Mechanical Engineering
In this program you’ll explore clean energy systems and renewable technologies. You’ll study these systems:
- automotive
- aerospace
- marine
- robotic
Potential careers
What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- project engineer
- component engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- automotive engineer
- plastics engineer
- project manager
- aeronautical engineer
- marine engineer
- robotics engineer
- safety engineer
- intelligence developer
- systems designer
- entrepreneur
- researcher
- program administrator
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the mechanical engineering program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to mechanical engineering:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the mechanical engineering program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Course-based
MECH 458 - Mechatronics
Explore mechatronics by engaging with an industry guest speaker
MECH 497 - Green Vehicle Technology Project
Explore course content by engaging with an industry guest speaker
Creative or design project
ENGR 110 - Design and Communication I
ENGR 120 - Design and Communication II
Gain skills with practical projects and engage with industry experts
MECH 200 - Engineering Drawing, CAD and Manufacturing
Do a design project and produce standard engineering drawings
MECH 335 - Theory of Mechanisms
Design and analyze a mechanism, such as a child’s crank toy automaton
MECH 350 - Engineering Design
Complete engineering design projects in teams
MECH 400 - Capstone Design Project
Complete an engineering design project and report results
MECH 450A - Special Topics
MECH 450B - Special Topics
MECH 450C - Special Topics
MECH 450D - Special Topics
MECH 450E - Special Topics
MECH 450F – Special Topics
(variable topic courses)
Produce a design project
MECH 458 - Mechatronics
Design a mechatronics system, such as a conveyor belt system
MECH 493 - Design of Thermo-Fluid Systems
Work in teams to design a thermo-fluidic system, such as a heat recovery system
MECH 498 - Honours Thesis
Research, write and orally defend a graduating honours design or research project
Lab
MECH 150 - 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping and Design
Gain experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies
Professional and technical skill development
ENGR 110 - Design and Communication I
ENGR 120 - Design and Communication II
Develop writing and presentation skills
ENGR 130 - Introduction to Professional Practice
Gain skills such as résumé writing and career development
ENGR 446 - Technical Report
Write a major technical report
Research project
MECH 497 - Green Vehicle Technology Project
Research green vehicle technology design and orally present findings
MECH 498 - Honours Thesis
Research, write and orally defend a graduating honours design or research project
ENGR 499 - Technical Project
Conduct and present independent research on a technical project
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the mechanical engineering program.
Professional practice
- focus on the safety, health and welfare of the public
- focus on environmental protection
- promote health and safety in the workplace
- take on professional assignments only when qualified
- maintain confidentiality and avoid a conflict of interest
- keep informed to maintain competence
- act with fairness, courtesy and good faith toward clients, colleagues and others
- extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering
Reliability, safety and failure analysis
- understand quality assurance standards and testing procedures
- ensure that systems or components perform their required function
- maintain a current knowledge of safety standards
- establish the mean time between failures when assessing reliability
Design
- gather full requirements for a project
- understand the client’s needs
- model a solution using the appropriate tools
- communicate the design process to the client
- use safe and effective designs
- understand how a design integrates into its environment
Engineering tools
- design equipment and systems using a variety of software packages
- simulate mechanical and electronic systems using the appropriate tools
- analyze systems, equipment and data using the correct tools
- operate mechanical equipment in a lab or workshop
- use electronics and electrical equipment
- develop software and scripts in a variety of environments and languages
- use computer software and systems
- understand and use databases
- research and recommend new tools where existing tools are inadequate
- choose tools based on their strengths and weaknesses
Engineering knowledge
- understand the mathematical fundamentals of engineering
- use the correct statistical methods to analyze and investigate data
- understand the natural sciences for their discipline of engineering
- understand engineering fundamentals
- understand engineering economics
- understand how engineering specifics integrate into a larger project
- study related subjects to help a project’s success
Materials
- understand the property differences between materials
- determine project needs by considering the characteristics of materials
- estimate requirements
- optimize performance using best practices in material extraction and processing
- manage the recovery, reuse, recycling or disposal of materials
- take part in material research and development
Structures and machines; statics and dynamics
- use the fundamentals of statics and dynamics to solve engineering problems
- consider force, torque, stress and strain in the design process
- determine the safe operating limits for structures or machines
- work with trusses, cranes, hoists, gear units and ratios
- take part in the research and development of structures and equipment
Advanced thermodynamics and fluids
- use math to solve thermodynamic engineering problems
- understand the science of fluid dynamics
- design fluid movement systems
- choose the appropriate pump for the application
- design heat transfer systems
- take part in the research and development of new heat transfer
Power and energy systems
- apply the fundamental science associated with electricity
- understand the generation, transmission, distribution and processing of energy
- consider the characteristics of an energy system in requirements gathering
- improve energy usage with alternative systems
- outline the fault-tolerant, reliable operation of power systems
- research and develop new energy systems
Control theory and systems
- apply the fundamentals of control theory in the design of dynamic systems
- understand feedback control systems
- Identify design specifications
- assess system performance
- use a control system using feedback circuits
- understand processors and microcontrollers