Myth and reality of mechatronics in tertiary education

Mechatronics sounds more modern and more attractive alternative than other well-established classical engineering disciplines. Therefore, mechatronics is becoming more sought after option for engineering students and industrial enterprises to undertake and adopt. Universities around the world are competing to satisfy the increasing trend for mechatronics courses and mechatronics engineers. However in the middle of this intense competition, universities, sometimes, overlook what can really make a "real" mechatronics program. A mechatronics course has to include essential elements, other than just its title, to be truly mechatronics course. This paper discusses the essential elements that should exist in a mechatronics course. The paper also presents the experience gained from mechatronics course development in both Australia and overseas. It also discusses the educational philosophy the adopted to produce a new generation of engineers.