Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering)
Overview
Please note that as from 2014, the title and code of this program will be changed to Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/ Bachelor of Computer Science (ERMCS050).
You will learn how to apply advanced computing techniques in the design and operation of robotic and mechatronic systems. You will also study mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and electronic and software engineering, learning about the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries.
Information sessions
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| Duration | 5 Year/s (Term 4 intake is only available to students progressing from Unilink Engineering.) | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Course code | ERCS050 | ||
| CRICOS code | 069132G | ||
| Fees* | A$25,750 (annual for 2013)* |
*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course in detail
Course description
Please note that as from 2014, the title and code of this program will be changed to Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/ Bachelor of Computer Science (ERMCS050).
This program information is provided for prospective students. Current students, please refer to your program planner and unit outline. Program planners are available on the faculty website under Information for Current Students.
This program information is provided for prospective students. Current students, please refer to your program planner and unit outline. Program planners are available on the faculty website under Information for Current Students.
There is clear synergy between the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) and Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) courses which, when combined, result in a homogeneous and focused course. Graduates will possess a combination of skills that will allow them to make a valuable contribution to society.
Today's society is dependent on complex computer-based systems. From online, multimedia electronic commerce to air-traffic control, from enterprise-wide systems in manufacturing to interactive games, the computer has invaded all of our lives. Complex computer systems are built by teams of professionals who have the technical expertise, project know-how and communication skills that are best achieved by studying computer science and software engineering in depth.
Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical, electronic and software engineering in the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries. Examples of mechatronic systems include aircraft, whitegoods, automobiles, automated plant and robots. Robots are computer-controlled mechatronics devices, which have been used to assist humans in various tasks. While the majority of robots have been used in manufacturing, a recent trend has seen robots used in a variety of applications including space and underwater exploration, medicine and a wide range of service industries. The discipline of robotics embraces the design and operation of these devices and their integration with other systems in the work environment.
Graduates of this course will have extensive skills in integrating engineering with software development, particularly relating to multi-disciplinary projects, and will have developed experience in working on team projects. They will also have well-developed oral, written and graphical communication skills.
Please also refer to the Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering website for more information.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and cannot study part-time.)
Course structure
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 40 units (500 credit points), as follows:
17 x Foundation Studies units (212.5 credit points)
7 x Technical Studies units (87.5 credit points)
14 x Software Engineering Studies units (175 credit points)
2 x Management and Business Studies unit (25 credit points):
7 x Technical Studies units (87.5 credit points)
14 x Software Engineering Studies units (175 credit points)
2 x Management and Business Studies unit (25 credit points):
- HES3380, and
- HIT3309
In addition:
3 x Compulsory, non-credit point units (0 credit points):
3 x Compulsory, non-credit point units (0 credit points):
- HED400 (or IBL), and
- HES0000, and
- HED402
Note: this program contains two 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. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL.
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.
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.
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.
Note: All units are 12.5 credit points unless specified otherwise.
Units of study
The recommended sequence of study or 'program planner' for both new students and current students are available at the links below:
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.
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
This double degree program provides students with a major focus on the application of advanced computing techniques, especially software development, in the design and operation of robotic and mechatronic systems.
Program objectives
The following objectives are the typical skills and abilities that Swinburne graduates will have a few years after graduation as they develop their professional engineer careers:
- Manage complex robotics and mechatronics engineering projects that are motivational, entrepreneurial, research and/or industry linked
- Take leadership and mentoring roles during the design and implementation phases of robotics and mechatronics engineering projects
- Work in local and/or international organisations demonstrating an understanding of global engineering issues
- Apply robotics and mechatronics engineering technical expertise to industry-related fields
- Work autonomously and in teams within organisations or as a consultant
- Apply ethical standards, principles of design for sustainable development, and environmental consideration to conceptualising and implementing industry-related projects
- Manage and develop software, particularly relating to medium- and large- scale projects, using the object-oriented approach
Program outcomes
At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) course, graduates should be able to demonstrate the attainment of the following Robotics and Mechatronics 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 Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering within that context
- K4 Emerging Disciplinary Trends: Interprets and applies current or emerging knowledge from inside and outside Robotics and Mechatronics 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
Career opportunities
Graduates from this program can take up careers in a wide spectrum of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defense, automotive and manufacturing where complex software plays a major role, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and commerce. Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, software engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership of Engineers Australia.
The Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) has been accredited at professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The double degree would provide a similar level of recognition by these societies.
Course experience
Honours
Swinburne Engineering degrees offer the opportunity for high achieving students to graduate with an Honours grade.Engineering Honours are awarded on the basis of academic achievement in twelve units nominated as representing the key values of the program. The mark for the student’s first attempt each of in the nominated units is averaged to determine the Honours grade:
H1: Greater than or equal to 80%
H2: Greater than or equal to 75% and less than 80%
H2B: Greater than or equal to 70% and less than 75%
H3: Greater than or equal to 65% and less than 70%
H2: Greater than or equal to 75% and less than 80%
H2B: Greater than or equal to 70% and less than 75%
H3: Greater than or equal to 65% and less than 70%
Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To assess eligibility for entry to Swinburne, visit the Academic Entry Requirements page.
English language requirements
Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes Certificate: EAP 5 Advanced: 70%; OR, obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; OR, a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 550 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 79, with no individual band below 18.
Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.
Apply
Course fees*
A$25,750 (annual for 2013)*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Scholarships
A range of scholarships is available to international students, visit our Scholarship Page for details.
Find out more
Submit an Online Enquiry
Tel: +613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall: 1800 897 973 (within Australia)
Email: international@swinburne.edu.au
Tel: +613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall: 1800 897 973 (within Australia)
Email: international@swinburne.edu.au
