In order to take into account environmental and economic aspects early on, the choice of materials and processing methods has to be considered in the initial stages of product development. In this context, you analyze and test materials and examine the related manufacturing methods. The students will learn to consider the full life cycle including the disposal and recycling of a product and to incorporate the data and experience gathered in the use phase upfront in the development planning.
In the framework of this specialization, students have the additional flexibility to focus on Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Computational Mechanics (FEM), and Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as well as Automation, Manufacturing, Robotics and Mechatronic Systems within their chosen fields of interest.
As a consecutive study program, the Master of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering requires solid knowledge in development, manufacturing and optimization in industry, research or controlling environment. Applicants are also required to hold one of the following bachelor degrees:
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- BSc in Microtechnology
- BSc in Automotive Engineering
- BSc in Industrial Design Engineering
- BSc in Materials and Process Engineering
- BSc in Systems Engineering
Applications by interested students with a different academic background will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
As a Mechanical Engineering graduate, you will have a wide range of career options, both in Switzerland and abroad. With an MSE, you will have the qualification to assume senior positions with managerial responsibility in the fields of R&D and production.
How would you describe the cooperation with the MSE students you supervise?
In general, very good. The exchange is based on a predefined schedule. Besides that, my door is always open. That means when problems or questions arise, they can always be addressed immediately to me. Many students are doing the MSE part time and are also working as an assistant in our Competence Center. This leads to a closer relationship. So, you don’t only see the person as a master student but also as a researcher within the Competence Center’s projects. This gives you new and additional perspectives as well as other impressions. I have also found that the students are more self-confident or have less inhibitions approaching me than supervised Bachelor students.
Which Master thesis do you remember most and why?
I remember two Master Theses most. First, the one when the student developed a complete multi-physics simulation model of the ski manufacturing process. In the aftermath of this work, a picture of this model has won the Ansys Hall of Fame competition in the category “Academia”. And the second thesis was dealing with the simulation of granular material for the purpose of damping. This work was awarded with the first place in the worldwide NAFEMS student competition. This success underlines the high level of our MSE and the projects that our students are performing.
What are some lessons you've learned as an MSE advisor?
I am doing this for more than 13 years now. What really stands out is the maturity and independence of the students who start an MSE degree. Normally there is no need telling them what to do. The range of projects the students are working on is so broad. As an advisor, you benefit enormously from this and learn a lot yourself. Also be flexible and be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes students are changing their plans and their interests are going in another direction.
How do you keep your students motivated?
Normally there is not much work to do on my side and honestly, I don’t see this as my primary task. When a student decides to start the master, she or he is highly self-motivated. The motivation is a prerequisite to be successful. What I can do is, to find the right topics for the specialization projects and the Master Thesis. If those topics don’t fit to the interests of the student, then the motivation will suffer from this. And of course, meetings on a regular basis gives the opportunity to provide additional support in case of lacking motivation, e. g. when the student is walking through the “valley of resignation”. Which is a normal experience when executing a challenging project.
What’s your main reason to recommend the MSE degree program?
The MSE is THE engineering master for bachelor students coming from UAS in Switzerland. It is a cooperative master of all major UAS. Two third of the entire study is practical work in projects, which are related to the research activities of the host university and mostly in the context of real-life problems coming from industry. In my opinion this is unique. Besides that, visiting the central lectures with students from other UAS provides additional benefits. It is an excellent opportunity to share experiences, build-up connections and networks.
Prof. Ralf Baumann, Advisor
How has your MSE degree influenced your professional career?
The MSE gave me the booster to start as a development engineer in a worldwide acting company in the steel industry. I am able to take over tasks and responsibilities in complex, international and cross-domain projects.
What advice do you have for new MSE students?
Get as much as possible out of the classes and your personal advisor. The chance where you have is unique and limited in time.
What are the most important personal skills of an MSE student?
Time management, especially if you do it part-time. Willingness to learn more as the minimum.
What were your main reasons for choosing the MSE programme?
The high flexibility in choosing the modules and the advisor gave me the reason to join the MSE programme.
In which areas were you able to develop particularly through the MSE programme?
Critical thinking – Every solution should be questioned. I developed the critical thinking skills during my master thesis, where I often questioned the solution – can this be correct and how can I verify? This useful skill helps me in my daily work as a mechanical engineer.
Gian Hauenstein, MSE Graduate
