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Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering)

ERCS050  069132G



Duration

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Fee*
5 Year/s (Term 4 intake is only available to students progressing from Unilink Engineering.) Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2, Term 4) A$24,200 (annual for 2012) 
*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.

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.

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This program information is provided for prospective students. Current students, please refer to your program planner and Unit Search. 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.

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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 completion of their engineering program at Swinburne, graduates should be able to:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of engineering, mathematics and science
  • Use the techniques, skills and modern tools in robotics and mechatronics engineering to practice as a mechatronic engineer
  • Identify, formulate, solve and evaluate engineering problems
  • Design and conduct experiments as well as analyse and interpret data
  • Identify and practice professional and ethical responsibility
  • Design and develop engineering solutions to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, ethical, health and safety, manufacturing, and sustainability constraints
  • Apply knowledge and skills that are demonstrably in demand by the industry
  • Recognise the need for and to engage in lifelong learning
  • Function and communicate effectively in multi-disciplinary teams
  • Work in a software development team on a large-scale project
  • Understand the process of software development
  • Analyse and design software in Java and C++ using the object-oriented approach
  • Manage software development projects successfully
  • Apply knowledge of human-computer interaction, web-based systems, database systems and data communications

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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 500 credit points made up of:
  • Foundation Studies (212.5 credit points)
  • Technical Studies (87.5 credit points)
  • Software Engineering Studies (187.5 credit points) 
  • Management and Business Studies (12.5 credit points) 
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.

Careers in the Curriculum (HES0000) (0 credit points)
Students must also complete Careers in the Curriculum. Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt for the unit as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
 
Note: All units are 12.5 credit points unless specified otherwise.

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Foundation Studies

Software Engineering Studies
 
Management and Business Studies
HES3380 Engineering Management 1 
 
Specialist Studies Electives
Available to students who commenced between 2005 - 2009. Students are to check their planner for the number of electives they are eligible to take.
 
 
#  Industry Experience
Students studying on an international student visa must complete Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400).  All other students may complete an Industry-Based Learning placement instead (exemption will be granted for HED400 on completion of IBL).

Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400): Equivalent of 12 full-time weeks of approved relevant engineering practical experience (0 credit points, 0 fees).  To be taken at any stage during the degree. 
 
Industry-Based Learning (Placement 1) (HEW050), Industry-Based Learning (Placement 2) (HEW055): Full time paid placement in industry for 6 (HEW050) or 12 months (HEW050 & HEW055) in an area relevant to your studies (0 academic credit points, unit fees apply).  Students should attend an information session one semester prior to the scheduled IBL entry point.  Further information:  http://www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl/

Students are recommended to complete Careers in the Curriculum (HES0000) prior to their Industry Experience.

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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%

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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.

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Graduates from this program can take up careers in a wide spectrum of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defence, 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.

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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.

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Apply for this course by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.

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Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes Advanced level certificate at the undergraduate level (EAP 5: UG-65% ); OR, Obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.0 (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 (Computer-based) minimum score of 213 (with Written Writing score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 80 with no band less than 20.

Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.

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Advanced Mathematics
 
Note that Advanced Mathematics studies must be equivalent to the Year 12 VCE Advanced Mathematics subject that includes topics in coordinate geometry, circular (trigonometric) functions, calculus, algebra, statistics and probability.

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To assess eligibility for entry to Swinburne, visit the Academic Entry Requirements page.

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Enquire online: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/international/enquiry

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au

Phone:
+613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall 1800 897 973 (within Australia)

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 Visit our Meet Us page to see when we are visiting your home country (or here in Australia)

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A range of scholarships is available to international students, visit our Scholarship Page for details.

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