Automation and Robotics - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

Course Overview

Robotic and automation solutions are revolutionising sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transport. This course is designed to equip learners with the specialist knowledge and wide range of hands-on practical skills at the cutting edge of instrumentation, robotics, process control and industrial automation to pursue a career in this dynamic and evolving field. Engineers with skills in this area are now in very high demand in the manufacturing sector. Many companies are struggling to fill their required positions due to a shortage of graduates. As more and more companies adopt robotics and automation the requirement for engineers in this area is set to increase.

If you are a motivated person with a creative mind, and are interested in engineering and how things work, then Robotics & Automation could be for you. TUS Midlands has strong ties with industrial partners to ensure students get to experience cutting edge technology. Software such as RoboDK is utilised to design and simulate robot cells which can be replicated on one of our industrial robots, providing hands on experience for students.

Industrial work placement is embedded in the course in year three. The student is required to complete a six-month placement from January to June in the third year of the course. The placement carries 25 credits and must fulfil prescribed criteria to which the employer will agree in advance. Graduates are encouraged to secure positions regionally, nationally or internationally in automation and manufacturing roles. This is supported by a dedicated placement officer within the college leveraging our strong industrial partnerships.

Course Details

• Course Code: US916
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Mechanical, Polymer Engineering & Design
• Years: 4
• CAO Points: 318
• Location: Athlone

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

• Communications for Manufacturing
• Mathematics
• Engineering Science
• Mechanics
• Engineering Materials
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics
• Communications for Manufacturing
• Electronic Technology
• Processing of Engineering Materials
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics

Year 2

• Mathematics
• Sensor Systems
• Mechanics
• Computer Aided Design
• Electronics Technology
• Engineering Economics
• Control and Power Technology
• Introduction to Robotics
• Automation Practice

Year 3

• Statistics and Lean Sigma
• Mathematics
• Robotics Programming and Vision
• Control and Mechatronic Systems
• Computer Networks
• Industrial Placement
• Project Evaluation and Management
• Manufacturing Systems and Operations Management

Year 4

• Final Year Project
• Regulatory Compliance and Validation 4
• Computer Aided Engineering Design and Analysis
• Electrical Power Systems and Machines
• Robotic Vision and Interaction
• Enterprise Networks 4
• Operations Management and Sustainability
• Industrial Control 4
• Manufacturing Automation
• Connected Devices
• Robotic Programming Motion and Tooling

Career Opportunities

Your specialised knowledge of automation and robotics can lead to direct employment in the manufacturing industry.

Graduates will find employment in the manufacturing sector generally, across a broad range of industries, such as the medical device, electronics, agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. Typical jobs include automation engineering, process development, fault-finding, as well as working in multi-disciplinary teams in a modern manufacturing environment.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

Program Outline

Automation and Robotics – BEng (Hons) - TUS

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to equip learners with the specialist knowledge and hands-on practical skills at the cutting edge of instrumentation, robotics, process control, and industrial automation.

• To develop students' practical skills in instrumentation, robotics, process control, and industrial automation.
• To prepare students for careers in the manufacturing industry and related sectors.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Communications for Manufacturing: This module introduces students to the principles of effective communication in a manufacturing environment.
• Engineering Science: This module introduces students to the basic principles of engineering science.
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics: This module provides students with practical experience in engineering workshops and introduces them to engineering drawing and design.
• Electronic Technology: This module covers the fundamentals of electronic circuits and devices.

Year 2:

• Mathematics: This module builds upon the mathematical concepts introduced in Year 1.
• Sensor Systems: This module covers the principles and applications of sensor systems in automation and robotics.
• Electronics Technology: This module expands on the electronic technology concepts covered in Year 1.
• Automation Practice: This module provides practical experience in automation systems.

Year 3:

• Statistics and Lean Sigma: This module introduces students to statistical methods and Lean Sigma principles for process improvement.
• Mathematics: This module continues to build upon the mathematical concepts covered in previous years.
• Robotics Programming and Vision: This module covers the programming of robots and the use of vision systems in robotics.
• Control and Mechatronic Systems: This module explores the integration of control systems and mechanical systems in mechatronics.
• Computer Networks: This module introduces students to the principles of computer networks and their applications in automation.
• Industrial Placement: Students are required to complete a four-month work placement from January to April.
• Project Evaluation and Management: This module covers the principles of project management and evaluation.
• Manufacturing Systems and Operations Management: This module explores the principles of manufacturing systems and operations management.

Year 4:

• Final Year Project: Students undertake a major project related to automation and robotics.
• Electrical Power Systems and Machines: This module covers the principles of electrical power systems and machines.
• Robotic Vision and Interaction: This module explores the use of vision systems for robotic interaction with the environment.
• Enterprise Networks: This module covers the principles of enterprise networks and their applications in automation.
• Operations Management and Sustainability: This module explores the principles of operations management and sustainability in manufacturing.
• Industrial Control: This module covers the principles of industrial control systems.
• Manufacturing Automation: This module explores the different types of manufacturing automation systems.
• Connected Devices: This module covers the principles of connected devices and their applications in automation.
• Robotic Programming: This module provides advanced training in robotic programming.
• Motion and Tooling: This module covers the principles of motion control and tooling in robotics.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the program may include:

• Assignments: Students are required to complete assignments to demonstrate their understanding and application of knowledge.
• Projects: Students may be required to undertake individual or group projects to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.
• Presentations: Students may be required to present their work to their peers and faculty.
• Laboratory Work: Practical skills are assessed through laboratory work and experiments.
• Industrial Placement: The work placement is assessed based on the student's performance and contributions to the workplace.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in automation and robotics.
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and project-based learning.
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.
• The program provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in the manufacturing industry and related sectors.
• Typical Jobs:
• Automation Engineer
• Process Development Engineer
• Fault-Finding Technician
• Robotics Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Industries:
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Electronics Manufacturing
• Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Automotive Manufacturing
• Aerospace Manufacturing

Further Study:

• The program has a CAO points requirement of 341.
• The program is a four-year, full-time program.
• The program is accredited by Engineers Ireland.
• The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers in the field of automation and robotics.