Professional and Continuing Education

Pawley Hall, Room 440G
456 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-3177
[email protected]

Car headlights beaming over a road at night

Automotive Lighting Certificate Program

Oakland University's School of Engineering and Computer Science and Professional and Continuing Education worked with automotive lighting suppliers and companies to collaboratively develop a hands-on program designed for STEM professionals interested in a career in automotive lighting. Designed and taught by practicing lighting engineers and OU faculty, the program will reduce employment transition time and provide opportunities for students to interact with automotive lighting professionals.
 
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Contact
Email [email protected] or call 248-370-3177
 
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Course Overview
The 12-week, 72 hour program covers fundamental topics exposing students to Optics and LED Lighting, Electricals and Electronics, Design and Testing, Manufacturing Processes and Marketing.   The program is ideal for graduating and working engineers new to the lighting industry. Each module includes minimally one 3-hour educational field experience to enhance first-hand learning. 

Advances in lighting such as smart lights, LED innovations, high efficiency and low cost are fueling the rapid pace of technology changes.  In turn, engineers entering the LED lighting industry are in high demand and nationally earn a median salary of $100,000. 

A PACE Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the field trips mandatory/part of the class?

Field trips are highly recommended, but not required.

2. Can we pick and choose modules or do we have to do all three?

The program is bundled, so to get the certificate you have to take all three and pass with 80% or better based on quizzes and attendance.  If you do well and can't make it to the field trip, you should still be OK. The field trips were added this year because they really brought a great deal of benefit to the participants and in turn to the program.

3. Are certain modules a prerequisite to the next module?

The modules are independent of one another.

4. Who should come to this program?

Newly hired engineers or those technically involved in technical application of product development.

5. Are discounts available?

Discounts (10% maximum) are available for OU Alumni or groups of 5 or more

Module 1 - Introduction, Optics, and Lighting

Automotive lighting has been synonymous since the advent of the car.  Module 1 will introduce you to the history of the automotive lighting industry; where is has been and where it is going, followed by an introduction to terminology, components and units specific to the industry.  The module will quickly dive into lighting optics, design and vehicle interface.

Topics covered include:

  • Forward Lighting history – from candles to Lasers.
  • Styling - the importance of design and visual appeal.
  • Lighting terminology – functions/components/units.
  • Light Generation Sources
  • Physical optics
  • Optical design – fundamentals of Lens/Reflectors/Guides.
  • CAD design – how lamps are digitally engineered
  • Mechanical interface to vehicle
Module 2 - Electricals, Electronics, Design, and Testing

The importance of lighting to driving safety cannot be understated.  Exterior lighting needs to work every time a driver steps into a car without fail.  It is the lighting industry engineering experts’ responsibility to design and deliver a quality product that the public can trust.  This module will provide an introduction to the electronics/electrical design, sensor interface, thermal design that underlay the automotive lighting systems.

Topics covered include:

  • Electrical & electronics Design
  • Vehicle interface, CAN bus, outage
  • Electromagnetic compatibility
  • Sensor interface (ADB, AFS, Camera)
  • Autonomous drive
  • Thermal Design Considerations
  • Structural considerations
  • Testing & validation
  • Moisture Management
Module 3 – Manufacturing Processes and Marketing

Exterior lights are lovingly called the “jewelry of the car.” Not only are lights important to driving safety, but they identify styling and branding for automotive companies. Module 3 will dive into the important aspects of not only the project management/quality aspects of the manufacturing processes, but will provide the learner with the regulations, safety, intellectual properties, and branding that are fundamental to the industry. 

Topics covered include:

  • Project life cycle management
  • Regulations
  • Safety
  • Intellectual properties
  • Injection molding & tooling
  • Materials & Coating
  • Electronic Manufacturing
Schedule and Pricing

Module 1: 4 weeks

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 9 pm
January 7 through January 30, 2025
24 contact hours
3 hour field experience - optional

Module 2: 4 weeks
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 9 pm
February 4 through February 27, 2025
24 contact hours
3 hour field experience - optional

Module 3: 4 weeks
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 – 9 pm
March 4 through March 27, 2025
24 contact hours
3 hour field experience - optional
*Optional Mini Expo for Automotive Lighting Module 3 TBD from 6-9 pm 

Cost: $3600 ($1200 per module)