Professional Development Courses

A fast-paced introduction to Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM): learn MCT, the metric that reveals where time and money are being lost.

This advance course bridges the gap between analog power electronics design and production-grade digital control implementation.  Participants master the complete digital control design flow: from plant modeling and transfer function derivation, through z-domain compensator design, to practical fixed-point code deployment on microcontrollers and DSPs.  The course covers digital control of DC-DC converters, three-phase inverters, and motor drives using MATLAB/Simulink for design validation and Qspice for circuit-level simulation.  Building on the RA00072 Intermediate Power Electronics course, this offering addresses the most in-demand skill gap in today's power electronic workforce.  Topics span average-current-mode control, voltage-mode control, state-space representation, discrete-time systems analysis, anti-windup, dead-time compensation, and code generation for fixed-point processors.  Participants leave with a complete digital control design toolkit applicable to EV drivetrains, renewable energy inverters, industrials motor drives, and data center power systems.

This course is the first in the Laser-Based Manufacturing Series and provides the foundational knowledge required for advanced study of laser processing technologies. Participants develop an understanding of laser operation, optics, beam behavior, safety, and the fundamental principles that govern laser-material interactions. Successful completion of this course is required before enrollment in Laser-Based Manufacturing II: Laser-Material Interactions or Laser-Based Manufacturing III: Synthesis & Projects.

This course serves as Module II of the Laser-Based Manufacturing Series, building upon the foundational concepts introduced in Module A: Fundamentals of Laser-Based Manufacturing. Participants explore the physical principles governing how laser energy interacts with materials and how these interactions influence process performance, product quality, and manufacturing outcomes. Successful completion of Module I is required.

This course serves as Module III of the Laser-Based Manufacturing Series, focusing on the practical application of laser technologies in manufacturing environments. Participants apply the foundational concepts developed in Module I: Fundamentals of Laser-Based Manufacturing to evaluate manufacturing processes, troubleshoot performance issues, and explore emerging laser technologies and successful completion of Module I is required.

The UW–Madison METAL Bootcamp is a four-day, hands-on program that introduces participants to the world of metallurgy, forging, and casting through immersive learning experiences led by industry and academic experts. 

TPR360 (Total Performance Reliability) complements the Developing a Winning Strategic Plan for Reliability course by providing a complete model of what a high-performing Maintenance and Reliability organization actually looks like.  In coordination with an organizational strategic plan, TPR360 focuses on the structure of Maintenance and Reliability itself. Participants learn the complete Maintenance Performance System, including the 3 Strategic Pillars, 6 Management Domains, 24 Tactical Disciplines, and 9 System Enablers that collectively define Maintenance and Reliability excellence. 

Master the principles of world-class maintenance and reliability at your own pace with this comprehensive, 13-module course. Learn how to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and build a culture of operational excellence through proven best practices.This course is also available in English: Self-Paced Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices (English) Website

This advanced HEC-RAS training provides hands-on experience developing practical two-dimensional flood models using HEC-RAS and RAS Mapper. Gain proficiency in 2D model setup, terrain and spatial data management, mesh development, spatially varying roughness and infiltration, unsteady boundary conditions, sensitivity analysis, troubleshooting, and inundation mapping. Prior HEC-RAS experience is recommended.

This advanced HEC-RAS training provides hands-on experience modeling hydraulic structures that often control flood elevations, velocities, inundation limits, and infrastructure performance. Learn to model bridges, culverts, weirs, dam structures, road embankments, and related hydraulic controls in 1D and 2D HEC-RAS models. Prior HEC-RAS experience is recommended.