Mechatronics / Precision Engineering and Microsystems

From the core areas of mechatronics - mechanics, electrical engineering/electronics and information technology - the subject area of mechanics is emphasised in this study programme. A sound education in construction and CAD, but also in modern production and manufacturing methods is an essential part of the education. In addition, technical optics and microsystems as well as test and measurement methods are an important part of the curriculum.

Applications

Products of precision engineering and microsystems are mostly mechatronical systems today, i.e. they are only functional through the interaction between precision mechanics, microsystems, microelectronics and optics, between hardware and software components and often also control engineering. These products – computers, mobile phones, chip-card readers, power tools, household appliances – have become an important part of our everyday life. But also mechatronical components of vehicles and machines and even manufacturing plants and quality control equipment play a central role.

Already today, miniaturised components ensure the reliable functioning of many products. Their high reliability is necessary in pacemakers and medicament dosing systems as well as in the airbag and stability systems of our motor vehicles. In ink-jet and laser printers as well as in DVD and CD players or in hard disk drives microcomponents perform a central function. Today, analytics and biotechnology require the handling and metering of unimaginably little volumes. This is only possible by using precise analysers. Nowadays, precision engineering and microsystems generally stand for high requirements placed on precision, quality and cost-effectiveness.

Study Course

For the successful conception, development and low-cost production of these products, engineers working in this discipline have to be proficient in both the classical precision engineering methods and the modern microtechnical processes. Students can pursue in-depth study in this particular field and choose one of the following elective tracks:

• Precision Engineering
• Microsystems Engineering.

The first elective track focuses on construction, equipment engineering as well as production automation components. In the second track, students can extend their microtechnical knowledge.

For graduates of the study programme, the broad-scale basic education opens up opportunities in a wide range of vocational activities. Specific fields of activity are the development, construction and production of mechatronical devices and systems as well as their integration into motor vehicles or machines. High-precision manufacturing as well as working with optical technologies, for example in fields like metrology and quality assurance, are also important activities.

Fields of Work

Interesting career opportunities are not only offered by producers of microtechnical components but also by manufacturers of process, handling and production systems. The production of microelectronic computer chips without high-precision process devices would, of course, be impossible. But also for the production of hard disk drives, read/write devices or watches precision engineering and microtechnical equipment is necessary today. And users of microtechnical products, for example in automotive industries or medical technology, are also in need of engineers with technical knowledge.

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