Mechatronics Engineering

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A joint Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from UNC Asheville and North Carolina State University

Mechatronics engineering is a concentration of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.  Mechatronics engineering focuses on the precision control of mechanical and machine systems.  Control is achieved in today’s modern engineering systems electronically through the use of sensors, actuators and microprocessors. The marriage of modern control systems with mechanical devices is key to the design and development of high-performance engineering systems.  Just a few examples of computer-controlled mechanical systems are robots, engine fuel systems, hybrid automobiles, autonomous aerospace vehicles, stair-climbing wheelchairs, garage door openers and alternative power generation systems.  Through mechatronics engineering, new avenues of thinking and design can greatly enhance the utility, performance and efficiency of modern machinery and sophisticated mechanical systems.

The Curriculum

The joint Mechatronics engineering curriculum combines the best that two nationally recognized universities have to offer.  From North Carolina State University comes the engineering component comprising course work from the Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Mechatronics.  Hands-on laboratories are integral to the engineering course work.  From the University of North Carolina at Asheville comes an engineering-themed Humanities and Social Science component with a rich liberal arts foundation.

Freshman-Year Courses

A typical freshman year for a Mechatronics engineering student:

Fall Semester                                                           

Total hours = 16                                                           

Spring Semester

Total hours = 17

Undergraduate Projects

Senior Projects combine the design and fabrication process with fundamentals of mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering.  Recent projects have included an autonomous 4-wheel drive 'Quad Rover', a computer-controlled tracking solar energy system, a mechatronic system that lifts and tilts a person in a wheelchair so they can receive medical attention without the risk of patient transfer, and a robotic fire-suppression vehicle.  Designed and built from the ground up, these types of activities provide real-life, hands-on applications of an interdisciplinary engineering education that emphasizes teamwork skills.  Our Mechatronics Engineering laboratory activities create a venue for a spectrum of design work.  Line-following robots, fighting battle-bots, robots that self-navigate through uneven terrain and other automated systems are a few of the recent past student projects.  In the Mechatronics Program, there is hands-on design or lab activity in almost every semester.

Internship Opportunities

Many of the students in the Mechatronics program have participate in internship employment at a number of local engineering companies including ArvinMeritor, Cane Creek Cycling, BorgWarner, Eaton and Volvo.  These internships provide not only a firsthand experience at the engineering practice, but in many instances have led to full-time jobs upon graduation.  The UNC Asheville Career Center works closely with industry representatives to support listings of engineering jobs and interships and connect students to exciting work experiences.

Employment and Professional Opportunities

Local, national and international engineering companies such as Eaton, Volvo, BorgWarner and Cane Creek Cycling are a few local businesses that need students who have been a part of the unique and high-caliber engineering education that our Mechatronics program offers.  Their strong support reflects the steady demand for our graduates. Approximately 90 percent of all the Mechatronics graduates are employed in challenging and exciting engineering positions in the Asheville area.  Our program brings professional organizations such as the IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers) to the university through active student branches, meetings and other networking opportunities.

Feedback from Recent Graduates

“This program allows you to learn both mechanical and electrical engineering foundations. It is a degree that is on the edge of technology today.”

“Flexibility, small number of students in classes and labs makes them very personal.”

“The graduates fit in with mechanical, electrical or computer engineering positions, and that makes the them versatile and diverse.”

“The teaching in the program is very strong and the instructors are very cooperative.”

“The mixture of classes gives you the background to successfully attack many problems in industry. It gives you the knowledge to delve into aspects of electronics, mechanics and control systems.”

From a graduate who has gone on to graduate school at N.C. State University:

“With a Mechatronics background, I have a huge advantage over my classmates. My Mechatronics background has me lined up for a research assistant job in the precision lab.  The job requires controller knowledge and a broad background in electronics and computer programming.”

Application Processes and Admission Requirements

Prospective students should apply to UNC Asheville and express an interest in engineering. The UNC Asheville Admissions Office can be reached at 800.531.9842 or 828.251.6481, or visit www.unca.edu/admissions.

Fast Facts

More Information

Engineering Programs at UNC Asheville
303 Robinson Hall, CPO #2360
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8511
828.251.6640
828. 251.6749 fax

mechatronics@unca.edu