GC131 - Graduate Certificate in International Automotive Engineering

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Plan: GC131 - Graduate Certificate in International Automotive Engineering
Campus: City Campus

Learning outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes Statement

During the formal consultations conducted by the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering with both local and overseas leading automotive industry stakeholders the demand for new capabilities in the field of automotive engineering was confirmed.  This is explained by the use of advanced and increasingly complex systems in automobiles (engine, interior equipment, chassis and carriages) as well as by the implementation of new and alternative technologies (e.g., X-by-wire systems- i.e. systems that operate automobiles by means of computer-controlled electronic signals instead of direct action on control devices-, alternative power-train technologies, alternative fuels, new safety mechanisms, lightweight materials technology).  Furthermore, the production strategy (design, manufacturing and product distribution) of multinational automotive companies transcends geographical borders.  Hence, due to the internationalized nature of the industry’s working environment, the sought after workforce, apart from being equipped with advanced technical and project management skills, is also required to exhibit a diverse set of generic capabilities such as: understanding of various cultures, sensitivity to global needs, awareness of global engineering ethics, and the ability to work in international teams. 

In response to this demand the aim of this new program is to provide you with the capability to work effectively as an automotive engineering specialist in the global automotive industry, and in particular to lead technological innovation in cross-disciplinary teams.  It is further intended that you will have the capability to work effectively within, and between, the geographically and culturally diverse settings that pertain to the global automotive industry.  This includes a broader understanding of the complex automotive supply chain and logistics involved, especially within the broader socio-economic as well as political context that applies to this global industry. To this effect, the dimensions of specific capabilities that you will develop are:

  • Holistic understanding of the product automobile: To this effect, you will acquire comprehensive understanding of the various stages of the product life-cycle (“cradle -to -grave”), and of the systems approach to sustainable design and development of automotive technology.  Also, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of methods, techniques and procedures within the cross-disciplinary development process of modern automobiles.

  • Problem solving and decision making skills:  To this effect you will acquire specialist knowledge required for advanced analysis and synthesis of automotive technologies. This program will provide you the opportunity to pursue projects, that address real life problems, in cooperation with industry both locally and internationally.  This will allow you to develop intuition, judgement, result interpretation capabilities.

  • Advanced technical competence: You will be capable of implementing advanced technical concepts based on Engineering science. This will involve modelling, simulation, testing, correlation and validation techniques, and tools used in the development of the various components and subsystems of the automobile. You will be able to use this knowledge in a design and production context.

  • Working in teams and networks: You will be required to work collaboratively with peers to achieve a common goal.  In an attempt to mirror workplace practice, you will have the opportunity to assume different roles. In so doing, it is intended that you will acquire a deep sense of team and network membership responsibilities and obligations, using sound project management skills.

  • Leadership: You will be provided with opportunities to work in cross-disciplinary and international teams in order to develop leadership qualities such as: creative thinking and innovation, cross-cultural and cross-discipline communication skills.  In addition, you will develop capabilities which will empower you to initiate and facilitate technological change and innovation in the automotive industry, and to meet new environmental and safety challenges in particular.

  • Professional, legal and ethical standards:  Throughout this program emphasis will be placed on the importance of automotive design and manufacture within the framework of international regulatory statutes pertaining in particular to the environment, quality and safety.  You will be made aware of legal, environmental and ethical standards that pertain to the profession.

  • Research:  You will be required to conduct research, including benchmarking and scientific analysis and report on new industry trends in order to keep abreast with emerging technologies.

  • International and cultural awareness: This program is international in character and outlook.  It provides you with the opportunity to obtain work and research experience at multinational companies around the world. In this way, you will be concomitantly exposed to state of the art infrastructure and to different work ethics and cultural environments.
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