Basque PAU Technology & Eng II study plan

Classify the main families of engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) and relate each family's internal structure to at least three macroscopic properties such as density, stiffness and electrical conductivity.

Solve stress-strain problems by calculating Young's modulus, yield strength and elongation from a given curve, and interpret the ductile-to-brittle transition.

Compute transmission ratios, angular velocity and torque in gear trains, belt-and-pulley drives and chain drives, including compound trains with three or more stages.

Resolve a four-bar linkage or crank-slider mechanism by drawing the velocity polygon and identifying the degrees of freedom with Grübler's criterion.

Select a material for a stated application by building a small comparison table of at least four candidates against hardness, corrosion resistance, machinability and cost, and justify the final choice in writing.

Describe the standard destructive and non-destructive tests (tensile, hardness Brinell/Rockwell, Charpy impact, ultrasonic and dye penetrant) and state which property each measures.

Analyse friction, efficiency and self-locking in screws, wedges and bearings, and calculate the efficiency of a worm gear pair.

Convert between rotary and linear motion using rack-and-pinion, lead screw and cam-follower systems, computing stroke, speed and force amplification.

Apply Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws and series/parallel reduction to solve DC networks with at least four resistors and two sources, using mesh or node analysis.

Calculate power dissipation, equivalent resistance and the Thevenin equivalent of a linear two-terminal network.

Analyse series RLC AC circuits: compute impedance, phase angle, resonance frequency and power factor, and explain the effect of a capacitor bank on power factor correction.

Identify and size pneumatic and hydraulic components (compressor, FRL unit, 5/2 directional valve, single and double-acting cylinder, flow-control valve) and calculate cylinder force and air consumption.

Design and draw a pneumatic circuit in ISO 1219 symbolic form that extends and retracts a double-acting cylinder with speed control on both strokes, and explain each valve's function.

Compare pneumatic and hydraulic actuation on pressure, force density, compressibility and cost, and choose the right technology for three given scenarios.

Describe the operation of diodes, LEDs, transistors as switches and operational amplifiers in basic comparator and amplifier configurations, and calculate biasing values.

Interpret a simple electronic schematic and predict output behaviour when a component fails open or short.

Distinguish open-loop from closed-loop control, draw block diagrams, and identify setpoint, error signal, controller, plant and feedback in a given system.

Select sensors for position, temperature, pressure and light applications, stating the working principle and typical output signal of each.

Design combinational logic with truth tables, Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps for up to four variables, and implement the result with AND/OR/NOT gates.

Sequence the main manufacturing processes (turning, milling, drilling, casting, forging, stamping, welding) and match each to a component geometry it suits.

Perform metrology calculations with vernier caliper, micrometer and dial gauge readings, and state the resolution and typical uncertainty of each instrument.

Explain joining processes (arc welding, MIG/MAG, riveting, adhesive bonding, threaded fasteners) and select one for a stated joint, justifying the choice.

Compare renewable and conventional energy sources on energy density, availability, conversion efficiency and environmental impact, and describe the chain from primary source to useful output.

Calculate the energy and power of a system (e.g. a pumped-storage plant or a photovoltaic array) using efficiency factors, and estimate the associated CO2 avoided.

Produce a dimensioned orthographic drawing (front, plan and side view) of a simple part with correct line types, scale, and full dimensioning according to first-angle projection.

Read a given set of views and deduce the missing view and the isometric sketch, and identify tolerances and surface finish symbols.

Outline the stages of a technical project (need identification, specifications, alternatives, detailed design, construction, testing, documentation) and apply them to a small product.

Describe how CAD/CAM, 3D printing and simulation shorten the design cycle, and state one limitation of each digital tool.

Complete two full timed mock exams under PAU conditions, marking them against a rubric and logging every lost mark by domain.

Re-solve the five problem types that produced the most lost marks, writing the method from memory before checking notes.

Memorise and reproduce the key formula sheet (mechanics, electricity, fluids, energy) and the standard symbols for electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic schematics.

Practise writing short justified answers (selection, environmental impact, innovation) in 60-80 words with a clear decision and reason.