Mechanical Engineering with Energy - BEng (Hons)
Program Overview
Mechanical Engineering with Energy – BEng (Hons)
Course Overview
Mechanical Engineering with Energy offers a unique blend of career opportunities, personal fulfilment, and the chance to make positive impacts on the world by addressing energy challenges.
This TUS Midlands course is ideal for students interested in the intersection of mechanical engineering and energy technology, as it equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to address contemporary energy demands facing Industry, including sustainability and environmental considerations.
Graduates of such programs can pursue careers in various industries, including energy production, renewable energy, HVAC systems design, and more.
Why study this course?
Our Mechanical Engineering with Energy course is crafted in a way to blend the essential theoretical and practical elements of Mechanical Engineering with some specialised expertise in sustainable energy engineering. Mechanical engineers are essential for optimizing energy usage in manufacturing processes and ensuring the efficiency of industrial machinery, while energy engineering assumes a pivotal role in the generation, distribution, and storage of energy, forming the cornerstone of our society. The dynamic landscape of technological progress, including electric vehicles and data centres, is continuously evolving, with mechanical engineers at the heart of the process.
Graduates can explore diverse career paths in renewable energy, manufacturing, and more, enjoying job security in an industry resilient to economic shifts. This field fosters innovation in energy technology, offers high earning potential, and aligns with personal interests in problem-solving and sustainable practices. Its global relevance allows professionals to work internationally and contribute to the transition to sustainable energy sources. Moreover, interdisciplinary learning opportunities broaden skill sets, making it a compelling choice for those seeking to shape a sustainable energy future.
What will I experience?
At TUS Midlands, Engineering education is very practical. Almost 50% of your time will be spent in state-of-the-art laboratories developing your practical engineering skills, and the other 50% will be spent on engineering theory and its application.
While studying on this course students will:
- Visit some of our industrial partners to experience the role of a mechanical engineer.
- Operate high-end technical engineering equipment in our cutting-edge engineering laboratories.
- Develop the ability to critically appraise mechanical engineering systems, to identify area of potential improvement, to bring about corrective action and where applicable, to suggest and implement an alternative solution.
- Learn about environmental loadings of processes/plants and be committed to its reduction, either in terms of the product, the materials or the process.
- Improve your teamwork and communications skills by working as part of small teams on problem-solving and projects.
- Develop an ethical awareness with regard to the engineering profession and environment.
- Gain valuable work experience in third year by completing a six month work placement, and in fourth year through an industry-focused project.
The student must complete a paid six-month placement from January to June in the programmes third year. Placements are readily available across all energy and manufacturing related industries and are intended for you to gain an insight into industrial best practices. These placements can be pursued both within Ireland and internationally. This placement carries a weight of 25 credits and must adhere to predetermined criteria, mutually agreed upon with the employer beforehand. The fourth year project will be organised in co-operation with industry and may in certain circumstances follow on from work initially carried out as part of your work placement.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
- Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate.
- 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.
Course Modules
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)
- Processing of Engineering Materials and Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1 (5 credits)
- Mathematics (5 credits)
Year 1 – 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)
Year 2 – Semester 1
- Sensor Systems 2 (5 credits)
- Mechanics 2.1 (5 credits)
- Engineering Practice & CAD 2 (5 credits)
- Materials 2 (5 credits)
- Engineering Economics (5 credits)
- Mathematics 2.1 (5 credits)
Year 2 – Semester 2
- Control and Power Technology 2 (5 credits)
- Mechanics 2.2 (5 credits)
- Power Generation Project 2 (5 credits)
- Renewable Energy Technologies 2 (5 credits)
- Renewable Energy Thermodynamics 2 (5 credits)
- Mathematics 2.2 (5 credits)
Year 3 – Semester 1
- Statistics and Lean Sigma 3 (5 credits)
- Mechanical Systems Design 3 (5 credits)
- Control & Power Technology 3 (5 credits)
- Combined Heat & Power 3 (5 credits)
- Battery Technology 3 (5 credits)
- Mathematics 3 (5 credits)
Year 3 – Semester 2
- Project Evaluation and Management 3 (5 credits)
- Industrial Placement 3 (25 credits)
Year 4 – Semester 1
- Final Year Project (10 credits)
- Regulatory Compliance and Validation (5 credits)
- Computer Aided Engineering Design and Analysis (5 credits)
- System Dynamics and Vibrations (5 credits)
- Electrical Power Systems and Machines (5 credits)
- HVAC and Utilities (5 credits)
Year 4 – Semester 2
- Operations Management & Sustainability (5 credits)
- Applied Thermofluids (5 credits)
- Energy & Environmental Management 4 (5 credits)
- Smart Grids & Energy Storage (5 credits)
- Wind & Hydro Dynamics (5 credits)
What can you do after this programme?
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, our students can look forward to promising employment prospects in mechanical, manufacturing, and energy engineering roles, spanning regional, national, or international spheres. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a diverse array of careers, including positions in utilities engineering/management, energy consultancy, production engineering, research & development, project management, quality control, production planning, or as a CAD designer.
The industries we collaborate with consistently emphasise the significant value they place on our graduates, who possess a well-rounded blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills.
As is also notable, you will also have attained the necessary skills and abilities to start your own business within the mechanical engineering and energy domains.
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
Program Outline
Mechanical Engineering with Energy – BEng (Hons) - TUS Midlands
Degree Overview:
This program offers a unique blend of mechanical engineering and energy technology, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to address contemporary energy demands, including sustainability and environmental considerations. It is ideal for students interested in the intersection of these fields and provides a pathway to careers in energy production, renewable energy, HVAC systems design, and more.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
- To develop specialized expertise in sustainable energy engineering.
- To equip students with the skills and knowledge to address contemporary energy demands.
- To foster innovation in energy technology.
- To prepare students for diverse career paths in renewable energy, manufacturing, and other related fields.
Outline:
Year 1:
Semester 1:
- Communications for Manufacturing 1.1: Develops interpersonal skills, focusing on conversation, active listening, and body language. Improves knowledge of learning and develops skills for lifelong learning.
- Mechanics 1.1: Introduces basic concepts of engineering mechanics related to simple engineering systems.
- Engineering Materials 1.1: Covers the structure-processing-property relationship of engineering materials, introducing the four main categories: Polymers, Metals, Ceramics/Glasses, and Composites.
- Processing of Engineering Materials and Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1: Introduces drawing, machining, and safety. Develops skills to draw, read, and interpret engineering drawings. Introduces CAD software for producing drawing templates. Covers current standards in engineering drafting practice in both manual and computer-aided drawing. The workshop component develops safety skills, safety awareness, machine tool milling and turning skills, and assembly of engineering components.
- Mathematics: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, and Automation & Robotics.
Semester 2:
- Communications for Manufacturing 1.2: Continues to develop communication skills, focusing on presentation skills, academic writing styles and structures, and extensive work with Excel, including creating and manipulating formulae and graphs.
- Electronics Technology 1: Introduces electronics, covering theory through lectures and lab-based activities. Students acquire skills to identify components, perform calculations, build, and test simple circuits.
- Mechanics 1.2: Expands knowledge of solid mechanics with work on friction, simple machines, work power energy, linear and angular motion.
- Processing of Engineering Materials 1: Introduces modern engineering processes, covering the processing of polymers, metals, ceramics, and glasses. Students gain hands-on experience using a range of polymer processing equipment.
- Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2: Provides hands-on experience with safe mechanical workshop practices, emphasizing safety within a workshop environment and knowledge of machine tools associated with workshop practices. Covers current standards in engineering drafting practice in computer-aided design.
- Mathematics 1.2: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, and Automation & Robotics.
Year 2:
Semester 1:
- Sensor Systems 2: Introduces various sensors applicable in process control, automated, and robotic systems.
- Mechanics 2.1: Concentrates on statics, analyzing loads (force and torque) on physical systems in static equilibrium. Develops skills and knowledge of current standards in drafting practice.
- Materials 2: Broadens understanding of crystalline and amorphous materials, building on knowledge from Year 1.
- Engineering Economics: Helps students interpret simple financial statements, appraise projects in terms of cost and benefit, appreciate the importance of cost reduction, and be aware of ethical issues associated with financial management.
- Mathematics 2.1: Provides a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer Engineering problems.
Semester 2:
- Control and Power Technology 2: Introduces the concept of a control system and its elements, examines system behavior, introduces pneumatics as power sources and its applications, and introduces the programmable controller.
- Mechanics 2.2: Builds on basic concepts of mechanics of machines, examining the response of bodies or systems of bodies to external forces.
- Power Generation Project 2: Provides a team-based, hands-on experience developing a power generation system converting potential and kinetic energy through mechanical energy into electrical energy. Emphasizes practical development of multidimensional skills required for a mechanical engineer.
- Renewable Energy Technologies 2: Develops a practical, theoretical, and empirical appreciation of renewable energy streams, along with its technological systems of conversion and utilization.
- Renewable Energy Thermodynamics 2: Encapsulates a practical and theoretical study of thermodynamics and fluids when applied to renewable energy technologies.
- Mathematics 2.2: Provides a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer engineering problems.
Year 3:
Semester 1:
- Statistics and Lean Sigma 3: Provides statistical tools for evaluating process performance, making improvements, and maintaining control.
- Mechanical Systems Design 3: Covers stress analysis of engineering design problems, using mathematical tools to solve design problems involving compound structures, non-uniform cross sections, mechanical and thermal stresses.
- Control & Power Technology 3: Builds on prior knowledge of control systems, undertaking a deeper analysis of multi-ordered system response characteristics. Builds on prior knowledge of programmable controller systems and applications. Provides knowledge and understanding of power electronic converters and various types of electrical generators.
- Combined Heat & Power 3: Enables learners to understand combined heat and power systems, critically evaluating their utilization from a technical, economic, and environmental perspective.
- Battery Technology 3: Introduces the basic principles of operation of electrochemical cells and describes important operating characteristics of batteries.
- Mathematics 3: Introduces problem-solving using Laplace transforms, linear programming, matrices, and statistics.
Semester 2:
- Project Evaluation and Management 3: Enables students to critically evaluate project proposals, plan and manage their own projects, and participate in industrial projects.
- Industrial Placement 3: Requires learners to complete a minimum of 24 weeks of industrial experience with a suitable commercial body. Learners work on preparing an evidenced-backed portfolio and are assessed through reports, presentations, poster presentations, and interviews.
Year 4:
Semester 1:
- Final Year Project: Develops the student's ability to carry out independent research into a relevant topic of technical merit related to the field of study. 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.
- Regulatory Compliance and Validation: Equips students with the knowledge to adhere to regulatory requirements of safety, efficacy, quality, and performance in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries. Covers the documentary and testing requirements of a validation program.
- Computer Aided Engineering Design and Analysis: Covers the alignment and integrated implementation of analytical and computational techniques for a streamlined engineering design/manufacturing process with reduced costs, decreased development time, and improved quality.
- System Dynamics and Vibrations: Equips students with knowledge and understanding of the design process and methodologies relevant to complex engineering dynamic systems. Enables students to classify systems according to dynamic responses and apply the design process in complex systems.
- Electrical Power Systems and Machines: Introduces components of the electrical infrastructure typical of the industrial environment.
- HVAC and Utilities: Enables learners to understand the operation and utilization of HVAC systems and building utilities, and their integration within contemporary and future energy supply and demand profiles and applications.
Semester 2:
- Operations Management & Sustainability: Addresses operations and sustainability, exploring the role of operations management in productivity, global operating environments, and strategy. Covers key aspects of designing operations, including product design & development decisions, process design, layout decisions, job design, ergonomics, and workplace safety. Explores sustainability at the organizational level, emphasizing the sustainability of the transformation process.
- Applied Thermofluids: Provides background and revision material on concepts and equations for thermofluid flow problems. Learners analyze various applied problems involving fluids.
- Energy & Environmental Management 4: Provides knowledge and skills to deal with technical and managerial challenges associated with sustainable efficient energy and environmental management system performance in industry.
- Smart Grids & Energy Storage: Evaluates on-grid requirements for energy and the utilization of renewable energy as a supply.
- Wind & Hydro Dynamics: Covers the practical and theoretical details associated with extracting energy from wind and hydro dynamic systems, emphasizing design, technologies, the environment, and society.
Assessment:
- Range of teaching methods: Lectures, practical classes, projects and case studies, group work, guest lectures, examinations, portfolio work, integrated assessments.
- Emphasis on practical experiments, problem-solving, and case study work.
- Candidate support and a stimulating and academically challenging learning environment.
Teaching:
- Emphasis on practical experiments, problem-solving, and case study work.
- Candidate support and a stimulating and academically challenging learning environment.
- Range of teaching methods: Lectures, practical classes, projects and case studies, group work, guest lectures, examinations, portfolio work, integrated assessments.
Careers:
- Promising employment prospects in mechanical, manufacturing, and energy engineering roles.
- Career paths: Utilities engineering/management, energy consultancy, production engineering, research & development, project management, quality control, production planning, CAD designer.
- Industries: Utilities, energy, manufacturing.
- Potential to start own business within the mechanical engineering and energy domains.
Other:
- Industrial Placement: Required in Year 3, lasting a minimum of 24 weeks with a suitable commercial body.
- Focus on developing transferable skills.
- Collaboration with industry partners.
- Eligibility for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programs.
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:
- Leaving Certificate:
- Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects.
- Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate.
- Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
- QQI:
- QQI applicants 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 may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
- International Applicants:
- You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.