Curriculum
Mechanical Engineering offers a wide range of opportunities for students. Students have access to world-class instructors and facilities, and begin hands-on work in our Machine Shop in their first week of MECH 2. In third year, students can choose to focus their studies in Biomechanics and Medical Devices, Mechatronics, Thermofluids or Aerospace, or to take courses from all three of these areas in the General Mechanical Engineering stream. In fourth year, students complete a design project with industry clients, and can also try their hands at academic research in our Introduction to Academic Research course.
Click on the tabs below or take a look at our Course Planning and Registration Guides to learn more about our curriculum:
- 4th years only (Old Curriculum): 2023W 1.0 Course Planning and Registration Guide – Old Curriculum
- 3rd & 3.5 years (Flex Curriculum): 2023W 1.0 Course Planning and Registration Guide – Flex Curriculum
Our students are also able to partake in many opportunities to enhance their degree and make it truly their own. Whether it be through work experience in UBC Engineering’s co-op program, learning abroad through Go Global or Coordinated International Experience (CIE) programs, or Minors in subjects of interest, there is something for everyone. There is also a wealth of opportunity outside the classroom for students to network and develop their engineering skills. There are professional organisations, social organisations, and student teams wherein students can thrive. Learn more about how to enhance your degree below.

COURSE LISTS
View sample lists of the courses you will take during your degree. Compare course lists for our various program options.
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PROGRAM OPTIONS
Discover more about each of the programs offered in UBC Mechanical Engineering: General Mechanical, Biomechanics and Medical Devices, Mechatronics, Aerospace, and Thermofluids.
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45X CAPSTONE DESIGN
Learn about the final year capstone design project.
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Browse all our department’s course offerings and access syllabi here.
Customize Your Degree
Mechanical Engineering offers many opportunities to help you make your degree truly your own. Have an international experience from Exchange or co-op, or develop your other interests through a Minor! Click on the tabs below to learn more about each type of experience.
The Engineering Co-Operative Education program provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain practical industrial experience to complement your formal engineering studies. The periods of industrial experience will extend the duration of your engineering studies by one year. This time is well spent. Among the many positive outcomes of participation in the Co-op program are that it:
- Teaches you how to work effectively in the working world;
- Helps you decide on your future career objectives;
- Gives meaning and context to your academic studies;
- Makes introductions to potential future employers;
- Provides an income that helps pay for university study costs;
- Creates a work record that is attractive to potential employers.
Participation in the co-op program generally requires adding an additional year to your degree.
http://www.coop.apsc.ubc.ca/
Go Global (otherwise known as exchange) is an exciting opportunity for our students to take Mechanical Engineering courses at another University, and get credit for it! With over 54 partner universities, our students have the choice of studying in 1 of 23 other countries.
Learn more about Go Global!
The Faculty offers the following four minor programs:
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.
Learn more about the Minor in Commerce.
Minor in Honours Mathematics:
The Minor in Honours Mathematics 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.
Learn more about the Minor in Honours Mathematics.
Minor in Science:
The Minor in Science is a Faculty-wide option available to students wishing to pursue more courses in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this Minor, the notation "Minor in [subject of minor]" will be placed on the student's transcript. Minor programs are restricted to courses in the Faculty of Science that are acceptable for a B.Sc. major or honours in the proposed subject area or field. Note that a Minor in Science in Mathematics is distinct from a Minor in Honours Mathematics. The Minor in Science consists of at least 18 upper-level credits either in a single subject area or area of specialization, together with any necessary prerequisites. Entry into the minor is restricted to students eligible for third year standing with an average of at least 68% in the previous two years, and continuation in the Minor requires that students remain in Good Standing.
Learn more about the Minor in Science.
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.
Learn more about a Minor in Arts.
Get Involved!
There are plenty of opportunities in MECH to get involved beyond the classroom. Broaden your network, meet new people, and take a break from studying! Whether it’s student government, student design teams, student clubs, or any of a dozen other ways to get involved, extra-curricular activities complete the university experience. Read more about some of the ways to get involved, and see a list of MECH student teams and clubs, here.