of Science at Melbourne. You can also complete a sequence in Mechanical Systems through the Bachelor of Commerce.

Mechanical systems involves understanding the design, construction, operation and maintenance of machines, that is, practically anything with moving parts. Mechanical engineers develop and design new products (photocopiers, air conditioners) and the machines to make them (robots, machine tools). They also design, plan and manage the systems, people and technical facilities needed to produce goods and services (power stations, manufacturing systems).

Mechanical engineers are concerned with 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).

This discipline interacts with all other branches of engineering, and is increasingly involved with other fields of study such as medicine and biology. Your studies will integrate fundamental science in mechanics with engineering principles, and you will learn to solve practical problems involving mechanical systems.

This major can lead to the Master of Engineering (Mechanical) and the Master of Engineering (Mechatronics), and professional registration as an engineer.

If you complete this major and the Master of Engineering (Mechanical) and the Master of Engineering (Mechatronics) at Melbourne, you could pursue a career as a mechanical engineer.

Mechanical engineering graduates are noted for their broad problem-solving abilities, and are employed in leadership positions throughout the world. You can find employment in many industries, with work varying by industry and function.

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, allowing you a huge choice of career paths. You could specialise in:

• Energy systems
• Applied mechanics
• Automotive design
• Manufacturing
• Materials
• Plant engineering and maintenance
• Pressure vessels and piping
• Heating, refrigeration air-conditioning systems.