Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Presentation

Traditional training in Mechanical Engineering is geared towards learning the skills required to solve specific problems related to this branch of engineering and acquiring the capacity to deal with the technological changes graduates will have to face throughout their careers (which involves the capacity to face the resolution of new problems). As a result, this training is based on basic knowledge of science and engineering, such as Physics, Mathematics, Graphic Expression, Statistics and Chemistry. In addition, specific training in Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Thermal Engineering and Fluid Mechanics, set the bases for more technological subjects. In this way, undergraduates receive a multidisciplinary foundation that allows them to have a global perception of all the aspects that interact in the sectors that concern them, and this is achieved by introducing subjects from other branches of engineering into this degree.

Specific technological subjects train undergraduates to participate in the typical activities of their profession. These subjects also highlight the importance of taking into account aspects related to process integration and the rational use of energy in the stages of planning, calculating, analyzing, measuring, testing, use and maintenance of machines, processes, vehicles, structures, constructions and systems. Nowadays, besides their experimental and metrological skills, graduates in Mechanical Engineering must have mastered the cross-curricular computational techniques that facilitate their work in many ways and have therefore become essential tools. This Degree includes computer-aided techniques in the different subjects where they are required.

Recommended Candidate Profile

The recommended candidate profile regarding skills, abilities and previous knowledge is a student who has successfully completed the technological branch of secondary education. More specifically, the following qualities are considered desirable in a student:

• Basic knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Graphic Expression and Computers.
• Full ability to read, reflect and communicate orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of a foreign language (preferably English).
• Inquisitiveness, curiosity and initiative.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Interest in the degree and the profession to which it leads.

Main Objective

Specialization A: Machinery

• To obtain the skills required to work professionally in the field of design and manufacture of machinery and mechanical systems, including the materials used in their manufacture, driving and power systems.

Specialization B: Construction and Installations

• To acquire the skills required towork in the field of construction, structures and facilities, specializing in the knowledge of metallic and concrete structures, foundations, topography, thermal installations, fluid installations, electrical installations and construction technologies in general.

Specialization C: Design and Manufacturing

• To obtain specific skills in the field of design and industrial manufacturing, applying the current techniques of automation of production processes, techniques and systems of development and communication of products, materials, manufacturing technologies and CAD-CAM-CAE systems.

Specialization D: Transport

• To specialize in the professional field which focuses on the transport sector in general, including the different means and vehicles of transport, from the automobile to the railroad, different propulsion systems, materials, and technologies applied to the transports area.

Specialization E: Naval Technology (at Centro Universitario de la Defensa in Marín)

• To acquire the abilities related to the most essential tasks that a Navy officer performs in a first job. These tasks are mainly related to the operational function, and more specifically to the operational use of a Navy ship.

Competencies

This course awards the qualification of professional engineer at Bachelor level (Industrial Technical Engineer).

The abilities that the students must acquire and that are necessary to obtain the degree were defined according to those established in the Order CIN/351/2009, February 9th, which sets the requirements to verify the official university degrees that award the qualification of professional engineer at bachelor level (Industrial Technical Engineer).

The professional profile of the current engineer is dynamic and will have to develop very diverse activities throughout the professional life. For this reason it is convenient to ensure a good basic and transversal training, in addition to those other specific competences that will provide the student the profile of the course.

Competences can be consulted in this section: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Competences.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the programme are expected to be able to:

• Apply fundamental knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics and engineering sciences to solve problems related to mechanical engineering.
• Analyse, design and calculate mechanical components, machines, structures and industrial systems.
• Understand and apply concepts related to solid mechanics, structural mechanics, thermal engineering and fluid mechanics.
• Use engineering methodologies and computational tools, including CAD/CAE/CAM technologies, simulation techniques and computer-assisted engineering applications.
• Participate in the planning, design, analysis, testing, operation and maintenance of machines, processes, vehicles, structures and industrial facilities.
• Apply principles of energy efficiency, sustainability and rational energy use in industrial and mechanical systems.
• Select materials and manufacturing technologies appropriate to different industrial applications.
• Carry out measurement, testing, quality control and experimental analysis in engineering environments.
• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate technical information clearly in oral and written form.
• Adapt to technological innovation and continuously acquire new knowledge throughout professional practice.
• Develop professional activities in sectors such as manufacturing, transport, energy, construction, automotive engineering and industrial production.

The programme combines strong scientific and engineering foundations with practical technological training, preparing graduates for both professional practice and further postgraduate studies in engineering.

Structure and Distribution of Credits

* External internships may be offered as optional academic activities depending on the curriculum and collaboration agreements with industry.

Courses

• By term
• By year

Admission Requirements

The recommended candidate profile regarding skills, abilities and previous knowledge is a student who has successfully completed the technological branch of secondary education. More specifically, the following qualities are considered desirable in a student:

• Basic knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Graphic Expression and Computers.
• Full ability to read, reflect and communicate orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of a foreign language (preferably English).
• Inquisitiveness, curiosity and initiative.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Interest in the degree and the profession to which it leads.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates

• Design, evaluation, quality control and project management for construction, assembly, maintenance and repair of structures, industrial buildings and systems.
• Renewable energy projects: thermal solar energy, biomass and waste valorization, geothermal energy,…
• Energy efficiency of thermal equipment and systems: building energy performance, heat recovery in industrial processes.
• Design and manufacture of parts, tools and machines for end use or mechanical processes (CAD/CAM/CAE technologies).