Of Science (MSc) in Electromechanical Engineering

Programme content

A BROAD TRAINING, A SPECIFIC GOAL

The training of the electromechanical engineer at the University of Liege covers the broad spectrum of basic disciplines (mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, chemistry, etc.) necessary to grasp the complexity of the energy problem and to develop innovative solutions. More generally, the cross-disciplinary nature of this program is highly appreciated by industry in many fields.

Energy is a field with a bright future and covers all aspects of energy management: from the production of energy by converting primary energy sources (oil, natural gas, coal, solar radiation, hydraulic energy, etc.) to final consumption, including energy distribution. It also deals with the management of energy demand, and the consideration of environmental and climatic problems in relation to economic reality.

Energy is at the heart of many political, societal, ethical, environmental and economic debates. Citizens are aware of the crucial importance of the changes needed in our energy supply. One of the major challenges is the consumption of China, India, Brazil... in continuous development. We have to be imaginative in order to manage limited resources in the best possible way, while facing the increasingly considerable problems posed by local, regional and global pollution and the ecological balance of the planet.

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels is crucial, not to mention security of supply, fuel poverty and environmental impact. The energy engineer is the engineer who develops and implements innovative techniques for energy conversion in a sustainable context but also improves existing techniques in order to adapt them to climate constraints. In their studies, electromechanical engineers are trained in so-called classic techniques (thermal and nuclear power plants, internal combustion engines, etc.) but also in innovative techniques (photovoltaic, wind power, solar power, biomass, etc.).

The training offered here is versatile and is based on the major areas of electromechanics. With a solid foundation in the field of energy resources and renewable energies, thermal, electrical and hydraulic machines, the energy specialist meets these criteria. They also receive enhanced instruction in the fields of electrical, thermal and fluidic measurement, electrical energy networks, transfer processes and the analysis of thermal, chemical and electrical systems.

The energy specialist is also trained in the simulation, operation and optimal management of large energy systems such as power plants (hydraulic, nuclear or fossil fuel), electricity transmission and distribution systems, or heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installations.

PROGRAMME

In the 1st part of the Master's programme, emphasis is placed on a general training that is energy-inclined, largely focused on the fundamental disciplines of electricity, mechanics, thermodynamics, chemistry and materials.

During the 2nd part, a large selection of specialised classes are offered for a total of 25 credits. You can thus develop your knowledge in a sector of energetics while benefiting from the versatility of the approach to the field.

You will be trained in Business Management, with HEC Liège, and you will also complete a long-term internship in a company or research center in connection with your master's thesis. Finally, you will be able to take courses abroad.

Learning outcomes

I. Understand and be able to apply sciences and concepts within the field of engineering

Engineers master and are able to apply fundamental concepts and principles of various fields of science and technology. 

I.1 Master the concepts, principles and laws of the basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, etc.).

I.2 Master the concepts and principles of the engineering sciences. In particular, they have a solid grasp of the principles and laws of energy conservation and transformation.

II. Learn to understand

Engineers have a strong capacity for autonomous learning, which enables them to seek out and appropriate relevant information to address emerging issues and to engage in continuous learning. They may also engage in research to advance the state of understanding.

II.1 Demonstrate autonomy in learning. In particular, know how to appropriate and summarise scientific and technical information from various sources (lectures, literature, references, manuals and technical documentation, online resources, etc.).

II.2 Research, evaluate and use (through scientific literature, technical documentation, the web, interpersonal contacts, etc.) new information relevant to understanding a problem or a new issue.

II.3 Carry out fundamental or applied research work to produce original scientific and technical knowledge.

III. Analyse, model and solve complex problems

Engineers are capable of conducting structured scientific reasoning, demonstrating the capacity for abstraction, analysis and management of the constraints necessary to solve complex and/or original problems and thus to be part of an innovative process.

III.1 Formalise, model and conceptualise a scientific or technical problem related to or inspired by a complex real-life situation in rigorous language, e.g. using mathematical or computer language, to obtain results. Be capable of abstraction.

III.2 Critically analyse hypotheses and results and compare them with reality, taking into account uncertainties.

III.3 Identify and manage the constraints associated with a project (technical constraints, specifications, deadlines, resources, customer requirements, etc.). 

III.4 Innovate through the design, implementation and validation of new solutions, methods, products or services.

IV. Implement the methods and techniques in the field to design and innovate while adopting an engineering approach

Engineers implement the methods and techniques specific to their field of specialisation and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop engineering projects and ensure the achievement of specific objectives in their working environment.

IV.1 Use a numerical/computational approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions.  In particular, develop models to simulate and optimise energy systems and components.

IV.2 Use an experimental approach to investigate a problem and test hypotheses or solutions. 

IV.3 Design and evaluate the energy and environmental performance of energy systems and components.

IV.4 Develop innovative energy systems that exploit the potential of renewable energy.

IV.5 Design energy management and control systems.

V. Develop their professional practice within the context of a company

Engineers are responsible members of society and the professional world. They integrate economic, social, legal, ethical and environmental constraints and challenges into their work. 

V.1 Integrate human, economic, social, environmental and legal aspects into their projects and into the design of technical solutions. Apply analytical and abstract skills to the management of logistical, financial, regulatory and, more generally, non-technical problems.

V.2 Position themselves in relation to the professions and functions of an engineer, taking into account ethical aspects and social responsibility. Develop their practice in a sustainable development perspective. Adopt a reflective stance, both critical and constructive, with regard to their own way of acting, their approach and their professional choices. In particular, understand the issues and become involved in environmental policies and their planning.

V.3 Develop an entrepreneurial activity.

VI. Work alone or in groups

Engineers are able to work independently and collaborate within a group or organisation. They demonstrate responsibility, team spirit and leadership.

VI.1 Work independently.

VI.2 Work in a team. Be open to collaborative working. Make decisions together.

VI.3 Manage a team. Distribute work and manage deadlines. Manage tensions. Demonstrate leadership skills.

VI.4 Work in an environment with different hierarchical levels, different skill levels and/or different expertise.

VII. Communicate

Engineers are capable of communicating and sharing their technical and scientific approach and results in writing and orally. Their command of at least one foreign language, in particular English, enables them to work in an international context.

VII.1 Understand general and technical documents related to the professional practice of the discipline (plans, specifications, etc.).

VII.2 Write a scientific or technical report by structuring the information and applying the standards in place in the discipline.

VII.3 Present/defend scientific or technical results orally using the codes and means of communication appropriate to the audience and the communication setting.

VII.4 Understand and write general and technical documents in a foreign language.

VII.5 Understand and present a general or technical oral presentation in a foreign language.

VII.6 Engage with professional actors in order to understand their needs.