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Mechanical Engineering – Higher Cert

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 2


Overview

This two year level 6 course provides learners with a grounding in the fundamentals in mechanical engineering, and prepares them to either enter the workplace at a technician level, or continue their studies onto level 7 and level 8 degrees in mechanical engineering.

Contact Details

Faculty Office

Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment: FEBE@tus.ie

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Applicants are considered ‘mature’ once they are 23 years or over on 1 January in the year they wish to begin studying. In the event that the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places you may be contacted for further information or interview. 

Course Modules

  • Electrical & Electronic Technology I

    Credits: 5

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

  • Engineering Computing

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to ‘Microsoft Office 2016’ computing applications including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Access and MS Project. Learners will start with basic applications and then progress through to an advanced level. The learner will develop a knowledge of how to apply the software to useful engineering applications such as formal report writing (laboratory), charting engineering data, producing equations and creating a technical database.

    Students will be assessed on their learning by a variety of strategies including Continuous Assessment, Project and Course Work, Examinations and Moodle based assignments. Continuous assessment is worth 40%, Christmas exam is worth 20% and the final exam is worth 40%.

  • Engineering Technology

    Credits: 15

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

  • Industrial Pneumatics

    Credits: 5

    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.

  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Maths

    Credits: 10

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

  • Mechanical CAD and Design

    Credits: 10

    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.

  • Mechanical Engineering Science

    Credits: 10

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

  • CADCAM & Design

    Credits: 10

    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.

  • Electrical and Electronic Technology II

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to broaden and strengthen the knowledge of Electrical and Electronic technology.

    Understand the use of electrical circuitry in mechanical systems and solve practical problems. Also to prepare for work in the areas of process control in year 3.

  • Engineering Technology and Maintenance

    Credits: 15

    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.

  • Fluids and Mechanics

    Credits: 10

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

  • Mech Eng Maths & Programming

    Credits: 10

    Strengthen the knowledge of mathematical fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical Engineering problems. Developing programming, debugging and engineering computation skills using software such as Visual Basic in Excel.

  • Thermodynamics

    Credits: 10

    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.

Further Information

Graduates of this course will be be equiped with the skills an knowledge to work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician in manufacturing, maintenance and design companies in the Mid-West region such as, Aughanish Alumina, Regeneron, Johnson & Johnson, Shorts Stainless.

Students who successfully complete this level 6 qualification can progress onto the third year of the level 7 or 8 in Mechanical Engineering or may be eligible to progress onto the third year of another similar engineering course.