Automotive laboratories 3 (2cr)

Objective

Upon completion of the course, students:
- Is able to integrate the measurement, diagnostic, and testing methods learned in previous courses into the in-depth investigation of phenomena in vehicle technology.
- Can select appropriate research methods for examining different types of phenomena.
- Is able to prepare a measurement setup, evaluate its reliability, and improve it when necessary.
- Utilizes data acquisition and modern diagnostic methods in the analysis of test situations.
- Connects measurement results to theoretical background and vehicle behavior.
- Evaluates the impact of potential sources of error on the results and is able to draw well-founded conclusions.
- Produces clear and technically high-quality reports on measurements, test setups, and findings.
- Complies with workshop, equipment, and electrical safety requirements in all practical laboratory situations.

Content

- Experimental investigation of phenomena in vehicle technology
- Data collection, preprocessing, and analysis
- Use of oscilloscopes, diagnostic software, and specialized measurement equipment in research tasks
- Critical evaluation of measurement results and identification of error sources
- Preparation of research reports and presentation of findings

Qualifications

Automotive laboratories 1 and 2

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

- Performs phenomenon-based measurements under guidance and recognizes the key physical principles, but the connections between the phenomena and the measurement results remain partly unclear.
- Interprets measurement data at a basic level, but the analysis is partly superficial or inaccurate.
- Uses specialized measurement devices and analysis tools (e.g., oscilloscope, bus analysis, temperature/pressure sensors) according to basic instructions but requires support in execution and safe working methods.
- Produces a report, but the presentation or technical justification is partly incomplete.
- Recognizes technical information related to the phenomenon but needs guidance in evaluating and applying sources.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

- Performs measurements investigating phenomena independently and selects appropriate methods for the situation.
- Can connect measurement results to physical phenomena in vehicle technology (e.g., behavior of temperature, pressure, vibration, electrical signals).
- Analyses measurement data reliably, identifies common deviations, and explains their impact on system operation.
- Uses measurement and diagnostic equipment fluently and follows safe working practices.
- Produces a clear and technically justified report that includes a logical analysis.
- Finds and utilizes reliable technical information and applies it to the examination of measurements and phenomena.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

- Performs demanding phenomenon-based measurements expertly and is able to identify — and when necessary, model — the underlying physical and technical mechanisms.
- Analyses measurement data in depth, identifies even minor deviations, evaluates their significance, and can explain cause–effect relationships of phenomena in a multi-system environment.
- Selects and justifies measurement and analysis methods in a technically convincing manner, taking measurement uncertainty, equipment limitations, and alternative approaches into account.
- Uses advanced measurement and analytical methods (e.g., signal processing, in-depth bus traffic analysis, measurement of dynamic phenomena) fluently.
- Produces a clear, comprehensive, and analytically high-quality report that demonstrates overall competence and technical understanding.
- Works systematically and safely, demonstrating a research-oriented approach and strong independent problem-solving skills.

Materials

- Material relating to automotive and body technology
- Repair shop guidebooks
- Equipment settings manuals