Chris Liebold
In the winter semester 2024/25, the Technische Universität Ilmenau is introducing the "Sustainable Lightweight Construction" specialization in the Master's degree course in Mechanical Engineering. By modernizing the course, the university is responding to demands from industry and consumers for sustainable products and processes. The forward-looking content and formats of the Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on "Sustainable Lightweight Construction" offer students a first-class education that will make them sought-after specialists and managers in industry and research.
The ecological challenges facing society, particularly in view of the climate crisis, require a change in the industry. Sustainable lightweight construction not only makes it possible to manufacture technically high-quality products, it also conserves resources that are essential for securing the future. The TU Ilmenau is responding to these requirements with the new expansion of the Master's degree course in Mechanical Engineering to include a specialization in "Sustainable Lightweight Construction".
Michael ReichelWhether energy-efficient drives in vehicle technology, consumer electronics devices or new sustainable energy generation and supply - every product requires highly qualified mechanical engineers who are looking for functional technical solutions that are also as resource-saving and sustainable as possible. The aim of lightweight construction is to save mass, material and energy while the function of the product remains the same or is even improved. To achieve this, the structure, design, materials and manufacturing processes for a component or the entire product are optimized. By reducing the mass, optimizing the use of materials and adapting the design to lightweight construction, material and resource efficiency are increased - and the emission of climate-damaging carbon dioxide is drastically reduced, before, during and after the product's service life. The areas of application for such sustainable lightweight products cover the entire spectrum of society: from medical technology, mobility and mechanical engineering to energy generation and supply, buildings and households, right through to sport and leisure.
With the introduction of the new specialization, students on the Master's degree course in Mechanical Engineering will focus on the topic of sustainable lightweight construction. In addition to lightweight construction technology, the core subjects include modern manufacturing processes and materials, product development and the latest simulation methods. Depending on their needs and interests, students have the opportunity to specialize in sustainable production management, measurement technology and the diverse fields of application of lightweight construction. This range of subjects also enables students to search for sustainable solutions on an interdisciplinary basis. In short: the Master's degree course in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on "Sustainable Lightweight Construction" is a first-class course with forward-looking content and formats.