Course in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics
Online course of 300 h in fundamentals of off-road vehicle dynamics. 6 modules with ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary), ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration) and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Course in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics — studying from New Zealand
Off-road and special vehicle engineering is a major strength in New Zealand, reflecting the importance of agriculture, forestry, mining and construction. Manufacturers and fabricators in the Waikato and Canterbury produce tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment and specialised machinery, many of which are exported worldwide. Engineers in this field work on design, testing and safety compliance for equipment used on farms, in plantations and on remote worksites.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Which New Zealand bodies relate to off-road and specialist vehicle engineering?
Engineering New Zealand is the main professional body, and vehicle compliance is handled by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Heavy machinery and certain specialist vehicles can also fall under WorkSafe New Zealand rules. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so employers and regulators decide their value.
Who hires off-road and special vehicle engineers in New Zealand?
Employers include forestry and agricultural equipment firms, mining and civil construction contractors, fabrication shops, and emergency or utility vehicle fleets. Practical design, safety and maintenance skills are central to hiring. A SEIUM qualification may help, but its weight depends on the employer.
How does the study load work for someone with a job here?
The programme is fully online, so you can study around work from anywhere in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. You get an assigned technical tutor, and fees can be paid in instalments or sponsored by an employer.
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 particularities of dynamics off the asphalt.
Model longitudinal dynamics with traction and rolling resistance.
Analyse lateral dynamics and stability on uneven terrain.
Evaluate vertical dynamics and comfort according to ISO 2631-1.
Incorporate tyre–terrain interaction into the models.
Combine testing and simulation to validate behaviour.
Develop a dynamic model of an off-road vehicle in a final project.
Who it's for
- Vehicle dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Vehicle simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Off-road testing engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Chassis engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Mobility researcher who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Product development engineer who wants to specialise in Fundamentals of Off-Road Vehicle Dynamics.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the off-road vehicle manufacturing sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
- ISO 2631-1 (whole-body vibration)
- ISO 8608 (road and terrain profiles)
- ISO 4138 (steady-state circular test)
- ISO 3888-2 (obstacle avoidance manoeuvre)
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- ISO 16231-2 (stability of self-propelled machinery)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What changes compared with asphalt1.2Reference systems and degrees of freedom1.3Masses, inertias and centre of gravity1.4Forces at the wheel–terrain contact1.5Deformable terrain and variable grip1.6Excitation from irregularities1.7Quantities and units1.8Models of varying levels of detail1.9Available calculation tools1.10Workshop: formulating a simple model
2.1Traction and resistance to motion2.2Load transfer during acceleration2.3Traction limit and wheelspin2.4Braking and distribution between axles2.5Gradient resistance2.6Obstacle-crossing capability2.7Required and available power2.8Associated consumption2.9Performance calculation2.10Practice: longitudinal model of a vehicle
3.1Cornering at low and high speed3.2Tyre slip and cornering stiffness3.3Understeer and oversteer3.4Lateral load transfer3.5Roll and anti-roll stiffness3.6Static and dynamic rollover3.7Effect of centre-of-gravity height3.8Cornering on deformable ground3.9Stability under high load3.10Practice: calculation of rollover limit
4.1Quarter-vehicle model4.2Sprung-mass natural frequencies4.3Unsprung mass and its effect4.4Damping and its tuning4.5Response to potholes and steps4.6Comfort and operator exposure4.7Cab and seat isolation4.8Loss of wheel contact4.9Comfort–control trade-off4.10Practice: vertical response simulation
5.1Traction models on soft soil5.2Sinkage and compaction resistance5.3Effect of inflation pressure5.4Tracks versus wheels5.5Terrain variability5.6Required soil parameters5.7Model limitations5.8Validation with field tests5.9Prudent interpretation of results5.10Practice: terrain–vehicle integration
6.1Basic test instrumentation6.2Standardised test manoeuvres6.3Multibody simulation of the vehicle6.4Model calibration with data6.5Sensitivity analysis6.6Use of dynamics in design6.7Use in driver training6.8Common modelling errors6.9Real cases analysed6.10Final project: dynamics study of an off-road vehicle
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams, IPG CarMaker, Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for loose-terrain traction tests, comfort measurement with accelerometers, and longitudinal and lateral dynamics simulation. Assessment is continuous by 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 particularities of dynamics off the asphalt.
Model longitudinal dynamics with traction and rolling resistance.
Analyse lateral dynamics and stability on uneven terrain.
Evaluate vertical dynamics and comfort according to ISO 2631-1.
Incorporate tyre–terrain interaction into the models.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
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 comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses MATLAB/Simulink, CarSim, MSC Adams, IPG CarMaker, Python. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
ROPS/FOPS Testing in Agricultural Machinery Course
Online 300-hour course in ROPS/FOPS testing for agricultural machinery. 6 modules covering OECD Code 4 (static ROPS test on tractors), OECD Code 10 (FOPS test on…
Course in Virtual Reality for Off-Road Training
Online 300-hour course in virtual reality for off-road training. 6 modules covering Law 31/1995 on Occupational Risk Prevention, Royal Decree 1215/1997 (work equipment) and Unity. Assigned…
Course in Type-Approval Testing for Forestry Machinery
Online 300 h course in type-approval testing for forestry machinery. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 167/2013 (type-approval of agricultural and forestry vehicles), ISO 11850 (self-propelled forestry…
More in Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery
All Off-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships