About Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE)

MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Breakthrough technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics, Industry 4.0, and the internet of things (IoT), are profoundly changing the way we live, think, and work. Our physical world is quickly transitioning into a cyber world. Mechatronics, as a multi-disciplinary subject combining three technical fields of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, will provide the critical link between the cyber and physical worlds through the advancement of sensing, actuation, and intelligence technologies.

The highly integrated mechatronic systems engineering approach creates smart, innovative and sustainable technology solutions, such as drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, sensors for space exploration, smart healthcare devices, smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, fuel cell systems, thermal and electrical micro-grids, and agri-tech.

But it’s not all about robots and code. It's about shaping societies, transitioning to a more sustainable world and improving everyday life through the use and creation of technology. We are trying to develop technology for social good.

WHY CHOOSE MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY?

The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) was founded to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s high-tech industries and offer the following unique features:

  • Support balanced learning and personal and professional growth through small class sizes for better interaction and to support individual learning objectives and flexible program schedules. First and second year MSE classes typically have 60-80 students, while fourth year technical electives, where you are learning about cutting edge technology alongside an expert in the field are typically 20-40 students. Dedicated graduate classes have 15-20 students and the Western Deans Agreement allows grad students to take courses from other universities in Western Canada providing access to a broad range of specialized courses.
  • Graduate with a degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering.
  • Easily accessible on SFU Surrey campus within a brand-new engineering building.
  • Combine the powerful elements of machines, electronics, machine learning, and software to develop "intelligent" electromechanical devices and integrated systems.
  • Design for the real world. Our Mechatronics program gives students a solid foundation in mechanical, computer and electrical engineering with a focus on developing technologies that solve society’s most pressing challenges.
  • Train in vital hands-on technical skills that provide significant advantages in today’s job market. Students design and build mechatronic systems from year one in mechatronics-specific lab-based courses. The program cumulates in a two-term challenging team-based engineering capstone project.
  • Connect directly with future employers who recognize the value of their cross-discipline skills through paid practical experience in our mandatory co-op program for undergraduates or industry-partnered research projects and internships for graduate students. It’s why our graduates have an almost 100% job placement record.
  • Balance technical skills with business acumen through dual degree programs for undergraduates and certificate programs in innovation for graduate students.
  • Launch a start up with SFU’s strong entrepreneurship ecosystem and world-leading experts. MSE alumni, graduate students, and faculty have all launched successful startup companies.

Our world-class faculty members, graduate students, and postdocs perform cutting-edge research in the following areas:

  • Sensing, actuation, and intelligent systems
  • Advanced manufacturing and system integration
  • Biomechatronic and healthcare
  • Energy and power

MSE faculty and graduate students lead the institution in research funding and publication rates. MSE has NSERC, CIHR, and Vanier scholars amongst its graduate students and Health Research BC, NSERC, CIHR postdoctoral fellows. Faculty and student successes are one of the reasons that SFU has been recognized by Maclean’s magazine as Canada’s No. 1 comprehensive university many times since 2008.

FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Mechatronics Engineers are employed in almost all industry sectors: robotics and automation, manufacturing, automotive, aeronautics, power and energy, clean tech, chemical, telecommunications, agri-tech, medical and healthcare. Our graduates are particularly favored in the growing tech industries that look for engineers who understand and can work across multiple disciplines. Former students are working in Canada, USA and Worldwide, including in FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google) companies, developing start-ups, established multi-nationals, government and pursuing graduate education.

Mechatronics graduates may choose to pursue an MASc or Ph.D. (research-focused) or M.Eng. (industry-focused) in Mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, or computing engineering. Several graduates of MSE have obtained faculty positions around the world and established their own research groups.

Top-rated university

SFU has a world-class reputation and is regularly recognized as one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities – thanks to its renowned student and faculty achievements, low teaching ratios, strong support services and innumerable research grants.

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