4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
UBC Vancouver's Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering is a four-year, on-campus program with solid theory as its foundation, integrating hands-on design experience from the very start. Students enter the program during the second year, after completing a common first year of engineering studies, and pursue a broad education in mechanical systems, with flexibility to specialise in areas like Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Thermofluids, and more.
Structure of curriculum:
Year 1: The core curriculum of general engineering, like mathematics, physics, chemistry, computation, and first-year courses in engineering.
Year 2: Students are enrolled into Mechanical Engineering and take the award-winning MECH 2 integrated curriculum of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, vibration, heat transfer, controls, and design, with courses such as MECH 220 (Technical Skills Practicum), MECH 221 (Engineering Science I), and MECH 223 (Mechanical Design).
Year 3: Offers students the choice of picking a specialisation or remaining in the general stream with higher-level courses in machine design, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and technical electives as per their area of interest.
Year 4: Students develop a year-long capstone design project involving real industry clients, learn courses in engineering economics, data analysis, controls, and professional practice of engineering, and finish up more technical and complementary electives.
Focus areas: Solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, controls, mechatronics, biomechanics, energy systems, robotics, design
Learning outcomes: Mastering mechanical engineering principles, advanced problem-solving, laboratory design and prototyping, working in a team, industry readiness
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by Engineers Canada (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, CEAB).
Reputation (employability rankings): UBC Engineering is among the best engineering schools in Canada and globally with a mean base salary of $100,721 for its graduates and strong industry connections.
UBC Mechanical Engineers gain hands-on experience through extensive hands-on labs, design projects, and direct industry contact. Facilities consist of a wind tunnel, machine shop, and a 24/7 MakerSpace for prototyping and fabrication. The MECH 2 program emphasizes problem-solving in the real world and in groups, and the capstone project, which lasts a full year, connects students to local industry. The Co-op Program offers 12–20 months of paid, full-time technical work experience with leading Canadian and international employers. Students also participate in design teams, undergraduate research, and entrepreneurship through the Experiential Learning Hub (E-Hub), and they get exposed to industry software and tools:
Access to machine shop, wind tunnel, and 24/7 MakerSpace for prototyping and fabrication hands-on
Fourth-year capstone design project with real industry clients for a year
Optional involvement in the Co-op Program for up to 20 months of paid, relevant engineering work experience
Participation in award-winning MECH 2 integrated curriculum emphasis on teamwork and design
Undergraduate research opportunities through MECH 493 and CREATE-U, including paid summer research projects
Usage of industry-standard modeling, simulation, and data analysis software
Involvement with student design teams (e.g., UBC Thunderbots, UBC AeroDesign, UBC Rocket) that participate in international and national competitions
Use of the Experiential Learning Hub (E-Hub) to facilitate co-op, research, entrepreneurial, and leadership activities
UBC's Centre for Student Involvement and Careers also offers robust assistance to help mechanical engineering students navigate their goals and direct their future.
You will benefit from:
Employability: Graduates in Mechanical Engineering at UBC are highly respected in employment sectors both within Canada and internationally. They get engaged in different fields such as automotive, aerospace, biomedical technology, renewable energy, robotics, and consulting industries. Entry-level professions typically are those of Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Project Manager, Systems Analyst, and R&D Engineer. There is a high degree of rapport between UBC and industry giants such as Ballard Power Systems, Tesla, and SNC-Lavalin, through which students simply transition from internship to full-time jobs.
Further Academic Progression: A UBC BASc serves as a foundational stepping stone for further studies. Students move on to Master's studies in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or switch to MBA studies or emerging fields like AI, Sustainability, and Clean Energy. The global reputation of UBC and its research environment open doors worldwide for graduate studies and innovation.
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