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CourseOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery Applications open

Course in Setup Strategies for Off-Road Vehicles

Online 300-hour course in setup strategies for off-road vehicles. 6 modules covering FIA Appendix J, Article 283 (safety equipment for off-road vehicles), FIA Appendix J, Article 285 (Group T1 off-road vehicles) and MoTeC i2. Tutor assigned and enrolment open.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Define what a setup is and which parameters make it up.

02

Adjust springs, dampers and bump stops according to the terrain.

03

Configure geometry and steering for each type of test.

04

Select tyres and pressures and adjust the transmission.

05

Apply a data-driven test method.

06

Carry out set-up work during a test under technical regulations.

07

Document a complete setup in a final project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Off-road track engineer looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Suspension engineer looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Competition data analyst looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Damper technician looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Competition chief mechanic looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Test driver looking to specialise in Setup Strategies in Off-Road Vehicles.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter off-road competition.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Appendix J, Article 283 (safety equipment for off-road vehicles)
  • FIA Appendix J, Article 285 (Group T1 off-road vehicles)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics: vocabulary)
  • SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
  • ISO 4138 (steady-state circular test)
  • ISO 7401 (lateral transient response)
  • ETRTO Standards Manual
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Objective of set-up against the terrain
  2. 1.2Adjustable parameters and fixed parameters
  3. 1.3Trade-off between traction, comfort and control
  4. 1.4Influence of the driver on set-up
  5. 1.5Documentation of the base configuration
  6. 1.6Method: one change at a time
  7. 1.7Recording sensations and data
  8. 1.8Set-up versus modification
  9. 1.9Regulatory limits
  10. 1.10Workshop: base configuration sheet
  1. 2.1Working heights and preload
  2. 2.2Springs: rating and progressivity
  3. 2.3Low- and high-speed compression
  4. 2.4Extension and rebound control
  5. 2.5Hydraulic bump stop and end of travel
  6. 2.6Anti-roll bars and disconnection
  7. 2.7Front-to-rear balance
  8. 2.8Damper temperature
  9. 2.9Bench verification
  10. 2.10Practice: suspension set-up plan
  1. 3.1Camber, caster and toe
  2. 3.2Set-up for wear and for grip
  3. 3.3Turning radius and steering ratio
  4. 3.4Understeer and oversteer behaviour
  5. 3.5Anti-dive and anti-squat
  6. 3.6Roll centre
  7. 3.7Effect of travel on geometry
  8. 3.8Measurement and required tooling
  9. 3.9Repeatability of measurements
  10. 3.10Practice: geometry measurement and adjustment
  1. 4.1Tyre choice by terrain
  2. 4.2Pressures and their adjustment by stage
  3. 4.3Temperature and wear as information
  4. 4.4Locking differentials and torque distribution
  5. 4.5Gear ratios
  6. 4.6Management of available traction
  7. 4.7Brakes: distribution and sensitivity
  8. 4.8Ballast and mass distribution
  9. 4.9Range and fuel weight
  10. 4.10Practice: set-up matrix by terrain
  1. 5.1Designing a test plan
  2. 5.2Reference section and repeatability
  3. 5.3Data acquisition and useful channels
  4. 5.4Structured driver interview
  5. 5.5Separation of effects
  6. 5.6Decision-making with contradictory data
  7. 5.7Historical set-up record
  8. 5.8Supporting simulation tools
  9. 5.9Common methodological errors
  10. 5.10Practice: comparative test of two set-ups
  1. 6.1Reconnaissance and forecasting of conditions
  2. 6.2Set-ups by stage and by section
  3. 6.3Time available at the bivouac
  4. 6.4Conservative and risk-based decisions
  5. 6.5Team–driver communication
  6. 6.6Set-up after breakdown or damage
  7. 6.7Managing wear throughout the test
  8. 6.8Common errors and their cost
  9. 6.9Documented real cases
  10. 6.10Final project: set-up logbook for a vehicle
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded lectures and an assigned technical tutor. There are 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 MoTeC i2, Shock Tools, MATLAB, Advanced Excel, AiM Race Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures from test sessions with data acquisition, damper dynamometer and tyre pressure set-up. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with careers in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Reconnaissance and forecasting of conditions

Define what a setup is and which parameters make it up.

Set-ups by stage and by section

Adjust springs, dampers and bump stops according to the terrain.

Time available at the bivouac

Configure geometry and steering for each type of test.

Conservative and risk-based decisions

Select tyres and pressures and adjust the transmission.

Team–driver communication

Apply a data-driven test method.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Off-road track engineerSuspension engineerCompetition data analystDamper technicianCompetition chief mechanicTest driver
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow the reading of technical regulations.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.

The course uses MoTeC i2, Shock Tools, MATLAB, Advanced Excel and AiM Race Studio. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official title issued by the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Consult the recognition policy when you enrol.

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