The optimization of existing and the development of new drives and materials is just as much a part of this discipline as the increasing electrification and digitization in the area of vehicle and traffic engineering.
Particularly in the field of aerospace engineering, research is being conducted on the simplest possible systems with extreme reliability. The choice of materials used is crucial. The links to material science are correspondingly close.
14.09.2022
Overview
Vehicle and traffic engineering
On land, on water and in the air - ever higher, faster and further. Engineers in this field of study make passenger and freight transport by car, train, ship, plane and even in space more efficient, more environmentally friendly and more comfortable.
The study field at a glance
Offered courses
Degrees in this area may usually undergo basic and continuing. In terms of content, vehicle, marine and aerospace engineering primarily include the construction and operation of vehicles and their propulsion and equipment. It is to power and rail vehicles, ships, aircraft, helicopters, spaceships and other missiles (satellites).
- In shipbuilding, tankers, container ships, yachts and submarines are also involved in the construction of ocean technology such as platforms, offshore facilities and deep-sea research equipment. The use of the resource lake as an energy, raw material and food supplier is also part of this field of study. Degree programs for nautical or engineering management of ships, such as "nautical", "marine engineering", "maritime and port management" and "ship and shipboard management" are also included in this area.
- In connection with the introduction of electric cars, energy and battery technology have also become increasingly important in recent years ("electro mobility", "intelligent mobility and energy systems"). Intelligent assistance systems in modern passenger cars demand that engineers have a comprehensive understanding of IT / communication and mechatronics ("Automotive Information Technology", "Vehicle Informatics").
- At the interface between vehicle technology and traffic route engineering, the traffic engineering department deals interdisciplinary with questions of the organization of the traffic flow as well as the design and dimensioning of traffic systems for the transport of persons and goods. It examines the complex interaction of different transport systems and means and develops solutions for traffic planning.).
Contents of the course
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Content such as engineering, mathematics, informatics, scientific and constructive fundamentals as well as technical mechanics play a prominent role in all courses of study in this area. Manufacturing technology, materials science, electrical engineering and electronics, strength theory, measuring and sensor technology are also part of the basic skills learned in most degree programs.
To deepen the vehicle-specific knowledge in the study of automotive engineering are used modules such as vehicle development, design, drive and suspension technology, mechatronics, vehicle dynamics, control and driver assistance systems, measurement and testing technology, and CAD simulation. Depending on the range of courses, specialization is possible in areas such as design and development, system and drive technology, energy technology, suspension or bodywork technology, service or design. In addition, there are modules such as cost and investment management, business organization and industrial management, project and quality management and English.
Degree programs in the field of electro mobility impart scientific and practical basic knowledge in mathematics, physics, electrical, information and materials engineering as well as in mechanics.
The Automotive Engineering degree course focuses on the areas of mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, material science and engineering. Subsequently, the knowledge in the various automotive application areas is deepened and expanded. Specialization opportunities exist in areas such as automotive technology and production technology or electronic / mechanical systems. These include modules such as automotive body / body, automotive electronics, drive, transmission and chassis technology, measurement and sensor technology, human-machine interface, systems theory and systems engineering, simulation technology, control engineering, thermodynamics, CAD / CAE / CAM techniques, Manufacturing process, automation and assembly, quality management. Supplementary voting modules are e.g. Logistics, prototype production, industrial accounting or technical English.
Based on engineering basic subjects, the traffic engineering knowledge in areas such as planning and operation in transport, mobility and traffic research, traffic management and telematics, vehicle technology, testing and approval and, if necessary, aerospace engineering or ship and ocean technology will be expanded. In addition, there are modules from the economic, legal, humanities and social sciences.
The course Aerospace Engineering teaches economic, legal and social science knowledge in addition to the engineering and technical fundamentals. There are also application-related modules such as aerodynamics, design and construction, manufacturing technology, flight mechanics, lightweight construction, engine construction, machine dynamics, control engineering, fluid mechanics and materials technology. In addition,Technical English, business and work organization, cost accounting or management knowledge. In rare cases, the study is combined with a pilot training (ATPL). Depending on the offer, the master's program focuses on areas such as aircraft construction, lightweight construction technology, engine or space technology.
In the study of marine and marine engineering, subjects such as welding technology, hydromechanics, ship elements, buoyancy and stability are on the curriculum in addition to the engineering fundamentals. This is followed by special application modules such as shipbuilding, ship equipment, design and construction of special cargo vessels, yacht design, underwater vehicles, marine engineering, ship electronics, shipbuilding, manufacturing and shipyard operations. In addition, students receive interdisciplinary training in the areas of business administration, project management, quality assurance and law. They take part in practical work study programs in the form of industrial or business projects. A specialization is partly possible in subjects such as ship design, hydrodynamics and yacht design, construction, ship safety and marine equipment.
The study program nautics teaches fundamentals in the areas of physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, law, English, economics and chemistry. There are also application-oriented introductory events on navigation, ship safety, computer science and labor law. This is followed by a deepening in the areas of ship navigation, maritime traffic safety and environmental protection, cargo technology and safety, as well as personnel management and maritime business management. Compulsory elective modules are available in the fields of nautical / engineering or business / law. There are also training trips and simulator training. In addition to the university degree, students usually earn the degree as a nautical or technical watch officer.
In the shipbuilding engineering degree program, modules from the fields of maritime economics, maritime English, human resources management and operational and hazardous substances are included in the syllabus, in addition to the sub-area-specific foundations. Specializations include subjects such as internal combustion engines / turbines, work machines and systems engineering, engine dynamics, steam, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, fuel and environmental protection technology, ship automation, ship electrical engineering, marine machinery, marine machinery / ship maintenance.There are also modules from the fields of public law and maritime law as well as management and occupational safety. In addition to laboratory exercises on running machines, simulator exercises for knowledge transfer and knowledge testing are also used on a large scale.
In the study maritime transport and port economy there are module offers to the information technology, mathematical-scientific, socio-economic and methodical bases as well as to the legal and economic aspects. In addition there are the basics of port and traffic management, logistics / port logistics, chemicals, dangerous cargo, ship theory, telematics, chartering and chartering, marketing / sales, corporate management, foreign languages and presentation techniques.
Admission criteria & course application
Often a pre-study internship lasting several weeks is obligatory for taking up studies. For some degree programs, such as ship operating engineering, special admission requirements such as a completed vocational training as a ship mechanic, in a recognized training occupation of metal or electrical engineering including one-year seagoing service or an approved practical training and seagoing time as a technical officer assistant.
Possible careers after graduation
Engineers of vehicle technology find employment in the motor vehicle industry among manufacturers of motor vehicle parts, accessories, bodies and trailers, in automotive suppliers and in rail vehicle construction.
Traffic engineers work u.a. in transport companies, transport and logistics companies, in traffic control centers, associations, technical inspection associations, in public administration, as experts, as freelancers or in engineering firms, in software companies, research institutions and universities.
Aerospace engineers work in aircraft and engine manufacturing companies. In addition, activities in airlines, airports, in the automotive industry, the wind power industry, at universities and research institutes as well as in engineering offices or management consultancies come into question.
Shipbuilding engineers find employment in the shipbuilding industry, ship equipment companies, classification societies, shipbuilding and hydraulic engineering research laboratories, "free" engineering firms, shipping companies and government agencies (such as water and shipping authorities).
Graduates of the Maritime Technologies degree program find applications in all areas related to the technological exploitation of the sea (offshore supply and offshore energy use, technical operations in development activities, fishing and shipbuilding).
Ship engineers (technical ship officers) and nautical ship officers or captains work in particular in the technical and nautical management of cargo and passenger ships, in salvage shipping, as well as in port, surveying and research shipping.
Maritime and port industry engineers work for land organizations of maritime companies, maritime and other freight forwarders, port and warehouse companies, consultancy companies or port authorities.
Study information
