Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1066C
Engineering & Technology

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide

Program Handbook Guidelines

​The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website​ applies to all students, regardless of program.

The Student Guide provides details regarding Student ServicesSafety and SecurityStudent Rights and Responsibilities and more. 

Welcome

​Welcome to the School of Engineering & Technology.

Conestoga College offers a full range of engineering and technology programs to suit your interests and career aspirations. Within these, there are one-year certificates (both foundational and post-diploma), two and three-year diplomas, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Pathways exist within these programs to empower students to reach their full potential.

All of our programs incorporate active learning that may include project-based learning, cooperative education, case studies, and capstone projects. Active learning allows students to apply theory to practice during their studies and results in a graduate who is better prepared for the real work world. Employers like our approach to learning and student development, which is why the School of Engineering & Technology has a history of excellent graduate and co-op placement rates.

Sincerely,​

Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
Executive Dean

Program Staff Contact Information

Program Administration and Faculty

Executive Dean – Engineering–Technology–Trades
Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
A2205-4 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3212
tthoma@conestogac.on.ca

Executive Assistant to Executive Dean:
Rebecca Dougherty​
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4573
rdougherty@conestogac.on.ca

Program Chair
Calin Stoicoiu, P. Eng.
A2205-5 Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2272
cstoicoiu@conestogac.on.ca

Administrative Assistant to Program Chair:
Fatima Armas
A2205 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. ​​3342​
farmas@conestogac.on.ca

Program Coordinators
Andrew Campbell P. Eng. (fall/winter terms)
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2233
acampbell@conestogac.on.ca 

Florin David, P. Eng.  (winter/spring terms)
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2288
fdavid@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty
Min Chen, P.Eng
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2298
mchen@conestogac.on.ca

Paula Meyer, P.Eng.
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2272
pmeyer@conestogac.on.ca

Tam Nguyen, P.Eng.
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2273
tnguyen@conestogac.on.ca

Christian Pop, P.Eng
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4596
cpop@conestogac.on.ca

Mohammad Toorani, P.Eng.
A3206 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4587
mtoorani@conestogac.on.ca

Other Faculty

In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you during this academic program. These include faculty from other Schools for the breadth and or/general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific focus areas.

Contact information for each faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.

​​Communication - School Standard

Conestoga College and eConestoga student email accounts are used to communicate with students.  Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.  Faculty and staff will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.​

ONE Card - Student Identification Card

Conestoga's ONE Card is the College's official identification card for students. Before you can be fully registered and access your timetable, you must upload a student photo.  Your ONE Card student photo completes your student record, confirms that you are a Conestoga College student, and gives you access to student services. When your ONE Card student photo has been uploaded and approved, your card will be mailed to you. ​​Learn more about using your ONE Card here. If you have any questions, please email the ONE Card Office.​

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

Program Overview

​​​Program Description

The Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering (MSE) program, delivered at the honours level, is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) allowing graduates to become professional engineers after completing their mandatory work experience and writing a professional practice exam. The program integrates a rich blend of interdisciplinary topics covering mechanical, industrial and control engineering to enable graduates to design complex computer-controlled mechanical systems. Automated manufacturing systems, comprised of mechanical components, conveyors, electrical and pneumatic actuators, sensors, and robots are examples of such mechanical systems. The MSE program is delivered in a unique project-based curriculum model allowing students to learn by doing while developing strong skills in business methodologies, project management, environmental protection and interpersonal and team dynamics. As they work on increasingly complex projects, students progress from the technical fundamentals to advanced leading technologies in design, manufacturing, and automation. This project work, combined with twelve months of paid co-op opportunities, thoroughly prepares MSE graduates for a successful career in a variety of engineering fields.

There are three ways for applicants to enter MSE:

  1. Students can apply to enter level 1 on the basis of their high-school marks. 
  2. Students with a suitable three-year technology diploma may apply to bridge into MSE; acceptance into the bridging process is based on a case-by-case analysis of each applicant's background and final interview with the MSE bridging panel.  After successful completion of a set of bridging courses, students can enter MSE at an advanced level, either at the second or third-year level.  To find out more about the bridge entry to MSE, see the transfer credits for bridging into the MSE program. 
  3. Students who have partially completed a CEAB accredited engineering program at another institution may apply to enter MSE with advanced standing.  Acceptance into an advanced level is based on a case-by-case analysis of each applicant's background by the program coordinator in consultation with other MSE faculty and the program chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Outcomes are located on the Mechanical Systems Engineering program page under "Courses".​

Program Design

Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the 'Program Courses'.

Accreditation

The engineering curriculum is required to ensure a foundation in mathematics and natural science, a broad preparation in engineering science and design, and an exposure to non-technical complementary studies. The quality and balance of a program is assessed using a tally of Accreditation Units (AUs) as defined by CEAB. Bachelor of Engineering programs are designed to ensure students receive more than the minimum curriculum components required for accreditation.

Every accredited engineering program in Canada is regularly assessed by CEAB to ensure that its graduates are academically qualified to begin the process to be licensed as a professional engineer. There are four major criteria for a program review:

  1. graduate attributes
  2. continual improvement
  3. student related policies and support systems
  4. quality curriculum

Graduate attributes ensure that a graduating engineering student is technically prepared with the knowledge and skills required to work as a professional engineer. They also ensure that graduates are prepared for the professional responsibilities required of an engineer, and that they are employable. Students in Bachelor of Engineering programs are regularly required to demonstrate these attributes in the series of projects they complete each semester.

As part of the continual improvement process, feedback is regularly gathered from Bachelor of Engineering program stakeholders, including students. This feedback is reviewed at the end of each semester and academic year to ensure both student success and academic and operational quality.

As documented in the rest of this Program Handbook, both Conestoga and the Bachelor of Engineering programs have numerous policies, procedures, and support services in place. Students are made aware of these during Orientation activities.

MSE students in level 11 (4B) on track to complete the academic requirements of the program by the end of level 11, in August, will be eligible to receive their iron ring (ceremony is usually in May or June).

Interdisciplinary Electives

Students are required to complete interdisciplinary elective courses. Interdisciplinary elective requirements are listed at the bottom of the progress report, which is found on the Student Portal under My Courses. The progress report indicates the level/semester in which the course must be taken. Students are responsible for adding interdisciplinary electives into their schedule for the designated semester. Eligible courses are posted each semester by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies on the College's elective website. For more information and to view the current elective course offerings, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree. Questions regarding interdisciplinary electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.ca.

Degree Minors

Conestoga College's degree students may be able to apply their interdisciplinary electives toward a minor within their degree program. A minor acknowledges additional learning within a specific discipline that a student achieves while completing their degree. A minor can help recognize the additional interests a student may have and can help differentiate a job seeker from their competitors. Successful completion of a minor will be identified on the student's official transcript.

For more information, please click here: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree/minors

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

​Course Changes (Adding/Dropping)

Students can find their program design by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to Student Portal.
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab.
  3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings.
It is strongly recommended that students consult the Student Success Advisor/Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.   Adding/dropping courses may affect a student's status and financial aid entitlement and may also be limited by other factors.  

  • If a course withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline date, a dropped course will be recorded as a "W" (withdrawal) on the transcript.
  • If a course withdrawal is processed after the deadline, an "F" (fail) will be recorded on the transcript.
Students may add/drop courses through the Student Portal when timetables are available.  If a student is unable to make a course change(s) in the Student Portal, they can submit a Course Change Request Form which can be found in the Student Portal, under the "Services" tab, "My Forms" button.  

Continuing Education and OntarioLearn courses are not included in student full-time fees. Students wishing to take these part-time courses are required to pay the full fee for the individual course(s). Students may add these or other courses under the 'Browse Continuing Education' tab in their Student Portal.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca. 

The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.

For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.

If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.

Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.

Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.

For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.

​​Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meets with the program coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a Program Application Form to the Registrar's Office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled, students ​may want to discuss options with a Career Advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met. Additional information for career or academic advising is available from faculty, program coordinators, or career advisors in the Welcome Centre.​​​

Students may request an exemption for a course by filling out an application for credit transfer which can be found on the Student Portal. Select the "My Courses" tab, "My Credit Transfer" sub-tab, and submit the application to the Credit Transfer Office. In addition to the completed form it will be necessary to provide the following information:

  1. An official transcript
  2. Course outline

Course outcomes need to encompass at least 80% of the MSE course for which the exemption is sought, be taught at a degree level, and must have equivalent or higher lecture hours (tutorial hours are not considered). Care will also be taken to ensure that the institution/program in which the course was taught has engineering accreditation. As the MSE program is accredited by the CEAB, we must also follow the requirements for credit transfer found in the CEAB document Accreditation Criteria and Procedures Report.

Co-op semester credit can be granted for the first co-op experience in the program only, and the credit transfer process must be completed prior to the start of the co-op semester.

A student should be referred to the Program Coordinator if they have:

  1. Transcripts from an unrecognized institution
  2. Transcripts from a foreign institution
  3. Considerable work experience which may be eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning assessment (see below)

Note that in MSE the project-based nature of the program may require students to continue a course regardless of courses taken from previous institutions.

Exemptions are not granted for courses completed more than five years previously.

The maximum credit allowed through Transfer of Credits is 50% of the program credits. Therefore, at least 50% of the program credits must be taken under the direct supervision of Conestoga College faculty.

Awards – College Application Procedure

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through the Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be sent to all full-time Conestoga students' email accounts in the Fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and Winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit The Student Financial Services - Awards Office on Conestoga's website for more information.

Attendance and Program Expectations

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters!  Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc...). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.  

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

  • To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
  • If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

  • The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
  • The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
  • If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
  • As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

​Evaluations (deadlines, tests, and examinations)

General Information

The program and course/module learning outcomes provide the frame of reference for evaluation.  Learning experiences are planned in order that the student can demonstrate the ability to correlate theory with practice.​

Evaluation is a continuous process that assesses student performance.

Regular appointments may be arranged between the student and faculty at which time the student's progress is reviewed, and advisement is given for improved student learning.

Evaluation Methods​

In-School Semesters:

A variety of tools are used for evaluation including:

  • quizzes, written tests, and examinations
  • oral presentations and demonstrations
  • written assignments, such as books reports, case studies, business plans, journals, logs, portfolios
  • design and/or construction of projects
  • lab assignments

Co-op Semesters:

Co-op assignments must be completed competently and within the allocated time unless other arrangements have been made with the faculty/Co-op advisor.

Sources of Evaluation and Feedback

Students will benefit from the input of many people who will evaluate their work and provide feedback.  The final grade is a compilation from many sources including:

  • evaluation by course faculty of the student's performance (team and individual)
  • external review panels
  • self-evaluations
  • peer evaluations
  • business associates (co-op experience, thesis external advisors, etc.)

Results of Evaluation

Faculty maintains their own student tracking records.  You and your academic team should review these records on a regular basis.

Late Submission of Student Work

Late submissions are not accepted in the program unless an extension has been granted by the faculty.  Students should consult the course Instructional Plan and contact their faculty for guidance. 

Extension of Submission of Student Work

It is acknowledged that events can happen to either faculty or students that disrupt the planned schedule.  Each incident will be addressed on an individual, case-by-case basis by course faculty, with the following general guidelines:

  • Students are required to submit all assignments on or before the date specified and should anticipate problems that might necessitate an extension of time. If an extension of time is required, students will make this request to the appropriate faculty.
  • An extension of time will be given only if arrangements have been made with the faculty prior to the due date. Requests for an extension must be made by email to the relevant course faculty, from the student's Conestoga e-mail address. Extensions will not typically be given if the request is made the day the assignment(s) is due.
  • In general, extensions for submission of student work will be considered only in the case of extenuating circumstances (illness, accidents, bereavement, etc.). Course faculty may require documentation of the proposed extenuating circumstances – such as a doctor's note in the case of illness in exceptional cases; the decision to accept this documentation is determined by the faculty responsible for the related work.
  • Where a student has requested an extension and provided relevant faculty with accepted documentation of extenuating circumstances in advance of due dates or with a medical certificate upon return to classes, efforts will be made to accommodate the student without penalty and within the timeframe set by the College for completion of term work.

Guidelines for Writing Tests and Exams

  • Students are required to bring their college ID cards to tests and exams
  • The faculty/invigilator may request that books, bags, coats, caps, etc. be left in a designated area
  • The faculty/invigilator has the authority to assign seats
  • Students must wait until so directed before turning over and starting their test or exam
  • Students are not permitted to talk after the test or exam has started, except to the faculty/invigilator
  • Students may not enter the exam/test room after 30 minutes past the start nor leave the room before 30 minutes has passed after the start of the test or exam
  • The deferment of a test, assignment or exam may be granted at the discretion of individual course faculty where the student has:
    • made the request to the relevant faculty prior to the date of the originally scheduled evaluation, and
    • ​​has provided faculty with acceptable documentation of the circumstances generating the request.

Extra Credit

There are no extra-credit assignments allowed in the MSE program.

Test and Examination Program Protocol

Quiz/exam rules are set by the course professor prior to the exam.

Interim Marks Appeals

In the case where a student wishes to dispute an interim mark (assignment, lab, midterm exam, etc.) the student must first see the professor to discuss the issue. In cases where a satisfactory outcome cannot be achieved, the program Chair should be consulted. If a grade is re-evaluated students will receive the most recent grade for the work.  The re-evaluated grade could be the same, higher or lower than the initial grade. 

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities. 

By having and applying an Academic  Offences Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Copyright at Conestoga 

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

​Academic Promotion Decisions

Refer to the College website 'Baccalaureate Degree Promotion and Graduation Policy' for specific information regarding this policy.

These policies are defined to meet the requirements of the Post-secondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB).  Should the Board revise its requirements these College policies will be reviewed. In addition, changes may result due to decisions made by Academic Forum.  Any changes will be reflected in this web document.​

Academic Decisions

The Academic Team meets at the conclusion of every semester, and at the call of the Program Coordinator, to make academic decisions.  Academic decisions are made with respect to promotion, probation, learning contracts, supplemental work and discontinuance.

The academic record of students who fail to meet program/course standards will be reviewed by the Academic Team.  This would include the following reasons:

  • Failure of theory course and/or studio course
  • Patterns of absences from class or co-op which may affect achieving program standard

A student who has not met the program/course standards will be subject to one, or a combination of, the following as determined by the Academic Team:​

  1. Complete supplemental work relating to specific course failures.
  2. Repeat the course at the earliest opportunity.
  3. Repeat the entire semester/year.
  4. Be placed on probationary status.
  5. Enter into a Learning Contract relating to achievement across more than one program course.
  6. Be declared ineligible to participate in co-op terms.​ 
  7. Be discontinued from the program.

Students who are promoted but have un-cleared failures may not be able to take courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite.

A grade of 60% (2.0-grade points) is considered the minimum level of achievement for passing a course, however, students must maintain a minimum program GPA of 2.5 (65%) to avoid probation, repeating the same level or discontinuance. This means that achieving 60% in a few courses will be okay however many courses with final marks of 60% will result in an overall GPA of less than 2.5.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.​

A flow chart showing how MSE promotional decisions are made is shown below.​

The promotion diagram


Promotional Decisions for Students Bridging into MSE

Bridging students' acceptance into the MSE program is conditional on successful completion of the assigned bridging course module with an overall bridging GPA of 2.5 over a period of no more than 1.33 years.  Courses failed during the bridging module need to be retaken during the next academic year and this will extend the bridging period to 1.33 years.

In the event that not all bridging courses are passed during the extended 1.33-year bridge, students with an overall bridging GPA of at least 2.0 may reapply for one more four-month bridging term during the fall term of the next academic year.  These students will receive credit for any past bridging courses for which a final mark of 65% was achieved and will need to repeat all other courses.  At the end of the additional four-month term, students will be assessed for eligibility to enter MSE based on successfully completing all bridging courses and achieving an overall bridging GPA of at least 2.5.  If at the end of the additional four-month term the candidate has still not met the requirements, no further opportunities will be available to bridge into MSE.  In all cases, bridging course credits older than 2.33 years will not be considered.

Co-operative Education

The academic requirements to be eligible for a co-op work term in a degree program are as follows (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent unless otherwise noted):

  • Minimum 65% session weighted average in the eligibility term two academic semesters prior to any co-op work term.
  • Maximum two failures or withdrawals during the academic semester that occurs in the eligibility term two academic semesters prior to any co-op work term.
  • Must have successfully completed all but two core courses, according to the program design, by the eligibility term prior to any given work term (regardless of the level the student was placed in advanced standing).
  • Students (even those on special timetables) will not be permitted to complete a co-op work term until conditions above are met and all but two core course deficiencies, according to the program design, are cleared.
  • Co-op work terms may need to be re-sequenced to allow academic deficiencies to be cleared or in the event a student changes cohorts (i.e. graduation is delayed by one year or more). Students may not repeat a passed work term.
  • Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
  • In the case of back to back work terms eligibility to participate in consecutive work terms will be granted upon approval to participate in the initial work term.
  • Where two or more work terms occur back-to-back, should a student fail to achieve academic eligibility for the first work term, their eligibility for the second work term will be based on the term that occurs two terms prior to the second work term.
  • Students in degree programs may only fail/defer each work term in their program design once. 
To participate in a co-op work term, students must (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent unless otherwise noted):
  • Successfully complete the Co-op and Career Preparation modules (CEPR/CDEV71050).  Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation will not be permitted to search for co-op employment nor will they be able to participate in a co-op work term.  Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation more than twice will not be permitted to continue in their co-op program (exceptions may be granted for degrees).
  • Be enrolled full-time (full-time = 70% of the hours, or 66 2/3 % of the courses in the current session/level of the Program Design.)  Exceptions will apply to those students who have been granted special timetabling based on formal identification of barriers or challenges for which accommodation is required. Academic eligibility requirements must still be met prior to being granted access to seek a co-op work term.
  • Must have successfully completed all but two core courses, according to the program design, by the eligibility term prior to any given work term (regardless of the level the student was placed in advanced standing).
  • Students (even those on special timetables) will not be permitted to complete a co-op work term until conditions above are met and all but two core course deficiencies, according to the program design, are cleared.
  • Co-op work terms may need to be re-sequenced to allow academic deficiencies to be cleared or in the event a student changes cohorts (i.e. graduation is delayed by one year or more). Students may not repeat a passed work term.
  • Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
  • Meet program-specific co-op work term eligibility requirements.
For additional information please refer to the Co-operative Education Regulations & Guidelines: Student Regulations, Procedures and Supports found by:
  • Login to MyCareer
  • Select Co-op
  • Select Co-op Resources
  • Select Co-op Policies
  • Select Co-operative Education Regulations, Procedures and Supports for Students
Please Note:
  • Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment.  Visit Co-operative Education for more information. 
  • The College cannot guarantee co-op employment.  All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • In order to participate in a WIL experience/Co-op work term, students must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
  • Students who are not eligible for co-op or​ do not secure the first work term by the start of the work term semester will be offered the option to enroll in the 15 credit Career Management in Canada GCM70000 co-op alternative.  This co-op alternative involves guided activities involving approximately 2 hours of coaching and advising time per week and additional project work.
  • If GCM70000 is selected, students cannot transfer back into the co-op stream and cannot complete a co-op term for their first work term.
  • GCM70000 is delivered online with virtual group coaching/advising session of 2 hours per week.
  • GCM70000 is only an alternative for the first co-op work term of the program.

Pre-requisites

Students may be allowed entry into a course for which they are missing a prerequisite only in special circumstances with the permission of the program coordinator and with the approval in writing of the course Professor. In addition to prerequisites and co-requisites, it may not be possible to take courses out of sequence to preserve the links between courses and curriculum projects at any level.

Incomplete Work

A student will only be granted an incomplete in a given course if the following conditions are met:

  1. The student has accumulated a grade of at least 50%
  2. The student is not in a position to be discontinued (as specified in the official promotion policy for degree programs)
  3. The student has passed the theory portion of the course (if applicable).
  4. The student has not had any academic offences reported in the given course. 

Supplemental Evaluation

During a student's academic career, there may be occasions when the student's performance results in a failing grade for a course.  Conestoga grants students the opportunity to raise this grade to the minimum passing grade under very specific circumstances (i.e. eligibility criteria) outlined within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure.   In addition to the eligibility criteria outlined in the policy, the MSE academic team has identified the following criteria in accordance with Conestoga's policies and procedures.  To be eligible for a supplemental evaluation, the following conditions must be met:

  1. The final overall course mark is at least 50%.
  2. At least one of the examinations in the course must have been passed (minimum 60% mark on exam).  For courses without examinations, the course professor will select the evaluation that students must have passed.
  3. The student must not have any academic offences in the course. 
  4. The student is not in a position to be discontinued (as specified in the official promotion policy for degree programs). 
  5. The student is allowed no more than two supplementals per term and no more than eight over the course of the program.
  6. The student has not previously had a supplemental in the course.

The form of the supplemental will be determined by the course professor and will either be an examination, an assignment or a combination of the two.  

Decisions regarding supplemental eligibility will be made at the marks and promotion meeting by the promotion committee, after which students will be informed of their eligibility by the professor using college email. Students must register for the supplemental following the process outlined by their course professor, prior to the start of any supplemental work.   Any fees for the supplemental must be paid before the date of the supplemental.

If a student successfully passes a previously failed course through a supplemental process, the previously awarded grade for the course will be changed to 60%. If a student repeats a course or module, the grade earned on the repeated course will be recorded and used to calculate the program cumulative average and Grade Point.   The process is outlined in full detail within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Procedure.  

Students Repeating Courses

A student who is ineligible for a supplemental or a student who has failed a supplemental must repeat the course at the earliest possible time. The student must contact the Program Coordinator with the details of the course to obtain a Special Timetable. Timetabling conflicts due to students taking courses in multiple years are often unavoidable. Students should note that a single failure often results in an additional year to complete the degree.

Students repeating courses must repeat all evaluations in the course.

Students Taking Courses at other Institutions

It may be possible for a student to locate a suitable course at another institution to serve as a make-up course when an MSE course is failed.  This will only be permitted for make-up purposes.  This means the student must have completed the MSE course and not withdrawn part-way through the semester.  It will be necessary for the student to apply for a letter of permission to take the other institution's course.  Students should contact their program coordinator to assist with this process. 

Students Repeating a Semester/Year

A decision of 'special timetable same level' will result from conditions shown in the MSE promotion diagram.  Students will need to clear any failures or dropped or missing courses before being promoted to the next level. This will add one more year for the program completion. 

Part-time or Full-time Status

When the number of courses that a student can take is reduced, due to missing prerequisite courses (or for other reasons) it may result in the student becoming registered part time in the program.  This can affect a student’s access to college services, fees paid, access to OSAP etc.
For international students, switching to part-time status can affect eligibility for the Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).  It is recommended that international students contact an international advisor in these cases.


Probation

A student with a program GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 and two (2) or fewer missing courses will be placed on academic probation. Missing courses must be cleared and the student's GPA must be raised in order to return to normal academic status. Students on academic probation are eligible to continue in the program with academic conditions as defined by the prerequisite and corequisites of the program and to apply for co-op placements as long as they meet the academic requirements specified in Co-operative Education section.

Students will be taken off probation once their program GPA is at least 2.5 and they have cleared all missing courses.

Discontinuance

Students will be discontinued if:

  1. There is no progress in clearing missing courses and maintaining a 2.5 GPA while on probation.
  2. They have failed the same course three (3) times.
  3. They are carrying more than four (4) core subject failures and their GPA is between 1.0 and 2.0.
  4. They have a GPA that is below 1.0 (Average below 50%).
  5. They have had 3 academic offences and/or a student responsibility violation necessitating discontinuance.

Normally there will be no academic decision made at the end of level one. However, a student may be discontinued at the end of level one based on a unanimous recommendation of the program's Academic Promotion Committee.

Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal an academic decision, probation, or discontinuance from the program should refer to the Conestoga College Student Guide.

Re-admission

All applications for re-admission must be approved by the Program Chair. Students that have been discontinued from the program may be readmitted subject to the following requirements:

1.    Re-admission will not be granted sooner than one year after the discontinuance decision.​

2.    The student must clear all missing courses during the one-year peroid away from the program.

​3.    Students are permitted only one re-admission into the program.

Withdrawal

Students considering withdrawing from a program should meet with their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to withdrawing. To formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Withdrawal form located in the Student Portal under the "Services" tab. Click the "My Forms" to locate, complete, and submit the form to the Registrar's Office. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under Academic Dates.

Graduation

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study.  For students enrolled in co-op programs, this includes completion of all mandatory co-op work terms. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the Registrar's Office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.

Period Required to Graduate

For students beginning MSE in level 1, the program must be completed within seven (7) years of its start. 

Students who enter the program by bridging or advanced standing must complete the program in the normal time required to complete the remaining levels plus one year.

Leaves of absence or exceptions must be approved by the Program Coordinator and Program Chair.

Equipment and Facility Information

After-Hours Access

Conestoga hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Conestoga recognizes that in some programs of study, students may require after-hours access to classrooms and labs. After-hours access is maintained in accordance with the academic needs of individual programs. The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right.

If after-hours access is required, faculty must contact security in advance, with the student(s) name, ID number, and program information, along with signed paperwork approving access. The student must follow these guidelines: 

  • Be in the designated room with another approved person
  • Follow all room safety rules
  • Inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations
  • Have student identification card available
  • Notify security upon departure
  • Not move furniture

Students are required to follow communicated access and safety requirements, protocols, and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property. Policies and procedures can be found on the website for the Security Services Department.

​Project/Class Room Rules

Facility access restrictions, protocols and rules must be followed by all students.  The exclusive project rooms that MSE has at the Cambridge campus are a privilege that very few students at Conestoga have.   When individuals are given permission to access these facilities and equipment, the following rules must be followed.  Additional restrictions, protocols and rules may be communicated by the college or faculty to protect individuals, equipment and facilities and support a positive learning experience :

  1. Project room safety rules must be followed.
  2. Project rooms must be kept locked at all times unless a faculty member requires the doors to be open for a brief period.  Otherwise, the room doors are not to be blocked open so that there is a controlled entry.
  3. After-hours access restrictions, protocols and rules must be followed.
  4. Project rooms must be kept tidy and free of clutter. Students must use the lockers in the hall and cubbies provided to store personal and academic items.
  5. It is the student's responsibility to lock up any valuable items.
  6. Desktop computers within the room are not intended for students' daily use; they are there because they have specialized software required for some labs/projects.  Please do not use these computers unless you are directed to do so by a faculty member.
  7. Students may be required by faculty to turn off computers, including personal laptops, during lectures and other exercises. Students must comply with the faculty request.
  8. Students should avoid causing disruption during lectures. Cell phones should be muted. Students should use washroom facilities during breaks between classes.
  9. The project rooms are to be considered a place of business. There is to be no game playing, movie watching, loud music, inappropriate surfing of the internet, horseplay or other unprofessional behaviour in the project rooms.
  10. No unauthorized furniture or appliances are permitted in the project rooms.
  11. Theft, tampering, loss and/or destruction of college equipment are not permitted and will result in a student responsibility violation and possible criminal charges.
  12. Please respect others and the property of others.
  13. The project rooms may have video surveillance.

Machine Operation and Safety

Students are expected to practice safe working habits at all times while in the machine shop.  Failure to follow the rules that result in injury to yourself or others will result in disciplinary measures. Faculty/technologist supervision is required at all times​.

  1. Machines may only be used under college supervision.
  2. Neck and wrist chains must be removed while in the lab.
  3. Through ways are marked with wide yellow lines; nothing is to be placed within the marked areas.
  4. The machine power must be switched off when changing cutting tools on milling machines. The spindle must be stopped on drill presses and engine lathes when changing cutting tools.
  5. Never reach into a machine for a part.
  6. Never leave a machine until it has come to a full and complete stop.
  7. Machines with computers or electronic control assistance are particularly dangerous in that they may appear to have or be stopped but in fact may start up again unexpectedly, therefore; these are not to be used unless the supervisor has demonstrated proper use.
  8. Know where the red emergency palm buttons are located on every machine; activate the emergency button if an accident warrants its use.
  9. Do not lift objects that weigh in excess of 30 lbs/13 kilos; a lifting apparatus is available for heavier objects.
  10. Electrical/electronic equipment/devices must be properly shut off when not being used, such as solder machine, power supply, etc.
  11. Protective safety devices shall not be removed from any of the equipment.
  12. Machine set-ups are to be checked by faculty to verify safety.​

Note: If you have any special needs that may affect you safely working machinery, you must notify your instructor prior to entering your first class.

Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga's Safety and Security services and procedures.  Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All students are required to follow the PPE requirements specified for each lab, shop and or other campus space.  Students must also comply with additional PPE requirements and safety measures that may be communicated by faculty, building signage, and or college staff. Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs.

PPE - Program Standard

  1. Hearing protection is mandatory in designated areas.
  2. Safety glasses/eye protection must be worn when operating mechanical/electrical tools, such as jigsaw, handsaw, file, drill, etc.
  3. Foot protection must be worn in designated areas-- No sandals or open-toed shoes are permitted in the work area.
  4. Steel-toed or composite footwear must be worn in designated areas.  Provincial guidelines around safety footwear are followed. When wearing composite footwear, if something falls on it, the shoes must be replaced.
  5. Long hair must be restrained so as not to become entangled in the machines
  6. Loose clothing is not allowed.  Tuck in shirts and pull up pants.
  7. Long pants must be worn when working in the lab.​

Equipment, Supplies, and Texts

Laptops: MSE is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Each student is required to own and maintain a laptop device that meets the minimum specified requirements as outlined on the Conestoga BYOD Website.  It is the student's responsibility to have a device that meets all specified requirements available for the first week of classes and when it is required for class, during evaluations, etc. During the foundation module at the start of the program, students will be instructed on how to download certain software products and how to access other products through the college server. The laptop must be equipped with anti-virus software. The College will provide access to engineering software as required by each course. Students are required to purchase an electric kit in Year 1 that will be used in labs/projects in several courses during their studies.

Students are expected to purchase the textbooks required by each course.


Electronic Kit: Students are required to purchase an electric kit in Year 1 that will be used in labs/projects in several courses during their studies. The cost of the electronic kit is paid to the bookstore and directions as to how to secure the kit will be provided upon purchase and via the course professor.

Sign-Outs:    There will be times when students sign out equipment, parts, or resources. Each student is responsible for anything signed out and is expected to return the item in a timely manner in its original condition. Deposits may be required. Students will be required to pay replacement value for parts that they have signed out but not returned.

Books:    Each year students are required to purchase a number of textbooks. Students are expected to purchase the textbooks required by each course. The faculty team has made every effort to select texts that will help students learn the concepts required for success in the program.

Assigned reading lists are provided for many classes. Most of these readings will be from the specified textbooks. Each student is responsible for completing this reading before class.

Use of Electronic Devices in Classrooms and Labs

Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Professors or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs. Devices used for accommodations are always welcome. Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence and at minimum, a mark of zero.

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access. 

Student Engagement

Conestoga 101

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga, a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately one hour to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help you transition to Conestoga.

​​Student Feedback

​Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.

All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator(s) of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator(s) will select which student(s) will represent the program at PAC. Student attendees are important members of the PAC and are expected to be present at all meetings and are responsible for preparing and submitting a report based on guidelines provided by the program coordinator.

Students who participate in PACs will receive credit on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR) . Your CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved Co-curricular experiences at Conestoga.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures". 

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:         
  • Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
  • Academic Offences Policy & Procedure ​
  • Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
  • Convocation Procedure
  • Co-operative Education Policy
  • Discontinuance Procedure
  • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
  • Grading Procedure
  • Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
  • Readmission Procedure
  • Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
  • Student Expectations for Online Engagement
  • Student Feedback Policy
  • Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.​​ 

Web-based Tools

​Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student. 

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Program Handbook Revision Log

Date: June 19, 2022
Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date:  July 16, 2021
Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date:  July 10, 2020
Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date:  July 2, 2019
Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date:  July 5, 2018
Type of Revision: Annual revisions, updates to Attendance

Date:  July 3, 2017

Type of Revision: Minor annual updates/revisions

Date: June 16, 2016
Type of Revision: Co-op Update

Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering