The first students of the new Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Groningen experienced their baptism of fire in Drachten on Wednesday 4 March. At the location of high-tech company BD they got acquainted with Innovation Cluster dragons. That's where they start this fall with their graduation assignment.
A historic moment. If only because these are the first steps of the ‘University of the North’ in Drachten. Two tracks will start after the summer. First, the (graduation) year of the two-year Master's program in Mechanical Engineering with Smart Factories & Advanced Instrumentation. Then the first year of Process Design for Energy Systems and Materials for Mechanical Engineering. Ultimately, the university is aiming for sixty students for a combined total of four master's tracks.
super interesting
,,This afternoon the students were introduced to our high-tech companies. Now they are taking a first step toward a nice graduation project Smart Factories and Advanced Instruments,’’ says program manager Joost Krebbekx. Despite their preferences, some were made doubtful by the presentations. For example, by the story of Joost Zeilstra. He is manager of mechanical development at BD and talked about the world of ‘his’ medical systems. The discussions with the R&D managers of the other companies present also did not make things easier. Student Tijs summed it up succinctly: ’’Gee, I didn't think I had anything to do with the medical sector, but this is super interesting!''.
Seeing is believing
The students were introduced to various issues within the companies. Using 5 archetypes, questions were presented. The students can work with these. And of course, as expected, there was also a tour of BD's R&D center. ,,Because seeing is believing,’ said Krebbekx. ,,Students were able to sharpen their thoughts here.’ After a short walk to Whisper Power another group of students came face to face with three station assembly lines where different types of generators are made. “Whisper Power wants to take a step towards Industry 4.0. The great thing is that the students can make a nice contribution to this,” says Krebbekx.
In the coming two months, the students and the companies will further flesh out the first so-called design assignment. They are then expected on 31 August at the graduation supervisor of their chosen company.
About the master track
The Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The program offers the fields of study Advanced Instrumentation and Smart Factories. This year, that will be expanded to include Process Design for Energy Systems and Materials for Mechanical Engineering. After completing their masters, students may use the ir title. Smart Factories students spend their second year of study at the ICD Shared Facility Center in Drachten. There they receive lectures and do research. The result is that they design intelligent, coherent and customized production processes for the factory of the future. Krebbekx: ,,The intention is to grow into a full-fledged program within five years, with the main thrust being to give bachelor students perspective on a career in the Northern Netherlands.’’