The B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at UBC prepares students for the future with a solid foundation in theory through traditional courses, paired with practical design and project courses and technical electives that are relevant to today’s industry. Our graduates are given the skills and edge they need to succeed in the work force or higher degrees. Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board so graduates are eligible for Engineer-in-Training status (leading to the Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia as well as from other provincial and territorial associations.
Your degree in mechanical engineering starts in the faculty-wide common first-year curriculum focusing on physics, math, chemistry and other complementary courses. Three academic years follow the common first year.
Mech 2
Mech 2 is your integrated introduction to the Department. The innovative, award-winning curriculum begins with practical sessions in machining, solid modeling, electronics and much more. The academic curriculum is presented in a cohesive manner and topics are carefully coordinated between subjects. Labs, tutorials and field trips complement lessons in the classroom and design projects help you apply your studies to industry standards.
Senior Years
Your senior years see you explore design, thermal systems, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, electronics, materials, manufacturing and more. Technical electives allow you to tailor your learning to topics that interest you.
Options
For students who wish to focus on a particular area of study within Mechanical Engineering, the Department offers three options. The options include Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics and Thermofluids; these alter some of the courses you take to highlight certain areas of interest while still giving a strong mechanical base.
Minor in Commerce
The Minor in Commerce option is a Faculty-wide option available to students who desire a stronger foundation in business. Upon successful completion of this Minor, the notation “Minor in Commerce” will be placed on the student’s transcript. Admission to the program is strictly limited on a competitive basis. The minimum requirements for consideration are a cumulative average of at least 68% (over the past two years) and eligibility for third year standing. Preference is given to those who have already completed either ECON 310 and 311 or ECON 101 and 102. In general, completion of the Minor will take an additional term.
Minor in Information Technology
The Minor in Information Technology option is a Faculty-wide option available to students who desire a stronger foundation in computer skills. Upon successful completion of this Minor, the notation “Minor in Information Technology” will be placed on the student’s transcript. Admission to the program is strictly limited on a competitive basis. The minimum requirements for consideration are a cumulative average of at least 68% (over the past two years) and eligibility for third year standing. In general, completion of the Minor will take an additional term.
This Minor is not available to students in the Mechatronics option.
Minor in Honours Mathematics
The minor in Honours Mathermatics option is a Faculty-wide option available to students wanting a stronger foundation in mathematics. Upon successful completion of this Minor, the notation “Minor in Honours Mathematics” will be placed on the student’s transcript. Admission to the program is strictly limited on a competitive basis. The minimum requirements for consideration are a cumulative average of at least 68% (over the past two years) and eligibility for third year standing. In general, completion of the Minor will take an additional term.
Minor in Arts
The Minor in Arts option is a Faculty-wide option available to students who are interested in the liberal arts, humanities, or social sciences. Upon successful completion of this Minor, the notation “Minor in Arts” will be placed on the student’s transcript. An acceptable minor program must comprise courses in the Faculty of Arts that are for credit toward a B.A. degree and must consist of 18 upper-level credits in a single subject or field of specialization. Students should design a coherent and academically sound course of studies for the proposed minor. The program must be approved by an advisor in Engineering Student Services on the recommendation of an advisor from the appropriate department or program office within the Faculty of Arts. All courses must be acceptable for a B.A. major in the proposed subject area or field, although the student is not bound by other requirements of the Faculty of Arts. A dual degree and a minor in Arts cannot be combined, although a student may pursue a minor within the B.A. degree.
Dual Degree
The Dual Degree program was created so students wouldn’t have to make the choice of pursuing a technical degree or one in the liberal arts, humanities or social sciences. Instead of having to pursue degrees one after another, students can now pursue them concurrently. The program allows students to bring a broader perspective into their courses. A benefit is that some courses can be used to satisfy graduation requirements for both degrees – e.g., your Complementary Studies courses can be from your Arts Major.
To enter the Dual Degree program, a student must be registered for or accepted to either the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Applied Science, and must be eligible for registration or transfer into the other Faculty.
More information can be found on the Applied Science-Engineering web page 
Note: As this is a faculty-based option, enquiries about applying to the program should be addressed to Engineering Student Services, at 604-822-6556.
45X Capstone Design Project
Your final year also features the 45X Capstone Design Project, a unique partnership program with industry that allows students working in teams to solve problems affecting real companies. This project provides a great opportunity to showcase your skills to industry.
Co-op
All Mechanical Engineering students are strongly encouraged to join the Co-op program . Co-op students integrate industrial work terms into their degree, giving them an opportunity to apply their skills in the real world, explore career opportunities within industry and to improve their understanding of how the topics they study relate to the real world. As Co-op jobs are paid positions, it is also a great way to help fund your education. Participation in the Co-op program will generally take an additional year.
