In the first year, you build a solid foundation in core science and engineering subjects, including mechanics, electronics, process engineering (thermodynamics), and materials science & nanoscience. You will also strengthen your mathematical skills and develop essential academic abilities. This year prepares you to think and work like an engineer and a scientist.
In the second year, your knowledge broadens and deepens with modules such as analogue and digital signals and systems – a crucial topic in engineering programmes. You will also take vector calculus and apply it in electromagnetism, while exploring areas of personal interest. At the same time, you will be introduced to popular master’s programmes, setting the stage for your future specialisation.
In the third year, you focus on elective modules tailored to your interests, further preparing you for your chosen master’s programme or career aspirations. This final year also includes a graduation project, the culmination of your undergraduate journey. With this final step, you will be well prepared for advanced study or professional pursuits, earning your Bachelor of Science degree.
bachelor’s structure
Below, you can find the general structure of this Bachelor’s programme.
Year 1EC
Semester 1 | Mechatronics30
In your first semester, you will get a solid introduction to what engineering is all about. You will explore fundamental engineering principles through core subjects such as Calculus, Mechanics, and Electronics. But it is not just theory — you will also get hands-on experience! You will take the first steps in research, design, and group work in the Mechanics Laboratory sessions, and undertake a practical project centred on Accelerometers, developing experimental skills and applying your knowledge to real-world situations. In the first semester, the learning line System Dynamics and Scientific Computing complements the set of courses. Here, you will gain analytical tools essential for understanding complex systems and ensuring precision in measurements. Programming skills are also integrated, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities and preparing you for advanced coursework in engineering and technology.
Semester 2 | Sustainability: Materials and Energy30
In your second semester, you will explore the relationship between the atomic structures of materials and their physical properties, such as electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and mechanical strength. When materials become very small, quantum effects become important, which can also be harnessed to create new devices. In Thermodynamics, you will learn about the concept of energy and how it can be used in thermodynamic cycles such as engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps. Your analytical skills will also be strengthened through Linear Algebra.
Practical experience is enhanced through Laboratory sessions in System Dynamics, focusing on energy transport, and the diffraction experiment, which determines the periodic arrangement of atoms. The Project on Energy Transition encourages innovative thinking towards sustainable solutions. The project also serves as a scaffold for essential academic skills, such as finding and evaluating information. Additionally, you will explore how science and engineering are constantly evolving (Challenges in Science & Engineering), and examine the challenges of tomorrow.
Year 2EC
Semester 3 | Signals and Systems30
In this semester, you will learn more about the principles of modelling and analysing dynamic systems. Using basic principles, such as conservation laws and continuity relations, you will learn how to make a realistic mathematical description of a system, or part of a system. You will also predict the behaviour of these systems using advanced mathematics and simulation techniques. Additionally, you will analyse signals and models in the field of frequency and discover how signal response is used to study system dynamics. In the team project, you will design, build, and test a measuring device, applying your knowledge of modelling and signal processing. An elective is also part of the curriculum, helping you to get a sense of which specialisation you might prefer.
Semester 4 | System Design and Validation30
To explore which field you would like to specialise in, you can choose from four options: Materials, Science and Engineering, Transport Phenomena, Systems and Control, or Software Systems.
Year 3EC
Semester 5 | Master Preparation30
In your elective space, you have several options:
- Take subjects from other programmes that align with the master’s you want to pursue. For example, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Science & Engineering, Robotics or Nanotechnology. - Spend half a year studying at another university in the Netherlands or abroad. Considering your master’s choice, you can follow two modules or subjects at a university of your choice. - Join one of our multidisciplinary student teams.
Semester 6 | Professional Finalisation30
In Semester 6, you will take on the exciting challenge of the Project Bachelor’s Assignment (PBA) and your BSc thesis — integral components of your engineering journey alongside electives. The PBA is designed to push your boundaries, demonstrating your ability to engage in research and innovative design on unfamiliar topics. The PBA not only tests your technical skills but also emphasises teamwork and collaboration, preparing you for real-world engineering projects.
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First time at university
When you are a first-year student, you experience many new things. Here we start explaining at least a few of them.
Student workload at Dutch universities is expressed in EC, also named ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which is widely used throughout the European Union. In the Netherlands, each credit represents 28 hours of work. You need to acquire 60 credits each year.
Your programme assigns fixed numbers of hours to each assignment, project report or exam. In the first year, you need to get at least 45 out of 60 points to be able to continue to the second year.
Student workload at Dutch universities is expressed in EC, also named ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which is widely used throughout the European Union. In the Netherlands, each credit represents 28 hours of work. You need to acquire 60 credits each year.
Your programme assigns fixed numbers of hours to each assignment, project report or exam. In the first year, you need to get at least 45 out of 60 points to be able to continue to the second year.
Our aim is to get you in the right place as soon as possible, which is why we use the principle of a binding recommendation. You will receive a positive recommendation if you have obtained 45 or more of the 60 EC in the first year. A negative recommendation is binding and means you have to leave the programme. Under certain circumstances, we may give you a positive recommendation despite a low score. Such cases will be dealt with on an individual bases.
Do personal circumstances such as illness or problems interfere with your study performance? Your study advisors, as well as Student Affairs Coaching & Counselling (SACC), are there to support you.
