Polymer & Mechanical Engineering – BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

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Polymer & Mechanical Engineering – BEng (Hons)

Course Overview

The honours degree in polymer and mechanical engineering is offered in response to the demand for highly skilled graduates with training in mechanical engineering fundamentals, emphasising specific technologies and methodologies associated with polymer engineering. Polymer engineering is a core skill set that many employers in the medical device/healthcare sector look for in graduates. Other industries that polymer engineering is highly sought for are automotive, aerospace, packaging, electronics, construction, textiles, energy and chemical sector. Ireland’s polymer/medical devices sector is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. More than 250 companies are currently developing and manufacturing a diverse range of medical devices and diagnostic products. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce – over 45% of employees in the medical device sector are qualified to graduate or postgraduate level.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 369
• Location: Athlone
• Years: 4
• Course Code: US913
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Mechanical, Polymer Engineering & Design

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Communications for Manufacturing 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Science 1 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Materials 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics (Credits: 5)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Communications for Manufacturing 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Electronics Technology 1 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Processing of Engineering Materials 1 (Credits: 5)
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 1.2 (Credits: 5)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Sensor Systems 2 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Polymer Science 2 (Credits: 5)
• CAD For Plastic Part Design 2 (Credits: 5)
• Energy Systems and Thermofluids 2.1 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 2.1 (Credits: 5)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Control and Power Technology 2 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanics 2.2 (Credits: 5)
• Processes and Operations Management 2 (Credits: 5)
• Polymer Engineering and Tool Design 2 (Credits: 5)
• Polymer Properties 2 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 2.2 (Credits: 5)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Statistics and Lean Sigma 3 (Credits: 5)
• Mechanical Systems Design 3 (Credits: 5)
• Polymeric Materials 3 (Credits: 5)
• Polymer Engineering & Sustainability 3 (Credits: 5)
• Design of Experiments 3 (Credits: 5)
• Mathematics 3 (Credits: 5)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Project Evaluation and Management 3 (Credits: 5)
• Industrial Placement 3 (Credits: 25)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4 (Credits: 5)
• Computer Aided Engineering Design & Analysis 4 (Credits: 5)
• Product Design 4 (Credits: 5)
• Advanced Polymer Engineering 4 (Credits: 5)
• Advanced Polymer Materials (Credits: 5)
• Final Year Project 4 (Year Long Module) (Credits: 10)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Operations Management & Sustainability 4 (Credits: 5)
• Emerging Technologies in Polymer Engineering 4 (Credits: 5)
• Design for Polymer Components – Structural and Thermal 4 (Credits: 5)
• Advanced Polymer Systems 4 (Credits: 5)
• Applied Control Systems 4 (Credits: 5)

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade 06 / H7 in four subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: QQI applicants to this programme must hold the following award: engineering technology (5M2061). They are also required to have the module mathematics (5N1833) or Maths for STEM (5N0556) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants (23 years of age on 1st January prior to admission) must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). As a mature applicant, you have the opportunity to provide additional information about yourself which may help with your application. You can provide details on your employment history, your hobbies and interests, any voluntary work you have done etc.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

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.

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 JL Goor Polymer Engineering Scholarships will enable two CAO applicants to pursue a polymer degree qualification while receiving a bursary of €1,000 for each of their years of study.
• 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

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Degree Overview:

The BEng (Hons) in Polymer & Mechanical Engineering is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program offered at the Athlone Campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). This program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled graduates with expertise in both mechanical engineering fundamentals and polymer engineering technologies. The program emphasizes specific technologies and methodologies associated with polymer engineering, a core skill set highly sought after by employers in various industries, including:

• Medical device/healthcare
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Packaging
• Electronics
• Construction
• Textiles
• Energy
• Chemical sector
Ireland's thriving polymer/medical devices sector is recognized as one of the fastest developing globally, with over 250 companies engaged in developing and manufacturing medical devices and diagnostic products. This sector employs a highly skilled workforce, with over 45% of employees holding graduate or postgraduate qualifications.

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Key Program Features:

• Industry Focus: The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the demanding and rapidly evolving polymer and medical device industries.
• Practical Experience: Students are required to complete a paid six-month placement from January to June in the third year of the program.
This placement provides valuable hands-on experience in industrial settings and allows students to gain insights into various aspects of polymer and mechanical engineering.
• Research and Development: The program culminates in a final year project, which is designed to enhance students' research and analytical abilities.
These projects are often organized in collaboration with industry partners and may build upon work initially undertaken during the placement.

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Outline:

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Year 1

• Semester 1:
• Communications for Manufacturing 1.1 (5 credits)
• Engineering Science 1 (5 credits)
• Mechanics 1.1 (5 credits)
• Engineering Materials 1.1 (5 credits)
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1 (5 credits)
• Mathematics (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Communications for Manufacturing 1.2 (5 credits)
• Electronics Technology 1 (5 credits)
• Mechanics 1.2 (5 credits)
• Processing of Engineering Materials 1 (5 credits)
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2 (5 credits)
• Mathematics 1.2 (5 credits)

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Year 2

• Semester 1:
• Sensor Systems 2 (5 credits)
• Mechanics 2.1 (5 credits)
• Polymer Science 2 (5 credits)
• CAD For Plastic Part Design 2 (5 credits)
• Energy Systems and Thermofluids 2.1 (5 credits)
• Mathematics 2.1 (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Control and Power Technology 2 (5 credits)
• Mechanics 2.2 (5 credits)
• Processes and Operations Management 2 (5 credits)
• Polymer Engineering and Tool Design 2 (5 credits)
• Polymer Properties 2 (5 credits)
• Mathematics 2.2 (5 credits)

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Year 3

• Semester 1:
• Statistics and Lean Sigma 3 (5 credits)
• Mechanical Systems Design 3 (5 credits)
• Polymeric Materials 3 (5 credits)
• Polymer Engineering & Sustainability 3 (5 credits)
• Design of Experiments 3 (5 credits)
• Mathematics 3 (5 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Project Evaluation and Management 3 (5 credits)
• Industrial Placement 3 (25 credits)

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Year 4

• Semester 1:
• Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4 (5 credits)
• Computer Aided Engineering Design & Analysis 4 (5 credits)
• Product Design 4 (5 credits)
• Advanced Polymer Engineering 4 (5 credits)
• Advanced Polymer Materials (5 credits)
• Final Year Project 4 (10 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Operations Management & Sustainability 4 (5 credits)
• Emerging Technologies in Polymer Engineering 4 (5 credits)
• Design for Polymer Components – Structural and Thermal 4 (5 credits)
• Advanced Polymer Systems 4 (5 credits)
• Applied Control Systems 4 (5 credits)

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Practical Classes: Hands-on experience in laboratories and workshops is essential for developing practical skills.
• Projects and Case Studies: These allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop problem-solving abilities.
• Group Work: Collaboration and teamwork are emphasized through group projects and assignments.
• Guest Lectures: Industry experts share their insights and experiences, providing valuable perspectives.
• Examinations: Written examinations assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts.
• Portfolio Work: Students compile evidence of their learning and skills development throughout the program.
• Integrated Assessments: These combine multiple assessment methods to provide a comprehensive evaluation of student learning.

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Teaching:

The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to learning, with approximately 50% of the time dedicated to laboratory and workshop activities. The other 50% is devoted to theoretical instruction and its application.

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures: Provide a structured framework for understanding key concepts and theories.
• Practical Classes: Develop practical skills through hands-on experience in laboratories and workshops.
• Projects and Case Studies: Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop problem-solving abilities.
• Group Work: Foster collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Guest Lectures: Provide insights from industry experts.
• Examinations: Assess theoretical understanding.
• Portfolio Work: Document learning and skill development.
• Integrated Assessments: Combine multiple assessment methods for comprehensive evaluation.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BEng (Hons) in Polymer & Mechanical Engineering are highly sought after by employers in various industries. The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the demanding and rapidly evolving polymer and medical device industries.

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Potential Career Paths:

• Polymer Engineer: Design, develop, and manufacture polymer-based products and components.
• Product Development Engineer: Lead the development of new products from concept to commercialization.
• Research and Development Engineer: Conduct research and develop new technologies and materials.
• Quality Assurance Engineer: Ensure that products meet quality standards and regulations.
• Production Engineer: Optimize production processes and manage manufacturing operations.

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Other:

• Industry Partnerships: The program has strong ties to industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and research collaborations.
• Scholarships: The JL Goor Polymer Engineering Scholarships and the Ultra Polymers Award provide financial support to deserving students.