Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering

Education objectives

• to offer a comprehensive preparation in the fields of: solid and fluid mechanics, applied thermodynamics, structural mechanics, structural dynamics, manufacturing processes, materials characterization and behaviour, and technical drawing as a relevant communication tool for a mechanical engineer.
• to promote experimental and computational assignments, essential for the development of a mechanical engineer.
• to offer a fundamental and solid education in engineering sciences at large, and in mechanical engineering in particular, that allows our graduates understand, to analyse and to solve problems, even if entirely novel to them, and that empowers them with an attitude of autonomy and critical thinking, so that they will succeed on their actions anywhere in the world.
• to promote an integrated vision of engineering, through the completion of a product development project and of an internship at a company, following the programme’s subjects (curricular units).
• to prepare not only the engineer, but the person as well, through the development of soft-skills by the complementary formation offered by the NOVA FCT Curricular Profile.

Prospective careers

Our Undergraduate Programme in Mechanical Engineering provides an excellent foundation for a professional career in all fields of economic activity. Those concluding the programme may integrate design teams and assume functions involving: equipment selection, industrial and manufacturing technology, maintenance and management, production planning, computer aided modelling and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), thermodynamic and heat transfer processes, equipment for energy conversion or HVAC, structural mechanics solutions, noise and vibration harshness, fluid networks, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, among several other situations.

Specific fields of economic activity are:

• Industry: aeronautical and automotive, and their components; naval construction and repair; metalworking; electromechanics; machine tools; metallurgical; mining; refrigeration and HVAC; energy conversion; transports; communications; chemical and pharmaceutical; food and beverages; glass and ceramics; paper; textile; plastics; among other processing industries.
• Services: health care; transports including airlines; public sector; insurance; supply chain; supply or collection & treatment of fluids, among several others.
• Consulting and design: engineering design and analysis offices; among others.
• Other opportunities: research and development activities in mechanics or related fields.