Bachelor Academic Studies

Study curriculum of Mechanical Engineering on bachelor academic studies, harmonized with the Law on high education and Bologna declaration, was formed and adopted at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac by Educational-scientific council of the University of Kragujevac on May 5th, 2006 (decision No. 557/7). The third generation of students is studying according to the adopted study curriculum. Modified study curriculum of the bachelor academic studies of Mechanical Engineering was adopted by the Educational-scientific council of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering on February 7th, 2008. Senate of the University of Kragujevac has adopted the study curriculum of the bachelor academic studies of mechanical Engineering on February 14th, 2008, decision No. 197/4.

Standards for accreditation of high-school institutions, prescribed by the National council for high education, have caused the changes in study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac.  

Structure of the Curriculum

The study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of "mechanical Engineering" lasts for three years, has a total of 180 ECTS, belongs to the field of technical-technological sciences and provides the academic title of B.Sc. - mechanical engineer. The study curriculum of the bachelor academic studies predicts 22 joint obligatory courses. Student selects one module out of eight, when enrolled to the fifth semester: 

1. Production Engineering,
2. Mechanical Constructions and Mechanization,
3. Motor Vehicles and Motors,
4. Energy and Process Engineering,
5. Applied Mechanics and Automatic Control,
6. Industrial Engineering,
7. Informatics in Engineering and
8. Road Traffic.

When the student selects a module, he must pass exams from 4 obligatory module courses and 2 elective module courses. Realization of practical training and final work is also predicted. Conditions of enrolment to the studies and other the most important elements of the curriculum and regime of the studies are prescribed by the Statute and the Rule book on regime of the studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac.

Bachelor academic studies of Mechanical Engineering 

Type of course:

• AG - Academic General Educational 

• TM - Theoretical - Methodological 

• SE - Scientific - Expert 

• EA - Expert - Applicative  

Aim of the Curriculum of the Studies

Aim of the curriculum of the studies is to educate the students in the field of mechanical engineering on bachelor academic studies' level that enables acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for successful performing of professional engineering tasks within the global working market and continuation of education in the frame work of global educational space.

Bachelor academic studies of Mechanical engineering last for 3 years, have 180 ECTS and supply competences that, with certain orientation toward acquiring professional skills necessary for practical engagement, provide the continuation of academic education at the next level of studies (master academic studies). Thus, study curriculum "Mechanical engineering" of the bachelor academic studies should enable the obtaining of fundamental knowledge and skills, characteristic for technical studies that may guaranty the students the continuation of education and orientation toward the research in the fields of technical-technological, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary sciences.

During the studies, student should acquire, confirm and improve the skills for corresponding specific fields of the engineering profession, which by itself means the development of analytical abilities in relevant fields and, then, abilities for synthesis, construction and design of corresponding devices, objects or processes. However, a full scale of professional engineering competences and qualifications may be obtained by the student only by finishing the both level of the studies: bachelor and master. At the level of bachelor academic studies of the study curriculum "Mechanical engineering" for given study curriculum and according to international standards,  the student should master the following basic fields:

1. Mathematics (analysis, differential equations, linear algebra, vectors, numerical methods, probability and statistics;
2. Thermodynamics (laws of thermodynamics, entropy, energy, exergy, cycles, solution to machine problems, conduction of heat and mass);
3. Fluid Mechanics (laws of conservation of mass, energy and impulse, transport through pipes, boundary layer, turbulence, dimensional analysis, Bernoulli's equation, Navier-Stox equations);
4. Mechanics of Rigid Body (statics, kinematics, dynamics, strain analysis, FEM);
5. Science on Materials (relations between structure and properties of metals, plastics, ceramics and composite materials; fatigue, wear, defects, fracture, processing and production);
6. Automatic Control and Systems (modelling, simulation, automatic control, system identification, tools, mechatronics);
7. Information Technologies (fundamentals, principles and techniques of programming, tools);
8. Electronics and Electrical Engineering (fundamentals of electronics and electric engineering, sensors, actuators);
9. Production Technologies (innovation process; market research, detailed derivation of process; methods and tools, principles of construction and design; machine elements, specifications and standards, design and production, quality, costs, project management);
10. Management, Economy and Communication Skills.

Structure of the curriculum should enable the student to acquire sufficient level of knowledge from mentioned disciplines, as well as to set up the corresponding relations between them. Finished students should understand the principles of design and production of the designed components. Besides, finished students at this level of studies should see a broader picture of relations in modern industrial production, including knowledge from the fields like: economy, organization and management, law, ethics, energy and environmental protection, etc.

Thus, study curriculum has a purpose to prepare the students in a best way for complex engineering practice according to the standards known in the world.  
 
The Objectives of the Study Curriculum

The objectives of the study curriculum are aimed at acquiring of academic skills and specific knowledge (competences) according to current global practice for the studies of "Mechanical Engineering" at the level of bachelor studies.

Mechanical Engineer (student gets his academic title "mechanical engineer" by finishing the study curriculum) should be qualified to recognize, formulate and analyze engineering problems independently and to offer one or more acceptable solutions. This means that he:

1. has a built-in analytical and creative approach to solving theoretical and practical problems,
2. should be able to integrate information and numerical data from different sources and link them in order to solve concrete tasks,
3. should demonstrate a dedication and ability in conduction of experimental and other design tasks, as well as in analysis of conclusions and in presentation of the results,
4. has to be able to reason as an engineer or manager. 

Attending of the study curriculum enables the mechanical engineer to:

1. Become accustomed with scientific methodology in the context of engineering needs and activities:
2. Master knowledge that are the fundamentals of theoretical disciplines and natural sciences and be able to apply and develop already founded analysis techniques and research from the given field. A) understand the role of formal models and the results of natural sciences in understanding and design of technical systems, B) be able to apply known methods and techniques, C) be able to evaluate arguments, assumptions, concepts and data, in order to correctly form a judgment and contribute to the solution of complex problems.
3. Understand at introductory level the most significant research questions, be aware of relations with other disciplines and has the ability to describe and comment those relations.
4. Be qualified to work in team and in context of larger projects.
5. Acquire ability to display information, ideas, problems and solutions, both to the experts from the given fields and to those that do not have specialties connected to the field of explanation.
6. Be aware how his profession may influence in the context of ethical, aesthetic, social issues, safety issues, as well as economic and ecological questions and values.
7. Be qualified for further learning with the aim of qualifying in academic and/or professional sense.
8. Understand limited range of the acquired knowledge.
9. Know to communicate with experts from his and other fields.

Specific knowledge that the student acquires is related to fundamental sciences which contribute to understanding of engineering problems in the field of mechanical engineering (mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, science on materials, measurement and control, production technologies, etc.).

Competencies of the Finished Students

Study curriculum is specified in such a way that, by overcoming it, the student acquires general and course-specific competencies that also are specified by leading European engineering schools and associations engaged in education of mechanical engineers at the level of bachelor academic studies. Student is qualified to:

1. Analyze engineering problems in the sense of: identification, abstraction, formulation and complete solving of the problem based on system of acquired knowledge; analysis and evaluation of the products, processes and procedures according to the key elements of the system theory; selection, application and development of suitable methods for analysis, modelling, simulation and optimization.
2. Use modern engineering tools for modelling, simulation, calculation and design.
3. Understand the principles of synthesis, construction and design of machines, devices, engineering software and processes, at the level of acquired academic knowledge of fundamental sciences and engineering disciplines.
4. Use the literature according to a need to expand knowledge.
5. Understand the application of scientific techniques and methods including their limitations.
6. Combine acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills in order to analyze and solve concrete engineering problems.
7. Know how to evaluate and use information from the wider range of engineering and other disciplines in the context of recognition of a concrete problem.
8. Can analyze and independently put together relevant technical documentation.
9. Master the skills of presentation of materials, communication with the operating environment, as well as the skills and knowledge from relevant fields of economic-legal sciences (organization, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, etc.).
10. Understand relations in wider context of economic, ecological and ethical issues. 

The Outcomes of the Study

By attending the study curriculum, the student acquires a wide basis of engineering knowledge, skills and experience that should make him self-confident and able to, individually or within the team, contribute to solution of concrete problems from the field of mechanical engineering, as well as to give him adequate base for continuation of schooling. The outcomes of the study curriculum should as much as possible coincide with its aims (in the sense of outcomes as declaration what is wanted for a student to know, understand and can do after finishing the studies). Nevertheless, expected knowledge outcomes are the following:

1. Knowing fundamental disciplines in the field of mechanical engineering (mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, etc.) at the level otherwise expected out of mechanical engineer in the EU countries.
2. Mastering computer and CAD tools, programming skills and use of information technologies.
3. Mastering of acquired knowledge in the context ("knowledge as ability to get to information and its creative use").
4. Mastering the broader context of recognition of engineering problems, which means taking into account of economic, ecological, organizational and society-social relations.
5. Understanding different approaches and methodologies of analysis and synthesis of the systems, objects and processes, as well as reading and writing of relevant technical documentation.

Curriculum

Study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of mechanical engineering is realized during 6 semesters (3 years) and has a value of 180 ECTS. Bachelor academic studies represent basis for further education on master academic studies of Mechanical Engineering.

Registration of the first year students is united. During registration to the fifth semester, the student selects one out of eight given modules: Production engineering, Mechanical constructions and mechanization, Motor vehicles and motors, Energy and process engineering, Applied mechanics and automatic control, Industrial engineering, Informatics in engineering and Road traffic.

During the first two years of studies, the students listen to 22 obligatory courses for all modules, which make 73% of total number of ECTS. Every module has 4 obligatory courses worth 24 ECTS and 2 elective courses worth 12 ECTS. Professional practice and Final work are predicted for the fifth and the sixth semester and they are realized from the area of module and are worth 6 ECTS each. Electivity at the study curriculum is 27%, while the module electivity is 37.5%.

Structure of the study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of mechanical Engineering contains:

1. 15% of expert academic general education courses,
2. 19% of theoretical-methodological courses,
3. 36% of scientific-expert courses and
4. 30% of expert-applicative courses.  

Each course of the curriculum contains the course name, type of the course, semester in which it is attended, preconditions, aims, outcomes, course content, recommended literature, methods for realization of teaching, number of active teaching classes, independent work of students, ways for evaluation of knowledge and grading system, which may be seen in Book of courses.

Quality, Relevance and International Coordination of the Study Curriculum

Study curriculum, by its structure and content and, the first of all by its purpose, aim and outcome (competencies of the finished students), is in accord with contemporary world trends and the state of high education in the field of mechanical engineering at the level of bachelor academic studies. Quality, relevance and international coordination of the study curriculum are comparable with relevant study curricula from the EU countries.

1. Swiss federal Institute of technology (ETH) Zurich (www.ethz.ch), Switzerland; - B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Maschineningenieurwischenschaften); LINK, (ETH Zurich)
2. Delft University of Technology (www.tudelft.nl); Holland: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Werktuigbouwkunde); LINK, (TU Delft).
3. Vienna University of Technology (www.tuwien.ac.at) ; Austria: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Maschinenbau); LINK, (TU Wien).

Study curriculum "Mechanical engineering" of the bachelor academic studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac is fully comparable and harmonized with mentioned international study curricula, including the study curriculum "Strojništvo", UN Maribor LINK.

It should be emphasized that curriculum of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac have just been restructured in the context of several Tempus projects, bearing in mind the transfer of positive experiences and knowledge to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. It is also important that students, after finishing the studies, easily fit into doctoral studies of European and American universities, whether to continue education in the field of mechanical engineering or in some inter- or multidisciplinary field.

Student's Registration

Candidates may register to approved study curricula under conditions and in a way prescribed by the Law on high education, Statute of the University of Kragujevac, the Statute and the Rule book on regime of the studies at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Open competition for students' registration is published at least five months before the beginning of the school year. Number of potential registered students on bachelor academic studies is 240 and it is in accord with personnel (53 teachers and 18 associates with full time job at the Faculty), spatial demands (14860 m2) and technical technological capabilities.

Sequence of candidates for registration is defined by their success in high school and by the results of the entrance examination from Mathematics.  The Rule book on regime of studies defines the scores and the sequence of candidates.

There is a Committee for contact with students at the Faculty which helps to more easy spot the problems and more efficiently solve them.

Beside the Rule book on regime of the studies, the \procedures for quality assurance in order to provide successful studying are applied at the Faculty.

Evaluation and Progress of Students

• Success of the student in overcoming each course is continually monitored during lecturing and is expressed in points.
• The grade represents a sum of points obtained in activities during teaching and point obtained at the final exam. The final exam is obligatory.
• Pre-exam obligations participate with at least 30 points and at most 70 points. By fulfilment of pre-exam obligations and by taking the final exam, the student may acquire at most 100 points.
• The results achieved in pre-exam activities are written into student's booklet.
• Condition for entering the final exam is to achieve 51% of maximal number of points which student may achieve during pre-exam activities.
• Exams and all forms of knowledge evaluation are public.
• If the exam is oral, the teacher should enable the students to take the examination. Beside the candidate and the examiner, at least one more teacher or associate of the Faculty must be present to oral examination.
• Rules and ways of monitoring the students work during lecturing and modes of grading are described in the rule book on the regime of studies, articles 44 to 51.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Kragujevac continually and systematically follows the success of students and their advancement during a month or a semester. Procedures for monitoring of students' success and way of corrective acting are described in the Rule book on regime of the studies and in Procedure for quality assurance. The results of students' success are analysed at the Scientific-educational council of the Faculty and, based on derived conclusions, corrective measures are taken.

Teaching Staff

Teaching staff with necessary scientific and expert qualification is provided for realization of the study curriculum.  There are 53 teachers with full time job and 2 teachers by contract (28 of which are full professors, 14 - associated professors and 11 assistant professors) and 18 associates, engaged on realization of the study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of Mechanical engineering.

Teachers and associates have scientific expert qualifications that correspond to educational scientific field and the level of their responsibilities, which may be seen in the Book of teachers.

Organizational and Material Means

Corresponding human, spatial, technical-technological, library and other resources are provided for conduction of the study curriculum of bachelor academic studies of Mechanical engineering, corresponding to the character of the study curriculum and given number of students.

Total space of the faculty amount to 14.860 m2 and includes 5.220 m2 of space for teaching (amphitheatres, classrooms, laboratories). A part of the classroom space of 321,40 m2 is to be used in the afternoon shift by the Medical Faculty (Department for pharmacy) according to a Contract on business-technical cooperation. Accreditation plan of the faculty predicts 720 students at all years of the study curriculum, so the space for conducting the lectures is not critical.

The faculty has two amphitheatres, two large lecture halls, several laboratories, the Library and the reading room. For each student, the Faculty provides space in the listed rooms.

The Faculty possesses the equipment for modern conduction of teaching according to the needs of the study curriculum.

Library units, by their level and volume, provide support to the teaching process, at the study curriculum. The Library is the integral part of the University library in Kragujevac and all employed teachers, associates and students may use the resources of the both libraries.

A full cover of all courses with corresponding textbook literature, teaching aids and auxiliary teaching means is achieved. A part of the teaching material is available in electronic form on the web site of the Faculty.

The Faculty possesses information equipment. The Library provides the users with access to Internet and Kobson network. The Faculty has 5 computer rooms with 75 computers linked to the Internet. A total amount of 161 primary network connections are distributed at the Faculty. The Faculty provides training for teachers, associates and students with the aim of efficient use of library and information resources.