Master of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering) at The University of Newcastle, Australia

The role of the mechanical engineer in today’s society is rapidly changing. Advances in manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure systems, materials, communications, and high-performance computing have introduced new demands, opportunities, and challenges for mechanical engineers. What was once an individual endeavor has now become a team activity. Today’s industries require that mechanical engineers possess diverse interdisciplinary skills, a global viewpoint, entrepreneurial and managerial abilities, and an understanding of the forces governing the marketplace.

Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been associated with industries like automotive, transportation, and power generation, and with activities involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of products useful to society. While today such activities are still dominated by mechanical engineers, the spectrum of opportunities for these professionals has expanded tremendously. For example, mechanical engineers are involved in the design and analysis of biomedical instrumentation, electronic components, smart structures, and advanced materials; they are involved in sophisticated studies of human motion, control of satellites, and the development of more efficient energy-transfer techniques.

Engineering is the art of applying the knowledge of science for the benefit of humanity. Mechanical Engineering is the most broadly based area of engineering. It is concerned with the analysis, design, development and application of equipment for such diverse fields as energy conversion, transportation, production machinery, consumer goods, and environmental control. Today’s advanced technology is largely a result of the skill of mechanical engineers who are heavily represented in most fields of modern industry.

Because of the varied careers and opportunities which are available to the Mechanical Engineering graduates, the curriculum emphasizes education in the fundamentals of the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, including materials science, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. These basic subjects are followed by courses in their application to the design and analysis of engineering devices and systems. Computers are utilized for analysis and design throughout the curriculum.

Engineering is the art of applying the knowledge of science for the benefit of humanity. Mechanical Engineering is the most broadly based area of engineering. It is concerned with the analysis, design, development and application of equipment for such diverse fields as energy conversion, transportation, production machinery, consumer goods, and environmental control. Today’s advanced technology is largely a result of the skill of mechanical engineers who are heavily represented in most fields of modern industry.

Because of the varied careers and opportunities which are available to the Mechanical Engineering graduates, the curriculum emphasizes education in the fundamentals of the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences, including materials science, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. These basic subjects are followed by courses in their application to the design and analysis of engineering devices and systems. Computers are utilized for analysis and design throughout the curriculum.