Course Overview
Mechatronic refers to a multidisciplinary discipline encompassing; mechanical, electrical, telecommunication as well as computer engineering. It is a relatively new approach to product design that addresses four interconnected disciplines used for all complex modern devices.  Mechatronic engineering is therefore the design of computer-controlled electromechanical systems. Simply put it’s an advanced mechanical engineering incorporating electrical, electronic and computer control aspects towards understanding of manufacturing methods. As a field of study, mechatronic it has a strong emphasis on design of efficient systems for manufacturing.Professionals in this field are known as mechatronic engineers among other titles. Mechatronic engineers combine the principles of mechanical engineering, computer as well as electronics when designing, building and managing controls and imbedded systems, sensors, actuators and robotic systems used to control manufacturing processes.  Simply put, they create and improve automated processes through Mechanical and Electrical/Electronic Engineering and controls systems. With Kenya working towards Vision 2030, the country will need competent engineers well equipped with skills and knowledge useful in an industrialized economy.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering is a five year course that whose curriculum has been developed to produce competent engineers in the field of mechatronic engineering. The programme gives a thorough understanding of modern engineering and manufacturing combined with specialist skills in electronics and computer based technology. The curriculum coursework covers important areas such as; Engineering Mechanics, Workshop Processes and Practice, Analogue Electronics, Circuit and Network Theory, Computer Programming, Solid and Structural Mechanics, Measurements and Instrumentation, Production Technology, Gear Mechanisms, Control Engineering, Sensors and Transducers, Design of Mechatronic Systems, Digital Electronics, Power electronics, Computer Aided Manufacturing,  Computer Controlled Manufacturing, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Manufacturing Process Planning and Assembly Processes and Systems among other important areas. The programme aims to produce engineers who are able to work or lead in multi-disciplinary design teams on products that involve both a mechanical and electronic dimension such as modern precision equipments and robotics among others. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will possess triple qualifications in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering in the design of computer controlled mechanical components and help increase efficiency in the production of manufactured goods.

Entry Qualifications
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of B- in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster Subjects; Subject 1 MAT A, Subject 2 PHY, Subject 3 CHE, Subject 4 BIO or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.

Becoming a mechatronic engineer
If you are passionate about engineering systems and interested in a career that integrates together mechanical, electrical, electronics, control and computer engineering towards creating efficiency in manufacturing processes, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.

Mechatronic engineers are creative people with ability to design and build complex pieces of equipment and machine; a creative mind is therefore essential for this kind of work. They also have good listening skills as they often work on projects with other engineers and professionals and must listen to and analyze different approaches to the task at hand. Innovation in every field is very important to stay at the top of the game; mechatronic engineers should also have these skills.

Good maths skills are very important in this profession as mechatronic engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry as well as other advanced topics in math for analysis, design and troubleshooting in their work. They also have good technical skills such as basic engineering concepts and mechanical, electrical and other engineering processes that enable them to design new devices. These professionals are excellent problem solvers able to take scientific discoveries and seek to make them into products that would be useful to people, companies and governments at large.

Work environment.
Mechatronic engineers mainly operate from offices among other establishments

Career opportunities
Mechatronic engineers can work within government or private sector. They can find employment in areas such as; industrial systems design, artificial intelligence and smart devices to create, implement and test such systems among other areas. Graduates can also start their own businesses.

You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Instrumentation & Control Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Information Engineering
Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation