Zhejiang University

1. Program Overview

Founded in 1897, Zhejiang University (ZJU) is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Laying claim to several areas of research strength, ZJU currently ranks among the top three on Chinese mainland. In 2019, a year of milestone significance, ZJU ranks 54th in QS World University Rankings and 6th in QS Asia's Best Universities for 2020. The engineering programs of Zhejiang University ranked 4th in the World Best Global Universities Rankings published by US News & World Report in 2016.

The CSE’s core areas of research include:

Industrial Intelligence and Optimization Control, Industrial Big Data, Knowledge Automation, Large-scale System Optimization, Distributed Coordinated Control, Intelligent Manufacturing, Smart Factory, etc.

2.  Program Characteristics

The Undergraduate Program in Automation adopts “3+1” mode, i.e., students would spend the first three years studying at the International Campus, Zhejiang University (Haining, Zhejiang) to finish the foundational courses. In the fourth year, students would move to Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) to complete the final-year project and other required courses.

This program encourages students to develop broad outlooks and allows them to take subjects in related technical fields, such as Sensor and Instrumentation, Big Data Security and Privacy Preserving, Computer Systems Engineering, Data Structure, Computer Security, Artificial Intelligence, or Introduction to Robotics. This program also allows students to take a combination of subjects that lead to specialization options in Control Science and Engineering, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence or Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing. The International Joint Research Centre, global top tertiary institutions/partners, and distinguished faculty with overseas experiences provide rich faculty resources for program students.

Student learning is supplemented by a variety of laboratory, training and project activities. Students also develop scientific research and problem-solving skills through the final-year project under the guidance of eminent supervisors. Seminars, industrial visits and overseas study tours are also available to broaden students' horizons. A plenty of academic pathways and opportunities to outstanding graduates will be provided to the students, leading them to worldwide top universities as well as ZJU postgraduate program.

3.  Program Aims & Learning Outcomes

This program is an ideal choice for those who wish to pursue studies in Industrial Automation, System Control, and Robotics. It addresses latest technologies and their applications in control science and engineering, enabling students to explore new technology innovations to serve social demands.

This program is designed to provide students with sound personality, consolidated knowledge of natural science as well as overall capacity of humanity and social science.

Students are expected to acquire:

· consolidated fundamental theory, specialized knowledge and technology of automation and related fields;

· ability to propose questions and solve problems in automation and related fields;

· capability to track and develop new theory, knowledge and technologies in automation and related fields;

· good ability in independent work and lifelong learning;

· good ability in communication and teamwork;

· good international perspective, innovative spirit, and worldwide competitiveness in automation and related fields.

4.  Curriculum

This program curriculum is sophistically designed in terms of courses, labs, research trainings and internships. All the courses are instructed in the medium of English (Chinese language courses are excluded).

The 4-year curriculum focuses on principles and methods for designing and controlling engineered and natural systems, covering all the major aspects of control engineering, systems modeling and simulation, with applications ranging from classical control system design to optimal adaptive and intelligent control systems. It also emphasizes the multidisciplinary character of the field and specific areas of interest including automation technology, instrument technology, information technology, computer technology and robotic technology.

Year 1

Students complete the first year of fundamental studies within the broadening engineering discipline, with a focus on underpinning subjects (such as Science and Mathematics), Languages (English Composition and Chinese), and General Education Electives. The Chinese language courses and the course of Survey of China include basic linguistics, Chinese modern history, social development, government policies, etc., which not only help international students to get used to Chinese society in a short time but also prepare them for future endeavors in China after graduation.

Year 2

In Year 2, curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of engineering. A series of Technical Core and Elective subjects are involved at this stage, including System Modeling and Simulation, Computer System & Programming, Analog Signal Processing, Discrete Structure and Data Structure.

Year 3

The Year 3 curriculum attaches great importance to compulsory core subjects in Automation, Control Science and Labs. The focus is on consolidating the fundamentals, teamwork and laboratory experiments.

Year 4

Students take advanced Elective subjects and carry out final-year project at Yuquan campus in the 4th year. The final-year project provides a comprehensive learning experience in automation engineering technology, problem-solving techniques and creative thinking. Depending on individual career aspirations and specialization, students can choose from a list of electives and project topics to complement their knowledge in various areas of automatic engineering.