In the final year students work on a large individual project in which modelling, computing skills and engineering knowledge acquired during the degree are applied to a practical problem. The project is considered to be the highlight of the engineering science course. Previous projects have included modelling hang glider performance, optimising race strategies for solar powered vehicles, stress analysis of artificial hip joints and heart valves, analysis of sail designs and the flow around yacht keels for the America s Cup, optimisation of multi-currency transactions, and even computer modelling of the Mangere sewage ponds. Besides preparing a written project report, students present the results of their project work in a formal oral presentation. Mechanical Engineering Engineers must not only have a good understanding of the engineering sciences, but also be able to communicate effectively and to apply their knowledge and experience to new problems.
Students therefore take compulsory papers in several core areas.
Another covers essential aspects of engineering business like economics, management and environmental issues. In addition to these core areas, students have the opportunity to specialize in their final year by selecting a number of elective papers. A particular feature of our degree is the strong emphasis given to design and project work, in which students acquire the ability to apply their knowledge to the development of new products, and develop skills in teamwork and communication. As a part of Part III students attend a number of local industrial site visits and take part in a two-day field trip to industries further afield. Resource Engineering Parts II to IV of this degree cover environ-mental principles, fluid mechanics, geomechanics and resource management as well as core material dealing with the utilization of water resources and mineral resources.