Study Guide

Descriptions

Electrical and automation engineering provides students with skills to design and realize various industrial and building electrification and automation systems by taking principles of sustainability into account. During the first two years, student will acquire extensive knowledge of fundamentals. The last two years are dedicated to professional studies to increase competence in electrical and automation engineering but is is also possible for students to broaden their competence by choosing studies from other education programs, e.g., energy engineering or machine automation.

The program includes the theoretical studies required for S1 electrical engineering qualification.

The quality of the program is under continuous evaluation. A variety of methods such as module feedback, annual feedback questionnaires and conversations with student representatives are used to take student feedback into account.

STRUCTURE OF THE STUDIES
Electrical and automation engineering education is based on modules (15 cr) which consist of 2-4 courses each. The courses include laboratory exercises, computer exercises, project work, and theoretical studies. Co-operation with local companies in the form of, e.g., guest lectures, company visits and co-projects is an important aspect of the studies.

Studies proceed as follows:
- first-year studies create a basis for professional-level courses both in theory and in practice. The studies include the basics of electrical and automation engineering as well as mathematics, physics, and language and communication studies.
- the second-year autumn also includes some basic studies. Professional-level courses start in the spring with topics related to electrical and automation systems in industry and buildings.
- the third and fourth year include professional studies in the fields of e.g. industrial systems, power systems, and ICT in automation. Furthermore, it is possible to select studies from other programs and create an individual competence profile. Studies are finalized during the fourth year by completing a final-year project and composing a thesis.

CAREER OPTIONS
Electrical and automation engineering offers versatile career possibilities. The significance of electricity and automation for the different functions and sectors of society has increased over the last years. The field is connected to many other fields of engineering such as construction, maritime engineering, vehicles, processes and chemical engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, circular economy, and energy production and distribution.

Entry-level duties for electrical and automation engineers are often related to system design or projects. Later in the career, with more experience, positions related to demanding specialist tasks, RDI, sales and management are common.

Job descriptions include
- electrical engineer
- automation engineer
- design engineer
- project engineer
- RDI engineer
- purchasing engineer
- O&M engineer
- specialist
- sales engineer
- project manager
- design manager
- RDI manager

Objective

Electrical and automation engineers are required to have strong basic engineering know-how as well as knowledge in one or more specialization areas. These are based on extensive understanding of mathematics and natural sciences. Furthermore, good working life skills - like networking skills, language skills and interaction skills - are an essential part of the competence. In addition to the engineering competences, the aim of the studies is to achieve innovation competences required by working life. Targeted innovation competences are critical thinking, initiative, creativity, teamwork, and systems thinking.

Development

The students learn to take responsibility for their studies and acquire new study skills. The studies include contact lessons and independent studies of business literature as well as assignments, practical training and team work. Cooperation with companies plays an essential role throughout the studies. Commissions from companies enhance learning and create contacts and networks for working life and innovation competences are enhanced by applying theory into practice.

Pedagogical solutions contribute to the students’ ability to work in changing conditions and their ability to adopt the concept of lifelong learning.

Further information

Studies are evaluated on the basis of oral and written examinations, exercises and other performances. The grading scale is excellent (5), good (4 and 3), satisfactory (2 and 1), passed and failed.