What you will study
This programme is structured to provide you with the latest developments in this still-evolving discipline of digital product development. It focuses on providing you with hands-on experience of the latest computing applications throughout the entire product development cycle, from simple 3D modelling techniques to an extended capability of 3D laser scanning to generate complex Class A surfaces.
CAE 3D printing
Students also gain practical and theoretical knowledge of analytical design tools to assist the product validation process by applying advanced mechanism design simulation and finite elements analysis techniques. Additionally, examines the importance of advanced manufacturing techniques and the methods used to integrate Computer Aided Manufacturing CAM with computer numerical control, 3D printing technologies into product data management PDM.
Additionally, the programme enables you to gain the entrepreneurship, management and business skills necessary to take on leadership roles in major product design engineering projects.
The hands-on approach, using our state-of-the art multidisciplinary laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment from 3D Printing, CNC machining, Laser Scanning, Metrology, Materials Testing and many more, is a valuable part of the course. The course dovetails with research activities of the teaching staff, implementing the latest advances in our research. Utilising applied research, you have the opportunity to do your own research within an individual industry-relevant 'capstone' project. This includes preparation of a scientific paper, providing an opportunity for that first breakthrough into publishing your work.
Students will be required to pass every module to then go on placement. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Core modules
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management
30 credits
Engineering Research Techniques, Entrepreneurship and Quality Management is a core module for engineering students on various taught MSc programmes. The module is designed to provide the student with the research skills and techniques necessary to select and justify a research topic, plan project execution, use various resources to carry out a literature search and successfully complete the project and other module assignments on the course. It also addresses issues related to presentation of technical reports at MSc. level and for the purpose of wider publication in learned media.
The module further develops the students' knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It supports students in producing proposals for enterprise ideas such as new products or services, or innovations in existing processes or organisations. Concepts of total quality management to enhance quality of products and processes in an industrial setting are presented and application of supporting quality tools and techniques are discussed.
The module content is designed to enhance the students' employability potential in a variety of national and international industrial organisations, or career opportunities in research and development arena. It also equips students with a set of skills to set up their own business in an engineering innovation area should they wish to do so.
Computer Integrated Product Development
credits
This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of some of the fundamental computing technologies that support the engineering product development process. Technologies covered include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Modelling and Analysis (FEM/FEA) and Mechanism Design and Simulation tools available within Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technologies. The module also develops both an understanding of the role of these technologies within Product Data Management (PDM) systems and the role of PDM itself as one of the key enablers for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
Advanced CAD/CAM Systems
30 credits
The module covers advanced CAD/CAM techniques in the conceptual design and manufacture and is heavily focussed on the surface modelling and reverse engineering methods prior to manufacture. Also this module will cover rapid manufacturing methods involving mould design and machining tool path optimisation and full machining simulation verification, and machining collision avoidance.
Engineering Individual Project
60 credits
This is a core module for MSc courses in the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, forming a capstone experience for students on these courses. The module allows you to research and study an engineering topic which is of personal interest, thus allowing you to demonstrate the mastery of your subject, and develop your ability to analyse and evaluate specific areas that may not have been previously covered in-depth in the course.
The vigorous structure of the module provides you with an opportunity to identify an industry-based (or research-focused) project area, establish a feasible hypothesis, find creditable solutions, analyse results and offer recommendations. The module enables you to acquire and appraise new knowledge and apply individual judgement to solve new and often complex engineering problems using cutting-edge technology. It also allows you to demonstrate high levels of responsibility, organisational capability and effective communication with others including the supervisor, wider research community and other stake holders. The module also encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in engineering professional practice and research.
The project applications can be individually tailored to support your career plan and prepare you to tackle real industrial problems with maturity and rationality hence enhancing your employability potential.
Option modules (choose one)
Core modules
Industrial Operation Management and Resources Simulation
30 credits
This module explores various management techniques commonly used in industrial companies to improve operation efficiency, overall productivity and competitiveness. You will gain an in-depth understanding in operational issues related to industrial organisations worldwide. In particular the module focuses on how these techniques are to be applied appropriately in the engineering sector. The module addresses global operational issues faced by engineering companies including design and management of products, processes, services and supply chains. Issues such as acquisition, process development, and resource utilisation will also be considered and analysed.
The content covers both strategic and operational issues including plant location, supply chain management, distribution logistic, customer service process, include production scheduling and control, inventory management, quality control, productivity and performance measurement, materials handling, equipment maintenance policies, etc. The module further aims to identify the resource constraints in its operation through the use of discrete simulation modelling and other software techniques so that a company's overall performance and competitiveness can be improved. The main focus of the module is to provide you with a set of technical skills enabling you to apply your knowledge within an industrial setting, hence enhancing your employability potential.
Green Engineering and Energy Efficiency
30 credits
This option module deals with the criteria and practice of sustainable development within engineering industries. To be able to critically assess energy sources as to usage performance of engineering systems, components and processes in order to minimise industrial waste, scrap and pollution through the use of analytical methods; leading to recommendations for the design, specification and manufacture of environmentally benign products.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Recognise the importance of National and European regulations in relation to renewable technologies in the construction and automotive industries.
- Discuss environmentally related technologies and materials that are fundamental in a range of industries including construction, structural mechanics, automotive and environmental operations.
- Discuss environmental issues related to resource provision and consumption necessary for the manufacture of engineered products, and analyse potential for the application of alternative energy sources.
- Analyse manufactured product design in relation to materials and other resource requirements and apply key concepts to redesign or design products to be recyclable, sustainable with a minimisation of waste.
- Specify and develop energy efficient and environmentally conscious products.
- Critically evaluate the life cycle assessment in incorporation of sustainability at the conceptual design stage.
Mechatronics Design and Automation
credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the main principles of robotic, industrial automation and mechatronics systems. It covers:
- mechatronics control and its application in automation;
- the functions of a robot and its embedded systems such as sensors and actuators;
- how to build dynamic models of robotics systems and design feedback control algorithms;
- advanced techniques such as fuzzy logic and digital logic design to optimise control in automation processes; and
- artificial neural networks and adaptive control.
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
