In addition to the regular Mechanical Engineering program, options in Aerospace, Biomechanics and Medical Devices, Mechatronics, Energy and Environment, and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering are also available.
Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering students must have or obtain a laptop, tablet, or similar electronic device which is:
- 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)
- Portable: able to run on battery power (without an outlet) for at least 2 hours
- Keyboard-ed: has a keyboard (physical or digital) large enough for quick typing of computer code
- 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.
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 MATH 100, MATH 101, MATH 152, PHYS 157, PHYS 158, PHYS 170, one of PHYS 159, BMEG 102, and one of ENGL 112, WRDS 150, APSC 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.
In undergraduate MECH 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.
Note: 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. 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.
Mechanical Engineering
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| MATH 254 | 3 |
| MATH 258 | 3 |
| MECH 2201 | 4 |
| MECH 221 | 12 |
| MECH 222 | 6 |
| MECH 223 | 7 |
| MECH 224 | 1 |
| MECH 225 | 1 |
| MECH 226 or MECH 2272 | 3 or 5 |
| Total Credits | 40 or 42 |
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 327 | 3 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 329 | 3 |
| MECH 358 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| MECH 392 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Fourth Year | |
| APSC 450 | 2 |
| MECH 426 | 3 |
| ELEC 344 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4573 | 6 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| Technical electives4 | 9 |
| Complementary Studies electives5 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| 1 Taken prior to Term 1 of second year. | |
| 2 MECH 227 is taken in the summer after Second Year. | |
| 3 MECH 457 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 4 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 5 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule:
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| Technical electives4 | 6 |
| Complementary Studies electives5 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Fourth Year | |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4573 | 6 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| Technical electives4 | 16 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| 1 Taken prior to Term 1 of second year. | |
| 2 MECH 227 is taken in the summer after Second Year. | |
| 3 MECH 457 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 4 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 5 See Complementary Studies Course. |
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 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 in aerospace engineering.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
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.
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| ELEC 344 | 3 |
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 327 | 3 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 358 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| MECH 426 | 3 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MECH 481 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Fourth Year | |
| APSC 450 | 2 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4532 | 6 |
| MECH 462 | 3 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 477 | 3 |
| MECH 479 | 3 |
| MECH 484 | 3 |
| MECH 485 | 3 |
| MECH 489 | 4 |
| MTRL 494 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| 1 SeeComplementary Studies Courses. | |
| 2 MECH 453 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule:
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 327 | 3 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 358 or 359 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| MECH 426 | 3 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 481 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Fourth Year | |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4532 | 6 |
| MECH 462 | 3 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MECH 477 | 3 |
| MECH 479 | 3 |
| MECH 484 | 3 |
| MECH 485 | 3 |
| MECH 489 | 4 |
| MTRL 494 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 41 |
| 1 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
| 2 MECH 453 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
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 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 in biomedical engineering. Enrolment in this option is limited.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
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.
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2018W – 2020W should follow the following course schedule:
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| BMEG 410 | 3 |
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 358 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| Complementary Studies electives3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 38 |
| Fourth Year | |
| APSC 450 | 2 |
| BMEG 456 | 3 |
| ELEC 344 | 3 |
| MECH 426 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 439 | 1 |
| MECH 4591 | 6 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MTRL 495 | 3 |
| Technical electives2 | 9 |
| Complementary Studies electives3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| 1 MECH 459 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 2 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 3 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
Students who completed Mech 2 in 2021W or later should follow the following course schedule.
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| BMEG 410 | 3 |
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| Complementary Studies electives3 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 35 |
| Fourth Year | |
| BMEG 456 | 3 |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 439 | 1 |
| MECH 4591 | 6 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MTRL 495 | 3 |
| Technical electives2 | 12 |
| Total Credits | 35 |
| 1 MECH 459 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 2 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 3 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
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.
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.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
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.
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 327 | 3 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 411 | 3 |
| Technical electives1 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Fourth Year | |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4563 | 6 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MECH 489 | 4 |
| Technical electives1 | 12 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| 1 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 2 See Complementary Studies Course. | |
| 3 MECH 456 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
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.
Students will be admitted to the option at the end of first or second year by permission of the option coordinator, based on academic achievement and a demonstrated interest in mechanical engineering and electronic design.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
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.
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| CPEN 312 | 3 |
| CPSC 259 | 4 |
| ELEC 302 | 3 |
| ELEC 343 | 3 |
| MECH 306 | 4 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 366 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 392 | 2 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 39 |
| Fourth Year | |
| CPEN 333 | 3 |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 420 | 3 |
| MECH 421 | 4 |
| MECH 423 | 4 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4581 | 6 |
| MECH 467 | 4 |
| Technical electives2 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives3 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 39 |
| 1 MECH 458 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 2 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 3 See Complementary Studies Courses. |
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.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
Note: Some students will not take courses in the order below, depending on their Coop schedule. Please refer to the Department website for recommended course sequences.
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 359 | 4 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| Technical electives1 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives2 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 38 |
| Fourth Year | |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4553 | 6 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MECH 486 | 3 |
| MECH 488 | 3 |
| CIVL 435 | 3 |
| Technical electives1 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 35 |
| 1 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. | |
| 2 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
| 3 MECH 455 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. |
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.**
The Thermofluids Option in Mechanical Engineering allows students interested in aircraft, naval architecture, engines, and related 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 program director, based on a demonstrated interest in engineering thermofluids.
Students can continue into the Thermofluids Option in the Master of Engineering degree program if they have a strong interest in a particular area of thermofluids and are eligible for graduate studies.
To complete this option, students will modify the standard Mechanical Engineering third- and fourth-year programs.
Mechanical Engineering Thermofluids Option
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| MECH 305 | 6 |
| MECH 325 | 4 |
| MECH 327 | 3 |
| MECH 328 | 3 |
| MECH 360 | 3 |
| MECH 375 | 3 |
| MECH 380 | 3 |
| MECH 386 | 3 |
| Complementary Studies electives1 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 34 |
| Fourth Year | |
| MECH 368 | 3 |
| MECH 400 | 3 |
| MECH 431 | 3 |
| MECH 4542 | 6 |
| MECH 463 | 4 |
| MECH 466 | 4 |
| MECH 479 | 3 |
| MECH 489 | 4 |
| Technical electives3 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| 1 See Complementary Studies Courses. | |
| 2 MECH 454 may be replaced by APSC 486 and APSC 496A with permission from Department. | |
| 3 To be chosen from a course list available on the Department website. |