Study Guide

Descriptions

The Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering consists of following studies, totally 240 ECTS credits:
- Core competence / Basic studies 90 ECTS credits
- Complementary competence / Professional studies 75 ECTS credits
- Optional studies 30 ECTS credits
- Practical training 30 ECTS credits
- Bachelor’s thesis 15 ECTS credits

In basic studies, you will gain the mathematical and scientific foundation needed in the profession of mechanical engineer, basic mechanical engineering skills, as well as language, economic and interaction skills. During your professional studies, you will familiarize yourself with the common specialization studies in engineering, design, and sustainability (see Sustainable Design Engineering description below).

Mechanical engineering studies emphasize practicality, not forgetting theoretical skills. Professional studies are carried out in a diverse manner, e.g. in project work in cooperation with the working life of the region. The available facilities and equipment provide a modern and real learning environment supported by experienced teachers and staff.

Our extensive network of partner universities offers you an excellent opportunity to expand the international expertise that will be useful after graduation.

In this Mechanical Engineering Programme you specialize in Sustainable Design Engineering. It combines the three areas that together can make huge positive impacts towards the better world and future for people and the planet:
1. Mechanical Engineering
Technologies form the basis of the modern world, and it is in the core of mechanical engineering to make things work as effectively as possible from the viewpoints of functionality to material usage and energy consumption. In studies it is engineering mathematics, materials and production, mechanics, and CAD, just to mention few.
2. Sustainable Development
Sustainability forms the background for all - whatever we do, it must fit to the sustainability frame, so that life can foster in this planet now and in the future. And believe me, it is not just recycling, but also understanding circular economics, material and product life-cycle analysis, social and cultural elements etc.
3. Design Thinking
While engineering and technologies are the ways, HOW to make things work as well as possible, design approach gives the purpose, the meaning, WHY we do things - what are the real needs and the most crucial problems to solve from the perspectives of LIFE and in both, the big picture, and the human size living. It means learning e.g., human-centered methods, ideation, visualization, prototyping, and concept design.

As a student, you are given support in making your personal study plan and curriculum, in solving study problems and in managing different problem situations of life. Guidance is also used to prevent discontinuation of studies by supporting students in making the right choices.

Objective

Your growth towards the profession of Mechanical and Sustainable Design Engineer goes through the following study year themes:
- 1st study year – GETTING ENGINEERING BASIC SKILLS AND TOOLS, AND DESIGNER-ATTITUDE
- 2nd study year – DEEPENING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SKILLS, INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
- 3rd study year – SPECIALIZING IN ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN INNOVATION
- 4th study year – CO-CREATING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ENGINEERING FOR THE FUTURE TRANSITIONS

A degree in Mechanical Engineering will give you a strong basic technical knowledge that you can apply to many jobs in the technology industry. Your studies emphasize an independent approach and versatility. The emphasis is on practical teaching, which involves diverse laboratory work and industry-oriented project tasks. After graduation, typical jobs are expert, design, development, sales, training, quality assurance, research, and supervisory positions in the technology industry or in close connection to it. After graduation, you will also have the skills to start your own business.

Development

Students take responsibility for their learning and acquire learning skills. The studies consist of versatile contact teaching and independent study with the help of literature and various learning assignments. The studies include plenty of practical exercises and teamwork. Cooperation with working life plays a significant role. Practical assignments received from companies are solved as project work. Various assignments from companies increase expertise and create good contacts and networks in working life. Innovation competencies are trained during studies by applying theory in practice in cooperation networks.

Pedagogical solutions aim to help students be able to act in changing circumstances and adopt the idea of lifelong learning.

The studies can also be linked to the student's work or own business activities. Internships are a good opportunity to reflect what they have learned on their work tasks and help them identify their own strengths and areas for development. Especially in summer studies, studies independent of time and place are emphasized, for example. online courses.

The aim of study counselling and learning support is that students progress in their studies according to the learning plan. The student's personal learning plan guides the progress of the studies in time and content. The tutor teacher supports the student and monitors the progress of their studies. Students themselves are responsible for their learning.

Further information

The learning outcomes of each module and course are described in the study guide and in more detail in the course implementation plan. The assessment is reflected to the learning goals, and it aims to guide learning. The assessment of courses can be based on many different factors, e.g. learning assignments, exams, process management and the final results of various projects and their presentation. Additionally self-assessment and peer assessment are being used, and assessment can be based on feedback from the commissioning company. The grading scale is excellent (5), good (4 and 3), satisfactory (2 and 1), passed and failed.