BSc in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Cooperative Program

The Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Co-op Program is an undergraduate engineering program that will offer a unique blend of academic learning and practical experience. Designed in collaboration with industry and academic partners, the program will provide a strong foundation in mathematics and science combined with specialized skills in mechanical, electrical, control, and computer engineering.

All undergraduate students in this program will have the opportunity to complete 20 months of paid work experience as an integral part of the program. 

Yes, all students in the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Co-op Program will have the opportunity to complete a total of 20 months of paid work experience as part of their degree requirements.

Our co-op programs combine classroom learning with extensive work experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers. You'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world settings while earning a competitive salary.

Graduates of this program will be in high demand across various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, energy systems, and more. With up to 20 months of paid work experience on your CV, graduates will be well-prepared for employment in research, design, and development of robotics, process automation, AI for autonomous systems, sensors, and control systems. Opportunities could span diverse industries such as aerospace and defense, agriculture, automotive, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and smart cities, including roles in extreme environments and precision health.

Graduates could pursue careers as mechatronics engineers, control systems engineers, or systems integration engineers, working on the design, development, and maintenance of advanced systems like robots, drones, and industrial equipment. They may also advance to management roles, such as project engineer or project manager, overseeing the design, evaluation, and operation of mechatronics systems.

Graduates could pursue entrepreneurial paths by starting businesses in mechatronics, offering services like system design, consulting, and testing for various industries. Examples of successful start-up companies in the field of mechatronics that were founded by or that employ University of Alberta graduates include Copperstone Technologies, Wyvern, and Pegasus Imagery.

The primary career path for this program would be that of a licensed Professional Engineer. Graduates of the BSc program will be able to practice in Alberta as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) (registered with APEGA); and after 48 months of work experience under the direct supervision of a professional engineer, an EIT can apply to APEGA for a license to practice as a Professional Engineer (PEng).

The co-op component of our programs includes multiple work terms where students are employed by industry partners. For this program, work terms will be 8 to 12 months in duration, allowing students to gain hands-on experience, apply their classroom knowledge, and earn a competitive salary. Our accredited co-op programs offer a team of professionals to provide career development support and unique job opportunities.

Yes, some co-op placements may offer opportunities for research projects, depending on the specific industry partner and project requirements, and some co-op placements may be offered by researchers at the university. This would provide valuable hands-on experience in both practical engineering work and research activities.

The Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Co-op Program would typically take a minimum of five years to complete, including academic terms and co-op work terms.

High school students who meet the admission requirements will only be admitted into the first year program (i.e., common/foundational year). After completing the first-year program, students are admitted to specialized programs (disciplines) based on their academic performance and program preferences, which are communicated through a Program Selection Form. 

In the Faculty of Engineering, your first year is called a “common/foundational year.” In your qualifying year, have the opportunity to discover the world of engineering in either English or French.

Yes, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta offers one-year Engineering Transfer Programs through several Alberta and British Columbia post-secondary institutions. Students in the engineering transfer programs will take equivalent courses to those completed by first-year Engineering students at the University of Alberta and will be considered for admission into a second year Engineering at Alberta program based on their first-year results and will be considered for program placement on an equal basis with continuing University of Alberta Engineering students.

Undergraduate students already enrolled in existing engineering programs at the University of Alberta (e.g., Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering) will not be able to transfer into the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Co-op Program due to the unique arrangement and subject matter of courses in the program. Only students entering the common/foundational year in Fall 2024 (or later) who are then admitted to the Mechatronics and Robotics Co-op Program in their second year will be eligible to complete the program. 

No, there will not be a traditional (four-year) program available. All students in the program will be required to complete the co-op program requirements to graduate.