1. Introduction

Program title:	Bachelor of Materials Handling Machinery and Automation
Graduation degree:	Bachelor's degree
Study model:	Full-time
Total credits:	139
Used language:	Vietnamese
Training duration:	4 years (8 semesters)
Responsible Faculty:	Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Website:	https://sme.vimaru.edu.vn/
Address:	Room 704, 7th floor, A6 Building, Vietnam Maritime University 484 Lach Tray - Kenh Duong - Le Chan - Hai Phong

Materials handling machinery is indispensable equipment for mechanizing and automating the lifting, transporting, and loading and unloading of goods, materials, and equipment in most fields of production and services such as: Industrial production, Logistics and transportation, Construction, Commerce and services.

Materials handling automation refers to the implementation of automated systems to handle, move, store, and manage materials with minimal human intervention, which not only optimizes business efficiency but also enhances safety and helps businesses maintain competitiveness in modern manufacturing and service industries.

The Materials Handling Machinery and Automation training program at Vietnam Maritime University, designed by Materials Handling Machinery Department in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, draws upon programs from various esteemed domestic and international universities. Regularly updated to align with major and industry needs; and adhere to the Ministry of Education & Training and Vietnam Maritime University regulations, the program equips learners with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The primary goal of the program is to train highly skilled professionals capable of conceiving, designing, implementing, and operating mechanical equipments and loading and unloading systems; overseeing manufacturing, assembly, repair, organizational management, as well as providing technical instruction and training for lifting equipments and automated materials handling systems. Graduates will not only have a strong theoretical foundation but also be equipped with practical skills, creative thinking, and adaptability to modern work environments.

Upon graduation, students can pursue diverse career opportunities, including directly taking on roles aligned with their specialized training, such as research, development, testing, design, analysis, technical support, operation, maintenance, consulting, management in manufacturing enterprises, teaching at technical institutions, or working in technical inspection and regulatory agencies. With a solid academic background and strong practical skills, graduates of the Materials Handling Machinery and Automation program will be well-prepared to compete in both national and international job markets.

2. Curriculum

The Bachelor of Materials Handling Machinery and Automation program is organized into 8 semesters. Throughout eight semesters, students undertake a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical and practical learning.

In Semester I, students acquire foundational knowledge in core subjects such as Introduction to Engineering, Calculus, and Physics 1, which provide essential analytical and problem-solving skills. General Law introduces fundamental legal concepts, while Technical Chemistry explores the chemical principles relevant to engineering applications. Students may also select elective courses, such as Environmental Protection and Sustainability and Soft Skills 1, to enhance their environmental awareness and communication abilities.

In Semester II builds upon this foundation with courses such as Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, Descriptive Geometry & Technical Drawing, and Theoretical Mechanics, which develop spatial visualization, technical drawing, and mechanical problem-solving skills. Industrial Electricity and Heat Engineering provide essential knowledge of electrical systems and thermodynamics, which are fundamental to refrigeration engineering. Elective options include Basic English 1 and Office Informatics, which strengthen language proficiency and digital literacy.

In Semester III delves deeper into topics such as Materials Science and Engineering with knowledge about the internal structure of materials, their properties, and the changes in those properties during use; Strength of Materials about knowledge of internal forces, stress, deformation, and methods of calculating the strength and stiffness of structural components;  Theory of Machine and Mechanisms with knowledge about dynamic analysis, force analysis; Mechanical drawing and CAD with skills in reading technical drawings, applying Autocad drawing software to build technical drawings; Control Systems Engineering with basic knowledge of linear control theory and the development of automated systems.

In Semester IV, students are enhanced in their ability to  conceive, analyze, and design through courses such as Fundamental of Machine Design, which provides knowledge on calculating and designing machine elements for general use; Tolerances & Measuring Instrumentation Engineering 1, which defines tolerances and fits to ensure the interchangeability of functional geometric parameters; and Introduction to Manufacturing  Processes, which offers methods for machining and manufacturing parts or structures. General English 3 is the final foreign language course that ensures students' ability to use foreign languages ​​in the working environment after graduation. Structural Mechanics is the first course in the specialized knowledge and skills block that guides how to determine reactions, internal forces, and displacements that appear in structures under the effect of loads. Optional courses are Applied Informatics and Internal Combustion Engine to help to expand knowledge about machines, vehicles using other power sources and application of software technology in design calculations.

In Semester V, students are introduced to design projects through courses such as Assignment of Fundamental of Machine design and Steel Structures of Materials Handling Machinery, which help students practice selection, calculation, analysis, evaluation, and implement in drawings and models. They also engage with tasks like reference point determination, clamping, and machining through the Mechanical Manufacturing Technology course. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience in machining in workshops and basic knowledge of labor safety and production organization processes through the Mechanical Machine Tool Pratice course. The elective course in Organization and Management in Material Handling Enterprises supports students in learning methods of organizing and managing production.

In Semester VI, students expand their specialized knowledge and skills on common types of drives through courses such as Applied Hydraulics and Pneumatics and Hydraulic practice; apply technology and operate CNC machines through the CAD, CAM, CNC course; practice calculating and designing a complete materials handling machine according to the standards and regulations of departments, ministries, state agencies through course project, major assignment in the Theory and Design of Hoisting machinery, Standards and codes in material handling industry courses.

In Semester VII, students continue to receive guidance in practicing with design projects in courses such as Theory and Design of Conveying machinery and Theory and Design of Loading & lifting machinery; to engage in repair and installation projects for materials handling machinery through the Technologies for repair and installation material handling machinery course; to apply technology in building automated materials handling systems through the Automation in material handling course; to explore labor safety measures through the Industrial Safety course.

In the final semester, students consolidate their learning through practical applications. The Graduation Internship immerses them in real-world challenges, and the Graduation Project showcases their ability to integrate and apply knowledge from previous semesters.