Mechanical Engineering
At Reykjavik University, students can graduate with a final examination in Mechanical and Energy Engineering BSc in 3,5 years (210 ECTS).
The goal is to provide students with the specialized and practical knowledge needed to prepare them for employment as engineers in the industry, and at the same time provide them with a solid theoretical basis on which they can base further studies, in Iceland or at leading universities abroad.
The studies are based on theoretical and practical courses and on the students work on real projects related to the mechanical or energy industry, under the guidance of highly qualified teachers and experts from the industry. Key subjects are structural mechanics, computer aided design, mechanical design, thermodynamics and control systems. Automation, simulation and the optimization of work and energy processes are also an important part in the studies and professional activities of mechanical and energy engineers.
The program opens diverse employment opportunities as there is a high demand for individuals with this education, in Iceland as well as abroad. Mechanical and Energy Engineers work in management, consulting, design and development. They are employed with consulting engineering firms, in production enterprises and with energy producers. Future opportunities are in renewable energy sources and sustainable development, including the harnessing of water power and geothermal energy, the utilization of hydrogen and biomass, and development for fuel cells.
A major emphasis is placed on the students´ practically oriented project work. The majority of the teachers have considerable experience in design or production. Many of the students enrolled have work experience in the industry and the program enhances that background. The research focus is on applied research in cooperation with foreign universities, institutions and specialized engineering firms in the respective fields.
Mechanical and Energy Engineering BSc
The final examination in Mechanical and Energy Engineering BSc of 210 ECTS credits is completed in 3,5 years. This study program gives very considerable professional competences seen in relation to the duration of the program. Graduates receive certification from the Ministry of Industry to practice as fully qualified engineers, with the professional title of engineer (Icelandic: Tæknifræðingur). At the same time, it is very easy to base studies for a MSc degree on the final examination, either in Iceland or at universities abroad.
The Study Program
In the first 6 semesters, students generally take five courses per semester. Four courses are taught during the first 12 weeks of the semester, ending with written or oral examinations. After the examination period comes a three-week lab course or a three-week specialized course. Emphasis is placed on the students´ work on practical, realistic projects in cooperation with engineering firms and research institutes.
During the 5th and 6th semester, students take elective subjects that offer a degree of specialization. The fields of specialization are: Mechanical Design and Energy Technology. A student who choses at least 3 elective courses, as well as his final project, in the the same field gets a certificate of graduation inwhich his field of specialization is especially noted.
In the 7th semester, students take a course in research methods and work on their final project. The final project of 24 ECTS credits is a design and/or research project with emphasis on independent and goal oriented methods in practical project work in the mechanical and energy industry.
Study plans and detailed descriptions of courses are in the Course Catalog.
On July 1st, 2005 Reykjavik University merged with the Technical University of Iceland where teaching in the engineering programs which form the basis for today´s BSc programs in Civil Engineering, Mechanical and Energy Engineering and Electrical Engineering started in 1964. These programs have a strong tradition of practical orientation in cooperation with the industry. Practically oriented project work plays a large role in the students´ studies and most of the teachers have a background of practical experience in the industry. The research focus is on applied research in cooperation with specialized companies and institutions in the respective fields.