Mechanical Engineering – BEng (Hons)

Develop a basic understanding and working knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical and electronic technology and their applications in mechanical engineering.

This module introduces the learner to the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and demonstrates their use in everyday engineering. Beginning with the assumption that learners have no prior experience with computing, basic computing literacy is established before progressing to more advanced material. The learner will acquire general computing skills and competencies, in addition to a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Office. The learner will develop the ability to apply the software to useful engineering applications such as formal report writing, generating engineering data, producing equations, data analysis, and data presentation.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and a working knowledge of the engineering technology and materials used in industry.

This module is designed to introduce the learner to Air technologies and their applications in Engineering. Introducing items such as pneumatic air actuators, air lifts, bulk transport and properties of air, applications of air systems.

Develop a recognition of the basics of engineering mathematics and use them to solve practical engineering problems.

Engineering Drawing is an essential communication technique for those involved in Engineering, the aim of this module is to give the student a comprehensive introduction to the standards used in the preparation of Engineering drawings. Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems are now the typical means by which Engineering drawings are produced, students will use 2D and 3D CAD software to prepare a portfolio of their work.

To develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics and their application to engineering.

The use of computer aided design and manufacturing (CADCAM) systems in industry has become an essential part of the modern working environment. It is used at all stages of the design period, from conceptualisation and production of working drawings to the production of virtual reality images, prototypes, and final products. This unit aims to further candidates understanding of the CADCAM Parametric Modelling environment, in terms of hardware, software and physical surroundings, and the concepts of mechanical engineering design that accompany this environment. It will explore the typical composition of a CADCAM Parametric Modelling systems and Health and Safety matters that are associated with safe working practices.

All elements of the module are predicated upon safety and ethical considerations. This module is structured to provide a balance of theoretical and practical experience through classroom, computer laboratory and workshop environments.

The aim of this module is to broaden and strengthen the knowledge of Electrical and Electronic technology. Understand the use of electrical circuitry and basic control in mechanical systems and solve practical problems.

This module in Engineering Technology and Maintenance introduces the learner to advanced technologies, procedures and techniques as used by the modern mechanical or manufacturing engineer. The module has four main elements including metrology, material science, manufacturing processes and maintenance. All four elements are predicated upon safety and ethical considerations as required by a code of good practice.

The workshop content forms a very important element of this module and the material given in the lecture is positively reinforced in the workshop setting. Learners will utilise practical workshop activities to create parts, assemblies and projects to industry standards. The use of metrology laboratory work create the opportunity of the student to self-assess the quality of their work. This learning is supported through the linking of lectures to this coursework, assessments and development of problem based learning and experiential learning.

The aim of this module is strengthen knowledge of Engineering Science fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical problems.

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. The knowledge gained, from such principles as the conservation of energy and the second law of thermodynamics, is applied to practical applications including heat pump and refrigeration cycles, vapour power cycles and gas power cycles. The plant components required for these thermodynamic cycles are analysed, with particular focus on boiler systems, compressor and turbine configurations and performance. The learner will also apply the principles of thermodynamics to laboratory experiments, while gaining experience in the collection, interpretation and presentation of experimental data in order to draw conclusions.

This module aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials and processes used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies to enable them to select both correct materials and processes. Learners will understand how to quantify the environmental impact behind these choices Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (Granta Edupack for example). Learners will analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading.

This module involves the application of the laws of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics in the analysis of engineering situations involving heat transfer. The students are introduced to the area of heat transfer through real world examples, and given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in theoretical calculations and through practical, laboratory based experiments. The aim of the module is to provide the students with the fundamental theories of heat transfer.

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.

Develop the students understanding of fluid power through a grounding in Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics.

This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts of Industrial Automation control systems in a range of applications and there by develop an understanding and application of the concepts. PLC programming will be used to apply the concepts.

This module involves active learning where learners participate in a work based group project. The group project topic involves the practical application of research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis and manufacturing. The group project allows for team development where each member has a defined role to play.
This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for work placement/employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem-solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.

This module is the work placement element for candidates on the Level 7 Degree and Level 8 Honours Degree programmes in the Mechanical and Automobile Engineering Department. The aim of this module is to give learners the opportunity to apply the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that they have gained in previous stages of their programmes while being employed in a supervised professional engineering industry.

The Engineering work placement is a semester long 5 month period. This will give learners 20 weeks of placement in an engineering organisation. During this time the learners will aim to transfer and build upon the knowledge, skills and competencies that they have gained in the previous stages of their programme. This enhanced learning will be used by candidates who are continuing onto a Level 8 programme.

Engineering Professional Practice is offered as an alternative for students who have not secured a work placement. This module provides an opportunity to engage with real-world engineering challenges through research and practical activities. It aims to develop critical thinking, enhance analytical skills, strenghten transferrable skills and strengthen communication – both in writing and presentations – within an engineering context.

This module aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem-solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.

This module aims to develop learners research and evaluation skills through an enquiry based approach project and draws upon the knowledge, skills and competence gain in the previous years of study.

The learners will develop research skills and the ability to work independently to produce an applied research report in accordance with pre‑determined formats, standards and ethics preferably in conjunction with an industry partner. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the programme of study being undertaken and aligned to an industrial topic preferably in collaboration with a partner company. The student is required to produce a thesis to provide an exhaustive, critical and in‑depth analytical study of the specific area of interest.

This module provides the learner with an introduction to formal project management methodologies and the project management environment. Utilising active learning strategies, the module develops the learner’s knowledge and skills in the various tools and techniques for effective project management outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The module also provides a platform for the learner to investigate their own personality type, and to develop a deeper awareness of the effects of different personality types on the project team.

This module also introduces the learner to situational project management through multiple choice questions, which are in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation assessment method.

This module will give learners a detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, how they degrade and fail. They will gain a detailed insight into the current industrial testing methods that are required to obtain material properties and measure their response to degradation and failure.

This module develops the knowledge, understanding and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes in engineering. Additive manufacturing is a collection of technologies that used CAD data to produce 3-dimensional physical models and parts through an additive process typically using polymers or metal materials. The learners will evaluate and develop strategies for the production of parts using new technologies and processes to create new components and systems to replace or complement existing manufacturing processes. A clear understanding of the additive manufacturing market and the opportunity to develop new applications form part of this module.

This module will explore sustainable manufacturing and the methods of manufacturing that minimises waste and the environmental impact in additive manufacturing. The goals for this sustainability will be in the design, process design and operation principles of additive manufacturing.. Sustainable manufacturing may be defined as a system that integrates product and process design issues with issues of manufacturing, planning and control in such a manner as to identify, quantify, assess, and manage the flow of environmental waste with the goal of ultimately reducing the environmental impact to that of the self-recovery capability of the Earth could deal with while also trying to maximise resource efficiency.

This module is concerned with the estimation of use of Energy in Buildings. It includes an analysis of heat losses, solar gains, hot water generation and basic ventilation systems in domestic and small commercial buildings, and the calculation of energy use in buildings using DEAP/NEAP software. The legislation governing energy use is covered, including Irish Building Regulations and NZEB Requirements. New Buildings require the incorporation of renewables for regulation compliance, and the module will cover the specification and integration of Heat Pumps, PV’s and Solar Thermal systems for buildings.

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to achieve an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and reach an appropriate level of academic competence in the analytical and computational elements of this topic, and apply this knowledge in the optimisation of engineering solutions.

This module deals with the mechanical aspects that an engineer will be faced with in industries that use equipment classified as Plant Engineering and Air Conditioning systems. Plant engineering encompasses equipment such as boilers, condensers, heat exchangers, combined heat and power units. This module will apply the laws and theory of thermodynamics and heat transfer to the design, classification and use of such equipment. Psychrometrics involves the study of the properties of air and how this relates to the design of air conditioning systems.

The module builds on the Students foundation in statistics and builds confidence in statistical skills in order to, visualise and interpret inferential statistics, make good decisions from samples / populations, improve quality.

Continue exploring Quality Science, to give the student an understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, and to give the student a broad foundation in the statistical thinking that form the basis of the Six Sigma process.

The module adopts both theoretical and active learning. The learner applies analytical tools developed in the programme to make observations and critically analyse case studies that are industrial in nature.

The learner creates a formal project report utilising Advanced Word, Excel and MS Project and is provided with the opportunity to develop their presentation skills as they present work throughout the semester. This module aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for employment, including creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills.

This module will allow learners to become proficient in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (C.F.D.). CFD applies the theory of fluid flow to solve problems using specific software programmes. This module will use an applied learning approach.

CFD is a Finite Volume method (FVM) and it uses the governing equations for fluids – Navier stroke’s equations, which have a non-linear convection term that makes the problem unsymmetric. Thus, the standard FEA method which is based on Bubnov-Galerkin formulation – same shape functions for test and interpolation, fails without the stabilisation term. On the other hand, FVM which is based on conservation laws can handle this unsymmetry without the need for stabilisation terms and has inherent local conservative property in the formulation. A suitable simulation software package is required to deliver this module (e.g. Solidworks Flow Simulation).

This module on design for manufacture and assembly investigates the techniques which are used to minimise product cost through the implementation of design and process improvement. Through the analysis of industrial case studies, the learner will implement the principles of design for manufacture and assembly within a controlled environment. Students will also learn about Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing and the integration of these into industry.

This module will explore the increasing digitalisation of manufacturing, from advanced design to production process models and the use of visualisation techniques in manufacturing support. The relevant value and application of Design Tools, Digital Twins, Simulation Models, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, will be investigated.

To achieve this aim the learners will investigate modern communications networks and their applications with an emphasis on industry 4.0 practices and case studies.

Introduce the student to Automated Building Controls and how they relate to Building and Facilities. Describe the function and control of the various systems employed in modern facilities.

Describe different types of Building Management systems currently available. Evaluate and specify suitable systems for a facility, including Electrical safety, Facilities control and Building Management Systems

The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to achieve an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and reach an appropriate level of academic competence in the analytical and computational elements of this topic, and apply this knowledge in the optimisation of engineering solutions. Also, to show the impact of simulation tools on the engineering process and best practice in their use.

This Module Comprises a study of a number of Building Services Systems in buildings. The students will learn how to optimise the design of heating, ventilation and water systems, incorporating practical skills such as pipe and duct sizing, equipment selection (radiators, pumps etc.). The module also incorporates the use of Modelling Software which can assist in the accurate calculation of heat losses, gains, and daylight analysis. The fundamentals of artificial lighting design and acoustic considerations for buildings will also be included as significant components of the module.