Introduction

The study programme combines important topics from computer science studies (programming, databases, computer networks) as well as topics from the subject area of industrial automation (electrotechnics, control engineering, control systems). In the field of industrial automation it is necessary to have an understanding and practical skills in the technology upon which data communication is based. From a computer science perspective, it is necessary to have an understanding and practical skills in controlling industrial processes.

The study programme is designed according to the General Plan for Engineering Education set by the Ministry of Education 3 February 2011. For students who were admitted to the study programme in 2011 or before, please refer to the study programme and curriculum for the relevant year.

The study programme may be subject to changes.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

General admission requirements + Physics 1 and Mathematics R1 + R2, or

1-year Preparatory Course for Engineering or

Applicants who have successfully completed the 2-year technical college programme (curriculum 1998-1999 or earlier) or

Applicants who have successfully completed a technical college programme (pursuant to the Act Relating to Tertiary Vocational Education of 2003) - they must be able to document knowledge equivalent to R1 + R2 and Physics 1.

Three-semester arrangement (TRES)

The “three-semester arrangement” (TRES) allows admission to engineering programmes for applicants who fulfill general admission requirements / prior experiential learning, but who lack the special admission requirements for mathematics and / or physics.

Aim of the Programme

The aim of the study programme, Computer Science and Industrial Automation, is to provide the candidate with knowledge and skills so he/she will be able to operate, document and automate industrial processes. The candidate will also be able to develop software independently, or in cooperation with people in their own and other fields. The candidate must also be able to communicate orally and in writing, and be able to understand and make use of the terminology used within the subject area.

After successfully completing the study programme the candidate will be qualified to apply for positions in the offshore, hydropower, process, unit-manufacturing, manufacturing and food processing industries, as well as in the areas of ICT, transport (road, rail, aviation, telecommunications), HSE (Health, Safety and Environment), consulting engineering firms, the public sector, research institutions, the educational sector, and sales and marketing.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has successfully completed the 3-year Bachelor’s degree programme in Computer Science and Industrial Automation will have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and overall competence:

Knowledge

The candidate will have gained knowledge in the following areas:

• Electrotechnics
• Mathematical methods
• Control systems
• Analogue and digital signal processing
• Automation systems
• Data communications
• Design and programming
• Project methodology
• Scientific research methodology
• Technical documentation
• Research and development within their field of study
• Social, environmental, ethical and economic implications of technological solutions
• Innovation and entrepreneurship

Skills

The candidate will have gained skills in the following areas:

• Electrotechnics: circuit analysis, filter design, amplifier circuits, digital technology
• Control technology: controller tuning, choice of control structures, modelling and simulation
• Analogue and digital signal processing: selection of filter types, filter design
• Automation systems: design of industrial control systems and selection of components such as PLC
• Data communication: configuration and operation of networks and bus systems
• Design and programming: design, programming, documentation and testing of software systems
• Project methodology: organization, planning, report writing and presentation
• Scientific research methods: literature search, data evaluation, quality assurance and the use of references
• Technical documentation: technical drawings, wiring diagrams, technical flowcharts, protocols and data presentation
• Social, environmental, ethical and economic implications of technological solutions: copyright issues, HSE (Health, Safety and Environment), the use of directives and regulations
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: brainstorming, networking, market research, business plans

General competence

The candidate:

• Has knowledge of environmental, health, social and economic impacts of products and solutions within their field from an ethical viewpoint and in relation to the long term perspective.
• Is able to communicate knowledge of the subject of electricity and electronics to different kinds of audiences, orally and in writing, in Norwegian and English, and is able to demonstrate its importance and benefits.
• Is able to reflect on his/her professional practices, individually and in teams, and in interdisciplinary contexts, and make relevant adjustments in relation to current work situations.
• Is able to contribute to the development of good practices by participating in discussions in the field and by sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.

Curriculum and structure

The study programme’s course descriptions include learning outcomes, detailed topics, teaching methods, assessment and learning materials.

The curriculum is based on the distribution of courses pursuant to requirements of the Regulations for the National Curriculum of Engineering FOR 2011-02-03.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Students who choose the option of taking the Student Business Venture course must take the course Entrepreneurship in the 5th semester.

Mathematics III is required for students who wish to seek admission to Master’s degree programmes in engineering.

Students who have taken other courses at Telemark University College and other institutions may apply to have them approved as replacements for elective subjects. It is important that the selected elective subjects meet the learning outcomes of the study programme.

All the elective courses are given on condition that at least 10 students have registered for the course.

The Bachelor’s dissertation should be based on real social and business issues or research. In other words, it should be linked to business activities in the private or public sector, research activities of the college, or other aspects of an engineer’s work.

Internationalization

The Faculty of Technology emphasizes the candidate’s opportunities for completing parts of their studies abroad and they endeavour to develop professionally relevant and qualitatively effective learning arenas.

Engineering studies offer a comprehensive programme for international activities. Apart from teacher exchanges, research and cooperation with regard to the development of modules and curricula, the faculty offers a student exchange programme for students who wish to pursue part of their regular bachelor’s degree abroad. The student exchange agreements are linked to international networks and bilateral agreements. Exchange agreements have been established with colleges and universities in Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Ukraine, United States, China, Nepal and Sri-Lanka. Students enrolled on Bachelor’s degree programmes in engineering may enter into agreements with foreign universities for one or two semesters.

It is recommended that students schedule their period of study abroad in the 4th and/or 5th semester.

Students wishing to take part of their education abroad must have completed one year of higher education, have made good progress in their studies and achieved an average grade equivalent to C or better.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Various teaching methods are used in the instruction: classroom teaching, laboratory instruction, and the use of computer tools. The Bachelor’s degree programme at the Faculty of Technology is project-oriented in that many of the courses are conducted as projects. This pedagogical method gives students greater responsibility for their own learning as well as experience with problem analysis, seeking information and problem solving. Work is done in groups, often in close cooperation with local businesses.

The study programme also includes field trips to local industrial facilities. Guest lecturers from business and industry are invited to deliver lectures.

Theory and Practical Training

The student’s dissertation should be anchored in the courses the candidate has taken in the previous five semesters. Candidates will integrate previously acquired knowledge and demonstrate their ability to acquire new knowledge in solving an engineering problem. This work will demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work independently in a team. It is particularly important that the dissertation is viewed in a holistic perspective. It should be based on real social and business issues, or research. In other words, it should be linked to business activities in the private or public sector, research activities of the college, or other aspects of an engineer’s work.

It is possible to select the option of taking the Student Business Venture course instead of writing a dissertation based on an engineering question. This will give the candidate an opportunity to develop capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship. In the Student Business Venture course the candidate will develop and implement a business idea, and start, operate and close a business venture.

Assessment Methods

Telemark University College examination regulations adopted by the board December 15th, 2005 apply to all examinations and include all assessments that form the basis for a grade (cf. regulation § 1).

The study programme uses several different forms of assessment: examinations, projects, laboratory exercises and assignments. The description of the particular assessment methods and criteria are given in the individual course descriptions.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean