Objectives
The course has been designed to provide graduates with: * a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering, particularly those relevant to the systematic development of robotic systems, * an awareness of social, economic and environmental aspects of (robotics) engineering, * an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them, * well developed written and oral communication skills, * structured engineering work experience, * the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams, * an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so, and, * preparation for future management roles as professional engineers. Learning outcomes On completion of the award, students will be able to: * competently use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex digital and analog electronic systems, with particular emphasis on robotic systems and the associated hardware and software design, * apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner, * communicate effectively with other engineers and the wider community using a wide range of communication technologies, * work professionally as an individual and in a team, * develop engineering solutions appropriate to the social, political, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied, * engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the areas of robotic and electronic systems engineering, and, * contribute successfully to project management.
Course description
The Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) is the only robotics course in South Australia that is based on electronics and computer engineering (2 of the key elements of the latest robotics technologies).
This course combines electronics, computer control, signal processing, and programming in the design, development and operation of robots, and their integration with other systems in the work environment.
You will work directly with robots in industry as a robotics or system engineer.
The University has also developed close relationships with a number of private sector and government organisations and all students undertake Flinders' nationally recognised 20 week industry placement.
What is Robotics Engineering?
Robotics is the science and technology of the design, development and application of robots in fields as diverse as manufacturing, mining and medicine.
As robots increasingly take on repetitive and hazardous tasks in an ever expanding number of applications, the science of robotics is at the leading edge of modern economic and social life.
Why study Robotics Engineering at Flinders?
* All our Engineering awards have been designed in close collaboration with industry in order to meet future development needs. Students gain specialist knowledge in key areas and an integrated tool kit of skills that will enable them to meet the technical criteria required by industry and to engage professionally with on-going technical developments.
* A distinctive feature of our Engineering awards is the nationally recognised industry placement program. More than 100 local, national and international organisations support the program, which provides students with 20 weeks of structured industrial work experience.
*
Students complete their final year of study having already gained a first-hand understanding of the role of the graduate engineer. They graduate with a proven on-the-job performance and many go on to work full-time with the company that provided their placement, or with another in the same industry.
*
The first year of this award is similar to the first year of our other Engineering awards allowing students to transfer between awards with minimal loss of time. For students without the necessary prerequisites, the Bachelor of Engineering Science award provides a pathway into this award.
* We have an international reputation for our teaching, student support programs/services and research.
Professional recognition
This is a new course. It is expected that it will meet the requirements for accreditation by Engineers Australia and be recognised internationally.
Combined degree options
Combine with
Duration (full-time equivalent)
Bachelor of Science
5 years
Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)
5 years
Refer to Engineering combined degrees for further information.
Career opportunities
What can I do with my Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) degree?
Study a language
Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of one extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).
These courses are offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) may also be studied in a combined degrees program with Bachelor of Science (five years full-time or equivalent part-time).
A double degree program Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics)/Master of Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) requiring five years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) is also available.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
Upon completion of at least 102 units and with a GPA of 5 or more, students may undertake the Fourth Year "with honours" program. Other students will be able to complete the ordinary Bachelor of Engineering award.
Students admitted to the "with honours" program and who complete it with a credit average or higher will be awarded the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. Students who complete the "with honours" program with less than a credit average will be awarded an ordinary degree.
Students who have successfully completed the first three levels of the program may exit with the Bachelor of Engineering Science.
First Year
36 units comprising:
Semester 1
ENGR1201
Digital Electronics 1
4.5
ENGR1401
Professional Skills for Engineers
4.5
MATH1121
Mathematics 1A *
4.5
Elective
4.5
Semester 2
COMP1102
Computer Programming 1
4.5
PHYS1332
Engineering Physics 1
4.5
ENGR1202
Analog Electronics 1
4.5
MATH1122
Mathematics 1B *
4.5
* Students who have achieved a mark of at least 18 in SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics, or at least 6 in International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL, have the option of doing the corresponding topics MATH1141 Advanced Mathematics 1A (instead of MATH1121) and MATH1142 Advanced Mathematics 1B (instead of MATH1122).
Second Year
36 units comprising:
Semester 1
ENGR2131
Computer Organisation and Design
6
ENGR2171
Microprocessors
3
ENGR2211
Electronic Circuits
3
Plus either:
COMP2221
Computer Programming 2, OR
6
ENGR2181
Engineering Programming, AND
3
Elective
3
Semester 2
ENGR2112
Signals and Systems
6
ENGR2182
Design and Automation
3
ENGR2202
Analog Electronics 2
6
ENGR2102
Fundamentals of Robotics
3
Third Year
36 units comprising:
Semester 1
ENGR3103
Robotic Systems
3
ENGR3401
Signal Processing
6
ENGR3504
Control Systems Theory
3
ENGR3508
Engineering Project Management
6
Semester 2
ENGR3402
Engineering Practicum **
12
ENGR3509
Professional Engineering Practice **
6
** With the permission of the Course Coordinator, students may instead undertake ENGR3403 Engineering Work Experience (0 units - may be done any time, typically over the summer) and 18 units of upper-level selectives from COMP, ENGR, MATH and STAT topics.
Fourth Year - "with honours" program
36 units comprising:
ENGR4510
Research Methods for Engineers
3
ENGR4518A
Engineering Honours Project Part A, and
7.5
ENGR4518B
Engineering Honours Project Part B §
7.5
ENGR4547
Advanced Control
3
ENGR4xxx
Advanced Robotics #
3
Plus 9 units of Robotics Selectives from the list below
9
Plus 3 units of Management Selectives from the list below
3
Fourth Year - ordinary degree program
36 units comprising:
ENGR4510
Research Methods for Engineers
3
ENGR4509A
Engineering Design Project Part A, and
4.5
ENGR4509B
Engineering Design Project Part B §
4.5
ENGR4547
Advanced Control
3
ENGR4xxx
Advanced Robotics #
3
Plus 15 units of Robotics Selectives from the list below
15
Plus 3 units of Management Selectives from the list below
3
# Topic not available in 2009
§ Students must enrol in, and complete, Part A and Part B of this topic in one calendar year, as both topics are taught and assessed as a continuum.
ROBOTICS SELECTIVES
ENGR3131
Communication Systems 3
3
ENGR4131
Communication Systems 4
3
ENGR4504
Microprocessor Systems Development
3
ENGR4565
Digital Processing
3
ENGR4600
Advanced Signal Processing
3
EEET4047
Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems ^
(4.5)
ELECENG4042
Power Electronics and Drive Systems ^
(4.5)
^ Enrolment in these topics is via cross-institutional enrolment at the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
MANAGEMENT SELECTIVES
BUSN2006
Enterprise Management
6
BUSN2015
Marketing Management
6
BUSN2016
Science-Based Enterprises
3
BUSN3006
Electronic Commerce
6
BUSN3017
Leadership in Business and Society
6
MATH4301
Management Mathematics
3
EEET4052
Principles of System Engineering ^
(4.5)
^ Enrolment in these topics is via cross-institutional enrolment at the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
