Mechanical Engineering
Duration: six semesters (undergraduate), four semesters (graduate)
Number of ECTS credits: 180 (undergraduate), 120 (graduate)
The study program of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FAMENA), University of Zagreb, traditionally differs from many other study programs of mechanical engineering in the world in terms of the breadth of education it provides. In addition to classical mechanical engineering, the FAMENA mechanical engineering study program includes disciplines that are usually taught as special studies at other higher education institutions, such as material sciences, production engineering, and industrial engineering. Thus, FAMENA educates specialists in the development, engineering design, construction, use, and maintenance of plants, machines, tools, devices, and other equipment; specialists in the design, modeling and simulation of thermal, energy, and production processes; specialists in mechanical equipment, energy engineering, and marine propulsion; specialists in materials, automation, robotization, process management, quality assurance, measurement, management and improvement of production, and organization of work and production. At the same time, special attention has been given to modern methods and technologies supported by computer applications.
To cover a wide range of disciplines, the study program of Mechanical Engineering includes specializations in which specific disciplines of certain narrow specialties of mechanical engineering are gradually introduced during the study.
The specializations of mechanical engineering studies are as follows:
- Automotive and Transportation Engineering
- Pipeline Systems Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- Engineering Modelling and Computer Simulations
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Design and Mechanical Analysis
- Sustainable Thermal and Process Engineering
- Energy and Environment
- Production Engineering
- Marine Engineering.
For the students graduating from the undergraduate study program, the graduate study is a logical continuation, but it is also possible for students from other faculties who comply with the requirements of our graduate program to be admitted into the graduate study. The new four-semester graduate degree program will commence in the 2025/2026 academic year.
The study regime encourages students to work intensively and continuously. The teaching methods and especially laboratory and practical classes, mid-term and end-of-term tests, and exams, ensure academic success for students who devote an appropriate amount of time and effort to their studies.
The number of enrolled students (375 mechanical engineering students in the first year of study) is adequate for the faculty (all teachers) capacity and teaching facilities of the Faculty. These resources allow for effective teaching, and with self-regulated learning and direct contact with assistants and teachers during laboratory and practical classes, tutorials, and mid-term and end-of-term tests, students engage with the content of each course to a level that ensures success in the exams.
The common core of the undergraduate study program
The first two years of the mechanical engineering study program include shared common core courses, and the specializations are offered in the third year of study. In the first two years, the courses primarily cover fundamental disciplines, such as mathematics and applied physics, along with the fundamental mechanical engineering disciplines, such as graphic expression, machine elements, electrical engineering, materials, and technology. Courses in technical foreign languages are also included in the common core program.
The content and the sequence of the courses have been determined based on the optimum connection between the fundamentals of the field of mechanical engineering and other fundamental disciplines in terms of teaching methodology. The goal of such an organization of the common core is to provide students with the basic knowledge that enables them to become self-regulated learners and master specific knowledge in the subsequent years of study, in any area of mechanical engineering. This will also enable students to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field and excel in their profession throughout their careers.
Undergraduate study specializations and the graduate study program
Starting from the fifth semester, both the undergraduate and subsequent graduate studies are designed to offer students the necessary breadth of professional knowledge. Upon obtaining a bachelor's or master’s degree, students become qualified to work in any engineering area. Simultaneously, this curriculum allows pursuing individual interests and following personal inclinations. This is achieved by choosing a desired study specialization and appropriate elective courses.
During this phase of the study, students delve deeper into the development and production of a specific group of technical systems, broadening their knowledge at the same time by selecting related content with the primary objective of becoming proficient in the use of modern engineering tools.
In addition to classes at the Faculty, each graduate student is required to complete four weeks of internship. The internship is done in a professional setting of an engineering company or institution under the supervision of the professional staff of the hosting organization.
Field trips are also organized as an important method of education, during which students visit production facilities relevant to their specializations.
Students are offered many extracurricular and optional activities organized by student associations and teaching units of the Faculty. Physical and Health Culture is a compulsory course during the first four semesters. The physical education teachers and student organizations of the Faculty organize sports and social events for students and teachers.
Completion of the studies
The undergraduate study program of Mechanical Engineering is completed when the student has passed all exams of the first six semesters and completed and defended a bachelor’s thesis, which is assigned to the student upon enrolment in the 6th (final) semester. The bachelor’s thesis is generally done in one of the core courses of the chosen study specialization under supervision and with the help of the respective teacher. After having defended the bachelor’s thesis in front of a committee, the student is awarded the academic title of Bachelor (baccalaureus) of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completion of the undergraduate study in mechanical engineering, at least 180 ECTS credits are acquired.
The graduate study program of Mechanical Engineering is completed when the student has passed all exams of the four semesters and completed and defended a master’s thesis, which is assigned to the student during the final, fourth semester. In the thesis, the student must demonstrate mastery of the fundamental and expert knowledge acquired during the study and the ability to independently solve tasks assigned as the thesis assignment under the guidance of the supervisor. After having defended the master’s thesis in front of a committee, the candidate is awarded the academic title of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and the information on the study specialization is included in the diploma. The graduate study program is allocated at least 120 ECTS credits.
