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Introduction
【INTRODUCTION】
The emergence of mechatronic engineering as a field of study is attributed to the increasing demands of rapidly changing semiconductor, information electronics, communication, electro-optics, biomedical, and precision mechanical engineering industries for engineers. Mechatronic engineering program at Huafan University is established to educate students with essential skills to compete in the high-tech multidisciplinary world arena. Mechatronic engineering program integrates the diverse disciplines of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering into product design and manufacturing processes. Graduated students will be able to perform sophisticated tasks of designing and developing high value-added products with mechatronic nature and implementing engineering aspects related to the utilization, operation and maintenance of manufacturing systems and equipments.
The Department of Mechatronic Engineering offers a range of programs leading toward Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. At present, the department has 14 full-time and 8 part-time faculty members and 3 staff members. Total enrollments include 372 undergraduate students and 157 graduate students. The department has been making remarkable efforts and exploration to strive for scientific research, industrial applications and high-level teaching quality. More than 20 research projects are successfully implemented each year and the annual funding exceeds NTD 20,000,000. In addition to the efforts in academic achievements, Huafan University also emphasizes the importance of morality. "Knowledge accompanied with honesty, dignity and integrity" has been the ultimate principle for students' development.
【HISTORY】
Prior to the establishment of Department of Mechatronic Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering was founded in 1990 and provided undergraduate program toward B.S. degree. The Graduate Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, which is the first of its kind in Taiwan, was established in 1995 and began to offer M.S. degree in 1997. The graduate curriculum was later extended to Ph.D. program in 2001. In 2003, Mechanical Engineering Department and Graduate Institute of Mechatronic Engineering were integrated into the Department of Mechatronic Engineering in need for optimal academic exchange and technological collaboration.
【DISTINGUISHED FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM】
A. Integration of multi-disciplinarily analytical and design methodologies with innovative teaching
Since mechatronic engineering involves designing and making products from a combination of electronics, mechanical and computing elements, it requires a wide range of technical knowledge and personal skills. Traditionally, the focus of engineering courses has tended to be on students learning specific technical knowledge and on analysis rather than design. The Mechatronic Engineering program at Huafan University specifically seeks development the multidisciplinary systems perspective. This means developing design and problem solving skills, and focus on products rather than functions. The teachers' role is to be a facilitator or advisor to the students, and not only the transmitter of information. The technical and practical components of courses are integrated so that the lectures emerge from the direction of the projects. Therefore, the course teaching is more project-oriented and so called "just-in-time" approach is adopted in lecturing.
B. Specialized courses in mechatronic systems and precision machinery
For the undergraduate study, "micro/nano-technology & optics-mechatronic engineering" is designed as the interdisciplinary subprogram. For the graduate program, "precision engineering", "fundamentals of mechatronic systems", and "design and implementation of mechatronic systems" are three required courses. Free elective courses are categorized into three areas: optics-mechatronic system, precision manufacturing, mechatronic heat transfer and alternative energy.
C. Focal areas of development
The major areas of interest consist of a) precision machinery and industrial automation; b) "smart" mechatronic components and systems. The research activities range from mathematical theories to industrial applications. In the field of precision machinery and industrial automation, activities consist of the developmental work of key technologies such as semiconductor fabrication equipment, precision positioning system, sensor feedback controlled machine, image process system, computer integrated manufacturing, precision machining, heat transfer of mechatronic system, and laser cutting. For the area of smart mechatronic components and systems, topics of interest are listed as follows: designing smart sensor, high precision actuator, integrated smart mechatronic systems, smart materials, magnetic bearing, servo motor, microelectromechanical system, smart controller, and high speed servo mechanism.
【COURSES FEATURES】
The undergraduate program is a four-year, 134-credit interdisciplinary educational program leading to B.S. degree while the credit hours necessary for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are 24 and 18, respectively. For those students who pursue the Ph.D. degree without a M.S. degree, the total credit hour of 36 is required. The curriculum is designed to give students the knowledge and skills required to work with cutting edge technology in mechanical, electrical & electronic, and computing engineering. Courses are implemented in such a way to develop the multidisciplinary perspective. The in-class projects are progressive so that each project is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills that students have developed by completing a previous project.
The department offers courses in four core areas: micro/nano-technology, optics-mechatronic system, precision manufacturing, and energy engineering. In order to further enhance each student's specialty, four subprograms (micro/nano-technology, optics-mechatronic system, precision manufacturing, and energy engineering) are arranged. In addition to the field of mechatronics, students will have one or more areas of expertise upon completion of the courses in the specified area.
