This program is specifically aimed at students wishing to pursue a career in the automotive industry and has been designed to enable students to develop a thorough understanding of mechanical engineering principles, while at the same time developing expertise that is uniquely automotive in nature.
Based on the mechanical engineering program, automotive engineering provides students with a broad education designed to give them the skills necessary to become professional automotive engineers. Years one and two of the automotive engineering program are the same as mechanical engineering, concentrating on basic engineering principles and including studies in mathematics and physics with an introduction to the basic principles of design, structural analysis, thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, control and computer programming, complemented by laboratory and project work. Years three and four build upon earlier years and include specialised topics such as Automotive Safety, Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Power Train and Vehicle Dynamics, Automotive Combustion Technology, Automotive NVH and Aerodynamics, Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems, Advanced Materials and Joining, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis, Fracture Mechanics and Vehicle Emission Control. Students are also required to undertake studies in courses designed to assist them develop the communication skills necessary to work effectively.
As part of the final year of the program, students are offered the opportunity to be involved in the Formula SAE racing car design, build and drive competition. Students who are involved in this project gain important skills, which are highly valued by the automotive industry.
Related Programs
Master of Engineering (Advanced) in Aerospace Engineering
Master of Engineering (Advanced) (Mechanical Engineering)
You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Automotive Engineering. Specialisation topics can be taken in acoustics, astrophysics, control, combustion, failure analysis, finance, fluid mechanics, fracture mechanics, hypersonics, robotics, signal procesing vibrations and welding.
Study Plans
The study plans
given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description,
see the program rules.
Level I
Semester 1
ELEC ENG 1009 Electrical & Electronic Engineering IA (3 units)
MECH ENG 1101 Introduction to Automotive Engineering (3 units)
# Students accepted into the Honours stream will take Automotive Honours Project and other students will take Automotive Design Project.
Career Opportunities
The Automotive Engineering program introduces principles covering a wide range of relevant areas, which allows graduates to be well prepared for careers in the automotive industry and other high-tech industries. However, being based on a Mechanical Engineering degree, graduates in Automotive Engineering will retain flexibility in the choice of engineering industry for their careers. In most cases graduates will also be able to work wherever mechanical engineers are employed. Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.
Graduate Attributes
The objectives of the undergraduate programs in Aerospace, Automotive, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering are to support the mission of the University of Adelaide to provide an inclusive curriculum that allows all students to learn and progress unhindered through the program, and to produce graduates who:
Have advanced and internationally recognised skills, understanding and knowledge (scientific knowledge, problem solving skills, IT skills, analytical skills, in-depth technical competence, communication skills and flexibility) necessary for a successful career in Aerospace, Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering.
Have the ability to locate, analyse evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.
Can contribute as effective members of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member with skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.
Have a commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life and are able, by self directed study, to remain up to date with developments in their profession.
Have an ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems and are able to guide developments in the profession.
Understand the context in which they work (economics, finance, teamwork, competition) while remaining committed to the highest standard of professional endeavour, not losing sight of the need for technical excellence and environmental responsibility.
Can communicate with government and the community on engineering issues.
Are educated in a broad sense, are socially, environmentally, ethically and professionally responsible, understand the need for and the principles of sustainable development, are well informed and have an ability to take a leadership role their place as leaders in the community.
Are familiar with current best practice in aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering.
Are capable of synthesising fundamental engineering science and engineering practice in the creation of engineering systems and have the ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
Included in the above attributes are those required by Engineers Australia who accredit our programs. These have been specified by Engineers Australia and require that graduates have:
Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals.
Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large.
In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline.
Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
Understanding of the social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
Understanding of the principles of sustainable development.
Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them.
Expectations of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and the capacity to do so.
Professional Accreditation
The Bachelor of Enginnering in Automotive Engineering is accredited by The Institute of Engineers Australia.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated:
Monday, 22 Dec 2008
Program Talks
The World of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics
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Learn how the right choice of program can prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career. This discussion will highlight the future of engineering and computer science and the importance of mathematics in relation to relevant issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, the mining boom and information and communication technology industries.
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