Mechanical systems involves understanding the operation and control of machines. A machine is practically anything with moving parts. Mechanical Systems students will learn to develop and design new products (in wide-ranging areas from transportation such as cars, aircraft and ships through to everyday devices such as air-conditioners, dishwashers, etc) and the machines to make them (robots, machine tools). They will also learn how to design, plan and manage the systems, people and technical facilities needed to produce goods and services for industry and domestic use. Students will also learn about the generation and harnessing of energy (gas turbines, wave power), transport in all its forms (automobiles, spacecraft) and protecting the environment (solar heating, wind turbines). Mechanical Systems interacts with all other branches of engineering, and is increasingly involved with other fields of study such as medicine and biology. Students will integrate fundamental science in mechanics with engineering principles, and will learn to solve practical problems involving mechanical systems. Basic principles will be learnt through lectures, interactive small-classes, demonstrations, practical laboratory classes and challenging assignments. A design-based approach to solving problems will be applied to build solutions on the base of the fundamental knowledge acquired through the degree. The Mechanical Systems Major opens pathways for students, including accredited professional or scientific research careers in mechanical and mechatronics engineering (through further study in the Masters in Engineering or PhD programs), teaching, project management, and in the finance industry. Course structure The Bachelor of Design requires the successful completion of 23 to 24 subjects (300 credit points). Full-time students usually study eight subjects each year for three years. Most subjects are worth 12.5 credit points, but some are worth 25 credit points