Of Science (MSc) in Mechanical Engineering

Programme content

MASTERING THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION CHAIN

The objective of this program is to train engineers specialized in the design and manufacture of mechanical components and systems. The training is both general and highly oriented towards realization. It also responds to an important need in the industry for studies and production methods.

FROM DESIGN...

Design can be defined as a synthesis of knowledge acquired in physics and mechanics with the aim of obtaining a machine that responds reliably to a given equipment need. It is a highly creative and multidisciplinary approach (mechanics, electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics) in which, nowadays, a large use is made of computer techniques, including computer-aided design (CAD).

... TO THE REALIZATION

As for manufacturing, it is the very essence of the industry. An efficient manufacturing process must lead to a product that gives satisfaction, at the lowest possible cost. The study of manufacturing techniques or "technology" therefore necessarily includes considerations of technical feasibility, economics, quality control, total quality management, work organization, resource management and, inevitably, human relations.

In this context, the computer is taking on an increasingly important role. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided production management (CAPM) are an integral part of the learning process in mechanical engineering. Powerful software such as NX is available for your training and/or research activities.

PROGRAMME

The 1st part covers all the general courses necessary for a possible specialization and includes an offer of options in the field of modelization. You will also have to choose one of the 3 specialized finalities and follow a course in Business Management, organized in collaboration with HEC Liège.

In the 2nd part, specialized courses are offered in several fields such as additive manufacturing, quality management, robotics, mechatronics, digital mechanics, vehicles or propulsion systems. You will complete a long-term internship in a company or research center in connection with your master's thesis.

Professional focus in Advanced Ship Design

The development of transport technologies represents a significant challenge for society. In economic terms, the importance of river and maritime transport at European level should be emphasised. In environmental terms, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and polluting emissions, as well managing the life cycle of transport systems are today major challenges. In socio-political terms, new transport technologies contribute to improving the mobility of citizens and must guarantee increasingly strict safety conditions. This focus is intended to train engineers able to adapt to these developments and contribute to future innovations.

This focus is offered and taught entirely in English. Students who opt for it must take a mobility programme worth 60 credits at one of the programme's partner universities: the Ecole Centrale de Nantes (ECN), the University of Rostock, (URO, Germany) or the Polytecnic University of Madrid (UPM, Spain) .

During their studies, students are also deeply immersed in the industrial world; the programme comprises an extended internship (3-4 months) and a Master's thesis carried out at a company (shipyard, classification societies, ship owner, design firm or research institute, etc.) which, in 20% of cases, leads directly to a job.

At the end of the Master's programme, there is a wide range of career opportunities that lead to jobs in production (shipyard), in a company (part suppliers: propulsion, dredging, ships specialised in Offshore Wind Turbines installation, etc.), at a research institute (ship model basin (HSVA), CMT (naval technology, etc.), classification societies (BV, DNV-GL, LR, etc.) as well as in a university setting working towards a doctorate. Current experience is that 98% of graduates find a job in Belgium, Europe or their home country within 6 months.

Professional focus in Mechatronics

Mechatronics aims at an optimal integration of technologies for the development of innovative machines and systems based on a multidisciplinary approach combining mechanics, electronics and computer science. The applications are numerous, particularly in the fields of industrial production systems, robotics, special machines, precision machines and the automotive industry. These technologies are evolving rapidly today and are taking on an increasingly important role with the digitalization that is revolutionizing the industrial sector. The use of automation contributes to the competitiveness of companies and the development of their production activity. Thus, the industrial sector needs versatile engineers who master the multiple facets of the operation, design and manufacture of mechatronic systems.

This degree prepares the mechanical engineer for these challenges by developing specific and multidisciplinary skills in control, sensor and actuator technologies, automation and industrial robotics. In addition to theoretical courses, practical work and numerous laboratory sessions, the program includes a large-scale integrated project that allows students to exercise their creativity and technical skills in the design and manufacture of a mechanical or mechatronic system.

Professional focus in Sustainable Automobile Engineering

This programme, developed in partnership with the Automobile Campus of Spa-Francorchamps, is unique in Belgium. Courses are taught in English on the Spa campus.

 It is also offered in the form of a certificate for graduates.

This programme was designed to meet the current challenges facing the automotive sector: enhancing vehicle performance (motorisation, security, etc.) while seeking to reduce CO2 emissions. The industry needs engineers and scientists able to innovate in this highly promising sector.

In order to achieve that objective, the programme stresses practical experience in the form of laboratory sessions, practical assignments, a mandatory internship and design exercises. The courses benefit from the partnership with the Automobile Campus of Spa-Francorchamps, a Competence Centre of the FOREM (Wallonia department of training and employment) that has a large amount of outstanding equipment and exceptional experimental facilities. Use of these state-of-the-art technological tools gives students a high-level of qualification, in line with the most advanced industrial practices. Relying on the specificity of the campus' equipment and its location alongside a remarkable race course, the programme can lead to work in the following areas: vehicle dynamics, clean, electrical and hybrid powered vehicles, etc. Various experts in particular from the sports vehicle sector (F1 team) are involved.

Learning outcomes

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

Engineers master and is 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 an extensive body of knowledge in the fields of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, manufacturing methods and numerical methods.

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 or 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. Demonstrate capacity for abstraction.

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

III.3 Identify and manage the constraints associated with a project (technical constraints, specifications, deadlines, resources, customer requirements, etc.).  In particular, be able to find a compromise between the multiple and often contradictory constraints inherent in the realisation of an engineering project.

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 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, they use computer-aided design and manufacturing tools and analyse a mechanical element using the finite element method.

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

IV.3 Model the behaviour (static, vibratory, kinematic, dynamic and thermal) of a device.

IV.4 Design a machine, a mechanical system or a production cell.

IV.5 Master manufacturing technologies and define a manufacturing range.

IV.6 Manage a production system and ensure quality control.

Specific learning outcomes for the Specialisation in Mechatronics

IV.7 Design a mechatronic system integrating mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and a control unit.

IV.8 Develop a multidisciplinary approach for the performance analysis of a mechatronic system.

Specific learning outcomes for the Specialisation in Sustainable Automotive Engineering

IV.9 Master the specific technologies of the automotive sector.

IV.10 Analyse the performance and safety of a vehicle.

IV.11 Understand the world of the automotive industry.

Specific learning outcomes for the Specialisation in Advanced Ship Design

IV.12 Design and analyse a naval or offshore structure.

IV.13 Analyse the stability, naval propulsion and seagoing behaviour.

IV.14 Master construction techniques and understand the maritime world.

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 considerations and actions. 

V.2 Position themselves in relation to the professions and functions of an engineer, taking into account ethical aspects and social responsibility. Adopt a reflective stance, both critical and constructive, with regard to their own way of acting, their approach and their professional choices.

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. Make decisions together. Distribute work and manage deadlines. Manage tensions. Demonstrate leadership skills.

VI.3 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 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.