Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op) in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

Mechatronics engineering involves creating computer-managed electromechanical devices. The core principle is that mechanical design must be integrated with electrical, electronic, and computer control components to form a fully functional system. Common mechatronic applications include CD/DVD players, computer hard drives, fly-by-wire aircraft controls, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). While these devices are fundamentally mechanical, they rely on carefully designed electrical and computerized controls to operate effectively. The University of Waterloo's mechatronics program is managed by its mechanical and mechatronics engineering department. The curriculum differs substantially from traditional mechanical engineering, with half of the second and third-year courses coming from systems design engineering and electrical/computer engineering departments. This structure provides students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary engineering education that emphasizes integration and specialization.

From neighborhood ATMs to future pizza-delivery drones, computer-controlled electromechanical systems power countless technologies. Waterloo's Mechatronics Engineering program—Canada's first and ranked among the world's top 100 (Shanghai World University Rankings 2020)—teaches students to design these systems. The program combines mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, and computer science knowledge to develop advanced machinery. Cooperative education terms allow students to explore career options, earn tuition money, and build impressive professional portfolios that attract employers.