Mechatronics

Denne side på norsk

The Y-path is a specially adapted study programme for students with a trade certificate background. During a normal period of 3 years, these students can study towards an engineering degree (Bachelor) in Mechatronics, and they will also have the opportunity to continue with a 2-year master programme.

The first Y-path students were enrolled at UiA in August 2005 and graduated June 2008. Today, about one third of the total number of students in Mechatronics follow the Y-path. UiA wants to keep this ratio in the coming years. The Y-path students contribute towards a positive study environment in Grimstad. The Mechatronics study program is organised with many small and large projects in teams, where the students design and construct mechanical and electrical prototypes. Students who have the traditional formal educational background can learn a lot from the Y-path students when it comes to practical work in the machine lab.

Since 2005 several new Y-path study programs have been created in Norway. The advantage of the Y-path in Mechatronics at UiA is the fact that this is one of the oldest Y-paths in Norway. The study programme has therefore been adapted and continuously improved based on the feedback from the first groups of graduated engineers.

This is what the industry thinks about the Y-path:
National Oilwell Varco is very positive towards the Y-path. We need engineers with practical experience, and personell with a trade certificate is definitely an advantage for us. During a number of years we have employed engineers graduated from UiA, and our experience with these engineers is good. Tom Fidjeland, VP Technology, National Oilwell Varco, Kristiansand.

We think that the Y-path educates high quality and practical engineers. The Y-path also creates a diversity within the engineering profession which is positive. Arne Bedringås, Technical Director, MacGregor Group (Hydramarine), Kristiansand.

The study programme Mechatronics is currently the most popular engineering programme at UiA. The reason for the popularity is the education of all-round engineers adapted to the modern requirements of mechanical engineering. Mechatronics engineers are sought after in many and very different industries. These engineers must be able to master different disciplines which today also includes advanced control systems. This development has increased significantly with the rapid development of electronics. There is now a need for all-round engineers which master both mechanical and electrical engineering and the application of these disciplines in the development of new products.

The Y-path at UiA is a specially adapted 3-year study for students with a trade certificate background. The main differences between the Y-path and the regular study programme are specially adapted courses in Mathematics and Physics, and a separate course in Norwegian as a tool subject. For students starting autumn 2011, the entire 2nd and 3rd year of the Y-path is common with the regular study programme, including a larger Bachelor thesis project in the final semester.

Share: