Top Private Universities for Mechatronic Engineering
The study of Mechatronic engineering is a combination of the fields of mechanical, electrical & electronic, robotics and computing. A Mechatronic Engineer designs smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. It is a new branch of the engineering field with very good job prospects in the future for Malaysians. A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. Its application areas range from power systems to transportation to optical telecommunications to biomedical engineering, along with a host of others.
Mechatronic engineers are at the leading edge of the development of new products, devices and processes. French standard NF E 01-010 gives the following definition: “approach aiming at the synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory, and computer science within product design and manufacturing, in order to improve and/or optimize its functionality”.
The engineering working world is very competitive and students must arm themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. This means that they should choose recognised top rated universities in Malaysia for their engineering studies. Studying a Mechatronic Engineering that’s accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is an important criteria for students to consider when choosing a university. The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) registers graduates and professional engineers under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2002). The requirement for registration as a graduate engineer is a degree in engineering recognised by the Board. Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is the only body certifying Professional Engineers in Malaysia.
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Get a First Rate Mechatronic Engineering Education at Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Ignatius, Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Students who are active, creative, like machines and robots and are good in subjects like Add Maths and Physics can consider the degree in Mechatronics Engineering.
Students can consider studying Mechatronics Engineering at private universities that are recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Their courses are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Choose universities that are established in offering engineering programmes in Malaysia with years of experience.
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Taylor’s University
- University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
- UCSI University
- Multimedia University (MMU)
What is the Education Pathway after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels into a Mechatronic Engineering Degree Course at Private Universities in Malaysia?
Students need to have credits in Maths & Physics or Science in SPM or O-Levels to go for the mechatronics engineering programme. Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who are sure of choosing engineering for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Engineering. If you are still not sure whether you want engineering or other science courses, you may choose the Foundation in Science programme at premier private universities in Malaysia.
Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as A-Levels, UEC, STPM, SAM, CPU, MUFY or AUSMAT may enter directly into the Engineering Degree programme with relevant results. Students can study a 4-year Mechatronics degree at top private universities in Malaysia that are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
What is the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)?
The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) registers graduates and professional engineers under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2002). The requirement for registration as a graduate engineer is a degree in engineering recognised by the Board. Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is the only body certifying Professional Engineers in Malaysia.
This regulatory body for engineering practices in Malaysia was set-up by the Malaysian government under the Registration of Engineers Act (1967) to administer and to enforce the Engineering Act and its provisions to protect public interest.
Only Graduate Engineers and Professional Engineers registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM) are entitled to practice engineering in Malaysia. All engineering practitioner MUST register with BEM within 6-months of practice.
A professional engineer (Ir or PEng) is a person who is licensed to practice to practice engineering in Malaysia after meeting all requirements of the (e.g. pass PI Examination).
What is the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM)?
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) is a professional learned society. It was formed in 1959 and was admitted a member of the Commonwealth Engineers Council in 1962. The Institution is a qualifying body for professional engineers in Malaysia.
The Corporate member of the Institution can apply to the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (which is a registration body) for registration as a Professional Engineer, which will entitle him to set up practice. The qualification standards are determined by the Council of the Institution.
The Institution is one of the few professional engineering institutions in the world, which represents all disciplines of the profession, and is thus able to take a broad view of the professional scene.
BEM (Board of Engineers, Malaysia) is different from IEM. BEM is a government body that regulates the
registration of engineers in Malaysia while IEM is a professional Body or Learned Society for engineers.
Note:
- If you have to approve or/and submit layouts/designs to the approving authortity, P.Eng is mandatory. But if you are working in the manufacturing sector for instance, you can opt just for the M.I.E.M. Getting either/both the P.Eng or the M.I.E.M is a great personal satisfaction if you ask me and they look absolutely fabulous on your resume.
- Once you get your P.Eng from BEM, you will have to renew your “license” every year in order to be able to continue to use the title Ir. Before you can renew your license, you must complete 40 hours (I may be wrong) of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) .
The Education Pathway to be a Professional Engineer in Malaysia after completing a 4-Year Engineering Degree that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia
Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The recognized academic qualification for registration as a Graduate Engineer with BEM includes the as a Graduate Graduate
Engineer Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) includes includes the following:
- An engineering degree accredited/recognized by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) available in an approved list maintained by BEM
- A pass in Part I & part II of the Engineering Council Examination of United Kingdom or Part I & Part II of the IEM/BEM Graduate Examination in any particular branch for qualifications that is not branch for qualifications qualifications that is not accredited/recognized by BEM/IEM.
- An engineer who has just graduated with a recognised qualification must register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. He/she can then start to obtain the necessary training and experience, normally four years, before he/she can attempt to sit for the Professional Interview, an exam to qualify Graduate Members of IEM to be transferred to Corporate Members. Corporate Members of Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) can then apply to upgrade their status to P.Eng. with the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
After graduation, an engineer needs to register with Board of Engineers Malaysia to be a graduate engineer. After a few years of practical experience (supervised by a professional engineer), the graduate engineer can apply to sit for Professional Interview (with IEM). If he/she passes the Interview, he/she can apply to Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) to be a Professional Engineer that entitles him/her to use the title Ir.
- Engineers Act 1967 requires every engineer to be registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM).
- Graduates from recognised degree programmes shall be registered as Graduate Engineer to work as an engineer.
- Practical training of more than 3 years is required for application to sit for Professional Interview (PI).
- A PI candidate will be required to show that he can apply theory in engineering projects, and has acquired the skills of investigation, planning, and design.
- Upon passing the PI, the candidate can then apply to BEM for registration as a Professional Engineer.
What is Mechtronics Engineering?
Vincent Hoy, Graduated from Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mechatronics is the efficient and effective integration of mechanical systems, IT and electronics. It is a blend of mechanics and electronics, and uses the following:
- precision engineering
- control theory
- computer science
- mathematics
- sensor technology, to design enhanced or “smart” products, processes and systems.
Mechatronics is the combination of Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical Engineering for the design, manufacture and maintenance of systems that use microprocessors and actuators to control mechanical processes.
The key element is the integration of these different areas into the design process from start to finish. Mechatronics engineers understand how to do this and enable the intelligent operation of mechanical systems. It also involves installing, operating and modifying mechanical and electronic equipment and in areas like manufacturing, aviation, robotics and defense.
Mechatronics engineers also have roles in project engineering where their cross disciplinary knowledge gives them an edge on mechanical or electrical engineers. Mechatronics engineers can work with electrical and mechanical systems together and solve problems that cross discipline boundaries. Their strength in IT, computer hardware and networking as well as software also helps them to be very versatile problem solvers.
Mechatronic Engineers are also involved in the design, construction and running of factory production lines and processes, where they use their skills in computers; micro-controllers; programmable logic controllers; programming; industrial sensors; hydraulic, pneumatic and electric drives; design of mechanical structures and mechanisms; and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Mechatronic systems are almost everywhere you look. For example, it can be applied to the automotive industry in the increasing combination of the mechanical part of the engine with electronics and artificial intelligence.
Another example is the Mars Rover that NASA built to send to planet Mars for research gathering purposes. The Mars Rover was the product of several years of research and development to ensure engineers on earth could effectively control the Rover on the unpredictable terrain of the planet Mars.
It had to be able to negotiate any terrain encountered as well as perform fine motions to grab and sample rock and soil – much like expecting a rugby union prop to also be an accomplished ballet dancer! Of course that call occurred after a brilliant and novel Mars landing strategy was developed.
Another Example: The anti-lock braking system
Cars need brakes. Cars have always had brakes. But the design of brakes has been improved over time, making them better, more responsive and safer. Now, thanks to modern sensing, actuation, computing and control technologies, braking systems are more amazing than ever before. Using technology to adjust the braking system in a split second has meant brakes are more responsive and deliver the greatest coefficient of friction possible.
It may sound a bit far-fetched but Mechatronic engineers create smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. These smart machines are complex beings made up of several parts: the mechanical system itself, the sensing and actuation, the control systems and the software. The opportunities available to develop such intelligent machines are ever evolving.
The future is virtually unlimited for mechatronics, and much of it is here today. Robotic systems and components are already as small as a few microns and researchers are investigating nano-technologies using mechatronic systems for implantation into the human body to repair or replace damaged physiological functions.
The next two decades will see an explosion of automated mechatronic systems infiltrating our lives more and more every year – improving our quality of life and our knowledge of the world and universe we live in. Offices, homes, factories, and more are becoming more and more mechanised to be efficient.
What do Mechatronics Engineers work as in Malaysia?
Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and software engineering in the design, development and control of diverse systems used in a range of industries including manufacturing, medicine and the service industries. Examples of mechatronic systems include aircraft, dishwashers, motor vehicles, automated manufacturing plants, medical and surgical devices and systems, robots of all types, many toys, artificial organs and many others.
There is an increasing demand for engineering graduates who are able to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Mechatronics Engineering is a new discipline that is combines electronics, control, software, computer and mechanical engineering.
Modern mechatronics is about the integration of electronics with mechanical design to create intelligent systems. From fuzzy logic controlled washing machines to space exploration, mechatronics and robotic systems are at the forefront of technological developments.
The word ‘mechatronics’ might still not be recognised by some dictionaries even today, but it has been in use for quite a while now. It first surfaced in Japan in the 1980s and represents the discipline of engineering that is associated with robots and automation. Without a doubt, the engineers who choose this field do share an interest in building robots that are able to perform a variety of functions, for one purpose or another.
Mechatronics engineers are therefore involved in almost every possible industry at levels from applications development to manufacturing to advanced research.Some of the products of mechatronic engineering include everyday gadgets like cameras, printers, washing machines and automatic doors. Others include parts of the car and airplane, robotic arm, etc.
Graduates with a Mechatronics degree can take up careers in a wide range of industries including robotics, aerospace, chemical, defence and automotive and manufacturing where complex software plays a major role, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and commerce.
Contributions can be made to these industries in a variety of roles including design engineer, software engineer, project planner, product designer and project manager.
What will you study in Mechatronics Engineering?
Mechatronics students will find a full project application with hardware and software a piece of cake, but will not be able to give in-depth analysis of the mechanical dynamics/software structure unless they specifically work towards it.
Mechatronic students take courses from across the various fields listed below:
- Mechanical engineering and materials science subjects
- Electronic engineering subjects
- Computer engineering subjects
- Computer science subjects
- Systems and control engineering subjects
- Optomechanics (optical engineering) subjects
- Robotics subjects
Example of subjects at degree level: Electrical Circuits, Computer Programming, Control Systems, Thermodynamics, Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines, Microcomputer Systems and Interfacing, Actuators and Sensors, Digital Control Systems, Robotics and Automation, Mechanical Systems, Microprocessor Systems, Stress Analysis & Design, Instrumentation & Measurements, Electrical Power & Machines, Fluid Power & Drives, etc
What are some of the Subjects that you will Study in a Mechatronic Engineering Degree Programme at a Private University in Malaysia?
Eugene Ong, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Graduate
- Circuit Theory
- Digital Electronics
- Technical Communication
- Mathematical Methods For Engineers
- Engineering Graphics & Design
- Engineering Statics
- Analogue Electronics
- Engineering Dynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Advanced Circuit Theory & Transmission Lines
- Computing For Engineers
- Material Science
- Electronic Manufacturing Industry
- Engineering Software & Applications
- Numerical Analysis
- Microprocessor Systems
- Electrical Power & Machines
- Thermodynamics
- Engineers In Society
- Control Systems
- Stress Analysis & Design
- Manufacturing Processes
- Instrumentation & Measurements (Lab)
- Embedded System Design
- Mechatronic Systems Design
- Engineering Management & Economics
- Digital Control Systems
- Intelligent Systems
- Digital Signal Processing
- Fluid Power & Drives
- Robotic Systems
- Power Electronics
- Analysis of Circuits
- Engineering Materials
- Introduction to Management
- Engineering Statics & Dynamics
- Engineering Mathematics
- Introduction to C Programming
- Instrumentation & Measurement
- Engineering Design
- Analogue Electronics
- Introduction to Power System
- Electromagnetic Field Theory
- Digital Electronics
- Engineering Software & Applications
- Signals & Linear Systems
- Strength of Material
- Sensor & Actuators
- Intermediate Robotics
- Control Engineering
How is the Assessment for the Mechatronic Engineering Degree Course?
Melvern, Engineering Graduate
The teaching and learning strategies and assessment are designed depending on and according to the nature of course or topic being taught or investigated. Private Universities implement different methods and styles of teaching and learning and assessment to ensure the successful achievement of the learning outcomes of their Mechatronic Engineering programmes, that include:
- Classroom lectures
- Group tutorials
- Laboratory work
- Seminars and e-forums
- Directed and self learning
- Invited guest lectures
- Industrial visits
What do Mechatronic Engineers do?
In a nutshell, a mechatronic engineer is responsible for combining the elements of mechanical engineering and electronics engineering to design and develop mechatronic products. Elements of electrical engineering and computer science (in the form of software design and software engineering) play a part in the daily work of mechatronic engineers too.
Likewise, a Robotic Arm is a prime example of a mechatronics system because it includes aspects of mechanics, electronics, control and soft-computing to do its day-to-day jobs.
Engineers from different fields of expertise work in teams on projects. For example, in a project, the Electrical & Electronics Engineer will give an in-depth analysis on the Electrical characteristics while the Mechanical engineer focuses on the physical mechanics. The software engineer will provide the software for the machine to function. With knowledge from all areas, the mechatronics engineer will be an ideal project manager.
Here are some things you might be expected to do in your job:
- Develop new solutions to industrial problems using mechanical and electronic processes and computer technology.
- Design and build completely new products by integrating various technologies, for example, developing robotic vehicles for underwater exploration.
- Build and test factory production lines introducing automation to improve existing processes.
- Maintain and improve previous industrial and manufacturing processes and designs, for example, robotic lawn mowers and robot floor cleaners.
- Design, develop, maintain and manage high technology engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
- Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of material, components or finished goods.
- Apply advanced control systems, which are usually computer-driven.
- Apply electronic and mechanical processes and computers to tasks where the use of human labour may be dangerous (like underwater exploration, mining or forestry)
- Study the feasibility, cost implications and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
- Carry out modelling, simulation and analysis of complex mechanical, electronic or other engineering systems using computers.
Career Opportunities for Mechatronics Engineering Graduates in Malaysia
The career opportunities for mechatronics engineers in Malaysia is wide and a huge range of applications, from robotics in manufacturing and automation to the automotive, aerospace, medical and leisure and entertainment industries.
With your broad engineering knowledge base, you probably hold technical design and decision-making positions, often overseeing or playing a central role in engineering design teams.
Mechatronic engineers work in companies that require hi-tech input into what they are developing. They may work in a laboratory, a processing plant or an engineering office but are also research opportunities in emerging fields like bioengineering, nanotechnology and robotics.
You will find Mechatronic engineers in large global enterprises developing futuristic vehicles, challenging defence technology and revolutionising consumer products. They may also work in smaller innovative ‘high tech’ companies supplying software, parts and equipment. They could be product developers, work in manufacturing, or mining or defence industries, and in government and industry research groups.
Mechatronic Engineers may be required to travel to present at a conference or view a new design idea or innovative technology.
Mechatronics graduates can work as Systems Engineers, Project Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Control & Instrumentation Engineers within organizations such ABB, Alstom, Dyson, First Solar, GE Intelligent Platforms, Honeywell, Infineon, Intel, Jacobs Engineering, M+W, Petronas, Shell, Siemens, Sunpower, Yokogawa, etc.
Mechatronics – Dyson, Hitachi, Panasonic, Sony, Sime Darby, VS Industry, Bosch, Carsem (M) Sdn. Bhd. (S-Site), , T.A. Furniture Industries Sdn Bhd, Singapore Epson Industrial Pte Ltd., Emerson Process Management Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Singapore), GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore, Cycle & Carriage Industries Pte Ltd (Singapore), Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, T & T Inspection and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Berhad
Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia 