
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.
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 at the Vancouver Campus
Okanagan Campus
Okanagan Campus offers a fully-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree as well. 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 at the Okanagan Campus
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:
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Biomedical
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Mechatronics
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Thermofluids
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Aerospace
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General Mechanical
Here is a sample of the courses Mechanical Engineering students at UBC Vancouver can take in each year of study.
Sample courses
Year 1 | |
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APSC 100 | Introduction to Engineering I |
PHYS 157 | Introductory Physics for Engineers I |
APSC 160 | Introduction to Computation in Engineering Design |
MATH 101 | Integral Calculus with Applications to Physical Sciences and Engineering |
Year 2 | |
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MECH 220 | Technical Skills Practicum |
MECH 221 | Engineering Science I |
MECH 223 | Introduction to the Mechanical Design Process |
MECH 226 | Technical Communication for Mechanical Engineers |
Year 3 | |
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MECH 360 | Mechanical Properties of Materials |
MECH 325 | Mechanical Design I |
MECH 375 | Heat Transfer |
MECH 368 | Engineering Measurements and Instrumentation |
Year 4 | |
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MECH 463 | Mechanical Vibrations |
MECH 457 | Mechanical Engineering Design Project |
MECH 466 | Automatic Control |
MECH 431 | Engineering 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.
Careers
With a mean base salary of $100,721 (source) and an expected employment growth rate of 1.3% over the next 5 years (source), Mechanical Engineering graduates are well equipped to pursue successful careers in consulting firms, power-generating utilities, and manufacturing, processing, and transportation industries (source). Common career titles (source) for Mechanical Engineering graduates include: acoustical engineer, building systems engineer, consulting mechanical engineer, design engineer, diesel engineer, fluid mechanics engineer, heating specialist engineer, lubrication engineer, mechanical design engineer, mechanical hydraulic engineer, internal combustion engineer, mechatronic engineer, nuclear engineer, piping engineer, power plant engineer, refrigeration engineer, robotics engineer, thermal power engineer and more.
Employers
Both current students and graduates are able to work for a wide range of employers. Some of the biggest employers of UBC Mechanical Engineering students over the past several years include: Verathon Medical, Kardium, Schneider Electric and Seaspan ULC. UBC Vancouver graduates have worked at Tesla, Google, Apple and more.
Alumni
Design teams & clubs
Design teams
There are over 30 Engineering Design Teams at UBC. Joining an engineering design team is an excellent opportunity for students from all disciplines to collaborate on a wide variety of design projects and gain relevant teamwork, leadership, and technical skills transferrable to future careers. Design teams supported by UBC Vancouver’s Department of Mechanical Engineering include:
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UBC Biomedical Engineering Student Team (BEST)
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UBC Formula Electric
See full list of UBC’s Engineering Design Teams.
Clubs
There are many ways engineering students can get involved, including joining clubs relevant to their discipline. Clubs relevant to Mechanical Engineering include:
Research
Undergraduate students can get involved in research through technical electives. Mechanical engineering at UBC Vancouver has unique opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research opportunities. These opportunities include MECH 493: Introduction to Academic Research and CREATE-U which is an immersive cohort-based experience featuring research education opportunities in Mechanical Engineering. CREATE-U is a unique opportunity to complete 6 credits of course work and a paid research project in the summer, which can count as a co-op work term. Our faculty members conduct research the areas of Applied Solid Mechanics, Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering Computational Engineering, Energy & Environment, Engineering Education, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing Automation & Robotics, Mechatronics & Instrumentation, and Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Research
Minors & Dual Degrees
Engineering students are able to complement their studies with 5 Minors available or a Dual Degree with Arts. Students interested in a minor can apply to their chosen option in their third year of study. A minor or dual degree will likely extend your degree past 4 years.
Co-op
Participation in the Applied Science Co-op Education program gives students the opportunity to gain up to 20 months of paid relevant work experience during their degree. This experience provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore different industries, apply their studies to the working world, and create connections with future employers. The Co-op program will extend your four year degree to five years. Participation is optional and students apply to join Co-op in their second year of study.
International experiences
Students can embark on an unforgettable experience abroad while earning credits towards their engineering studies. Opportunities include the Coordinated International Experience (CIE) exchange program, the Go Global exchange program, and the Global Engineering Leadership courses. The CIE program is customized for Applied Science students and features 18 international partner institutions across 3 regions. All of the international experiences have generous funding opportunities and allow for students to build an international network of peers, professors, and potential employers.