About the Faculty of Engineering in Pula
The Faculty of Engineering in Pula currently offers four study programs:
Vision
The vision of the Faculty of Engineering in Pula is to become a socially responsible institution that guarantees high-quality education in the fields of mechanical engineering and computer science. By doing so, it aims to contribute to knowledge transfer, the development of professional competencies, and the overall economic and social progress.
Mission
The mission of the Faculty is to educate students who will drive technological development, generate new knowledge, and uphold high academic and ethical standards. The Faculty also aims to support economic growth, enhance the public sector, and foster international collaboration—for the benefit of its students, staff, and society as a whole.
The primary goal of the study programs is to educate engineers with up-to-date technical knowledge, integrating new technologies and industrial practices. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, and laboratory exercises. In addition to core engineering and mechanical subjects, students study selected areas of electrical engineering and shipbuilding, as well as emerging technologies such as computing, electronics, automation, mechatronics, and robotics. These areas also define the Faculty’s research strategy.
In 2019, with the aim of boosting the computer science sector in the region, the University of Pula launched the Computer Engineering program. The curriculum was designed to meet global standards, drawing inspiration from leading university programs. Students are introduced to modern trends, the latest technological advancements, and challenges in contemporary industries. The main goal is to prepare a new generation of engineers capable of tackling current technological challenges.
Faculty Laboratories:
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Laboratory for Automation and Robotics
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Laboratory for Electronics and Electrical Engineering
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Laboratory for Energy Systems and Renewable Energy Sources
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Laboratory for Mathematics
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Laboratory for Software Engineering and Data Processing
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Laboratory for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
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Laboratory for Technical Measurements and Joining Techniques
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Laboratory for Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering
The Faculty conducts scientific research in various technical fields. One focus area is renewable energy, including photovoltaic systems and wind turbines, as alternatives to conventional energy sources. Research into thermal conversion of solar energy addresses the replacement of traditional heat sources used in households, industry, and tourism.
Other research includes the processing of signals generated by biological systems, which involves mathematical modeling, software implementation of algorithms, analysis of synthetic and real signals, and development of a virtual instrument for users without prior signal processing knowledge.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive technologies (e.g., 3D printing) are increasingly used for producing functional prototypes in industries such as automotive, shipbuilding, construction, and medicine. While these technologies offer many advantages, they also face limitations—such as model size constraints, long production times, and high material costs.
One research direction at the Faculty explores optimizing 3D printing by integrating robotic modules with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) print heads.
Manufacturing Systems
Modern manufacturing systems are enhancing machine efficiency through innovative solutions. This requires planning not only for performance and durability but also for the interaction of machine components and their impact on the work environment. Issues such as noise, vibration, light reflections, and heat can pose risks to worker health. The Faculty is developing intelligent manufacturing approaches that align production conditions with human physiological parameters. This includes creating a method and software tool for monitoring physical hazards during product planning and production, with a focus on sound pressure levels and protective octave-band analysis.
Sheet Metal Forming
The Faculty also researches sheet metal forming processes with the aim of developing diagnostic software based on laboratory and real-world testing. This includes identifying and addressing production issues and planning the use of new materials. Insights into material behavior with selected tool systems will help improve product accuracy, benefiting the metalworking industry by optimizing tool use and boosting machine efficiency and competitiveness.
Multi-Agent Systems
Multi-agent systems offer benefits such as parallel task execution, distributed architecture, robustness, and scalability. However, managing such systems requires efficient coordination algorithms. The Faculty’s research focuses on developing decentralized control algorithms and identifying global properties of the communication network. These methods could be applied in real-world scenarios such as mobile robot management, traffic systems, or sensor networks.
Startup Simulation and Growth Modeling
The Faculty is also engaged in an interdisciplinary project focused on modeling the growth of tech startups and developing an interactive educational simulator for startup entrepreneurship (ILE4Tech).
Deans of the Faculty since its establishment:
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2020–2022: Prof. Dr. Bernard Franković
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2022–2023: Acting Dean, Assoc. Prof. Valter Boljunčić
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2023–present: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marko Kršulja