University: The University of Western Australia

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics

School Subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, English, Geography

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Having enjoyed the STEM ATAR subjects I studied, I naturally leaned towards a degree in engineering. After researching all the engineering majors, I decided on Mechanical Engineering as it seemed like the most versatile option. To supplement my Mechanical Engineering studies, I chose to double major in Mathematics and enrolled in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) program. I believed that the extra year or so required for the BPhil would be a worthwhile experience, allowing me to explore new opportunities such as an early research placement. In hindsight, this was a decision I am very glad I made.

Bachelor of Philosophy

The Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) is a degree that introduces students to research and academia early in their university journey, offering many great opportunities. Having recently completed the GCRL 2000 project (a research placement) on regional wave dynamics over the summer, I found it to be a valuable experience. It allowed me to extend myself academically while also providing a taste of a professional work environment, including attending meetings and delivering presentations.

One of my favourite university experiences was the BPhil summer residence camp, which takes place before the first year begins. It was an excellent opportunity to meet new people, and I made many of my closest university friends there. Being able to walk around campus and recognise over a hundred familiar faces made the transition into university life much smoother. I highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to enroll in the BPhil program to give it a go.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is the study of machinery—specifically, how it is developed, installed, operated, and maintained to maximize efficiency and solve practical problems. Since UWA transitioned its engineering course to a four-year structure, the first year of study is generalised for all engineering majors. However, some specialised units may need to be taken in the first year to ensure a smooth course progression, as some units have prerequisites and are only offered in specific semesters.

Most first year engineering units are compiled of around 3 hours of lectures and a 2 hour practical class per week with also the occasional lab session.

All engineering students take common units in their first year, including:

Some of the more specialised Mechanical Engineering units I completed in my first year included:

Throughout the engineering program at UWA, students must also complete three week-long intensive units, such as GENG1000, which takes place during university breaks to help students develop additional engineering skills.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), students must complete 450 hours of practical experience, equivalent to roughly three months of full-time work. Securing internships in the first year can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the field, as companies often favour penultimate-year students. However, I strongly recommend starting to apply for internships early. Even if you don’t secure one, going through the application process and practicing interview skills is beneficial. Some companies, such as BHP, offer internships specifically for first-year students, so it is worth keeping an eye out for these opportunities.

To enhance your chances of securing internships, I suggest getting involved with engineering-focused university clubs during orientation week. These clubs allow you to gain practical skills outside the classroom and meet new people.

Ultimately, Mechanical Engineering is a demanding field. You will need to work hard not only on coursework but also on securing practical experience, as no one will remind you to do so. Being organised is crucial. Whether it’s creating a calendar of test/exam dates or maintaining a spreadsheet of internship application deadlines, planning ahead will pay off in the long run.

Mathematics

So far, I have taken MATH1011: Multivariable Calculus and MATH1012: Mathematical Theory and Methods, both of which are mandatory for all engineering majors. Moving forward, the content will become progressively more challenging, especially since the Mathematics major has recently changed from “Mathematics and Statistics” to simply “Mathematics.” This change offers greater flexibility in unit selection.

One major benefit of this change is that students no longer need to take MATH2031: Introduction to Pure Mathematics, which is known for being highly theoretical and difficult. This means that if you are interested in Mathematics but hesitant about pure mathematics, you don’t need to worry. However, Mathematics as a whole remains a demanding major.

I highly recommend finding additional resources on your own—such as past papers from friends—and practising as much as possible. The key to excelling in this major is consistent and high-volume practice.

Advice to Prospective Students

By taking advantage of all the opportunities available, staying organised, and building a strong support network, you can make the most out of your university experience!