Precision Engineering (Add-on) - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

The Precision Engineering program at TUS combines hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, developing students' skills in materials, design, and manufacturing. Through a blend of theory and practical application, graduates gain a deep understanding of precision engineering processes and are equipped for roles in diverse industries such as medical, aerospace, and automotive.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Precision engineering is involved with the design, manufacturing and measurement of highly specified parts for the medical, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas exploration and related industry. Parts are designed using CAD systems to develop solutions to engineering problems and when completed the accuracy will measure specialised measurement equipment such as co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM). Students will work as individuals and in groups on a variety of industrial standard engineering projects. Students will use some of the newest CNC technology such as advanced CNC machining, robotics in manufacturing, Additive manufacturing, materials engineering and Lean engineering technology.

Outline:

The program is a one-year full-time course, but can be undertaken part-time over two years. It is designed to develop a deep knowledge of materials, design and manufacture through the utilisation of modern technology. The program is developed in conjunction with world class companies in response to a shortage in highly skilled qualified engineers. It has a high practical content in CNC Machining, Metrology, Materials and Statistical Process Control. The program uses industrial equipment to solve real industrial problems and allows for maximum learning and self-development. Additive manufacturing is a collection of technologies that used CAD data to produce 3 dimensional physical models and parts through an additive process typically using polymers or metal materials. The learners will evaluate and develop strategies for the production of parts using new technologies and processes to create new components and systems to replace or complement existing manufacturing processes.

• Applied Research Project (Credits: 10): This module aims to develop learners research and evaluation skills through an enquiry based approach project and draws upon the knowledge, skills and competence gain in the previous years of study.
The learners will develop research skills and the ability to work independently to produce an applied research report in accordance with pre-determined formats, standards and ethics. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the programme of study being undertaken and aligned to an industrial topic preferably in collaboration with a partner company. The student is required to produce a thesis to provide an exhaustive, critical and in-depth analytical study of the specific area of interest. Advanced technologies that integrate precision engineering processes are examined by the learner who already has an in-depth knowledge of the precision engineering processes. The automation for part realisation from the process initialisation to the final stages of production can greatly enhance efficiencies and these are studied in great detail. The manufacturing systems and processes that can be automated are examined. This module is semesterised. Students will be assessed on their learning by a variety of strategies including continuous assessment, course work and examinations. Continuous assessment is worth 50% and the final exam is worth 50%. All elements of the module are predicated upon safety and ethical considerations as required by a code of good practice.
• Computer Integrated Machining (Credits: 5): This module in advanced machining integration presents in great detail latest technologies and future technologies for CNC machining management.
The learners will gain a detailed knowledge on metal swarf, chips, hazardous particle extraction and coolant management. Through the analysis of industrial case studies, the learner will implement the principles of design for manufacture and assembly within a controlled environment. Students will also learn about Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing and the integration of these into industry.
• Engineering Material Selection (Credits: 5): This module involves an in-depth study of both traditional and novel material types.
It will examine both established and developing methods of manufacture and use material selection software packages to enable learners to optimise material and process selection of industrial products.
• Engineering Project Management (Credits: 5): This module provides the learner with an introduction to formal project management methodologies and the project management environment.
Utilising active learning strategies, the module develops the learner’s knowledge and skills in the various tools and techniques for effective project management outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The module also provides a platform for the learner to investigate their own personality type, and to develop a deeper awareness of the effects of different personality types on the project team. This module also introduces the learner to situational project management through multiple choice questions, which are in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation assessment method.
• Advanced Engineering Technology (Credits: 5): This module in advanced engineering technology presents in detail both the traditional and modern manufacturing processes to the learner.
Students will analyse cutting tool technology, cutting forces, and wear on tools. Advanced and emerging technologies used in modern precision engineering industries are analysed and reviewed by the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of engineering technologies and manufacturing processes. Modern machine tooling, work and tool holding techniques are also presented.
• Implementation of Lean and six Sigma Systems (Credits: 5): This module will introduce the learner to the tools required to define and conduct a lean manufacturing project in an industrial environment.
The tools will enable a learner to analyse a production process, identify areas which have potential for improvement, define and complete projects. It will also compare the lean manufacturing philosophies for process improvement with Six Sigma, which is another widely used process improvement methodology. These two process improvement techniques are two of the most popular that are being implemented in the manufacturing and service industries.
• Mechanics and Materials Testing (Credits: 5): This module will give learners a detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, how they degrade and fail.
They will gain a detailed insight intothe current industrial testing methods that are required to obtain material properties and measure their response to degradation and failure.
• Quality and Financial Management Systems (Credits: 5): With the increase demand in the precision machining industry, the demands on the quality systems employed by companies have also increased correspondingly.
This module will focus on setup and management of quality systems within a high tech manufacturing organization primarily focusing on the medical device, automotive and aerospace industries.

Careers:

Graduates will typically be employed in one of the following roles:

• Precision engineer in a world class machining environment
• Applications engineer utilising CAD/CAM to maximise utilisation of machines tools
• Design Engineer and Development of Complex components
• Manufacturing engineer
• Production engineer
• CNC machinist and programmer
• Materials engineer
• Process control engineer
• Equipment test engineer/technician
• Engineer in the medical device, human implant, and Life Sciences Industries

Further Study:

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