Mechanical Engineering, 2-year Programme

Study programme code INGMASK2

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements Completed Tertiary Vocational Education relevant for the study programme.

General description and profile of the programme Mechatronics is an interaction between electronically engineering, computer engineering and mechanics. Subjects in the programme are process and operation control and automation by the means of computer science, and the development and use of equipment based on mechanical and electronic components. Many of the subjects are based on LabView programming. Central subjects in the specialization are electronics, feedback control systems, digital control, methodology in structural design, computer assisted design and the use of computers.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes Students from this programme have the competence to develop mechatronical products and systems for industrial and commercial purposes, both nationally and internationally. On successful completion of this programme, the student should: have the theoretical knowledge and practical skill in electrical and mechanical engineering. be able to develop multi-disciplinary products. handle modern computer tools in technical design and analysis. have basic knowledge of feedback control systems and measurement. be able to analyse and design digital control systems. be able to analyse and design electrical and hydraulic drives. be able to work with structured product development. have knowledge of different materials and the use of these. have experience in using project as a working method (implementation, reporting and presentation).

Teaching methods The engineering education in Norway is regulated and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Research. The engineering education programme consists of general, technical and optional subjects including social-economic subjects. Social-economic subjects is a general term for subjects like economics, marketing, languages, communication, administration, leadership, management, law, ethics and environmental issues in a wide perspective. The content of the general subjects is prescribed by the former National Council for Engineering Education, while the technical, optional and social-economic subjects are designed by the faculty itself. Ordinary lectures are optional, but many of the subjects taught entail compulsory exercises, field work and laboratory exercises. These have to be carried out satisfactorily before the candidate is allowed to sit the final exam. The schedule includes exercises and laboratory work in order to give all the students access to the equipment and/or assistance to complete the exercises. The students must expect to work more than the scheduled hours to complete the exercises to satisfaction. Assistant lecturers/student assistants may not be present during all the scheduled periods. Estimated work-load for a full-time student one semester is 900 hours.

Assessment methods The grades are based on written exam, project work, compulsory exercises and/or an oral examination. The assessment or evaluation may show the grade pass or fail, or marks from A to F, where A is the top grade, the lowest pass grade is E. The grading scale conforms to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). For more information, please refer to the course descriptions and the current exam regulations. During the last semester of the three-year engineering programme the students undertake a research project. Most of these final projects are carried out in co-operation with local industry and businesses. The students present their results in a written report and give a presentation to an audience of academic staff and fellow students.

Student exchange The faculty collaborates with a number of universities abroad. In addition to the Socrates Programme (see partner institutions below) the faculty has entered into agreements to collaborate with University of Newcastle (UN), Newcastle, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia. In the USA the faculty collaborates with Michigan Technological University (MTU) and Kansas University. Socrates partners: Germany: Technische Universität München, Technische Universität Dresden, Fachhochschule Stralsund, Fachhochschule Kiel and Fachhochschule Schmalkalden. Great Britain: University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, and University of Central England (UCE), Birmingham. Ireland: Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford. Spain: Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastian. Denmark: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Copenhagen and Ingeniørhøjskolen Københavns Teknikum, Copenhagen and Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme Students must have passed at least 60 ECTS at the start of 4th semester in order to carry out the final research project.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies Engineers are employed in private enterprises and organisations as well as in public services and institutions that often are a mixture of technical and non-technical assignments. Engineers may be engaged in planning, development, maintenance, services, sales, work management, administration, marketing, financial management, teaching, and information technology.

Qualification awarded Høgskolekandidat i ingeniørfag, study option: Mechatronics. This is an engineering degree obtained after two years of study for candidates with completed Tertiary Vocational Education.

Contact person Study Coordinator Jan Henriksen