Study Guide

Descriptions

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. Industrial Internet and Digital Manufacturing study modules offer methods for implementing automation of the future. Designs acquire substance through modelling, visualisation and simulation in our "virtual cave".

Sustainable development and environmental values are playing an increasingly important role in today’s industry.
Automation technology and digitalization enable the creation of increasingly energy-efficient solutions through optimization and artificial intelligence.

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.

Competencies are extensive knowledge entities, or combinations of the individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes. They describe qualifications, performance potential, and the ability to cope with professional duties.Common/general competencies are fields of know-how common to different Degree Programmes, but their special characteristics and importance may vary between professions and work assignments. General competencies form the basis for professional activities, cooperation, and the development of expertise. According to Arene’s (Rectors' Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences) recommendations, general competencies include learning skills, ethical competence, cooperation skills, innovation skills, and internationalization skills. In addition to the above-mentioned competencies, entrepreneurial skills and quality management skills are emphasized in the degree studies of SeAMK as competencies common to all.

Degree programme-specific competencies form the basis for the development of the student’s professional expertise, and they concentrate on electrotechnical, safety in electrics and electrical equipment, entrepreneur and production economy, design, process, equipment and system competences.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE
Internationalization plays a very essential role in the degree program in automation. The international exchange is planned to take place mainly in the third academic year.

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 and the software 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. The learning takes into account the learner’s prior knowledge and interpretations and helps them link the new learning material to their previous knowledge and experiences (socio-constructivism).

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.

The curriculum includes five seams permeating through the studies and extending over them. They are based on SeAMK’s reports, studies and strategy, as well as on the national and international recommendations and regulations related to education provided by universities of applied sciences.

• The Information Search seam strengthens the student’s professional and field-specific information search skills throughout the studies.
• The Internationalization seam secures the improvement of the student’s international competencies during their studies. Home internationality is strengthened by utilizing scientific articles and our international partners in our theory studies. Intensive weeks create more opportunities for internationalization at home.
• The studies corresponding to the Entrepreneurship seam help the student understand the central and growing role of entrepreneurship in society.
• The Sustainable Development seam makes the student aware of social responsibility and helps them understand the diversity of sustainable development as a working life skill. Sustainable development is taken into account in different ways throughout the studies (ecological, social, cultural and economic sustainability).
• The seam of Career Guidance helps the student recognise their competencies and own strengths. It also includes working life knowledge, job search skills, and lifelong learning.