Faculty of Engineering

Mechatronics engineering is an integrated approach to the design of computer controlled electro-mechanical systems. Mechatronic applications are pervasive in our everyday lives, so much so that we often take them for granted. Familiar examples of mechatronic systems include automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS), SLR cameras, and aerospace "fly-by-wire" systems. These mechatronic designs are much more than simply the addition of a microcontroller to an existing mechanical system – their complete and properly integrated redesign is what makes them successful. An integrated design philosophy has been incorporated into the development of this program.

In order to successfully combine mechanical design, computers, software, and electronics with an integrated design approach, the mechatronics engineer requires an understanding of a breadth of topics. The tools that make up the mechatronics engineer’s repertoire are drawn from many departments across the faculty: Mechanical, Electrical & Computer, and Systems Design Engineering. The result is a multi-disciplinary program, which provides students with a unique set of skills.

The program is a rich blend of courses prepared and delivered specifically for Mechatronics Engineering students, designated with the MTE label, and courses selected from other engineering disciplines: Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Systems Design Engineering (SYDE). Mechatronics Engineering students thus benefit from a breadth of expertise.

Mechatronics Curriculum

The table below lists the courses and technical electives for the Mechatronics Engineering Program. In addition to the courses listed, a student is required to select technical elective and complementary studies courses as described below.

All students in the Faculty of Engineering are permitted to take an option (as described in Options and Electives of this section of the calendar). Mechatronics Engineering students are not permitted to take the Mechatronics Option. In many cases earning an option will require a number of courses in addition to the core and elective structure given below.

The first students were admitted to the Mechatronics Engineering Program in the fall of 2003. It is anticipated that there will be a number of additional technical electives available at that time.

The courses listed as MTE courses, although listed in this calendar, will not be offered until the first students enrolled in the Mechatronics Engineering Program reach the level requiring these courses.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Mechatronics Engineering Program for students entering Fall 2011 and later consists of the following course sequence:

Notes
‡ The five technical electives are to be chosen from the list provided. In some cases it may be necessary to verify that you meet all of the prerequisites.
† Three of the four complementary studies electives (CSEs) are to be chosen to include at least one from list A and at least two from list C in the lists that are part of the description of Complementary Studies in the introduction to the Faculty of Engineering section in the calendar.

The hours are shown per week for the term. These hours are estimates; the actual sequencing of the hours is announced in the first few lectures each term. Courses labelled as Seminar are provided to facilitate various class and program oriented activities.

Technical Elective List

The five technical elective courses are to be chosen from the list below. Note that courses are available in only one of the fourth year terms. It is possible to exchange one of the fourth year CSEs with a TE and thus have three technical electives in 4A (and two CSEs in 4B) or to have four technical electives in 4B (and two CSEs in 4A).