Mechatronics education at the University of Minho: a summary of the present; perspectives for the future

The paper describes the topics on Mechatronics related subjects currently taught at the School of Engineering of Minho University and refers to the respective courses. The aims and syllabuses of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, laboratory facilities and project topics are presented and discussed, together with a sequence of laboratory coursework aimed at improving the theoretical understanding of subjects and the development of practical skills. A general structure is proposed for a postgraduate course in Mechatronics to be taught in three blocks: the first two giving access to a diploma, the third being a laboratory project and dissertation leading to an M.Sc. degree.