Mechanical Engineering Level 8 (Add-On)
Course Description:
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering builds on the practical skills and applied theory developed at ordinary degree level in order to provide a deeper understanding of more complex engineering concepts.
This is complimented by an increased emphasis in the practical workings of industrial organisations to prepare the student for roles in management should they wish to pursue this path. The course also addresses the area of energy and the environment to give student an appreciation of energy usage and conservation.
Computer analysis plays an increasing role, with Finite Element Analysis being used to study stresses in components, and optimisation being used to improve the design of components. Mechanism simulation allows the student to simulate the movement of and study the forces in a mechanism such as forces in an engine conrod.
The final project thesis is an important aspect of the course as it allows the student to show their ability to apply the knowledge and analytical skills gained in other subjects. Projects may be in the areas of design, simulation or may be experimental in nature. Typical student projects would be the design and development of a prototype braking mechanism, development of a robotic machining system or measurement of impeller characteristics.
Key Skills:
Students will develop skills in the following areas:
- Engineering Materials will analyse the diverse range of materials available from metals and polymers to ceramics and carbon fibre. Mechanics studies the stresses in materials and the wide variety of ways in which materials can fail. Dynamics studies the behaviour of objects in motion such as the forces on a car when cornering or the behaviour of car suspension going over a speed ramp.
- Engineering Design addresses practical aspects of design such as the specification of gears, bearings, pulleys etc and provides to students with the skills to design a transmission system. As many products / devices generate heat or contain circulating fluid, thermodynamics studies the behaviour and flow of this heat in different materials while fluid mechanics studies the behaviour and flow of both liquids and gasses.
- Energy & Utilities Management studies practical energy usage and conservation. Operations Management, Project Management skills develops the management skills necessary to work in a management role in industry.
Career Opportunities:
Mechanical Engineers are involved in the design, analysis, manufacture, testing and inspection of mechanical components and devices. They are highly regarded for their design and analytical skills and find employment in a wide variety of organisations.
At present, there are many employers of mechanical engineering graduates. Ireland has some of the world’s largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical and medical products, as well as many companies engaged in electronics, automobile and computer components manufacture. This combined with the emerging renewable and sustainable energy industries mean that mechanical engineering graduates will be in continued demand for the foreseeable future.
Award
B.Eng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Duration
1 year
Further study opportunities
Students with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering can progress to Masters Degree or PhD level here at Sligo IT or at other institutions. Masters degrees may be taught or be Research based.
Taught Masters Degrees currently available at IT Sligo are MSc in Quality and MSc in Energy management.
Click here to download Add-on Information Sheet 2012 13
For further information, contact:
- David Tormey
- Head of Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering
- + 353 (0)71 91 55225
- tormey.david@itsligo.ie
