University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering


The School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering encompasses four broad areas of engineering.

Aeronautical Engineering involves the design, analysis, development, construction, maintenance and operation of flight vehicles. An aeronautical engineer needs a sound understanding of the mathematics, physics, computer science, materials science and design philosophy involved in this field. Aeronautical engineers apply their skills in a variety of cutting-edge areas in the global aerospace industry. They also lead the way in many other fields of science and technology, so graduates of this field are also in demand in other areas, including low-speed aerodynamics such as automobile design, navigation systems, and computer operation and software engineering.

Mechanical Engineering represents a broad branch of professional engineering, with its practitioners applying basic sciences to the development of technologies that enhance our quality of life. Mechanical engineers contribute to almost every type of engineering activity, from the application of nanotechnology to the design of systems crucial to sustainable power generation, air conditioning, transport, small and large scale manufacturing and mining.

Mechatronic Engineering is the study of computer-controlled systems that form the basis of the 'intelligent' products that are essential in today's society. Drawing on aspects of disciplines such as mechanical, electrical and systems engineering, as well as computer science, it provides the foundation for cutting-edge technologies in fields including robotics, manufacturing, aerospace and bioengineering.

Space Engineering is a 21st Century discipline underlying the exploration and conquest of nature's most unforgiving environment. Combining key areas including orbital mechanics, space vehicles, ground station infrastructure, space avionics and space robotics, the space engineering major at the University of Sydney is the only program of its kind offered in Australia.

The School offers the following Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree streams:

  • Aeronautical
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronic
  • Combined degrees with Science (including Medical Science), Commerce, Arts, Project Management and Law.