Department Transport Engineering and Logistic Systems   Transport Engineering

Master Degree program

Transport Engineering encompasses the design of large-scale transport systems and the design of equipment for the handling of freight. The correlation between the several links of a transport and handling chain is considered. The research and education programmes are characterized by a systematic approach to the integrated design, control and operation of transport and handling facilities. In particular attention is paid to the interconnections between the several modes of such as road vehicles, ships, barges, trains and planes. This field of study also embraces passenger transport. Automation is a major subject and, in addition to the design of transport and handling equipment, aspects such as energy consumption and the exchange of information are considered. An essential part of the research and teaching programme in the two-year master's programme is the application of the basic engineering and calculation methods studied in the preceding three-year basic engineering course. A scientific approach provides the guideline for the designs.
The functions to be fulfilled by the transport system the equipment are defined on the basis of an inventory of requirements. In the subsequent creative phase several concepts that meet the appropriate criteria are generated and evaluated. A number of iterative steps follow, during which the initial concept is progressively developed until an optimum design is reached.
Engineering calculations and computer simulations are made to balance the characteristic design-parameters and to analyze and predict the dynamic behavior of the handling system and equipment. At this stage, the key to success is virtual prototyping. There is close cooperation with the Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics Research School TRAIL, the Knowledge Center for Traffic and Transport CONNEKT, and the Delft Transport Testsite where Automated Guided Vehicles for freight and passengers are tested with respect to mechanical design and traffic control. Students may opt to specialize in Mechatronics and/or Offshore Technology. The final assignment is usually carried out within an industrial company. For additional information you may visit our website.
The programme of courses for each individual student is determined in consultation with the study coordinator, dr.ir. A.W. Gerstel.

The courses are classified in 3 groups

The above table applies to the degree of Master of Transport Engineering for students following the regular five year course in Mechanical Engineering. The compulsory courses have to be done anyway and the total number of credit points in a cluster has to meet the minimum number mentioned in the above table. The courses marked with * are also optional courses in the third year of the five year program of the faculty. Having these courses already achieved in the third year, which is recommanded, creates more possibilities for optional courses in the Master's program.
For students interested in Mechatronics or Offshore Engineering, a separate programme with a different selection of both compulsory and optional courses will be defined in consultation with the study coordinator. In these cases the courses with the codes offs and mech are of main interest.
In addition to courses, assignments have to be completed. The following table presents the specification in credit points. For those interested in Mechatronics or Offshore, a different specification may be determined in consultation with the study coordinator.
During the Master's study, two presentations have to be made. The first relates to the Desk study, being the Literature and Essay assignment and resulting in an award of 7 credit points for the assignment and 1 point for the presentation. The second presentation relates to the Master’s degree assignment and is given immediately prior to the to Master’s oral examination. The Master’s assignment is usually combined with the practical work and carried out within an industrial company. The table below outlines the Master's course in credit points(cp).

For bachelors of science in Mechanical Engineering or students who have been awarded diplomas of a comparable level (e.g. Higher National Diploma), depending on the previous educational program an individual programme is formulated in consultation with the student. The Master's education begins with a fundamental block of 23 credit points containing mathematical and mechanical courses required to give the upcoming students a simular starting point as the regular students in the five year programme of the faculty. Concerning the programme following the fundamental block the above table applies, however the  mark * is not relevant and depending on the curriculum of the former school or university, exemptions may granted for obligatory courses resulting in more possibilities for optional courses. Anyway the course 'Design considerations 3D', wb3300 is skipped and 'Logistics: Modelling and Simulation', wb3407C is optional, implying a number of 18 credit points for the obligatory courses in cluster 3 and a minimum of 28 points for all courses in that cluster.
The assignments covering 34 points are defined in consultation with the professor or study coordinator. This may imply one assignment containing for example a Desk study, the design of a computer program and in conclusion of these activities the Master's assignment, all concerning one subject of investigation. However other specifications are thinkable, for example a Desk study and/or computer program concerning a subject and covering 8 credit points followed by a Master' assignment concerning another subject and covering 26 points. A part of the Master's assignment is a presentation to be given immediately prior to the to oral examination. The Master’s assignment is usually carried out within an industrial company. The table below outlines the Master's course in credit points(cp). A course year corresponds to 42 credit points.

For additional information Dr.Ir.A.W.Gerstel may be contacted.