Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering with Honours

Course Overview

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• High-quality undergraduate engineering education by providing students with a curriculum that is firmly grounded in Mechatronic engineering fundamentals.
• A study of basic engineering sciences and fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer engineering. Students will be able to integrate these four disciplines.
• The technical skills to design, analyse and test “intelligent” products or processes that incorporate suitable controller, sensor and mechatronic devices for robotics and automation.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Be a practicing engineer contributing to the development of Mechatronic Engineering while demonstrating professionalism.
• Pursue engineering innovation via career advancement opportunities and/or advanced studies in Mechatronic Engineering.

Mechatronic Engineering is concerned with the creation, design, and building of intelligent machines. This new breed of engineer must master skills in mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering and work in a hybrid manner, meeting an ever-increasing need in the industry where project complexity is rising and resources are limited. The main areas of activity include:

• Fundamental design and build - ways of embedding intelligence and interfacing to the real world.
• Process control - plant condition monitoring and control.
• Advanced robotics and intelligent Machines.
• Image Processing and collision avoidance.
• Industrial systems such as CIM systems, CAD/CAM systems.
• Design and develop a Mechatronics system.

The students, upon completion of their study, should attain the following outcomes:

• PLO1 - Ability to gain and apply principles of Mathematics, Science and Engineering to the solutions of complex engineering problems.
• PLO2 - Ability to undertake complex engineering problem analysis and apply engineering principles to solve them.
• PLO3 - Ability to design innovative solutions for complex engineering problems.
• PLO4 - Ability to investigate complex engineering problems using research techniques.
• PLO5 - Ability to select and use suitable tools and techniques for complex engineering problems.
• PLO6 - Ability to engage in professional engineering practice for safety, health, social, cultural and legal responsibilities in developing solutions for complex engineering problems.
• PLO7 - Ability to comprehend and demonstrate good practices of engineering in sustainable development and environmental considerations for the solutions of complex engineering problems.
• PLO8 - Ability to execute the responsibilities of an Engineer professionally and ethically.
• PLO9 - Ability to function effectively as a team leader or a member in a team within multi-disciplinary settings.
• PLO10 - Ability to communicate effectively and professionally on complex engineering activities.
• PLO11 - Ability to demonstrate entrepreneurship skills, engineering project management and economic decision making in multidisciplinary environments.
• PLO12 - Ability to recognise the need for, and be able to engage in independent and life-long learning towards continuous professional development.

Achievement

• This programme is accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
• Engineers Insight - School of Engineering (SOE) Newsletters

Engineering Degrees Accredited Under The Washington Accord

 

APU Engineering Degrees are fully accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) which is a signatory to the Washington Accord.

APU Engineering Degrees are Accredited Professionally by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and are therefore recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Recognition under the Washington Accord allows for APU engineering programmes to be recognised by countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Costa Rica, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States who are all signatories of the accord.

This allows APU graduates to be recognised in these countries for career opportunities towards achieving Professional/Chartered Engineer status or for further education progression. Furthermore, many countries which are not yet signatories to the Washington Accord also use this as a benchmark in recognising Engineering Degrees.

This accreditation ensures that APU Engineering Graduates will have the following benefits in countries who are signatories of the Washington Accord:

• Opportunities to register as a Graduate Engineer with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) or the relevant professional bodies in other countries who are signatories under the Washington Accord.
• Pathways to becoming a Professional or Chartered Engineer.
• Assurance that graduates are considered as having met international academic standards for engineering practice.

With this achievement, recognition under the Washington Accord enables APU Engineering graduates to work in any country in the world who are also a signatory to the Accord, without the need to re-qualify. The recognition is of utmost importance to the engineering education in Malaysia as graduates from accredited engineering degree programmes from Washington Accord signatory countries are considered as meeting the academic standard for practices in engineering at the international level.

Please refer to http://www.eac.org.my/web/list_accredited.html

The above benefits are applicable in the following countries, which are signatory to the Washington Accord:

“Signatories have full rights of participation in the Accord; qualifications accredited or recognised by other signatories are recognised by each signatory as being substantially equivalent to accredited or recognised qualifications within its own jurisdiction”

http://www.ieagreements.org/accords/washington/signatories/
 

• Australia - Represented by Engineers Australia (1989)
• Canada - Represented by Engineers Canada (1989)
• China - Represented by China Association for Science and Technolog (2016)
• Chinese Taipei - Represented by Institute of Engineering Education Taiwan (2007)
• Costa Rica - Represented by Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA) (2020)
• Hong Kong China - Represented by The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (1995)
• India - Represented by National Board of Accreditation (2014)(Applies only to programmes accredited by NBA offered by education providers accepted by NBA institutions.)
• Indonesia - Represented by Indonesian Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (IABEE) (2019) 
• Ireland - Represented by Engineers Ireland (1989)
• Japan - Represented by Japan Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (2005)
• Korea - Represented by Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea (2007)
• Malaysia - Represented by Board of Engineers Malaysia (2009)
• Mexico - Represented by Consejo de Acreditación de la Enseñanza de la Ingeniería (CACEI) (2016)
• New Zealand - Represented by Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (1989)
• Pakistan - Represented by Pakistan Engineering Council (2017)
• Peru - Represented by Instituto de Calidad Y Acreditacion de Programas de Computacion, Ingeneria Y Technologia (ICACIT) (2018)
• Russia - Represented by Association for Engineering Education of Russia (2012)
• Singapore - Represented by Institution of Engineers Singapore (2006)
• South Africa - Represented by Engineering Council of South Africa (1999)
• Sri Lanka - Represented by Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (2014)
• Turkey - Represented by MUDEK (2011)
• United Kingdom - Represented by Engineering Council UK (1989)
• United States - Represented by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (1989)

“Organisations holding provisional status have been identified as having qualification accreditation or recognition procedures that are potentially suitable for the purposes of the Accord; those organisations are further developing those procedures with the goal of achieving signatory status in due course; qualifications accredited or recognised by organisations holding provisional status are not recognised by the signatories”
http://www.ieagreements.org/accords/washington/signatories/

• Bangladesh - Represented by The Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB)
• Chile - Represented by Agencia Acreditadora Colegio De Ingenieros De Chile S A (ACREDITA CI)
• Philippines - Represented by Philippine Technological Council (PTC)
• Thailand - Represented by Council of Engineers Thailand (COET)
• Myanmar - Represented by Myanmar Engineering Council (MEngC)
• Saudi Arabia - Represented by Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)
• Nigeria - Represented by Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) 

Curriculum

DEGREE YEAR 1

Students will understand the basic principles of engineering in the areas of Circuit Analysis, Engineering Materials, Instrumentation & Measurement, and Engineering Design. Other modules aim to provide the basic academic skills required to meet the demands of employers, as well as a thorough grounding in principles of IT and entrepreneurship. Important and relevant skills for managing activities and for their own independent learning are also introduced.

Common Modules:

• Analysis of Circuits
• Instrumentation & Measurement
• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
• Engineering Mathematics 1
• Engineering Mathematics 2
• Introduction to C Programming
• Programming with Python
• Engineering Materials
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Statics & Dynamics

DEGREE YEAR 2

Here, students start specializing in modules that develop the necessary underlying knowledge and skills in Mechatronic Engineering with modules such as Analogue Electronics, Digital Electronics, Introduction to Electrical Systems, Electromagnetic Field Theory, Engineering Software & Applications, Signals and Linear Systems, Strength of Materials, Robotics Technology, and Sensors & Actuators. Engineering Mathematics is provided for a better understanding of the engineering modules.

Common Modules:

• Analogue Electronics
• Digital Electronics
• Introduction to Electrical Systems
• Engineering Mathematics 3
• Electromagnetic Field Theory
• Engineering Software & Applications
• Signals and Linear Systems
• Innovation Processes

Specialized Modules:

• Fluid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
• Sensors & Actuators

DEGREE YEAR 3

Specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of Control Engineering, Communication Engineering Principles, Microprocessor Systems & Embedded Software, Machine Design, Fluid Mechanics, Industrial Automation, and Machine Vision & Intelligence are the critical focus of this level. This is a further development of the ability to apply relevant engineering skills with strong critical thinking and analysis. Independent learning continues in all modules.

Common Modules:

• Control Engineering
• Communication Engineering Principles
• Engineering Mathematics 4
• Microprocessor Systems & Embedded Software
• Engineering Project Management
• Venture Building

Specialized Modules:

• Mechanics of Machines
• Industrial Automation
• Robotics Technology

In the 2nd Semester of Year 3 Minor/Extension Pathway (Choose 1): Choose 1 module from Minor Pathway OR Extension Pathway as described in the table below.

INTERNSHIP (16 weeks): Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

DEGREE YEAR 4

The final year Engineering modules provide the necessary industry application and technological skills which become very useful for employment upon graduation. Students’ personal and professional development, technical capability and understanding of how to innovate, generate and manage the creation of new ideas will be enhanced. Students will deliver several Engineering Projects where they will demonstrate higher-level critical thinking, analysis, and solutions development skills which will enhance their employability.

Common Modules:

• Project Phase 1 (Investigation)
• Group Design Project 1
• Project Phase 2 (Implementation)
• Engineer in Society
• Group Design Project 2

Specialized Modules:

• CAD/ CAM

Minor/ Extension Pathway (Continuation): Choose 1 module from Minor Pathway OR Extension Pathway as a continuation from the module selected in Year 3 Semester 2 as described in the table below.

MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING MINOR/EXTENSION PATHWAYS Future Proof Engineers for the Real World:

In APU, employment and its continual sustainability are of paramount importance to us. The range of minor and extensions offered to all students within the School of Engineering will craft a formidable way forward for the young aspiring engineers of tomorrow. These options allow students to embark on a journey of exploration either within the engineering fraternity by extending into greater depth (extensions) niche knowledge, skills and attributes required for the practice of contemporary engineering or explore wider options (minor) that are pivotal in the fundamental proliferation of the engineering profession as a while when coupled with other current multidisciplinary fields of expertise. Successful completion of either pathway future-proofs the students allowing them to embark on a journey of rewarding careers within an engineering discipline of their choice.

Minor Pathway – Gain breadth of knowledge by taking 3 set modules outside of a particular major field of study. There are minor packages available undertaken from Year 3 Semester 2 Year 4 Semester 1 and Year 4 Semester 2.

MINOR PATHWAY:

Extension Pathway – Expand depth of knowledge by taking three (3) set modules in a specific area within a certain field of study. There are extensions available undertaken from Year 3 Semester 2, Year 4 Semester 1, and Year 4 Semester 2.

EXTENSION PATHWAY:

MQA Compulsory Subjects*:

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilization (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum (*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency)

Entry Requirements

DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 1 OF THE DEGREE:

• STPM:
  • 2 Passes in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.0) in Mathematics and Physics (or Chemistry), and a Credit in Mathematics and Physics (or Chemistry) at SPM Level or its equivalent.
• A-LEVEL:
  • 2 Passes (Grade A-D) in A-Level including Mathematics and Physics (or Chemistry).
• UEC:
  • 5 Grade B’s in UEC, including Mathematics and Physics (or Chemistry).
• MATRICULATION/FOUNDATION:
  • Passed the relevant Foundation programme (minimum CGPA of 2.0) with a Credit in Mathematics and Physics (or Chemistry) at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or equivalent.

DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 2 OF THE DEGREE:

• DIPLOMA:
  • Successful completion of the APU/APIIT Engineering Diploma and fulfilment of requirements for Credit Transfer, subject to the approval of the APU Academic Board OR
  • Successful completion of a Diploma in Engineering with other recognised Institutions and fulfilment of requirements for Credit Transfer, subject to the approval of the APU Academic Board.
• Any qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• IELTS : 5.0
• TOEFL IBT : 40
• Pearson (PTE) : 47
• MUET : Band 3.5

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Candidates who wish to study Engineering Degree course must not be color blind or physically handicapped which makes him/her unable to conduct experimental/practical work and affect the learning process leading to potential errors towards professional practice as well. This is in line with the requirements of engineering professional bodies where safe engineering practices are mandatory. All International Students need to go through EMGS Medical Screening; if the student is found to be color blind, the Medical Screening may be failed.

Career Prospects

• Automation Engineer
• Mechatronic Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Service Engineer
• QA/QC Engineer
• Sales Engineer
• Support Engineer
• R&D Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• IoT Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Plant Engineer
• Design Engineer