Bachelor Mechanical Engineering - Desirable knowledge and skills

You should be interested in the following school subjects and perform well in them:

• Mathematics/Physics
  • Elementary arithmetic (fractions, converting equations)
  • Analytical geometry (circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, incl. graphical representation)
  • Trigonometry (angle functions, addition theorems, sine and cosine theorems, radians/degrees)
  • Fundamentals of differential and integral calculus
  • Elementary geometry (Pythagoras, ray theorem)
  • Calculating with logarithms and exponential functions
  • General: Analysis of mathematical and scientific text problems
• German
  • Being able to present facts appropriately in language
  • Be able to speak freely, also in front of groups
  • Being able to analyze and discuss texts
  • be able to use German grammar, spelling and punctuation correctly
• Chemistry
  • Term "chemical element"
  • Name important chemical elements by name and symbol
  • Atom, molecule, chemical compounds
  • Differentiate between inorganic/organic chemistry
  • Formulate simple chemical reactions
  • Oxidation and reduction in chemical reactions
  • Knowledge of some important metals
  • Acids and bases
  • Acid-base reactions (neutralizations)
  • pH value and pH value scale

The Fachhochschule Dortmund helps

...and offers a three-week preliminary course for prospective engineering students every September, covering the subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing and Technical Mechanics. The preliminary course is designed to refresh prior knowledge and facilitate the start of studies.

A good command of English is necessary, as specialist literature and articles are often written in English. In addition, project groups are usually international in composition and technical and negotiation discussions are conducted using technical English.
Language skills in the following areas are required:

• Listening to and understanding simple texts
• Reading and understanding simple texts
• Mastering important grammar structures
• Speaking, i.e. communicating in simple, routine situations involving a simple and direct exchange of information on everyday topics
• Writing, i.e. being able to write simple texts

• Practical skills and abilities
  For engineering degree programs as a whole, practical skills promote imagination, a logical and systematic approach and technical understanding, such as
  • Assembling circuits
  • Interest in technology
  • Enjoying electronics and physics
  • Enjoy experimenting
• PC skills
  • Basic knowledge of working with computers
  • Basic knowledge of common programs
  • Programming skills are not required. The introduction to standard programs such as Word, Basic, Fortran (technical-mathematical programming language) C, CAD takes place in the 1st semester.
• Extracurricular experience
  • It is desirable to have taken elective subjects at school in the field of technology/science as well as a hobby interest in technical contexts.

Certain standards and a certain basis of key competencies such as communication and social skills in the various areas are important and expected, particularly because later professional work must primarily be carried out in development and project teams on very complex issues.

• Social skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Being able to approach people
• Communication skills
  • Linguistic expression
  • Argumentation skills
  • Oral/visual presentation
  • Imparting knowledge
• Self-competence
  • Disciplined work
  • Motivation
  • Independent work
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management
  • Reflecting on own actions
  • creativity
• Methodological competence
  • Networked thinking
  • Conceptual thinking
  • Documenting
  • Composing written work
  • Technical skills
• Professional/technical competence
  • General education/broad knowledge
  • Practical skills
  • Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems
  • Professional imagination