Course in Longitudinal Dynamics on Dunes and Loose Sand
300-hour online course in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand. 6 modules covering ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology) and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Longitudinal Dynamics on Dunes and Loose Sand — studying from Malta
Malta's construction, quarrying and infrastructure activity creates demand for heavy machinery, specialist vehicles and their maintenance. Contractors, plant hire companies and public works departments rely on skilled technicians and engineers to keep equipment safe and productive. The island's rugged terrain and coastal conditions also support niche markets in agricultural and marine-adjacent machinery. Engineers in this area commonly work with equipment dealers, contractors and public authorities responsible for fleet management.
Fees for Malta: €448 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which Maltese authorities regulate special vehicles and machinery, and does this qualification fit?
Machinery and vehicle safety in Malta follow EU-derived rules, with Transport Malta handling vehicle matters and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority overseeing workplace machinery. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private and not official state degrees or accredited by a national body. Recognition for regulated roles is for employers or the relevant authority to decide.
Where might off-road and machinery engineers find work in Malta?
Malta's opportunities in this field are mostly in construction, plant hire, equipment maintenance and the marine and industrial services sectors. Employers in these areas usually value hands-on experience highly. How they view a private online qualification is for each employer to decide, so asking them directly is worthwhile.
Is employer funding available, and how demanding is the English language requirement?
Employer sponsorship is possible, and tuition can be paid in instalments. Programmes are taught fully in English, so you should be comfortable with technical English reading and writing. The online format lets you study around work, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme chosen.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the phenomena of sinkage, resistance and traction in loose sand.
Build a longitudinal vehicle model on deformable terrain.
Adjust tyre pressures to maximise flotation.
Select gear ratios and engine speed for dune driving.
Apply safe driving techniques on ascents, descents and crests.
Record and analyse test data in sand.
Design a test protocol for a vehicle on dunes.
Who it's for
- Vehicle dynamics engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Rally raid competition engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Sand driving instructor wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Off-road vehicle preparer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Terramechanics researcher wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Competition data engineer wishing to specialise in longitudinal dynamics on dunes and loose sand.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter off-road competition.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- ASABE S296 (traction terminology)
- ISO 28580 (tyre rolling resistance)
- ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration)
- Annex J of the FIA International Sporting Code (Cross-Country vehicles)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Resistance to motion in sand1.2Sinkage and bulldozing1.3Available traction and its limit1.4Importance of inertia1.5Why momentum is lost on a dune1.6Differences between dry and wet sand1.7Sand temperature and density1.8Dune slope and its face1.9Terminology and quantities1.10Workshop: force balance on an ascent
2.1Forces along the longitudinal axis2.2Engine torque and wheel torque2.3Traction distribution between axles2.4Load transfer under acceleration2.5Aerodynamic drag at high speed2.6Gradient resistance2.7Equation of motion and its solution2.8Power required versus power available2.9Simple spreadsheet simulation2.10Practical: longitudinal model of a vehicle
3.1Contact patch and flotation3.2Reduced pressure: the real effect3.3Tread suitable for sand3.4Risk of tyre derimming3.5Permissible speed at low pressure3.6Tyre temperature3.7Re-inflation and on-board equipment3.8Footprint test in sand3.9Practical adjustment criteria3.10Practical: pressure test in sand
4.1Ratios and maintaining engine speed4.2Torque converter and clutch in sand4.3Gear changes and loss of momentum4.4Locking and torque distribution4.5Useful torque curve for sand4.6Power loss from temperature and altitude4.7Cooling under sustained load4.8Air filtration in sand4.9Fuel consumption on this terrain4.10Practical: choosing ratios for dunes
5.1Reading the dune and choosing a line5.2Maintaining momentum5.3Ascent, crest and descent5.4Cut-off crest and risk of falling5.5Turning on a slope and lateral rollover5.6Getting stuck: what to do and what not to do5.7Recovery with sand ladders and with a recovery strap5.8Safe recovery between vehicles5.9Minimum on-board equipment5.10Practical: operating protocols
6.1Sand test plan6.2Useful data channels6.3Measuring real speed and wheelspin6.4Comparing configurations6.5Validating the model with data6.6Honest interpretation of results6.7Test documentation6.8Common errors in sand6.9Documented real-world cases6.10Final project: longitudinal dynamics study on dunes
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams Car, MoTeC i2 Pro, Python (pandas), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for acceleration and braking tests in sand, comparison of tyre pressures on dunes, and acquisition of wheelspin and speed data. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the phenomena of sinkage, resistance and traction in loose sand.
Build a longitudinal vehicle model on deformable terrain.
Adjust tyre pressures to maximise flotation.
Select gear ratios and engine speed for dune driving.
Apply safe driving techniques on ascents, descents and crests.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams Car, MoTeC i2 Pro, Python (pandas). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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