01 Technical Committee on Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering SUBJECT-SPECIFIC SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES For the Accreditation of Bachelor s and Master s Study Programs in the Field of Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering (Last updated, 18 March 2005) in accordance with Section 4 and supplementary to Section 3.4.3 of The Minimum Requirements and Procedural Principles for the Accreditation of Bachelor s and Master s Study Programs in the Fields of Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics of the ASIIN. 1. Introduction 1.1 General These subject-specific supplementary notes are only valid in conjunction with the general criteria of the ASIIN. They complete the general criteria and partially amend them based on specific and technical conditions. The following notes describe the profile, content and minimum requirements of more theoryoriented and also more applied Bachelor s and Master s degree programs in general mechanical engineering and process engineering as well as engineering-oriented (processoriented) study programs in chemistry and bioengineering. When decisions pertaining to accreditation are being made, it must be ascertained whether students in the study program to be evaluated can achieve the educational and qualification goals that are described in the study programs listed here. A purely formal comparison between the study programs to be evaluated and the descriptions given here is not the object of these subject-specific requirements. These descriptions are intended as basic guidelines that allow reasonable deviations and are to serve as orientation for the submission of applications and assessment of study programs in the accreditation process. This applies in particular to the individual subjects listed in the first column. These examples are to be applied in a general sense for the evaluation of study programs with a study emphasis other than those outlined here. These subject-specific supplementary notes have been defined and further refined in dialogue with national and international scientific organizations, the conferences of deans of departments of universities and the conferences of deans of departments of universities of applied sciences, technical and trade associations, and experts from business and industry. In matters pertaining to evaluations in individual accreditation procedures the technical committee shall always refer to these experts. 1.2 Collaboration of technical committees and categorization of study programs The Technical Committee on Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering collaborates with the other technical committees of the ASIIN with the principal aim of meeting the requirements
of interdisciplinary study programs. The institutes of higher education are requested to submit evaluations for allocating study programs to one or more of the technical committees in the course of applying for accreditation. In the case of study programs with a mechanical engineering or process engineering content amounting to 50 percent or more, the Technical Committee on Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering is solely responsible and, if necessary, will use technical experts from other fields. In interdisciplinary study programs with a significant mechanical engineering or process engineering content (less than and up to 50) the Technical Committee on Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering shares the responsibility with the other disciplines involved or uses technical experts. 2. General 2.1 Naming study programs The widely diversified possibilities for the reorientation and specialization of study programs make it essential for the name of the study program to reflect its main contents. Generally speaking, study programs should be given a name in the language in which they are primarily offered. 2.2 Requirements for study programs The introduction of the Bachelor as an initial degree qualifying students for employment in their chosen field is intended on the one hand as an orderly degree from an engineering study program for entering the profession directly, and on the other hand as a starting platform from which students can study in an area of specialization. In order to promote the acceptance of Bachelor s graduates by industry and business, all study programs must offer a solid base of course content that will prepare students for entering the profession. Graduates of more theory-oriented study programs in mechanical engineering and process engineering / chemical engineering acquire the following capabilities and knowledge: - They are able to independently implement and develop scientific methods and knowledge. - They have acquired the ability to think in the abstract and are able to identify and solve problems independently. - They possess holistic problem-solving competence, based on methodical and fundamental-oriented problem analysis. - They have acquired a solid basis in mathematics, natural science and engineering, which enables them to understand all phenomena occurring in mechanical engineering or process engineering. - They understand the basic principles of mechanical engineering and process engineering for modeling and simulation of important processes. - They have learned how to identify, analyze and solve complex problems on a systematic basis.
- They are able to independently carry out experiments and interpret the results. - They are able to responsibly use their knowledge in a variety of fields and are also capable of independently intensifying this knowledge. - They have acquired key qualifications (e.g. time management, learning and working techniques, cooperation skills, team skills, leadership qualities, communication skills). The graduates of more applied study programs in mechanical engineering or process engineering / chemical engineering acquire the following capabilities and knowledge: - They possess problem-solving competence with application reference and competence in areas of mechanical engineering or process engineering. - They possess comprehensive knowledge in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, which enables them to carry out scientifically-based work and act responsibly in all professional situations. - They are able to transform new findings in engineering and natural sciences into industrial and commercial production under consideration of business administrative, ecological and safety-related requirements. - They are able to plan, control and monitor processes, and to develop and operate machinery and technical equipment. - They are able to responsibly intensify and expand acquired knowledge. - They have acquired key qualifications (e.g. time management, learning and working techniques, cooperation skills, team skills, leadership qualities, communication skills). Characteristics from both profiles can occur together in a given study program, in which case the predominant competencies will determine the dominant profile. 2.3 General requirements for study programs conferring Master s degrees The Master s degree program is an intensification phase of study built on the foundation of the Bachelor s degree program, and offers degree-program-specific specialist knowledge, either in the original core subject of the Bachelor s study phase or in a different subject (e.g. other engineering /natural science subjects, economics etc.). The concrete structure of the Master s degree program should be oriented to the specific strengths of the university offering the program. When making decisions on admissions to Master s degree programs, only the individual capabilities and knowledge of the applicant should be taken into consideration. The graduates of more theory-oriented Master s degree programs in mechanical engineering and process engineering / chemical engineering have the ability to further intensify and increase the knowledge gained in prior courses and have also acquired the following capabilities and knowledge: - They have the ability to independently develop and apply scientific methods in research and in daily practice. - They possess analytical thinking and are capable of independent management of complex matters. - They have comprehensive knowledge in engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, which enables them to carry out scientific research and work responsibly in their profession and in society.
- They are able to independently develop and apply scientific methods and put them into practice. - Their key qualifications have been intensified with a special focus on leadership skills and competence not only in the chosen field; their independence, creativity, honesty and pluralism, communication skills and their ability to carry out interdisciplinary tasks have been promoted. The graduates of more applied Master s degree programs in mechanical engineering or process engineering / chemical engineering have intensified and expanded their previous educational base and have acquired the following capabilities and knowledge: - They possess deep-seated knowledge and application competence in specialized areas of mechanical engineering or process engineering. - They have intensive competence in the application of scientific methods in practice and are capable of developing solution concepts for practical use based on scientific findings and knowledge. - They are able to transfer their theoretical and analytical capabilities to highly complex application cases. - They have acquired the ability to think in the abstract, analytically beyond the individual case and as part of a network, and have acquired the ability to quickly, methodically and systematically pick up on new and previously unknown tasks. - Their key qualifications have been intensified with a special focus on leadership skills and competence not only in the chosen field; their independence, creativity, honesty and pluralism, communication skills and their ability to carry out interdisciplinary tasks have been promoted. Characteristics from both profiles can occur together in a given study program, in which case the predominant competencies will determine the dominant profile. The descriptions of the content and scope of the Master s degree program assume that they follow on directly from a relevant Bachelor s study program leading to a Masters degree or a comparable course of study. For students who do not meet this requirement, harmonization modules should be offered. 3. Curriculum The following examples are uniformly categorized under the profiles of more theory-oriented degree and more applied degree, although according to the resolution of the KMK on 10.10.2003 such structural requirements only apply to Master s degree programs. This categorization is intended to provide some clear examples of how the guidelines in Section 3.4.3.1 Profile of Study Programs of The Minimum Requirements and Procedural Principles... of the ASIIN can be applied in practice. The Descriptors for the assignment of a more research-oriented profile or a more practice-oriented profile to Master's programs, adopted by the German Accreditation Council on 01.04.2004 and published as Drs. 2/2004, shall serve as the guidelines for categorizing study programs in one of the profiles provided. In the following tables the curricula are shown in examples. The curricula are broken down into larger sections, for example basics of mathematics & natural sciences, basics of engineering, etc. The contents of these areas are characterized by key terms. The curricula should contain an adequate number of suitable courses, for example including practical training (industrial
placement), laboratory work and projects, with the aim of developing the capabilities and skills of the student. The minimum study requirements of a study program are given in percentages of the total scope and also in (European Credit Transfer System) points (). For example, the Bachelor s degree program is shown with a study period of 6 semesters and a total of 180 (6 semesters with 30 /semester), for which should be allocated teaching personnel for around 100 semester week hours. For the Master s degree program a study period of 4 semesters with 120 (4 semesters with 30 /semester) is calculated, for which should be allocated teaching personnel for around 60 semester week hours. For study programs of longer or shorter duration these numbers should be adjusted accordingly. In particular when evaluating study programs with shorter study periods than prescribed here, it must be determined whether the necessary educational goals can be achieved, as outlined in the study programs here. Bachelor s degree programs can either be based on a study period of 6 semesters as prescribed here or based and accredited with a study period of, for example, 7 semesters. Similarly, Master s degree programs can either be based on a study period of 4 semesters as prescribed here or based and accredited with a study period of, for example, 3 semesters. At the same time consecutive Bachelor s and Master s study programs may not exceed a total duration of five years. In the case of shorter Master s degree programs the necessary curtailment of the subjects in the example should be made under consideration of the competencies from the already completed Bachelor s degree program.
3.1 General mechanical engineering Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering, more theory-oriented (based on 6 semesters) Basics of mathematics & natural sciences min. 18 min. 32 Mathematics, chemistry, physics, informatics Basics of engineering min. 28 min. 50 Engineering mechanics/machine dynamics/oscillation engineering, fluid mechanics, technical thermodynamics, electrical engineering & electronics, materials engineering, measuring and control engineering, basic optional subject (technical physics, technical informatics, etc.) Engineering applications Design/product development/production Specialization, emphasis min. 4 min. 8 According to chosen foundation course Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Final dissertation min. 12 Practical training (industrial placement) min. 12 Total 180 Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering, more applied degree (based on 6 semesters) Basics of mathematics & natural sciences min. 14 min. 25 Mathematics, physics, informatics Basics of engineering min. 26 min. 47 Engineering mechanics/machine dynamics/oscillation engineering, flow mechanics, technical thermodynamics, electrical engineering & electronics, materials engineering & chemistry, measuring and control engineering Engineering applications min. 16 min. 28 Machine theory, design/product development, manufacturing/production technology Specialization, emphasis min. 4 min. 8 According to chosen foundation course Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Final dissertation min. 12 Practical training (industrial placement) min. 12 Total 180
Master, Mechanical Engineering, more theory-oriented, (based on 4 semesters) Advanced mathematics, natural sciences and engineering min. 19 min. 22 Mathematical methods, advanced mechanics or heat and mass transfer, technical informatics, optional subject (design, technical physics etc.) Advanced engineering applications min. 19 min. 22 Machine theory, production technology, energy technology, etc. (incl. laboratory work, practical) Specialization, emphasis min. 22 min. 26 According to chosen foundation course min. 10 min. 12 Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Master s thesis min. 15 Add. practical training (industrial placement, if not already a part min. 5 of prior courses taken) Total 120 Master, Mechanical Engineering, more application-oriented, (based on 4 semesters) Advanced mathematics, natural sciences and engineering min. 13 min. 16 Mathematical methods, advanced mechanics, technical informatics, design Advanced engineering applications min. 25 min. 30 Engines and machines, laboratory work, applied optional subject (energy technology, materials handling, logistics, etc.) Specialization, emphasis min. 22 min. 26 According to chosen foundation course min. 10 min. 12 Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Master s thesis min. 15 Add. practical training (industrial placement, if not already a part min. 5 of prior courses taken) Total 120
3.2 Process engineering, bio- and chemical engineering Bachelor, Process Engineering, Bio- and Chemical Engineering, more theory-oriented (based on 6 semesters) Basics of mathematics & natural sciences min. 17 min. 30 Mathematics, chemistry/biology, physics, informatics Basics of engineering min. 19 min. 35 Engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering, system dynamics and control engineering, materials engineering Process engineering subjects min. 17 min. 30 Fluid process engineering and solid materials processing, chemical reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, applied optional subject Engineering applications min. 6 min. 10 Production, process and plant technology, environmental protection and occupational safety, systems technology, design/production and apparatus engineering Engineering & natural science courses for creating an area of min. 11 min. 20 specialization Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Final dissertation min. 12 Practical training (industrial placement) min. 12 Total 180 Bachelor, Process Engineering, Bio- and Chemical Engineering, more applied degree (based on 6 semesters) Basics of mathematics & natural sciences min. 14 min. 25 Mathematics, informatics, physics, chemistry, biology Basics of engineering min. 17 min. 30 Engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering and electronics, measurement and control engineering, materials engineering Process engineering subjects min. 14 min. 25 Fluid process engineering and solid materials processing, chemical reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, applied optional subject Engineering applications min. 17 min. 30 Process and plant technology, environmental protection and occupational safety, environmental engineering and facility management, CAD/CAE systems, design incl. apparatus engineering Engineering and natural science subjects for creating an area min. 8 min. 15 of specialization Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Final dissertation min. 12 Practical training (industrial placement) min. 12 Total 180
Master, Process Engineering, Bio- and Chemical Engineering, more theory-oriented (based on 4 semesters) Advanced mathematics, natural sciences and engineering and min. 50 min. 60 applications min. 10 min. 12 Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Master s thesis min. 15 Add. practical training (industrial placement, if not already a part min. 5 of prior courses taken) Total points 120 Master, Process Engineering, Bio- and Chemical Engineering, more applied degree (based on 4 semesters) Advanced basics of mathematics, natural sciences and min. 17 min. 20 engineering Mathematical methods, fluid dynamics, multiphase flows, heat and mass transfer, chemistry/biology, reaction engineering, mixedphase thermodynamics, unit operations of fluid process engineering or solid materials processing Intensification and expansion of process engineering subjects min. 17 min. 20 Unit operations of chemical, biological, mechanical and thermal process engineering Advanced engineering applications min. 21 min. 25 Systems technology, environmental protection and occupational safety, CAD/CAE systems, process simulation engineering, design and apparatus engineering min. 10 min. 12 Economics-related subjects, non-technical options, languages (if not already taken in prior courses) Master s thesis min. 15 Add. practical training (industrial placement, if not already a part min. 5 of prior courses taken) Total 120