Degree Programme in Automation Engineering
(In Finnish)
Specialisations
The lines of specialisation in the Degree Programme in
Automation Engineering are
-
Machine Automation
-
Electric Automation
Qualification awarded
Bachelor of Engineering
In addition, students may complete a double degree together
with the Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
Students who complete a double degree receive both a Finnish
and German Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
Level of qualification
The degree programme leads to a higher education degree which is a first cycle
Bachelor-level degree in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). According to
the eight-level classification of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
the degree represents level 6.
Specific admission requirements
Please see the
Applicant's Guide or the website
www.seamk.fi/hakeminen.
Applicant's Guide's instructions are written in Finnish for
degree programmes taught in Finnish and in English for degree programmes taught
in English. On the website, application and instructions are in Finnish language
for the degree programmes taught in Finnish.
Specific arrangements for recognition of
prior learning (RPL)
The Head of the Degree Programme, the Student Counsellor, and
when necessary, the teacher of the course in question are responsible for RPL.
Their task is to inform students of the recognition and assessment process, to
discuss students' Personal Study Plan and to guide students in the demonstration
of prior learning.
Project studies and the final thesis are not observed in RPL.
According to the degree regulation, prior learning of a
subject expires in ten years.
Assessment is course-specific, defined by the teacher in
question. Assessment methods are an exam (written or oral), practical
assignment, a laboratory test, a field test or equivalent.
Qualification requirements and regulations
Please see the
Degree Regulations
of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Pedagogical approach
Learning by doing is an age-old concept used to describe a
method of in-depth learning. For this reason, teaching in the Degree Programme
in Automation Engineering emphasises hands-on learning. This means that we
combine theoretical information with practical skills for the working world in
modern technology laboratories. Students experience great moments of insight
doing a diverse range of assignments in our laboratories. The equipment in our
laboratories is the same used in the working world. This allows students to
routinely solve practical problems and acquire the readiness they need to work
in the field. Moreover, designing, automating and using machines and devices
with a team is fun.
In addition to skills in problem solving, the working world
requires that employees are able to work with others and commit themselves to
life-long learning. For this reason, teaching involves much group work and
working in pairs. There are also visits by experts in the field, various
assignments, projects, visits to various companies and trade fairs, as well as
practical training in authentic working environments.
Profile of the programme
Automobile manufacturer Henry Ford set the pace for today's
automation with his rule of the three S's: simplify, standardize, and
specialize. This was the spark that ignited the intense manufacturing of the
automobile. Today, all industrial manufacturing strives to abide by this same
rule. Automation engineers, however, have yet one more ace up their sleeves,
i.e. soul. By adding intelligence to a control system, you get an easy-to-use
device that meets the needs of customers.
The engineers that graduate from our Degree Programme in
Automation Engineering possess diverse expertise in machine and electric
automation. They create intelligent machines/devices and production lines and
automate them using modern methods. Our inter-technological programme comprises
study modules in Automation, Electrical and Machine Design, Control Systems and
Programming, and Robotics. Designs acquire substance through modelling,
visualisation and simulation in our "virtual cave".
Key learning outcomes
The engineers who graduate from the Degree Programme in
Automation Engineering possess a comprehensive understanding of how an automated
machine or system works. They are aware of the advantages of automation,
electrical and mechanical design, as well as the limitations involved. They know
how to program control systems (programmable logic), i.e. to add intelligence to
a device being automated.
All of the designing, such as electrical designing,
programming, machine designing, robot and factory simulation, is carried out
utilising the latest computer programmes. Utilising virtual technology in the
designing stages reduces mistakes in the implementation stages.
Upon completion of the degree programme, our engineers will
have worked extensively with robots. They will know the types of robots to use
for assembly, stacking, welding and dressing. Automation engineers know how to
programme robots to incessantly carry out duties designed for them. Automation
engineers also have command of the principles of programming computerized
machining devices (CNC machines).
Occupational profiles
Jobs for professionals possessing numerous areas of expertise
do not rest with just one employer. Our diverse training in the fields of
automation, electricity and machinery opens up new job opportunities in a world
that ever-increasingly depends on technology. For this reason, the job situation
for automation engineers is excellent on both the national and international
levels. Job titles include designer, technical expert, production manager, sales
manager, purchasing manager, etc. Graduates may also work in teaching and as
independent entrepreneurs.
Internationality
Internationality is an essential part of our degree program. You can hear different languages - we have exchange students from all over the world.
The language of our lectures can be either in Finnish or in English; if exchange students are present the language is English. This encourages our students to take part in exchange programs; it contributes to their language skills and their knowledge of different cultures.
In our degree program you can accomplish both the Finnish and German Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, that is to say, the double degree. Our partner university in Germany is Hochschule Aschaffenburg. After two years of studying you can choose whether you want continue your studies in Seinäjoki or apply to the Hochschule Aschaffenburg for the third academic year (this is for the double degree). The fourth academic year is spent in Seinäjoki again. The students can also do their internships abroad.
If you would rather choose a shorter time for studying abroad, there are various exchange possibilities ranging from 3 to 5 months in countries all over the world.
Access to further studies
Students who have completed this programme are eligible to
continue on to a university of applied sciences master's degree programme in
automation technology. (University of applied sciences act 351/2003, in Finnish)
Examination regulations, assessment and
grading
Please see the
Degree Regulations
of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Graduation requirements
The
requirements for graduation can be found on the Intranet and in the
Degree Regulations of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.
Mode of study
Our younger students study full-time in the degree programme,
while our students in the adult education programme study part-time through
various modes of study.
Contact persons
Head of degree programme: Mr Hannu Reinilä, tel. +358 40 830
4160, e-mail: hannu.reinila(at)seamk.fi
ECTS departmental coordinator / International coordinator: Mr
Tapio Pihlajaniemi, tel. +358 40 830 3966, e-mail: tapio.pihlajaniemi(at)seamk.fi
Student counsellor: Ms Pia-Mari Riihilahti, tel. +358 40 830
2355, e-mail: pia-mari.riihilahti(at)seamk.fi,
or Mr Jorma Mettälä, tel. +358 40 830 7481, e-mail:
jorma.mettala(at)seamk.fi
