Polymer & Mechanical Engineering (Add-on) – BEng (Hons)
Program Overview
Polymer & Mechanical Engineering (Add-on) – BEng (Hons)
Course Overview
This programme is a one year add on, open to Level 7 graduates in the Polymer & Mechanical Engineering discipline and leads to a Bachelor of Engineering (honours) degree. Polymer & mechanical engineering focuses on the interdisciplinary study of polymers and their applications in mechanical engineering. The intersection of polymer and mechanical engineering involves the application of principles from both fields to the design and development of products and systems that involve polymers. This can include the study of the mechanical properties of polymers, the design of polymer-based components, the development of new materials for specific mechanical applications, and the understanding of how polymers behave under different mechanical conditions. Through a year-long industrial project based in a company or in collaboration with a researcher from one of our centres, our program provides students with invaluable work and research experience. Experienced academics and research personnel, along with industry visits and case studies with an industrial focus, further strengthen these connections between industry and research.
What will I experience?
- Our TUS Midlands campus offers highly practical engineering education. You will spend approximately half of your time honing your practical engineering skills in cutting-edge labs, and the remaining half will be devoted to engineering theory and its application.
- Our state-of-the-art engineering laboratories offer you the opportunity to work in small teams on projects and problem-solving to hone your communication and teamwork skills while gaining invaluable experience using top-of-the-line technical engineering equipment.
- Completing an industry-based project will also give you invaluable work experience, and through our research centres, you might even get the chance to collaborate with researchers on cutting-edge engineering projects.
- After completing the course, you will have gained the ability to evaluate polymer & mechanical engineering systems critically, spot possible improvement areas, implement corrective action, and, when necessary, propose and carry out an alternate solution.
What opportunities might it lead to?
- Leading manufacturing companies, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbots, Athlone Extrusions, and Mergon, have stated in conversations that they require mechanical and polymer engineers with real-world experience.
- The manufacturing and supply chain businesses in the greater Midland area were consulted during the course’s design process by the TU, and they expressed support for its introduction.
- Businesses engaged in research have determined that the skills taught in this course will be essential for the workforce of the future.
- Your specialized knowledge and abilities will open up established career opportunities in fields like:
- Polymer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Design and Management
- Manufacturing Process and Product Design
- Manufacturing and Automation
- Project Management
Entry Requirements
- Entry to the programme is restricted to holders of an appropriate Level 7 degree or a level 6 award with 2 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Applicants for this one-year add-on programme are required to hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Mechanical Engineering or cognate discipline.
Module Overview
Semester 1
- Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4
- Credits: 5
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices industries must comply with the regulatory requirements of the markets that they supply to. This module aims to equip students with the requisite knowledge that will allow them to adhere to the specific regulatory requirements of safety, efficacy, quality and performance.
- Computer Aided Engineering Design & Analysis 4
- Credits: 5
- The successful alignment and integrated implementation of all analytical and computational techniques resulting in a more streamlined engineering design/manufacturing process with reduced costs, decreased development time and improved quality through the efficient usage and application of computational engines and appropriate industry-specific software.
- Product Design 4
- Credits: 5
- The successful alignment and integrated application of appropriate analytical and computational techniques for the design of plastic products, parts and/or assemblies resulting in a streamlined engineering design/manufacturing process with reduced costs, decreased development time and improved quality.
- Advanced Polymer Engineering 4
- Credits: 5
- This module will build on the theoretical and practical aspects of polymer processing methods covered in year 2 and 3. The module will enable the student to develop a comprehensive knowledge of polymer process validation including test method development, DOE and scientific injection moulding.
- Advanced Polymer Materials
- Credits: 5
- To build upon the student’s knowledge of polymer engineering materials and to bring about a more detailed technical understanding of engineering polymeric materials and their response under load.
- Final Year Project 4 (Year Long Module)
- Credits: 10
- To develop the student’s ability to carry out independent research into a relevant topic of technical merit related to the particular field of study.
Semester 2
- Operations Management & Sustainability 4
- Credits: 5
- This module addresses two important areas of management that are essential to an engineering graduate; operations and sustainability.
- Emerging Technologies in Polymer Engineering 4
- Credits: 5
- To build upon the student’s knowledge of polymer engineering state-of-the-art and to bring to their awareness emerging trends from R&D and industrial settings in the areas of production/design, manufacturing and materials.
- Design for Polymer Components – Structural and Thermal 4
- Credits: 5
- To equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to design optimised plastic parts, components and assemblies for structural and thermal applications while ensuring these designs can be manufactured efficiently i.e. appropriate cooling during processing.
- Advanced Polymer Systems 4
- Credits: 5
- This module provides the student with the knowledge to apply structure-property relationships to a variety of high performance polymers and polymers for the medical device industry and provides the student with the necessary background to select a polymer for a particular application.
- Applied Control Systems 4
- Credits: 5
- This module aims to develop an understanding of control theory as applied to the polymer industry.
What can you do after this programme?
Career Opportunities
- 100% job securement within six months of the conclusion of the course.
- This degree programme is designed to equip graduates with skill sets that are relevant and essential to emerging industrial technologies.
- Graduates can expect to find employment as Polymer Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Product Development Engineers.
Further Study
- Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.
- Full details of our postgraduate programmes can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus.
Additional Information
Assessment Information
- At TUS Midlands we provide candidates with a set of transferable skills with a strong focus on practical experiments, problem solving and case study work.
- We place emphasis on candidate support and aim to provide a learning environment that is both stimulating and academically challenging, whilst also supporting your learning.
- You will encounter a range of teaching methods that include but are not limited to:
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Projects and case studies
- Group work
- Guest lectures
- Examinations
- Portfolio work
- Integrated assessments
Scholarship Information
- The Ultra Polymers Award, accompanied by a €250 bursary, will be presented to the top female polymer & mechanical engineering student at the end of her third year.
Program Outline
Polymer & Mechanical Engineering (Add-on) – BEng (Hons) - TUS
Degree Overview:
This program is a one-year add-on, open to Level 7 graduates in the Polymer & Mechanical Engineering discipline and leads to a Bachelor of Engineering (honours) degree. It focuses on the interdisciplinary study of polymers and their applications in mechanical engineering. The program emphasizes the application of principles from both fields to the design and development of products and systems that involve polymers. The program provides students with invaluable work and research experience through a year-long industrial project based in a company or in collaboration with a researcher from one of the university's centers. Experienced academics and research personnel, along with industry visits and case studies with an industrial focus, further strengthen these connections between industry and research.
Outline:
Semester 1:
- Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4 (Credits: 5): This module equips students with the knowledge to adhere to regulatory requirements of safety, efficacy, quality, and performance in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices industries. It also covers the documentary and testing requirements of a validation program.
- Computer Aided Engineering Design & Analysis 4 (Credits: 5): This module focuses on the efficient usage and application of computational engines and industry-specific software to streamline the engineering design/manufacturing process, reducing costs, development time, and improving quality.
- Product Design 4 (Credits: 5): This module focuses on the design of plastic products, parts, and/or assemblies using appropriate analytical and computational techniques to streamline the engineering design/manufacturing process, reducing costs, development time, and improving quality.
- Advanced Polymer Engineering 4 (Credits: 5): This module builds on the theoretical and practical aspects of polymer processing methods covered in previous years. It enables students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of polymer process validation, including test method development, DOE, and scientific injection molding. It covers various composites used in the polymer industry, the benefits of using different types of composites reinforcements and polymer matrices combinations, and how additives affect the thermal and electrical conductivity of composite materials. It also explores failure modes in polymer material selection for appropriate design and how environmental aspects affect the mechanical properties and life of composite material. The module emphasizes the philosophies of "circular economy" and "green design" as important considerations in composite material design.
- Final Year Project 4 (Year Long Module) (Credits: 10): This module develops the student's ability to carry out independent research into a relevant topic of technical merit related to the particular field of study. It demonstrates the student's ability to draw together in-depth knowledge and skills gained throughout the program, together with independent learning, and apply them to a current and relevant industrial-based engineering project.
Semester 2:
- Operations Management & Sustainability 4 (Credits: 5): This module addresses two important areas of management: operations and sustainability. It explores the role of operations management in productivity, global operating environments, and strategy. Key aspects of designing operations are explored, such as product design & development decisions (design for sustainability and product safety), process design, layout decisions, job design, ergonomics, and workplace safety. Sustainability at the organizational level is explored with particular emphasis on the sustainability of the transformation process.
- Emerging Technologies in Polymer Engineering 4 (Credits: 5): This module builds upon the student's knowledge of polymer engineering state-of-the-art and brings to their awareness emerging trends from R&D and industrial settings in the areas of production/design, manufacturing, and materials. It exposes students to cutting-edge technological trends and SOTA with a bias for polymer engineering, dividing the approach into three clusters: digitalized industries and IoT, advanced/hybrid
- Advanced Polymer Systems 4 (Credits: 5): This module provides students with the knowledge to apply structure-property relationships to a variety of high-performance polymers and polymers for the medical device industry. It provides the necessary background to select a polymer for a particular application and practical laboratory experience in the synthesis and characterization of high-performance and biomedical polymers.
- Applied Control Systems 4 (Credits: 5): This module aims to develop an understanding of control theory as applied to the polymer industry.
ovel manufacturing techniques and technologies, and materials science advancements, trends, and R&D. A full semester project is the main strategy to explore these clusters in a team-effort manner, developing engineering soft skills such as negotiation, team collaboration, and project and time management. The module contains theoretical, practical, and empirical material.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a range of assessment methods, including:
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Projects and case studies
- Group work
- Guest lectures
- Examinations
- Portfolio work
- Integrated assessments
Teaching:
The program emphasizes practical experiments, problem-solving, and case study work. It aims to provide a learning environment that is both stimulating and academically challenging while supporting student learning. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Projects and case studies
- Group work
- Guest lectures
- Examinations
- Portfolio work
- Integrated assessments
Careers:
The program is designed to equip graduates with skill sets that are relevant and essential to emerging industrial technologies. Graduates can expect to find employment as:
- Polymer Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Product Development Engineers
- The program is a Level 8 qualification.
- The program is full-time.
- The program is one year in duration.
- The program is open to holders of an appropriate Level 7 degree or a Level 6 award with two years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
Overview:
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi-campus university in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its focus on applied learning and innovation, fostering strong industry ties and providing excellent employment opportunities for its graduates.
Services Offered:
TUS provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Admissions & Support:
Admissions guidance, international student support, open days, student finance information, induction programs, and student support services.Campus Life:
Accommodation options, career and employability services, chaplaincy and pastoral care, disability supports, learning support, student counselling, student health services, sports facilities, student union, clubs and societies.Faculty Areas:
Business, Hospitality & Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment & Informatics, Sciences, Health & Technology, and Limerick School of Art & Design.Student Life and Campus Experience:
TUS prioritizes a student-first approach, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities. The university also provides comprehensive support services to ensure a positive and enriching student experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Applied Learning & Innovation:
TUS emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers.Strong Industry Ties:
The university has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.Excellent Employment Opportunities:
TUS graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a strong track record of successful career outcomes.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities.Comprehensive Support Services:
TUS provides a wide range of support services to ensure students' academic and personal success.Academic Programs:
TUS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, technology, art, and design.Postgraduate:
Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.Apprenticeships:
Programs in various trades and technical fields.Flexible & Professional Learning:
Programs designed for working professionals.Other:
TUS is a QS 5 Star Rated University, recognized for its high-quality education and research. The university is also actively involved in research and development, with a focus on areas of national and global importance.
Entry Requirements:
- EU Home Students: Holders of an appropriate Level 7 degree or a level 6 award with 2 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Mechanical Engineering or a cognate discipline. Applicants should familiarise themselves with visa processing times for their country of origin to ensure they make a timely application.