Mechanical Engineering

Our Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) program combines hands-on activities with traditional academic teaching to give students the balance between the practical and analytical skills required to become a successful engineer. Options in Aerospace, Biomechanics & Mechanical Devices, Energy & Environment, Flex, Mechatronics, and Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering allow you to pursue specialized coursework with professors who are leaders in their field, while still maintaining a solid core competency in mechanical engineering.

Computer requirements:

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students must have or obtain a laptop, tablet, or similar electronic device which is:

1. Web-Enabled: able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, open websites (such as Canvas), and run web applications (such as Matlab Online, O-ce Online, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams)
2. Portable: able to run on battery power (without an outlet) for at least 2 hours
3. Keyboard-ed: has a keyboard (physical or digital) large enough for quick typing of computer code
4. USB-A compatible: able to interface with a USB-A device, either directly or via a student provided adaptor

These specifications are a bare minimum; students should consider their other computing needs (e.g. report-writing, note-taking) when selecting a device. It is not necessary to purchase a device capable of running advanced software (such as CAD, FEA, or CFD); activities using these programs are run in computer labs, and these same computer labs are available for student use outside of class.

Students who would suffer substantial financial hardship obtaining such a device can apply to borrow a minimum-spec device for the duration of their studies by contacting the Device Loan Coordinator at computers@mech.ubc.ca.

Mech 2 term dates and prerequisites:

Students enter Mechanical Engineering in a common second-year program known as Mech 2. Mech 2 begins the week before the normal start of Term 1 classes at UBC. Term 1 course activities run until the end of exam period in December, and term 2 course activities run until the end of exam period in April. Attendance for the entirety of the program, including the first week, is mandatory. Due to the early start date, students planning to live on campus in UBC Housing are required to apply for early arrival. Visit the Mech 2 for information and instructions.

Students missing prerequisite courses from first year engineering will not be allowed to commence Mech 2. In particular, all students must have received credit for APSC_V 160, MATH_V 100, MATH_V 101, MATH_V 152, PHYS_V 157, PHYS_V 158, PHYS_V 170, one of PHYS_V 159, BMEG_V 102, and one of ENGL_V 112, WRDS_V 150, APSC_V 176 no later than August 1st. Any student who fails to do so will not be permitted to start Mech 2 that year and will forfeit their seat in Mech 2 until a subsequent year in which they are able to meet the prerequisites by the above deadline.

Students transferring into Mech 2 from other faculties or schools should consult Mech Student Services for information regarding prerequisite courses and transfer credits.

Students from the Camosun Bridge program, depending on which option they choose, may be required to take additional technical elective credits in order to satisfy UBC’s Requirements to Receive a Degree or Diploma. Camosun Bridge students must meet with a Mech academic advisor to review their individual program requirements.

Academic policies:

In undergraduate MECH_V courses where at least 50% of the final grade is assigned to examinations, students may only pass the course if they achieve a weighted average examination grade of at least 50% for undergraduate students, 60% for masters students, and 68% for doctoral students. The "examination grade" includes scores from the final examination, midterms, and other tests done individually in a classroom setting. In the event of a student receiving an “examination grade” of less than 50% for undergraduate students, 60% for masters students, and 68% for doctoral students, the “examination grade” total will be entered as their final grade for the course. This policy applies unless it is explicitly waived by the instructor in the course syllabus. 

Degree requirements:

Students will be admitted to an option at the end of second year by permission of the option coordinator, based on an application showing academic achievement and a demonstrated interest in the option area.

A student's degree requirements are initially defined by the program that was in effect the year that the student entered Mech 2. For students that transfer into the department in third year, their degree requirements will be initially defined by the program that was in effect during the Winter Session of their first course registration in the department.  

Note: Some students will not take courses in the order below, depending on their Co-op schedule. Please refer to the Department website for recommended course sequences.
 

Aerospace Option

The Aerospace Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems to have a course and project concentration in these areas.

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
 

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule:
 

Biomechanics and Medical Devices Option

The Biomechanics and Medical Devices Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in biomedical engineering, biomechanics and related topics to have a course and project concentration in these areas.

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
 

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule.
 

Energy and Environment Option

The Energy and Environment Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in sustainable buildings and energy systems to have a course and project concentration in these areas.
 

Flex Option

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
 

Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule:
 

Mechatronics Option

The Mechatronics Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in mechanical systems integrated with embedded electronics, sensors, actuators, and related systems to have a course and project concentration in these areas.
 

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Option

The Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in the design and construction of ships and related marine systems to have a course and project concentration in these areas.

Students will be admitted to the option at the end of second year by permission of the option coordinator, based on academic achievement and a demonstrated interest.
 

Thermofluids Option

**Starting in 2023W, the Thermofluids Option will no longer be accepting new students. This Option will remain active until current students have completed the program, and then it will be permanently retired. Mechanical Engineering students interested in thermofluids should consider the Aerospace Option, the Energy and Environment Option, or the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Option.**