Mechatronics, micro- and optotechnology

Study programs in this field have one thing in common: at the interface between electronics, computer science, mechanics, sensor technology and measurement technology, they deal with the processing and use of information and solve technical and medical problems.

• Mechatronics combines content from the classic engineering disciplines of mechanical engineering and mechanics, electrical engineering and electronics as well as computer science. Interdisciplinary and systems engineering thinking play a major role here.
• The degree course in Microtechnology and Microsystems Technology also combines subject areas from computer science, micro-optics and micro-electronics as well as micromechanics and is therefore highly interdisciplinary.
• The Photonics and Optical Technologies degree courses focus on the properties of light and its potential applications, for example in optical metrology and laser technology.
• The disciplines of ophthalmic optics/optometry are also part of the field of optotechnology. Unlike in photonics, however, prospective optometrists apply their engineering skills explicitly to the human eye.

Despite strong overlaps in content, the individual fields of study sometimes differ considerably in detail:

• In the Bachelor's degree programme in Mechatronics, modules teach basic skills from the subjects of mathematics and physics as well as engineering subjects such as technical mechanics, electrical engineering, electronics and electronic components, circuit technology, computer science, digital technology, control technology, signals and systems, Statics, dynamics, design engineering, system design, electrical CAE (computer-aided engineering), electrical drive technology, control engineering, signalling technology, sensor technology, measurement technology, robot systems, automation, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, materials, technical optics and lighting technology, hydraulics and pneumatics. There are also supplementary modules in English, business administration/accounting, project management and law.

• In Microtechnology, Microsystems Technology, students complete modules on the basics of mathematics, physics, chemistry, technical mechanics, electrical engineering, technical optics, materials technology, technical design drawing/CAD, components and circuit technology or technical programming. Subsequently, application-related knowledge is taught in subjects such as computer science, electronics, microprocessor technology, signals and systems, signal processing, biomaterials, measurement and control technology, design methodology, introduction to modelling and simulation, production techniques and technical optics.

• The course content in optotechnology includes mathematics, physics, image processing, programming, technical optics, precision engineering, measurement and control technology, sensor technology, laser technology and signal processing.
  
   
• Ophthalmic optics, optometry stands out somewhat due to its medical focus on the human eye - this is noticeable in modules such as anatomy and physiology, binocular vision, ophthalmoscopes, skiascopy or physiological optics. There are specialisation options in areas such as medical technology, ophthalmology or medical imaging techniques.

During the degree programme there are usually practical phases, sometimes a work placement semester.

Some universities require a pre-study work placement lasting several weeks. For the optometry degree programme, some universities require a completed vocational training as an optician and in some cases even a completed master craftsman qualification. In addition to maths, physics and computer science are also important school subjects.

There are degree programmes in this field at universities and universities of applied sciences. Most universities offer the option of continuing the undergraduate degree programme with a Master's degree.