Program Overview

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering program at VU Amsterdam is a three-year undergraduate degree that focuses on designing, creating, and improving machines, constructions, processes, and techniques. The program has an innovative structure, delivered by lecturers from both VU Amsterdam and the University of Twente.

Program Structure

The program consists of six semesters, with the first semester introducing students to various disciplines such as mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing technologies. The subsequent semesters focus on energy transition and sustainability, smart manufacturing systems, and technology for healthcare.

Semesters

• Semester 1: Design of Structures & Machines
  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
  • Mathematics: Linear Algebra & Calculus 1
  • Statics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials Science: Metals & Alloys
  • Continuous Assessment 1
  • Project & Academic Skills 1: Design of Structures & Machines
• Semester 2: Energy Transition & Sustainability
  • Mathematics: Linear Algebra & Calculus 2
  • Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Renewable Energy Technology
  • Lift Cycle Analysis
  • Design Engineering
  • Manufacturing Systems
  • Continuous Assessment 2
  • Project & Academic Skills 2: Energy Transition & Sustainability
• Semester 3: Smart Manufacturing Systems
  • Mathematics: Differential Equations
  • Mass Manufacturing
  • Smart Industry
  • Materials Science: Polymers
  • Tribology
  • Dynamics
  • Mechanical Vibrations
  • Continuous Assessment 3
  • Project & Academic Skills 3: Smart Manufacturing Systems
• Semester 4: Technology for Healthcare
  • Mathematics: Vector Calculus
  • System Analysis
  • Signal Analysis
  • Precision Engineering
  • Control Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Elasticity Theory & Finite Element Method
  • Continuous Assessment 4
  • Project & Academic Skills 4: Technology for Healthcare
• Semester 5: Minor
  • The fifth semester is dedicated to a minor, allowing students to choose from various programs at VU Amsterdam, the University of Twente, or other universities in the Netherlands.
• Semester 6: Scientific Research in Mechanical Engineering
  • Mathematics: Statistics & Probability
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Research Skills
  • Continuous Assessment 5
  • Project & Academic Skills 5
  • BSc Assignment

Projects

Each semester includes a project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. These projects include designing and building a functioning machine, analyzing energy consumption, designing and optimizing a drone frame, and designing a medical instrument.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing technologies, energy transition, and sustainability. Students have the opportunity to work on projects that contribute to the quality of life through technological innovations in healthcare.

Start Date and Duration

The program starts on September 1st and consists of three years, with six semesters. The fifth semester is dedicated to a minor, and the sixth semester includes a final design project and a graduation assignment.

Collaboration

The program is a collaboration between VU Amsterdam and the University of Twente, with lectures taking place in Amsterdam and some laboratory work and projects in Enschede. This collaboration provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise from both universities.