Expected learning outcomes

6720 - Mechanical Engineering for Sustainability

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering for Sustainability possess a solid background in the core disciplines of Mechanical Engineering, which constitutes the foundation upon which—through the guided tracks—both complementary knowledge and further in-depth study of core subjects are developed. The multidisciplinary approach is fostered by related and integrative courses, as well as by laboratory activities that address topics from different disciplinary perspectives.

Aspects related to the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of products and processes are highlighted already in the compulsory courses and are further explored—according to different perspectives—within the tracks chosen by students to complete their study plan. Overall, graduates in Mechanical Engineering for Sustainability have knowledge of:

• advanced tools for modeling products and components;

• advanced mechanical design methods;

• advanced metal processing technologies;

• the most widely used advanced mathematical methods in engineering;

• principles of electromechanical energy conversion and the characteristics of the main electrical machines;

• traditional and innovative energy systems;

• theoretical principles, functional schemes, and criteria for selecting components of mechanical systems, as well as industrial logistics;

• principles of functional design and mechanism modeling, and vibration analysis;

• the application of sustainability paradigms in industrial automation;

• sustainable resource use in mobility, energy conversion and transport, and sustainable industrial plant design;

• design methods and production technologies for the development of sustainable products.

Knowledge is acquired through lectures, classroom exercises, and individual study. Learning outcomes are mainly assessed through tests and written and/or oral examinations.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates are able to design sustainable products using design methods and technologies that enable the adoption of advanced materials; implement efficient industrial automation systems using new digital technologies to improve industrial process efficiency; and guide corporate decisions in the fields of energy conversion and transport, mobility, and plant design.

These abilities are developed not only through lectures but also through laboratory exercises and numerical applications. Teaching methodologies include participation in seminars and practical sessions (in classrooms or laboratories), guided individual study, and independent study. Learning outcomes are assessed primarily through tests and written and/or oral examinations.

Thanks to the presence of application-oriented courses, project work, and industry testimonials within teaching activities, graduates are accustomed to the practical application of theoretical knowledge and are therefore able to:

• analyze engineering problems in mechanical and industrial contexts using multidisciplinary methodologies and technologies that extend analysis to sustainability aspects of products and processes;

• propose solutions to complex problems, considering not only technical specifications but also socio-economic and environmental aspects, applying multidisciplinary approaches from theoretical formulation to practical synthesis;

• design inherently sustainable products and processes, anticipating market demands, using digitalization tools to accelerate development phases and ensure life-cycle sustainability;

• conduct complex experiments, using and potentially developing advanced instrumentation and software;

• experiment with new methodologies and technologies for product and process development;

• communicate effectively, also in English, with colleagues, clients, suppliers, and stakeholders beyond the engineering field, to define constraints and specifications and present proposed solutions clearly;

• manage diverse work teams in international, multicultural, and multidisciplinary environments.

MAKING JUDGEMENTS

Graduates:

• are able to identify, formulate, and solve problems related to the design or production of industrial products, even when dealing with entirely new products for company standards;

• are able to update their knowledge of methods, techniques, and tools in Mechanical Engineering independently or through targeted training courses;

• are capable of independently coordinating and managing experimentation, research and development, testing, and quality control of conventional and non-conventional products;

• are able to evaluate the impact of technologies, materials, machines, and systems on the industrial sustainability of products and processes.

Other educational activities included in the study plan promote interdisciplinary application of knowledge acquired in core and related courses, strengthening independent judgment through progressively autonomous development of projects, experiments, and applications.

Judgment skills are also developed through meetings and discussions with representatives from industry and research, organized via seminars, conferences, and company visits. Industry testimonials are considered essential for providing an applied dimension to the theoretical knowledge delivered in courses.

The Master’s thesis represents the highest moment in which the student, engaging with a typical Mechanical Engineering context, develops original and innovative ideas and defends their validity during the thesis discussion. Internship activities in preparation for the thesis allow students to acquire the independent judgment necessary to carry out the final project in a professional applied context.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Graduates:

• are able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English, in addition to Italian, particularly using technical terminology;

• are able to independently draft technical reports related to projects, corporate regulations, and technical manuals, and interpret similar documents prepared by others;

• are able to collect, filter, and interpret data, forming independent judgments about their technical relevance;

• are able to communicate data, information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, including in technical areas beyond mechanical engineering;

• are able to work in or integrate into teams, also assuming leadership or coordination roles;

• are able to interact with professionals from different backgrounds.

The teaching approach in some core courses and in thesis work includes applications and assessments that encourage active participation, initiative, and the ability to communicate results effectively. Examination methods also play a fundamental role in evaluating and stimulating communication skills, varying according to course specifics (oral/written, textual/graphical, individual/group assessments).

All courses, exercises, examinations, and the final thesis are conducted in English. This, combined with the international dimension of the program—which hosts international students and participates in international mobility programs—accustoms graduates to exchanging ideas in English.

LEARNING SKILLS

Graduates:

• are able to independently update their knowledge of methods, techniques, and tools in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, particularly in innovative design, technology, modeling, optimization, advanced functional analysis, structural verification and fluid dynamics simulation, development of complex mechanical and industrial plants, industrial automation, and tools for assessing industrial sustainability;

• possess the learning skills necessary to undertake further advanced studies (PhD programs or second-level Master’s degrees) in Italy or abroad with a high degree of autonomy, as well as to continuously update and improve their professional competencies.

The program aims not merely to provide detailed and exhaustive information on technical issues in mechanical engineering, but rather to develop a methodology and capacity to tackle engineering problems that may differ from those encountered during studies. This approach is specifically designed to foster continuous learning and the ability to pursue further education after graduation, either independently or through postgraduate programs.

Teaching methods include analysis and solution of diverse and complex problems, integration of different disciplines, and group discussions, all of which promote the development of autonomous learning skills.

Learning is assessed through written and oral examinations, which may include the development of projects to be presented to the examination board.