Rolling Stock Engineering Program

Program Purpose & Content

Developed as a cooperative project between the rail industry and the University of Wollongong, this course captures the knowledge and expertise of leading rolling stock engineers. It is provided as a professional development program for people entering or working in the rail industry. The course is delivered via flexible online learning suitable for mature-age students studying part-time. A one - day workshop for each subject/unit provides a firm foundation and interaction with peers and experts.

Study Mode

The course is delivered via flexible on-line learning suitable for mature age students studying part-time and working full time. There are no on-campus classes, so you could complete the course from any location world wide. You will study using a combination of on-line, CD and printed materials and submit assignments for assessment. You could choose an early exit from the program with Graduate Certificate after completion of first three units or undertake a study of a selected unit.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Engineering degree from a recognised tertiary institution, or equivalent. Applicants holding other tertiary qualifications with at least five years’ relevant industry experience who are nominated by their employer will also be considered.

Times and dates of study:

The program is delivered over two terms per year with terms commencing in February and July. Please refer to University of Wollongong for details.

Course Modules and Structure

The Graduate Certificate of Rolling Stock Engineering

Comprises 4 of the following 5 units

(ENGG924, ENGG925, ENGG926, ENGG927 or ENGG928)

Master of Rolling Stock Engineering

Railway and Rolling Stock Environment (ENGG924)

This module provides an overview of rail within the context of transport industry and gives a historical perspective on railways development including consideration of different business structures applicable to rail organisations, complexities of rolling stock interfaces, and safety considerations. The module presents technological and other drivers to development of rolling stock system designs and specifications, and practices for operation, servicing, and maintenance of rolling stock. It considers technological development trends in rolling stock components and their interfaces, and covers cost management practices in rolling stock operation and asset management.

Rail Motive Power (ENGG925)

The module provides a comprehensive overview of different types of locomotives and different power systems used in rolling stock. Learners are introduced to different loco control systems, engines, traction generation and auxiliary systems, and study systems’ performance and maintenance. The module explains elements of a traction system and studies their operation and performance including interfaces with other rolling stock systems. The module presents an overview of traction systems controls and traction technologies. It considers design, operation and maintenance different power systems including aspects of safety and environmental performance.

Rail Vehicle Design (ENGG926)

The module introduces learners to different types of passenger and freight rolling stocks. It considers rolling stock configurations and components including vehicle traction and control systems, bogies, brakes, and wagon coupling and auxiliary systems. The module explains an importance of human interfaces and considers their impact on vehicle design. The application of rolling stock standards and vehicle performance requirements, maintenance and life cycle management considerations are among the topics covered by the module.

Rolling Stock Safety and Braking Systems (ENGG927)

The module considers an important topic of rolling stock safety and the vehicle components critical for safe train operations with a particular focus on brakes. You will learn about historical development of train brakes and understand the application of ‘fail-safe’ concepts to brakes design. The module presents different types of train brakes and brake systems and considers their components including compressed air systems and train brake controllers. It analyses train brake system performances in the parking mode and under normal and emergency operations, explains methods for train brake examination and testing, and provides cases of incident investigations where a brake system failure may have been a major factor.

Rolling Stock Dynamics and Bogies (ENGG928)

This module introduces you to the application of engineering principles, codes of practice and standards to vehicle and wagon designs and operation and management of rolling stock. It builds on the broad body of knowledge obtained from the previous modules of the Graduate Certificate in Rolling Stock Engineering. The module considers wheel-rail interactions and analyses their impact on dynamic forces applied to the vehicle bogies. The impacts of wind loadings and forces arising from abnormal operating conditions on vehicle dynamics and stability are among topics covered in the module. You will learn about methods for controlling longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics and ensuring stability of wagons, passenger cars, locomotives and trains.

Rolling stock construction, maintenance and design (ENGG929)

This is a capstone subject, which brings together a variety of different factors influencing the rolling stock design, manufacturing and maintenance into a coherent process of engineering application. It illustrates the integration of safety, dynamic performance, structural integrity, environmental and social impacts, and crashworthiness in the design process. The module considers rolling stock manufacturing methods and techniques including couplers and draft gears, air and water piping, electrical cabling, internal fit out, auxiliary and systems. It explains impact of life cycle considerations on rolling stock design, considers different maintenance strategies and techniques, and introduces learners to rolling stock maintenance facilities.

Dissertation (in Rolling Stock Engineering) (ENGG940)

The dissertation is a project allowing you to pursue a particular area in depth and address a practical engineering problem. You can complete the dissertation in your area of interest. The dissertation will help you with developing skills in information analysis, project planning and organisation, problem solving and effective communication of project results. The module objective is to undertake an individual supervised project with the purpose on solving a problem relevant to a discipline area of the degree and your work responsibilities. You would normally be required to do a literature survey, analysis, and develop suitable solutions to the selected problem. This will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course and help to get a confidence in your ability to practice rolling stock engineering at a high professional standard.