Course of study of materials engineering at the faculty of mechanical engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, has developed the curriculum for the new course of study "Materials Engineering" which the students could take for the first time starting from the academic year 2004/2005. The study is designed according to the Bologna Declaration and divided into two parts: 7 semesters until acquiring the title of Baccalaureus and additional 3 semesters to acquire the title of the graduate engineer (or the Master's degree). The total number of ECTS credits is 300 (210+90). The first year is common for all the courses of study of mechanical engineering, whereas in the second year the students take a certain course of study. The weekly obligation does not exceed 25 lessons, and the maximum number of exams during one year is nine. Every course is accompanied by exercises. The structure of the study consists of the compulsory basic and technical subjects of the study of mechanical engineering, specific subjects in the course of study and the optional technical and non-technical subjects. The share of the fundamental subjects is about 40 per cent; professional technical subjects about 50 per cent and non-technical subjects about 10 per cent. From the fifth semester the students elect a total of nine technical and non-technical subjects. Two independent projects and industrial practice in the duration of one month twice during the study are compulsory. The central paradigm of study is the strong structure-processing-properties-performance interrelations and connections. This approach will provide students with the foundations for a productive career in the changing environment.