The Doctoral Programme in Mechanical Engineering (PRODEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) trains leaders in Mechanical Engineering through advanced research. It benefits from FEUP’s long tradition in Mechanical Engineering research and education and was restructured in response to the Bologna process, now incorporating a course component in addition to the main activity: research.

Mechanical Engineering R&D at FEUP takes place in a variety of settings, notably in R&D Units recognised by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), based at FEUP or in R&D institutes affiliated with FEUP, such as INEGI. The program allows collaborations with international institutions, permitting doctoral students to have access to the global network of knowledge and innovation.

As one of the senior engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering encompasses a broad range of knowledge, continually renewed by the emergence of new areas of interest and increasingly powerful numerical and experimental tools.

Objectives

The Doctoral Programme in Mechanical Engineering (PRODEM) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) aims to train highly qualified researchers in the field of Mechanical Engineering. The programme is delivered through advanced study and high-level research in selected topics within the broad spectrum of areas covered by Mechanical Engineering. As a result, students become capable of independently conducting relevant research in the field of their PhD, and to be able to address new challenges that may arise in their research and professional careers..

In addition to scientific knowledge in specific areas, the programme aims to enable students to develop various skills, including analytical ability, critical thinking, teamwork, personal management and resilience, effective communication in diverse contexts, and the application of ethical principles and research integrity. The goal is for the skills developed to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in both academic and business environments.

 

Fields of Specialization

The topics addressed in PRODEM include, but are not limited to:

• Adhesive Joints
• Artificial Intelligence Applied to Mechanical Engineering
• Automation and Control
• Biomechanics
• Computational Mechanics
• Dynamics of Structures and of Mechanical Systems
• Energy Systems
• Experimental Mechanics
• Fluids Mechanics
• Fatigue
• Fracture Mechanics
• Friction and Tribology
• Industrial Design
• Maintenance
• Manufacturing Processes
• Mechanics of Composite Materials ´
• Non-linear Mechanics
• Optimization
• Robotics 

Employment Prospects

Career opportunities include teaching at universities and polytechnic institutes, imparting knowledge and guiding future generations of engineers. Other career paths include research and development in public or private institutions and the establishment of startups, where doctoral graduates can explore innovative ideas, improve existing processes and technologies, and apply emerging technologies to develop solutions for industrial and societal challenges.

Information

• Application Procedures

• Dissertations and Theses

• Academic calendar

• About the programme

Contacts

Departament of Mechanical Engineering (DEMec)
Academic Management Service
Bulding L - Room L007
Opening hours: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Email: prodem@fe.up.pt
Telephone: 22 508 1642 / 22 041 4659

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study