Content
General information on the courses
The mechatronics course of studies is a common bachelor course of studies of the electrotechnics and information technology as well as the mechanical engineering and mechatronics departments.
The course taken by the studies
The course of studies is detailed in the appropriate schedule of courses split up into compulsory subjects (compulsory modules) and elective compulsory technical subjects. The selection of the elective compulsory technical subjects establishes one of the two possible fields of study. Depending on one’s own focus of interest it is also possible to combine different subjects of this block, although care must be taken that a scope of at least 30 credits is maintained.
The period of time within which a student should complete his mechatronics studies is 6 semesters including the bachelor thesis. The course schedule shows the recommended programme on which this 6-semester term is based. The course schedule includes all subjects, their semester scope in weekly hours and their assignment to the winter or summer semesters. The lecture term in the winter semester spans from the end of September till mid February and in the summer semester from mid March till mid July.
This also requires a bachelor thesis to be submitted, i.e. an independently prepared thesis on an engineering subject or topic usually worked out in direct co-operation with an industrial company. This thesis is presented to an examination board (colloquium). When all exams, the bachelor thesis and the colloquium are passed successfully, the bachelor examination providing proof of the vocational qualification has been passed.
Lectures and examinations
The courses are divided into compulsory subjects, elective compulsory subjects and possibly some elective subjects. Compulsory subjects provide the knowledge that is absolutely necessary. Elective compulsory subjects constitute a combination of subjects which are useful for the selected field of study. Elective subjects are subjects which the students are free to choose.
Within the different courses a number of lectures, exercises, seminars and practical training courses are offered with a different number of hours. In the lectures the professor lectures on and explains technical issues and correlations. In smaller groups of students the subjects of the lectures are broadened and consolidated by means of exercises, e.g. by solving arithmetical or engineering problems. Defined problems are treated by the professor and the students in seminars. In practical training courses a small group of students supervised by the professor and assisted by laboratory engineers is tackling defined measuring engineering or other problems. This also requires elaborations to be prepared. The department also offers a number of excursions to industrial companies.
Courses are usually completed by a written or oral examination. Several times a year students can have an examination in all courses that are being offered. The exams take place at the beginning or end of the lectures. Failing an exam is nothing to be worried about since every examination can usually be repeated three times. Mind you, the number of trials is limited (account of attempts made to pass an exam in compulsory subjects).
The exam regulations can be downloaded as a PDF file here.
