Reformulation of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at FEUP in Two Cycles of Studies (Bachelor and Master)

Lucas Da Silva,António Lopes,Jorge Seabra

doi:10.24840/2183-6493_007.001_0007

Abstract

This paper presents the reformulation of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in two independent degrees (bachelor and master). The design of the new cycles of studies, triggered by decision of the Portuguese Government, followed the FEUP’s guidelines and led to a solution close to the one adopted by the existing integrated master. Therefore, the well-known “FEUP Mechanical Engineering product” is maintained, in general, since it is widely accepted in the job market, and improved by correcting some MIEM’s shortcomings. The bachelor is a non-professional degree of preparation to the master. It is clearly distinct from the cycles of studies thought at the polytechnic institutions, providing a broader scientific background, and not including design skills and dissertation. The master is a demanding degree, with innovative content and incorporating the value added by the excellence of the scientific research carried out at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is aligned with the needs of the industry, being different from other master degrees in the same area offered in Portugal, and designed to attract students from abroad. A SWOT analysis performed both for the bachelor and the master shows the potential of the two new cycles of studies.

Highlights

The origins of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) go back to the reorganization of the Polytechnic Academy in 1885, which led to the establishment of the academic degrees in Engineering of Public Works, Mines and Industry
The Mechanical Engineering degree at FEUP became a cycle of studies (CS) combining a first and a second CS degrees, the Reformulation of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at FEUP in Two Cycles of Studies (Bachelor and Master) L
This paper presented the reformulation of MIEM in two independent first and second CS: the bachelor (LiEM) and the master (M.EM)

Summary

Introduction

The origins of the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering (MIEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) go back to the reorganization of the Polytechnic Academy in 1885, which led to the establishment of the academic degrees in Engineering of Public Works, Mines and Industry. At the end of the sixth semester (end of first CS) the students have acquired a solid base education, comprising the essential scientific and engineering skills, and a broad, fundamental, non-specialized knowledge in several domains of Mechanical Engineering. This first CS is intended to provide the necessary background for allowing mobility to, and from, other national and European higher education institutions. When implementing a two CS based structure, it must be expected that an amount of students with a bachelor degree will consider leaving the university to start a professional career This issue must be considered in the reformulation of the integrated masters. The master and doctoral CS will be conditioned by the decision that is chosen

Professional degree

Non-professional degree

Conclusions