If you are a “big idea” person with the drive to take a concept through design, analysis and prototyping—then mechanical engineering could be where you belong. Mechanical engineering is a diverse field that specializes in the analysis, design, production and maintenance of any system involving movement and energy. Mechanical engineers are in high demand in a wide range of industries, designing machines like robots, aircrafts, and devices for the human body, to working on solutions to today’s issues like developing clean energy technology or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Encompassing a broad range of fields, mechanical engineering is a practical, hands-on discipline.

At UBC’s Mechanical Engineering program, you’ll begin by mastering the fundamentals, building a knowledge base in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, vibrations, heat transfer, controls and design. You can also delve deeper into areas you are passionate about, such as biomechanics, aerospace, robotics and mechatronics, alternative-fuel technologies and energy efficient design.

This is the right place for students who are looking for an education that extends beyond their classroom walls.

Okanagan Campus
Learn more at the UBCO School of Engineering’s mechanical engineering You UBC program page or visit engineering.ok.ubc.ca

Learn more about Mechanical Engineering (Okanagan)

Vancouver Campus
Learn more at the Vancouver Department of Mechanical Engineering’s You UBC program page or visit at mech.ubc.ca

Learn more about Mechanical Engineering (Vancouver)

 

Why study this program

Mechanical engineering graduates are able to work in a variety of different fields. Common areas of focus they can pursue include: Product design and development, energy (oil, gas, and renewable energy), automotive, aerospace, biomedical, naval architecture, mining and minerals, pulp and paper, manufacturing, and mechatronics robotics. A mechanical engineering degree is extremely adaptable, and whether you take a broad set of courses or specialized technical electives, the core discipline of mechanical engineering can take you into almost any industry.

Courses & specializations

Students will first complete a foundational first year of engineering and then take specialized courses beginning in second year, once they are placed into their engineering discipline.

After completing our award winning Mech 2 program in their second year, mechanical engineering students at the Vancouver campus have the option to enter one of the following program Options:

  • Aerospace
  • Biomechanics & Medical Devices
  • Energy and Environment
  • Mechatronics
  • Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
  • General Mechanical Engineering

Here is a sample of the courses Mechanical Engineering students at UBC Vancouver can take in each year of study.

Sample courses

Year 1 
APSC 100Introduction to Engineering I
PHYS 157Introductory Physics for Engineers I
APSC 160Introduction to Computation in Engineering Design
MATH 101Integral Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering

 

Year 2 
MECH 220Technical Skills Practicum
MECH 221Engineering Science I
MECH 223Introduction to the Mechanical Design Process 
MECH 226Technical Communication for Mechanical Engineers

 

Year 3 
MECH 360Mechanical Properties of Materials
MECH 325Mechanical Design I
MECH 375Heat Transfer
MECH 368Engineering Measurements and Instrumentation

 

Year 4 
MECH 463Mechanical Vibrations
MECH 457Mechanical Engineering Design Project
MECH 466Automatic Control
MECH 431Engineering Economics

 

For a more in-depth look at the Vancouver curriculum, please consult the Academic Calendar and course descriptions.

Enhance Your Education (further education) 

Mechanical engineering graduates looking to continue their education are well positioned to pursue professional or graduate degrees after the completion of their undergraduate studies. The analytical and problem-solving skills students gain from an undergraduate engineering degree translate well into the qualities needed for Medical and Law School.

After graduating from our undergraduate program, students can deepen their professional and research expertise by applying to various graduate programs offered at UBC Vancouver. Our Doctoral and Master of Applied Science (MASc) students study a wide range of fields including of Applied Solid Mechanics, Biomedical & Biomechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Energy & Environment, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing Automation & Robotics, Mechatronics & Instrumentation, and Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering.

Students wanting to pursue a graduate program to enhance their professional expertise can enter our Master of Engineering (MEng) program with options to specialize in Mechatronics Design, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Computational Modeling & Simulation, Design & Product Development, Microsystems & Nanotechnology, Energy & Environment. These students also make strong candidates for UBC’s Master of Engineering Leadership degree, which offers a unique combination of engineering and business courses for students looking to further their studies in naval architecture and marine engineering, clean energy engineering, or high performance buildings.

An engineering student at the Design and Innovation day exhibit

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