Mechatronic engineering is one of the newest branches of engineering, and has far-reaching applications to every sector of society. Mechatronic engineers integrate precision mechanical engineering with electronics, computer systems, and advanced controls, to design and construct products and processes. Microscale sensor and actuator technologies are developed and applied to create intelligent consumer products. Mechatronic engineers are in great demand as industries seek to apply evolutionary advances in computers, electronics, sensors, and actuators to improve their products, processes and services.
Graduates have the knowledge and skills to design and build advanced products such as robots and machine tools; scientific instrumentation; and high performance automatic suspension and braking systems. Mechatronic engineers are employed by product developers and manufacturers, the mining industry, the aerospace and defence sectors, in self-owned companies and by government and industry research groups. Graduates are in demand wherever there is potential for improvement in the integration of computer and electrical hardware with mechanical systems.

This major provides a broad-based education in the basic principles of electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. A broad range of electives cover areas including engineering analysis and design; engineering mechanics; dynamics and automatic control; signals and communication; electrical hardware and computer software.

Mechatronic engineers possess the core skills of mechanical engineers and electrical engineers. Their knowledge enables them to solve a wide range of mechanical, electrical and software problems, allowing them to participate in and lead multidisciplinary design teams. Mechatronic engineers are employed by product developers and manufacturers, large and small, by the mining industry, by the aerospace and defence sectors, and by the government and industry research groups. Wherever there is potential for improvement through the integration of computer and electrical hardware with mechanical systems there is a need for mechatronic engineers. Opportunities also exist for graduates to form their own companies early in their careers.