Master's Programme in Mechatronics

Study programme code MASTMEK

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements To qualify for admission students must hold a bachelor´s degree in mechanical, electrical or mechatronics engineering.

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that applicants have a knowledge of feedback control systems equivalent to MAS107 Feedback Control Systems, and materials science equivalent to either of the courses ENE223 Materials for Renewable Energy or MAS112 Materials Science.

About 75 % of the courses will be taught in English, the rest in Norwegian. You will be required to speak and write some Norwegian during the 2-year programme.

General description and profile of the programme

The programme aims to educate candidates to high levels of competence in mechatronics. Mechatronics integrates machine technique, analogue and digital electronics and cybernetics in the design and manufacturing of products and processes. The programme aims to expand and strengthen the expertise of engineers in this field, with a particular emphasis on electrical systems (programme option: Renewable Energy) and mechanical systems involving large forces (programme option: Mechatronics). The programme emphasises applications of theoretical knowledge in relevant areas of usage and in product development, with a detailed treatment of all aspects of product development.

Students may choose between two programme options: Mechatronics or Renewable Energy.

The programme option in Renewable Energy aims to give the students a solid basis for designing, operating and controlling electrical energy systems, especially within the fields of solar cell energy, hydrogen technology and wind power. Other energy systems such as solar heat, biological fuel, hydroelectric power etc. will be covered in the course ENE404 Renewable Energy.

Core courses in the programme option in Mechatronics include MAS501 Control Theory 2, MAS403 Machine Technical Systems for Mechatronics, MAS407 Modelling and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems and MAS502 Instrumentation. These courses analyse and develop the mechatronic interaction of, mechanics, electronics and computer technology in mechanical products and systems. The students will then apply the knowledge attained through the core courses in the course MAS503 Product Development and in the final master´s thesis ( MAS500).

The master´s thesis is an independent piece of work on a selected topic in mechatronics. Students are introduced to research and development work through their thesis work and a seminar on scientific methods (part of the course MAS500). They will learn to evaluate research projects and scientific publications, and obtain the necessary knowledge about documentation of research and development.

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

On successful completion of the programme, the students should be able to

• identify relevant issues regarding regulation and control of a dynamic mechanical or electric system, and be able to analyse the system
• assess the system design and participate in the development of the system/product
• contribute to project management and, with some experience, act as project manager
• plan and implement major projects logically and efficiently and report and present the results in a professional manner

Teaching methods Information on teaching and working methods are given in the course descriptions for each course. A range of different teaching and working methods will be used, including lectures, individual and group exercises, laboratory work and project work. Besides facilitating the students´ academic development, teaching methods are selected with a view to developing the students´ ability to solve practical problems and work in teams. Project work, both individually and in groups, will train the students in the application of theoretical knowledge and tools to identify and analyse specific problems and develop new systems and products. It will also develop the student´s ability to cooperate and communicate effectively.

Assessment methods Most courses conclude with an individual written examination, which provides the basis for assessment. Project reports and midterm examinations, where used, may also count towards the final grade. In all courses where written examinations are used, students must complete all coursework requirements, e.g. compulsory assignments or project work, before taking the examination.

Student exchange The Faculty of Engineering and Sciences has a number of cooperation agreements with foreign universities. It is possible for the students to take the 2nd, 3rd or 4th semester of the master´s programme abroad.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme

Before enrolling for MAS500 Master´s Thesis, the student must successfully complete courses amounting to at least 70 ECTS credits. All courses that lead directly to the thesis work must be successfully completed.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

After successfully completing the master's degree, candidates will be able to move directly into the professional field as a civil engineer in a range of capacities. The programme qualifies for work in industry and business, and has direct relevance to maritime and offshore construction and equipment manufacturing or related industrial fields. However, job opportunities are not limited to such activities. Other prospective employers include energy producers and distribution companies, power-intensive industry, consulting companies, offshore industry, transportation companies and the public sector.

The programme also qualifies candidates for a career in research, and doctoral studies in engineering in areas related to the management, regulation and development of mechanical components and systems.

There are relevant doctoral programs at the University of Agder, Telemark University College (HiT) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU); Aalborg University and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Denmark and at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Linköping University in Sweden.

Qualification awarded

Master i teknologi - sivilingeniør (Master of Science in Mechatronics)

Contact person For further information contact the Programme Coordinator, Professor Kjell Gunnar Robbersmyr.