Mechanical Engineering is the broadest of all the engineering disciplines in its range of activities. It applies the principles of physics, materials science and mathematics to the design, development, research, evaluation, manufacture, installation, testing, operation, maintenance and management of mechanical systems. It involves an understanding of concepts such as mechanics, kinematics, fluid and solid dynamics, machines, thermodynamics, materials science and structural analysis and well as supporting techniques such as computer-aided systems, process management and control systems.

As a discipline, mechanical engineering is applied in a variety of areas including mining, minerals processing, manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, the automotive, aviation and shipbuilding industries, electrical power generation and distribution, road and rail transport, defence, agriculture, fishing and food processing.