The degree program aims to train professionals with a solid background in mechanical engineering, capable of conceiving, planning, designing, manufacturing, and managing products, processes, components, systems, capital goods, facilities, and services. There is strong demand for such professionals in the region, which has a distinctly industrial character and requires highly qualified personnel to manage the technological innovation driven by the growing complexity of the production system.

To meet these needs, students must acquire:
• the ability to tackle highly complex problems in the field of mechanical engineering, gaining an in-depth understanding of their underlying phenomena and knowing how to schematize, model, and solve them, including through an interdisciplinary approach;
• more specifically, the ability to correctly apply methodologies and techniques for the design and verification of machines, components, and mechanical systems; to plan, design, and manage highly complex experiments and tests on machines, components, and mechanical systems, critically evaluating the results; to use theoretical models and specialized software to solve mechanical engineering problems and to interpret the results competently; to seek innovative technical and design solutions, and to manage the research and development of products and systems;
• the ability to independently expand and deepen one’s knowledge, competencies, and skills for the purpose of effective professional development throughout one’s career;
• the ability to effectively communicate information, data, and solutions in Italian and English—both in writing and orally—to specialists and non-specialists alike, and to engage with international technical literature;
• the ability to interact with interdisciplinary work groups, through knowledge of the various technical-scientific and regulatory tools and languages of the field, as well as communication methods.

The program enables students to achieve these objectives by first and foremost providing them with a solid foundation in the core subjects of mechanical engineering, particularly with regard to energy machines and systems, measurement, conceptual, functional, and structural design, representation techniques, production technologies and systems, and industrial and mechanical plants. This foundation, acquired primarily during the first year of the program and supplemented with knowledge of economics and business, is further developed and applied through the various tracks into which the degree program is organized, each offering more specialized training focused on specific areas of interest within mechanical engineering. Of particular importance in this regard are related and supplementary activities, as well as various activities designed to facilitate entry into the workforce—mostly laboratory-based and application-oriented—along with those chosen independently by the student, the latter typically taking place during the second year of the program.

The topics covered in the degree program’s curriculum are as follows:
• Automotive mechanics, specifically the study of a vehicle’s dynamic behavior—including through the use of professional software and simulators—and the analysis and design of key chassis and powertrain components and systems, with particular emphasis on active safety and human-vehicle interaction. The curriculum also describes and explores in depth methodologies for planning and managing testing campaigns in the laboratory, on the road, and on the track, including for sports cars and special applications. The program is rounded out by courses on innovative propulsion technologies—such as hybrid, electric, and fuel cell systems—as well as on onboard electronic systems.
• the design of systems and devices for the biomedical sector. To this end, through coursework—most of which is taught in English—students enhance their training with knowledge and skills related to the fluid dynamics of biological systems, the schematization and functional and structural simulation of apparatus and systems, biomechanics, the behavior of materials and biomaterials used in biomedical applications, prototyping and manufacturing technologies for prosthetics and devices, sensors for biomedical use, as well as procedures for managing the quality and safety of biomedical products.
• The advanced and innovative design of mechanical components, structures, and systems. To this end, the design knowledge and skills common to all curricula are supplemented by more specialized training in advanced design methodologies and the related tools for structural analysis, including both analytical methods (e.g., fracture mechanics, plate theory, theory of large-curvature solids, etc.) and numerical methods (FEM, finite differences, etc.), on the behavior and strength of materials under various operating conditions—including both traditional and innovative materials (e.g., composites, materials produced by additive manufacturing, etc.)—and on experimental methodologies for their mechanical characterization. These topics are complemented by training on drive and control systems and on issues related to ergonomics and safety.
• the energy transition and related energy conversion processes, with particular emphasis on technologies aimed at decarbonization and energy efficiency. Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the topics, throughout the program students also acquire knowledge and skills in the field of computational thermo-fluid dynamics and in the use of modern computational tools for process optimization and decision support—tools that are indispensable for tackling the design and management of procedures that are inherently complex and innovative. Attention is also given to mechanical and fluid dynamics design techniques and the management of industrial plants.
• the design and optimization of production processes and industrial plants, as well as the development of new products through the use of innovative technologies and specialized software. In particular, students address issues related to traditional and advanced criteria for the design, control, and management of production systems; the design and engineering of parts to be manufactured; the fine-tuning of the production cycle; traditional and innovative production techniques; and the methods and tools for production control and management. To this end, the program utilizes simulation software for plastic deformation manufacturing processes (FEM), plant management and operation software, quality analysis software, and design software (CAD and CAM).

The training is delivered through a variety of methods, also aimed at acquiring and enhancing soft skills. In particular, alongside traditional lectures and exercises in which students participate by independently processing the theoretical content and practical applications, the training program includes various laboratory activities that are particularly useful for entering the workforce, during which students are given the opportunity to interact directly with professional-grade tools, equipment, and software, and their teamwork is fostered through the development and presentation of design solutions based on assigned specifications. Several courses in the program also include seminars and company visits, which, through representative case studies, allow students to gain insight into the challenges and dynamics of the professional world, as well as to engage with industry professionals. These types of experiences can be further explored in the final phase of the program through participation in internships at local companies or in university-based project activities.
The acquisition of disciplinary terminology and the ability to communicate effectively in English are fostered both by courses (required and elective) taught in English and by the use of English-language textbooks and teaching materials. Study abroad experiences are also encouraged through student mobility programs and the preparation of theses abroad.
The program concludes with a final examination: a comprehensive thesis developed independently and in an original manner, reflecting significant personal contribution, which must be presented and defended before a designated committee. If the student has completed an internship or an internal project, the final examination typically focuses on the work performed and the results achieved at the host organization (public or private company, research centers or university laboratories, institutions, or professional associations). As part of this activity, the student is further encouraged to update and expand their knowledge through bibliographic research, analysis of online sources, and discussion with colleagues and experts, thereby strengthening their critical thinking, analytical, and—ultimately—synthesis and communication skills.

Orientation for Incoming Students

The degree program participates in orientation initiatives for incoming students and current students, which are managed at both the macro-area and University levels and described on the dedicated page of the University portal, from which users can also access the specific initiatives for each macro-area. These initiatives are coordinated by a working group composed of the Rector’s Delegate for Academic Advising, the Departmental Delegates for Academic Advising, and staff from a dedicated organizational unit. The planning and delivery of academic advising activities, developed by the dedicated organizational unit, are certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. Regular activities, news, and updated initiatives can be found on the dedicated page of the University website.

Orientation

Ongoing Support During the Program

Tutoring initiatives are organized at the university level in accordance with the annual tutoring plan, which is established each year by the University Tutoring Committee—chaired by the Rector’s Delegate for Teaching—and approved by the Academic Senate. The Tutoring Service contributes to ongoing academic guidance with the aim of ensuring students stay on track in their studies and identifying the critical issues that contribute to dropouts. The administrative management of the student tutoring service is certified according to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard and is provided as part of the services supporting the right to education by a dedicated organizational unit.

Tutoring

Final Examination Overview

The final examination consists of the preparation, presentation, and defense before a designated committee—established in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations—of a comprehensive thesis developed independently and in an original manner, with a significant personal contribution. During the preparation for the final examination, the student will be assigned to one or more advisors with whom they will agree on the thesis topic. If the student has completed an internship, the final examination will normally focus on the work performed and the results obtained at the host organization (public or private company, research center or university laboratory, institution, or professional association). The thesis project will involve the preparation of a written report and/or design project, which may also be written in a European Union language other than Italian.

The preparation for the final examination—which may be theoretical, experimental, or project-based—provides an opportunity to apply and deepen, including through an interdisciplinary approach, the concepts and skills acquired; to learn and utilize new techniques and tools for investigation and analysis; to acquire additional practical skills; and to independently develop interpretive frameworks and models.

The final exam is designed to assess the student’s technical and scientific maturity, the competence, comprehension, and independent judgment acquired, the ability to apply knowledge and skills, any innovative contributions made through independent research and analysis, technical proficiency, and effective communication.

Final Examination Procedures

The final examination consists of the Master’s degree candidate’s preparation, presentation, and defense of the Master’s thesis: a written and/or graphic project, carried out in an original manner by the student, resulting from design, study, and research activities, and demonstrating mastery of the subject matter, the ability to work independently to solve highly complex problems, and a good level of communication skills.
Admission to the final examination requires the completion of all credits specified in the academic regulations, with the exception of those earned through the examination itself. However, only students who have certified their compliance with the academic assessment procedures will be admitted to the final examination.
The procedures for submitting a Master’s degree application, the format of the exam, and the relevant evaluation criteria are governed by the documents available on the University’s website, the Regulations for the Master’s Degree Final Exam of the CCSA in Industrial Engineering, and the University’s Academic Regulations.