In September 2024, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering opened a new bachelor's degree program in Design Engineering. The teaching, which is led by teachers from the Institute of Industrial Design, is inspired by the experience and trends of the world's leading universities. The program relies mainly on project-based learning and teamwork, and student Albert Pátík sees this as the greatest benefit of his studies.

Albert, you are one of the first students in the completely new field of study of Design Engineering. Why did you decide to join this field?

In high school, I was thinking a lot about which direction to take. I think that the technical world has two big areas – the digital one and then the physical one, which is tangible. When I decided that I would like to study the physical part, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering was a clear choice for me. But I hesitated between two fields – Physical Engineering and Design Engineering. The two big reasons why I decided to study Design Engineering were that the field promised project-oriented teaching and a large chunk of teamwork. It's a different kind of teaching compared to what I've encountered in education so far, and it suits me like a glove.

How do you see your studies after the first semester?

I'm very satisfied. Teamwork and project-based learning is something I believe in a lot. Overall, the program has so far been perfectly in line with how its concept and intention were presented to us. I have experienced a lot of projects and practical tasks in all subjects and we work regularly in a group.

What do you think is the greatest potential of this type of study?

I see a huge difference in that here, as a student, I have the opportunity to practically apply what I hear in lectures. This way I can keep the information in my head much better. Also, and this is probably the biggest benefit for me, I quickly see what I've mastered and what I still need to work on. This then makes it easier to prepare for exams, because instead of having to go through everything and spend a lot of time on things I already know, I simply recall what I did well and where I struggled. I quickly understand what I need to focus on. Everything is much more efficient.

Part of the study is also work in the university workshop strojLAB, which is focused on digital technologies. What did you spend most of your time on at strojLAB in the first semester?

As part of the first year, we have a course called “Project – Machine Analysis”, which, after completing the theoretical part, takes place mainly in strojLAB. We disassembled the internal combustion engine there, reassembled and analysed it, and then created a final report on this process. That was probably the biggest part of my learning at strojLAB in the first semester. Among other things, we had another project where we printed a building kit, so we also tried working with a 3D printer. It's amazing what facilities students have at FME available. In addition, after obtaining the necessary training, I can go to the strojLAB laboratories at any time and work on my own projects and ideas. Its use is not only tied to teaching.

What was the ratio of theoretical and practical teaching in the first semester?

It varies quite significantly from subject to subject. For example, in the case of the aforementioned Project – Machine Analysis course, the ratio is almost one-to-one, maybe even more in favour of the practical part. Subjects such as Basics of Design, are also very focused on practice itself, although not directly in the classroom – we get a lot of homework, which allows the students to test how they really understand it. Of course, the study also includes subjects such as Statics or Mathematics, where there is more theory and the practical part means that we just make calculations together.

How demanding is this study?

I think that if you devote the necessary time to study, it is not difficult to manage it.

What types of students did you encounter in the first year?

There are a total of 30 of us and I have to say that I have a lot of motivated classmates who are very interested in studying. I think it comes from the fact that it was necessary to go through an interview and write a motivation letter, which discourages a lot of people who just want to try it. It's amazing to study in an environment that is full of inspiration.

In addition to BUT, you are also a student of Masaryk University, where you are studying computer science. Why did you decide to gain knowledge in two fields?

In general, I really like to learn about different things and, as I said, I wanted to get into both the physical and digital parts of the technical world. My choice was not so much about that I thought the fields would somehow complement each other or that they would play well together, but rather that I wanted to master both.

Finally, tell me what you would say to high school students who are considering studying in this field. Why should they come here?

I think that this field is very suitable for people who like to get to know the technical world and would like to be part of its development. I am very happy about how much this field allows me to develop. If this is important to someone, then I would say that it is the right choice for them. As already mentioned, the connection between practice and theory and working in a team are, in my opinion, also strong reasons to join. In addition, if someone prefers the high school team model rather than the university one, then they will certainly appreciate a more intimate environment. We have the opportunity to help each other a lot within the class, and it doesn't matter who came here from high school and who came from the technical school. I got help from my classmates whenever I needed it. If I understood Professor Hartl, the Director of the Institute of Industrial Design correctly, the aim of this field is not only to create technically competent people, but above all to form people who are able to solve problems especially in the field of technical design. I think that this approach is very beneficial for the future.

What do you like about FME in general?

I have to say that the facilities here at the faculty are really great. I have the feeling that when a person needs to study, eat and relax, then the school offers suitable spaces for each activity where the student can stay. It's very pleasant here. And a great benefit is, of course, the facilities of the student workshops with great technical equipment. In my opinion, the school's opportunities are also excellent for students who choose a different field at FME.