Major (Original Language) Mechatronics Major (translated) Mechatronics Degree Master of Science Consecutive/Further Education non-consecutive Degree awarded by German Institution yes Degree awarded by Non-German Institution yes Nominal Duration of Studies 3 semesters Special Form of Studies full-time HEI Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten Faculty/Department Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informatik Person of Contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Altmann Phone + 49 (0) 751 501-9615 Fax + 49 (0) 751 501-9876 Email altmann@fh-weingarten.de Federal States Baden-Württemberg Country Germany Seal(s)/Certificate(s) awarded ASIIN-Label, Label Accreditation Council Date of Accreditation 26.03.2004 End of Accreditation 30.09.2010 Requirements fulfilled Profile of the Degree Programme The Masters program Mechatronics constitutes an international degree program with an applications-oriented profile. For students from abroad, there is a one-month preparatory program, which takes place before the beginning of the actual Masters program. This preparatory program imparts German language skills and knowledge in regard to social aspects, mathematics and the fundamentals of control and electrical engineering. In addition, the regular degree program is accompanied by a German language course and the block course "communication and behavior." The Masters program builds upon undergraduate studies in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied computer science or physical technology. Because of its international orientation and its special focus on broadening cross-section knowledge, imparting methodological skills, identifying interdisciplinary contexts and working in interdisciplinary teams, the programs graduates shall be qualified to perform professional functions in an environment of complex systems and projects. The Masters program includes aspects of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and applied computer science. The courses are taught in English. The first semester serves to synchronize students heterogeneous knowledge. Students are required to complete basic modules (advanced control, automation, process interface equipment, microcontrollers and electric drives) and optional modules (programming, basics of electronics, technical mechanics and technical constructions). For students from abroad, an industrial project (first semester) is recommended. The second semester is dedicated to in-depth studies in the basic modules microsystems, modern materials and robotics. In addition, students need to complete a scientific project, a laboratory course on mechatronics (process interface equipment) and a laboratory course on robotics. Moreover, the curriculum prescribes a scientific project which is mandatory for all students. The third semester is dedicated to additional optional modules and the Masters thesis. German students are required to spend this semester at a higher education institution abroad (e.g. in Utah/USA), which may enable them to earn a dual degree (if applicable). Alternatively, students may complete their Masters thesis at a foreign company. Enrollment is possible only in the winter semester of each year. The intake capacity of the Masters program is limited to 25 students per year. Applicants are selected on the basis of a ranking list. To be admitted to the Masters program, applicants must have completed a technical degree program or a degree program in natural sciences with a (German) GPA of at least 2.0. Alternatively, applicants must have completed a study program in electrical engineering/electronics, mechanical engineering/ production engineering, applied computer science or physical technology. As a general rule, applicants from abroad must have completed a four-year Bachelors program. According to the current regulations, the standard amount of credits to be earned until graduation can be reduced to 60 ECTS points for those students who have completed a "Diplom" degree program of at least four years with mechatronics as a major at a (German) university or university of applied sciences. Applicants are required to provide documentation of their English language skills by means of a TOEFL certificate or an equivalent test certificate. Applicants who have completed a study program with English as general language of instruction may document their proficiency in English by means of the respective certificates. Summarized Evaluation The ASIIN auditors, expert committee and accreditation commission have gained a positive overall impression of the Masters program Mechatronics. The international aspects of this degree program have been emphasized as particularly positive. Moreover, the auditors appreciate the preparation of individual study plans which serve to accommodate the students specific educational backgrounds. The required improvements of the curriculum and the quality assurance measures have been listed as "conditions to be met" in the accreditation procedure. Degree grants access to higher civil service careers. Website http://www.hs-weingarten.de Involved ASIIN Technical Committee TC 1 (Mechanical engineering/Process engineering)