Skip to Content

Future Students - Courses

click here for a printable version of this page  

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

ERCS050     


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time Undergraduate 5 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) plus an optional year of Industry-Based Learning or a minimum of 12 weeks Professional Experience in Engineering Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2)

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.

Go to top

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.

Go to top

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

Go to top

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.

Go to top

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.

Go to top

Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. Industry-Based Learning gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies, and is a proven advantage in the graduate job market. All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability of places. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl

Students electing Engineering IBL can undertake this afer completing at least 2.5 years of their degree and prior to the final year of study.


Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL.

Go to top

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%
H2A:  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%

Go to top

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.

Go to top

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.

Go to top

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.

Go to top

This degree program will produce graduates who have the technological skills and knowledge expected of professional engineers.

The five Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be: 
  • Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • Cntrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • Effective and ethical in work and community situations
  • Adaptable and able to manage change
  • Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
In order to assist students in developing these graduate attributes at unit of study level Swinburne assesses their mastery of discipline-based knowledge and also provides feedback on their progress in attaining key generic skills, such as:
  • Teamwork skills
  • Analysis skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Communications skills
  • Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to identify and manage risk
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to apply knowledge
  • Ability to demonstrate ethical responsibility
  • Technical competence
  • Systems thinking skills
  • Organisational skills

Go to top

Standard Entry

A. VCE or Equivalent
The most common mode of entry into the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) is with a successful completion of VCE (or equivalent) in the following subjects: Units 3 & 4 of English (any) with a study score of at least 20, and Units 3 & 4 of Mathematical Methods (either) with a study score of at least 20. Passes for each of these subjects may be accumulated over more than one year.

In the absence of VCE, applicants must have a qualification deemed to be the equivalent of the VCE accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).

B. Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree holders
Another mode of entry into the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics)/Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering) is the successful completion of a relevant associate degree, advanced diploma, or equivalent. Depending on the results obtained, advanced standing in the degree program is considered on an individual basis within the limits of the Engineering Board of Studies Credit Transfer Policy. These applications are judged on an individual basis by the program coordinator. Preference are given to applicants with credit grade average of at least 65% or above with no fails in their final year.

C. Applicants with partially completed tertiary qualifications
Preference are given to applicants with credit grade average of at least 65% (VTAC calculated GPA of 5) with no fails.

D. International students
This program is available to international students who have satisfactorily completed an appropriate Year 12 qualification, or its equivalent. International students must also have achieved the required IELTS academic module or equivalent as detailed at:
http://www.international.swinburne.edu.au/courses/english-requirements/ielts-and-toefl/

Special Entry
Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS) is the umbrella program covering the special entry and access schemes conducted by tertiary institutions participating in the VTAC system.

There are two distinct schemes within SEAS:
  • Access and Equity
  • Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Both schemes are designed for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage; however, each scheme has a specific focus.

Access and Equity
SEAS Access and Equity is for all applicants whose education has been affected by long-term disadvantage.

Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Year 11/12 Special Consideration is for current Year 12 students who have experienced adverse circumstances specifically in Years 11 and/or 12 which have impacted on their Year 12 results (ATAR).

Go to top

79.45

2012 Round 1 Clearly-In ATAR (CSP)

Go to top

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide.
 

Go to top

An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide.
 
Note: there is no formal pathway from a TAFE diploma or associate diploma into this double degree course. However, students who enter the second year of the normal Bachelor of Engineering course under the Pathways program and who obtain sufficiently high grades will have the opportunity to apply for transfer into the double degree course at the end of the second year.

Go to top

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

Go to top

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
 

Go to top

This course is also offered through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. For further information visit the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/scholarships/vc_policy.htm

Go to top

Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 34991 (CSP), 34993 (IFP)

For further information, visit the VTAC website. 
 
Applicants who have not already applied through VTAC can apply directly to the university by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.

Applicants who believe they will receive an ATAR of at least 97.00, have an opportunity to undertake this course through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. For further information visit the scholarships website.
 
This course is available for mid-year intake. Applications are made directly to Swinburne and will be taken on a case by case basis. Application forms can be downloaded from our How to Apply website.

Go to top

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
 

Go to top