Department of Vehicle Engineering

1. History

In January 2005, the School of Urban Rail Transportation, the first university-enterprise cooperation establishment in China, was co-founded by Shanghai University of Engineering Science and Shanghai Metro Operation Co., Ltd. (currently known as Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd.). The Department of Vehicle Engineering was established at the same time.

1) Program history

(1) This program started official student enrollment in September 2005 to grant degrees in engineering under the Mechanical Engineering and Automation Program (Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Engineering).

(2) National enrollment started in 2010 to cultivate talent for metro rail transit operations and management in the Yangtze River Delta and nationwide.

(3) In 2010, this program was approved by the Ministry of Education as a pilot program under the “Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program”. In the same year, it was approved as a project under the “Undergraduate Education Heights” (Phase IV).

(4) In 2012, the name of this program was changed to Vehicle Engineering (Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Engineering) in response to the revision of the Undergraduate Program Catalogue by the Ministry of Education. It also became the National Engineering Practical Education Center for Urban Rail Transit Engineering.

(5) In 2018, with the approval of the University, this program was officially renamed as Vehicle Engineering (Urban Rail Transit Vehicle) to better support discipline and program development of the University.

2) Quality development

After over 10 years of development, this program has made great progress in personnel training, faculty building and scientific research, reaching the next level of development.

(1) In 2006, the second-level postgraduate program in Vehicle Engineering started admission of research-based students.

(2) Shanghai’s Undergraduate Education Heights (Phase IV) (2010);

(3) In 2010, this program was approved as a project under the “Undergraduate Education Heights” (Phase IV) of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.

(4) In 2010, this program became a pilot under the “Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program” of the Ministry of Education;

(5) In 2012, it was approved as the National Engineering Practical Education Center for Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Engineering;

(6) This program was approved in 2014 to set up a postgraduate program in Traffic Engineering;

(7) In 2017, this program was approved to offer postgraduate program of first-level discipline of Traffic Engineering.

2. Degree Program: Content and Implementation

Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle) Program was identified as a national specialty program in 2009. In 2010, the Program was selected into the “Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program” by the Ministry of Education of China. Dedicated to serving China’s fast-developing urban rail transit industry, the Program has established an education base with Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd., adhering to the principle of combining theory with practice. It aims to cultivate “engineering-based, innovative and international” high-quality talents for the society. Graduates should master basic theories and profound knowledge and skills and can solve basic engineering problems. As well-rounded graduates, they have a strong sense of comprehensive innovation, independent competence and team spirit in the field of engineering technology. They have excellent literacy, professional ethics, sense of social responsibility, international vision as well as strong competitiveness and creativity. They meet the needs of the Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle) sector, and meet the requirements of internationally recognized engineering qualifications and professional qualifications for engineers, thereby laying a solid foundation for international mutual recognition.

2.1 Objectives of the program

Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle) Program is featured by interdisciplinary knowledge of mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, material science, etc. The Program focuses on the professional knowledge on Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle) such as vehicle construction, electric traction, braking system, vehicle network, and fault diagnosis technology as well as basic knowledge of engineering management. The Program highlights the combination and application of basic theories and the technical aspects of modern rail vehicles. The Program focuses on cultivating senior engineering application-oriented talents. Graduates are competent in the operation support and maintenance of urban rail transit vehicles and fault diagnosis in the rail transit sector. For the training objectives of the Program, please refer to the English homepage of the School of Urban Rail Transportation (/wwwwwrz/list.htm).

After four years of study, graduates should have solid knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and humanities and social sciences master basic professional knowledge, and receive training in engineering practices. They should master the professional knowledge required to solve complex engineering problems in Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle), especially vehicle construction, electric traction, braking system, vehicle network, and fault diagnosis technology. They should be able to follow the trend of related fields. They should possess computer application skills, be able to read literatures written in English, communicate in English, and obtain the certificate of China’s College English Test Band 4 (CET-4). They should be team players and have the ability of organizing corporate operation and management. They should be able to solve engineering problems and be competent to various tasks. They should be long-life learners and have bright career prospects.

2.2 Program learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competence)

1) Basic scientific literacy and engineering competence

Understanding and applying mathematics and natural sciences to solve practical engineering problems, which is the foundation of professional competence;

Ability to understand and participate in industry processes and be qualified for technical work;

Ability to follow the trend and application prospects of modern science and technology.

2) Professional knowledge and competence

Ability to acquire and apply professional knowledge;

Strong practical skills and professional competence;

Ability to study for a master’s degree and conduct scientific research.

3) International communication competence

Excellent proficiency in English;communication skills; mastering the English language for study abroad;

Cross-cultural competence needed in overseas tasks and international cooperation.

4) Computer skills and information application competence

Ability to use computer software and the Internet;

Common methods for document, information and data retrieval; ability to acquire and use information (including literatures); ability to combine professional knowledge with computers, such as computer-aided design and simulation.

5) Engineering and professional practice competence

Understanding maintenance support in Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle);

Being proficient in the prediction, modeling, calculation and testing of complex problems;

Being able to analyze and evaluate engineering problems and provide effective solutions.

6) Teamwork and management competence

Mental health and personal integrity;

Strong sense of law and social responsibility;

Team spirit and management skills;

Working under high pressure and fulfilling challenging tasks.

2.3 Modules of the program

According to the plan, the curriculum is divided into nine competence fields: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry; Informatics; Engineering Fundamentals; Engineering Application; Electives; Foreign Language; General Courses; Practical Training; Bachelor thesis.

(1) Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are offered to enable students to enhance their understanding of natural sciences and improve their literacy in in the application of science and technology, so as to lay a solid foundation for learning subsequent courses.

(2) Informatics courses are offered to enable students to master basic computer skills and information technology, apply computer and information technology tools to solve technical problems, so as to lay a solid foundation for learning subsequent courses.

(3) Engineering Fundamentals courses are offered to enable students to master the fundamentals and professional knowledge in machinery, materials, electronics, engineering mechanics, and control theory, so as to lay a solid foundation for learning subsequent courses.

(4) Engineering Applications courses are offered to enable students to master the professional knowledge and skills related to Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle), especially vehicle construction, electric traction, braking system, vehicle network, and fault diagnosis technology, so that they can analyze and solve complex engineering problems.

(5) Electives are offered to enable students to master cutting-edge professional knowledge and skills related to Vehicle Engineering (Rail Transit Vehicle) and follow the trend of related fields, such as equipment safety technology, finite element simulation, and technology for diagnosing failures. Students can select courses based on their interests.

(6) Foreign Language courses are offered to enable students to master the English language, pass China’s College English Test Band 4 (CET-4), have excellent English reading and communication skills, and have cross-cultural competence needed in international cooperation.

(7) General Courses are offered to cultivate students’ humanistic qualities, social skills and team spirit. Specific requirements are as follows:

1) Understanding the basics of humanities and social sciences, having excellent humanistic qualities, and undertaking professional, social and environmental responsibilities;

2) Taking part in practical and group activities for self-improvement;

3) Communicating effectively and adapting to new environments and the society.

(8) Practical Training includes six modules: comprehensive experiments for Physics and Chemistry courses, practicum for engineering fundamentals, comprehensive experiments for the Program, comprehensive practicum for the Program, training for innovation and entrepreneurship projects, and internships. The main objective is to cultivate students’ experimental skills, engineering application as well as creative and practical skills. Practical Training is offered to enable students to understand the railway vehicle engineering system, units (components) or technological processes, organization management as well as maintenance, consolidate theoretical knowledge, and enhance their understanding of applied knowledge. Emphasis is laid on cultivating students’ ability to use professional knowledge to analyze and solve complex engineering problems.

(9) Bachelor Thesis is offered to enable students to combine knowledge with skills and competence to complete projects, propose solutions and solve problems. Each student is required to independently complete the graduation project under the guidance of the tutor and successfully pass the oral defense.

3. Faculty

The Vehicle Engineering (Urban Rail Transit Vehicle) Program has 20 full-time faculty members, including 2 professors, 7 associate professors and 11 lecturers; All faculty members have doctoral degrees, 9 of which are under 35 years old, 9 are between 36-45 years old and 2 are between 46-55 years old. More than 10 senior corporate professionals and technicians work as part-time faculty members and corporate mentors. Prof. Zheng Shubin is the person-in-charge of this program. There are two teaching teams responsible for talent cultivation: Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Engineering Program - Vehicle Structure and Urban Rail Vehicle Electricity and Testing Teaching Team.

The former consists of 10 faculty members who are responsible for 9 specialized undergraduate courses on vehicle engineering, 7 practical courses and mentoring of about 200 undergraduate students.

The latter consists of 10 faculty members who are responsible for 3 fundamental courses, 7 specialized courses, 7 practical courses and mentoring of about 200 undergraduate students.

4. Employment

Most graduates find employment in rail transportation operation and maintenance enterprises, railway operation and maintenance companies as well as transportation operation and maintenance enterprises and institutions. They may work in urban rail transit vehicle operation and maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair work, and various tasks in the rail rail transit field. This program has an employment rate of 100%, and has delivered thousands of technicians and management talents to nearly 20 subway operators across the country.

The perseverance in talent training has produced remarkable results. At present, thousands of graduates from the School are working for about 10 subway companies nationwide including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wuxi, many of whom are holding key technical or managerial positions in the organizations they serve in five or more years after graduation. This program has carried out mid-term and short-term graduate surveys, including 235 questionnaires for graduates of class 2015 to class 2019, with a sample proportion of 50.8%.

The survey results show that 89.4% of the graduates are working in related fields even several years after graduation, which indicates a high sense of identification among students with this program as well as a high degree of recognition among vehicle operation and maintenance enterprises of graduates of this program. Graduates of this program from 2015 to 2019 expressed 95% satisfaction rate with the support from their alma mater, showing high recognition of this program.

5. Enterprise practice platform

The School has established long-term cooperative relations with 17 large and medium-sized enterprises including Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, Zhengzhou Rail Transit Co., Ltd., Shanghai Thales Saic Transport Automation System Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Fuxin Intelligent Transportation Solutions Co., Ltd.

The School has the National Engineering Practical Education Center for Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Engineering, Shanghai Experimental Demonstration Center and Shanghai Off-campus Demonstration Practice Base for University Students. Through the industry-university-research strategic alliance between Shanghai University of Engineering Science and Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd., the School has also set up a series of off-campus practice bases for urban rail transit vehicles with distinctive characteristics: Maintenance Base of Vehicle Branch, Longyang Road Base of Shanghai Metro, All-in-one Teaching and Training Train Practice Base, Jiuting Overhaul Practice Base. According to the objectives and requirements of training programs, the University and the enterprises jointly formulate the internship syllabus, prepare internship instructions, and establish safeguard measures. Each base has long-term internship instructors, who guide and manage students’ internship together with faculty members of the University. The University's instructors are responsible for clarifying the internship details, tasks, plan, schedule, and management regulations to students. According to the requirements of the University and the actual production of the enterprise, the instructors of the enterprise shall do a good job in the education of workplace safety, rules and regulations, confidentiality system, etc. The off-campus practice bases can fulfill practical teaching tasks such as Rail Transportation Basic Practice, Basic Practice of Urban Railway Vehicle, Maintenance Practice of Urban Railway Vehicle, etc. The bases can accommodate around 200 students of the Program each year, who can accept good engineering practice and training to improve the ability to deal with practical problems and enhance integrative competence.

Table 2 Internship and Practical Training Bases Jointly Established by the School and Enterprises in Recent Years

6. Teaching programs and outcome

By integrating internal and external, online and offline, interdisciplinary and international teaching resources, this program shares resources and promote the cultivation of excellent engineers and new engineering talents. In recent years, the School embarked on over 20 teaching reform and development projects which produced outstanding results, including key undergraduate education reform project of Shanghai, key undergraduate curriculum development project of Shanghai, and other municipal projects. The projects were successfully accomplished with high closing rate. Some programs were rated A in the project closing and inspection. All faculty members of the Vehicle Engineering Program participated in curriculum development, and have developed 1 municipal-level excellent course and 5 University-level excellent courses. All specialized courses have set up their own websites.

Table 1: Outcomes of high-level teaching reform and research projects

Relying on the industry-university-research strategic alliance, this program adopts the cultivation mode of industry-university cooperation, engineering alternation, discipline chain and professional chain connecting with industrial chain, and the talent cultivation form of “theory + technical practice + application of new technology”. According to engineering education and industry standards, this program reverse designs and develops innovative talent training system, establishes an all-round multi-level school-enterprise education platform, and achieves significant talent training results.

Table 2: Teaching outcome of the Vehicle Engineering Program

Since the pilot implementation of the “Excellence Program”, this program has worked with China Railway Publishing House to develop textbooks for urban rail transit Excellence Program and the officially published ElecWorks 2013 Electrical Drawing, Urban Rail Transit Vehicle Maintenance Process and Equipment, and Automatic Control Technology for Urban Rail Transit Train Operation.

Table 2: List of published textbooks

7. Scientific research and achievements

Name of research subject: Rail vehicle safety monitoring and control

Unique features & advantages: The research aims at vehicle operational safety and energy conservation, and focuses on the fault diagnosis and online monitoring technology of key components such as bogy, pantograph, traction system, etc., the control technology of vehicle braking energy recovery and smooth operation, as well as the condition evaluation and reliability assessment technology of vehicle and its components. Some of the research results have been applied in subway companies, and have a high academic influence on the condition monitoring of rail vehicles and the renewable use of energy in vehicle operation.

Major outcome:In recent years, this program has been awarded 12 national projects such as from the National Natural Science Fund and 6 provincial and ministerial projects such as from the Shanghai Natural Science Fund, and has published more than 200 SCI and EI papers, one of which was recognized as a Frontrunner 5000 academic paper in China in 2013. This program has also won 3 provincial and ministerial level awards such as the Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award. This program works with over ten million yuan of social funds, and many achievements have been put into applications.

Table 3: Research outcome of the Vehicle Engineering Program

8. Student innovation and competition awards

Relying on the Rail Transit Operational Safety Inspection and Evaluation Service Center, this program strongly supports the cultivation of students' ability to serve the society and technical innovation, including the development of industry demand-oriented research and innovation activities and the selection of targeted graduation thesis topics. In recent years, students have won more than 100 prizes for competitions at the provincial and ministerial levels, with a total of more than 200 prizes and over 300 participants in various competitions and university student innovation and entrepreneurship projects.

In 2019-2020, this program has been granted two university student innovation and entrepreneurship projects at national-level, 4 at municipal-level and 7 at university-level, involving 40% of faculty members as instructors for these projects.

The faculty of this program actively encourage students to participate in academic competitions and support as instructors. In the 2019 academic year, 33 students of the Transport Program participated in competitions and won 14 awards.