Mecanical Engineering - Fontys University

The programme
About one third of the bachelor programs Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics consists of projects that you perform with fellow students. Just like in real companies. You learn how to work together in a team, working methodically, thinking thinking and how to communicate better.

Year 1
During the first year of study you learn what Mechanical Engineering is about. You are involved in projects which are supported by typical Mechanical Engineering related subjects like: Construction and mechanics / Mathematics / Energy & process / Measurement / Control and modeling / Thermodynamics / Communication and presentation tecniques / Materials & Manufacturing / Personal development & integrated design methods
In laboratories you practice technical skills such as dealing with machines and milling, welding and turning. Also practicing with drawing programs, working with 3D equipment, modeling and simulation are parts of your studies.

Year 2
As from the second year you expand your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering. This is called the core phase of the program. You will also get the opportunity to be involved in applied research. Together with other students, teachers and employees from companies you work and do research on new technological opportunities and innovations. This will be done in the so-called EXPO or IPD projects. Projects can involve 3D printing in our OBJEX-lab, Adaptive Robotics or projects in the fields of electrical driving.

Year 3
In the first semester of the 3rd year you will do your first internship: you then work and study in a company related to your study field in Mechanical Engineering. For you this is a great opportunity to apply what you have learned so far in a real working environment. In the 2nd semester you will do your minor programme: you can choose to do a minor related closely to ME or choose a university minor that is not related to your major ME. There are many opportunities like minors related to Business, ICT, Marketing or even minors offered at other universities in the Netherlands or abroad.

Year 4
In the first semester of the 4th year you choose one of our specializations: General ME, Energy- and Process Technology or Business Engineering. Charateristics for General ME are: design of complex and advanced constructions, learning about precision engineering of moving and non-moving constructions including stiffness and effects of frictions in constructions. Charateristics of Process Technology are: power control and improvement of energetic output. Your focus will be on energy and process technology related topics. But also heat and heat exchangers will be interesting topics. Saving energy in industrial applications is also part of the programme. Charateristics for Business Engineering are: in the framework of ME you will learn more about business economics like management and organisation (HRM). But also topics like costs structures, investments and patents are dealt with. Business Engineering is interesting for those students in ME who have a wish to start their own future company.
In the 2nd semester of the 4th year you will do your graduation semester (20 weeks). Again you will work and study in a company in the field of Mechanical Engineering. The assignments need to have a relation with your specialization semester. During this final semester you also need to write your bachelor thesis report.