Program Overview

Mechatronics Engineering Degree

The Mechatronics Engineering degree at the University of Waterloo is a unique program that combines mechanical design, control systems, programming, and sensor technology to create intelligent machines. This program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides students with hands-on experience building real devices, solving real problems, and pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

Program Overview

• The program is offered as a co-op only, with no regular program option available.
• The degree is a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering.
• Students will have access to cutting-edge labs and tools, including the WATiMake lab, which features laser cutters, 3D printers, injection moulding machines, and other tools to help with prototypes and design projects.

Courses

First-Year Courses

• MTE 100 – Mechatronics Engineering
• CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers
• MATH 115 – Linear Algebra for Engineering
• MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
• MTE 121 – Digital Computation
• MTE 100B – Seminar (January to April or May to August)
• MTE 111 – Structure and Properties of Materials
• MTE 119 – Statics
• MTE 120 – Circuits
• MTE 140 – Algorithms and Data Structures
• MATH 118 – Calculus 2 for Engineering

Upper-Year Courses

• Control systems
• Robotics
• Sensors
• Embedded systems
• Mechanical design
• Sample upper-year courses:
  • MTE 262 – Introduction to Digital Logic
  • MTE 220 – Sensors and Instrumentation
  • MTE 322 – Electromechanical Machine Design
  • MTE 544 – Autonomous Mobile Robots

Co-op Program

• The co-op program provides students with up to two years of paid work experience in leading industries.
• Students will alternate between school and work every four months, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience.
• Sample co-op job titles:
  • Systems software engineering
  • Robotics software developer
  • Hardware engineering intern
  • Mechanical designer-automation
  • Control systems software design
  • Instrumental engineering
  • Product manager
  • Application developer

Career Opportunities

• Graduates often pursue careers in product and software design, technology analysis, program coordination, and more.
• They usually work for technology companies, manufacturers, and telecommunications companies.
• Recent graduates have worked at companies such as ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Hyundai, Apple, Fitbit, Microsoft, and Google.
• Possible professional designation: Professional Engineer

Admission Requirements

• Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, English, and Physics, with a minimum final grade of 70% in each.
• Admission average: individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s.
• Supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, are required for admission.
• An online video interview is required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and is strongly recommended for admission.

Student Life

• Waterloo Engineering has a vibrant community with a range of extracurricular activities, including student design teams, the Engineering Society, and Women in Engineering.
• Students can participate in design challenges, hackathons, volunteer work, and leadership opportunities.
• The university has a 96% employment rate within six months of graduating, a 90% graduation rate, and a 95% retention rate from first to second year.