Overview

Mechatronics, microtechnology and optotechnology

High-tech products such as driver assistance systems, photocopy machines or Blu-ray players have long since penetrated our everyday lives. The industry is without automation, medicine without medical devicesis no longer conceivable. For this to work, several technical disciplines work together in a future-oriented way: mechanics, electronics, computer science, microtechnology and optics.

The study field at a glance

The degree course offered by universities of applied sciences and universities is accordingly similar to the interface.

  • Mechatronics combines content from the classical engineering disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and electronics, as well as computer science. Interdisciplinary and system-technical thinking play a major role here.
  • The study of micro-technology also combines subject areas from computer science, micro-optics and electronics as well as micromechanics and is therefore highly interdisciplinary.
  • The courses of study in the fields of optoelectronics and optical technologies are concerned with the properties of light and its applications, for example in optical metrology and laser technology. Here, the undergraduate courses of study mainly differ according to the disciplines of ophthalmic optics / optometry as well as laser technology / optical system technology / optronics. The master's degree is possible in more detail in the degree program Photonics (Optical Technologies).

Offered courses

Degree courses in this area are available at universities and technical colleges. Most colleges have the option of continuing their studies with a master's degree.

Contents of the course

In the Bachelor's degree program in Mechatronics, modules teach basic skills in the subjects of mathematics and physics as well as engineering subjects such as engineering mechanics, electrical engineering, electronics and electronic components, circuit engineering, computer science, digital technology, control technology, signals and systems, statics, dynamics, design engineering, system design, electro-CAE (Computer Aided Engineering), Electric Drive Technology, Control Engineering, Signaling, Sensor Technology, Measurement Technology, Robot Systems, Automation, Thermal and Fluid Dynamics, Materials, Technical Optics and Lighting Technology, Hydraulics and Pneumatics. In addition, for example, Supplementary modules in English, Business Administration / Accounting, Project Management and Law.

In microengineering, modules in the Bachelor's program in Fundamentals of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Technical Optics, Materials Engineering, Technical Design Drawing / CAD, Components and Circuit Design, Technical Programming are completed. Subsequently, the application of applied knowledge in subjects such as computer science, electronics, microprocessor technology, signals and systems, signal processing, biomaterials, measurement and control engineering, construction methodology, introduction to modeling and simulation, production techniques and technical optics.

The study content of Opto-technology includes atomic and molecular physics, chemistry, computer science, programming, technical optics, measurement and control technology, biomedicine and physiological optics.

Admission criteria & course application

Some colleges require a pre-study internship lasting several weeks. During the study there are usually practical phases, in some cases a practical semester. For the study course ophthalmic optics, a completed vocational training as an optician is required or recommended.

Possible careers after graduation

Mechatronics engineers work in all major sectors of mechanical and plant engineering as well as in electrical engineering and electronics. They are used in companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, vehicle technology, automation technology, robotics, microsystems and precision engineering, print and media technology, the audio and video industry and medical technology.

Engineers of the Department of Micro-technology work mainly in manufacturing plants for precision engineering and micro-technical products, e.g. for devices of information technology, consumer electronics, optics and photo technology, measurement and control technology, sensor technology, medical technology, manufacturing and assembly technology, household appliance technology, safety technology as well as in vehicle construction.

Thanks to the interdisciplinary and range of applications of optical technologies, graduates find employment opportunities in companies in the optics industry, medical and environmental technology, the information and telecommunications industry, the automotive industry and numerous other manufacturers of optical components and components.

Graduates of all departments can also find employment in research institutions.