Development of Mechatronics Engineering Degree Program: Challenges and Prospects

It is now becoming common practice to include some courses in mechatronics in the traditional electrical and mechanical engineering programs. Whilst many engineering faculties have realized the need for a full-fledged multidisciplinary mechatronics engineering program, only in very few places have such programs been developed along the lines of other engineering programs. The justification for the mechatronics engineering program becomes evident, as today's engineers must be acquainted with subjects that are not taught or given much emphasis in the traditional engineering curriculum. A good knowledge in those subjects, is however required if our graduate engineers are to be relevant to industry with time. The challenges in developing such program in terms of curriculum planning, laboratory facility needs and staff requirements are discussed in this paper. Whilst there are immense advantages of such a discipline, its success depends on a balanced curriculum with good laboratory facilities and appropriate industrial links, positive attitudes and well-oriented academic staff as well as students having the ability to cope with diversified subjects.