Degree structure

After selecting your specialization together with your mentor, you compile your own program. In the first year, you take core, specialization and elective courses. In the second year you do an internship and work on your graduation project. Once again, you choose your own path; the mentor provides the program-related guidance in complex decisions such as choosing specialization courses, finding an internship and orientation in selecting a possible graduation topic.

The core program of 30 ECTS is mandatory for all Automotive Technology students. The five compulsory courses are:

1. Vehicle Dynamics: comprises the longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics of road vehicles - in particular, the four-wheeled passenger car. Ride comfort, braking/driving, cornering, handling dynamics and their interactions are discussed. Special attention is given to the tires and suspension system.
2. Powertrains: consists of two parts. In the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) part, the factors that determine engine efficiency are studied and implemented in a systematic model (Matlab). Meanwhile, the key constructional elements of modern engines are covered. The Electric Drives (ED) part focuses on electric and electrified powertrains and different possible topologies.
3. Real-time Software Systems Engineering: teaches the design, implementation and analysis of real-time control systems in the automotive domain. The topics covered include requirements' engineering, conceptual modeling, software evolution, software architecture and real-time synchronization. The theory is tightly coupled with practical assignments during which students practice model-driven design as well as low-level programming, culminating in the implementation of a simple controller that is then tested on a real car.
4. Automotive Human Factors: addresses the relationship between a car or a truck, its human driver, and the dynamic environment. It is concerned with the goals of productivity (getting from A to B in a reasonable time), safety and accident prevention, and driver comfort and experience.
5. Automotive Systems Engineering Project: this concludes the core program. Students work in groups and apply the knowledge they have acquired in the preceding core courses. This project provides an introduction to the integrative and systemic character of vehicle-system design and research, using selected case studies. A novel problem-solving approach is presented based on thinking algorithms, creativity methods, and problem-solving heuristics; evaluate the problem-solving stage by identifying and understanding the problem as the key towards a creative solution.

For the specialization courses you choose from a carefully-compiled list of courses offered by all research groups involved in the program from various departments. The courses that are most relevant to you depend on the research group in which you specialize. Consult the education Guide* for an overview of this list.

Similar to the specialization courses, you choose electives in your elective space. You can choose from a wide range of courses or extend your internship. Your choice is not limited to only automotive topics. You can also use your elective space to focus on non-technical topics such as philosophy or business courses. This way, you get the chance to oversee your field from a different angle. The electives also include homologation courses. These courses are intended to help students to catch up in certain knowledge areas.

An internship or research internship is worth 15 ECTS. This is equal to a full-time job for approximately ten-and-a-half weeks. The most important goal during your internship is to develop your scientific research skills, while at the same time applying theory to practice. In close collaboration with your mentor, you choose the topic and location of your internship, to make sure it is well-aligned with your specialization.

An internship can take place at TU/e, a company, a research institute or another university in the Netherlands or abroad. We always recommend Dutch students to do their internship abroad, because international work experience is highly valuable. You can also extend your internship with five credits in the individual elective space.

You start your graduation project once you have completed your courses and internship. During the graduation project, many of the things you have learned during your study program will be combined and you will be challenged to conduct your own research. Your research will contribute to the development of smarter and more sustainable vehicles.
The graduation project can be completed at a university, a research institute or at a company, under the supervision of a professor. After the preparation phase of two to six weeks, where you write your project plan, your graduation project will take at least six months. At the end of your project, you hand in your report and defend your project in a presentation. You will be assessed on the execution of your project, your independence, your analytical skills and creativity.

Consult the education guide* for detailed information about the degree structure.

*Note: current students use the Education Guide as a source of information. It contains detailed, practical information that is important during your study program. Prospective students can consult the Education Guide for additional information.