Focus Project
The goal of a Focus Project is to develop and build a product over the course of two semesters. Students work in teams of five to ten students. Based on a market-oriented problem, all product development processes are realistically run through: market analysis, finance, conception, design, engineering, simulation, design, and production.
The category of focus subjects comprises a total of 8 ECTS. Subjects can be chosen from both the “electives” and the “focus specializations”. If possible, the focus subjects should be aligned with the subject area of the focus project and the corresponding area of responsibility. It is therefore advisable to discuss the selection of subjects with the responsible professorship and the supervising coaches at an early stage.
Students taking a focus project have the opportunity to complete a reduced Bachelor's thesis worth 8 ECTS. This corresponds to 240 hours of work (6 weeks full-time). The reduced Bachelor's thesis must be thematically based on the focus project. The thesis does not have to be supervised by the professorship responsible for the focus project, but can also be supervised by another professorship if the topic is suitable. In order to avoid complications, the possibility of a reduced Bachelor's thesis should be discussed with the responsible professor as early as the 5th semester. If you would like to write a thesis on a different topic, you must write a regular Bachelor's thesis.
Application process
Applications will be accepted from 27 May to 9 June 2024. The applications will then be reviewed by the project supervisors over a two-week period. Interviews may also be held during this time. The decision on the applications will be communicated to the students in the week starting from 24 June 2024. However, students will only be finally admitted to the focus projects once they have passed examination block 2.
Please use the external page application form to apply.
Information events
You can find the info events about the focus specializations at Events for Students.
Initiating a Focus Project
Proposals for new focus projects must be submitted by a D-MAVT professorship. Students who have an idea for a focus project are encouraged to discuss it with a relevant D-MAVT professor as early as possible. In addition to an explanation of the project idea and a description of the project objectives, the following points must be discussed and clarified with the D-MAVT professor:
Technical supervision: The technical supervision of the focus projects is the responsibility of the respective professorship. They must have specialist expertise in all technically relevant areas of the focus project and provide appropriate supervision. The supervision of focus projects may not be delegated exclusively to teaching assistants.
Space and infrastructure: The responsible professorship must provide adequate space for the focus project. This includes office space, test areas, design infrastructure, etc.
Safety concept: Focus projects may only be carried out with existing safety concepts. The responsibility for safety lies with the responsible professorship and cannot be delegated externally. The responsible professorship must have safety expertise in the area of the focus project.
These points are examined in detail by the steering committee of the focus projects.