Mechanical Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

Course Overview

This honours degree programme has been designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineers are involved with almost every aspect of our daily lives, innovating and designing machines from computers to power generators to medical equipment. A Mechanical Engineering qualification offers graduates a huge variety of career paths across a wide range of industries.

This programme focuses on the practical aspects of Mechanical Engineering, such as Computer Aided Design, Engineering Processes and Maintenance, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Plant Engineering, Instruments and Control, etc. Mechanical Engineers apply sophisticated computer based tools and equipment such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), robotics and computer controlled manufacturing systems to aid the quality and speed of machinery production. This programme is taught with a practical, hands-on approach, giving students the skills needed for the employment market.

We welcome applications from holders of apprenticeships in the mechanical trades, and from persons with manufacturing backgrounds, that wish to upgrade their skills and qualifications.

Direct entry into Year 2 is possible for suitably qualified applicants with Craft qualifications or manufacturing backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

• A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

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.

Level 6 Craft Certificate (Trade) such as Fitting or Toolmaking, or National/Higher Certificate

• Candidates who hold a Senior Trade Certificate and/or National Craft Certificate or holders of a National/Higher Certificate (Level 6) in Engineering or Technology may be considered for admission to Year 2 of this programme subject to a satisfactory interview.

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.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Electrical & Electronic Technology I
  • Credits: 5
  • Develop a basic understanding and working knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical and electronic technology and their applications in mechanical engineering.
• Engineering Computing
  • Credits: 5
  • This module introduces the learner to ‘Microsoft Office 2016’ computing applications including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Access and MS Project. Learners will start with basic applications and then progress through to an advanced level. The learner will develop a knowledge of how to apply the software to useful engineering applications such as formal report writing (laboratory), charting engineering data, producing equations and creating a technical database.
• Engineering Technology
  • Credits: 15
  • The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and a working knowledge of the engineering technology and materials used in industry.
• Industrial Pneumatics
  • Credits: 5
  • This module is designed to introduce the learner to Air technologies and their applications in Engineering. Introducing items such as pneumatic air actuators, air lifts, bulk transport and properties of air, applications of air systems.
• Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Maths
  • Credits: 10
  • Develop a recognition of the basics of engineering mathematics and use them to solve practical engineering problems.
• Mechanical CAD and Design
  • Credits: 10
  • Engineering Drawing is an essential communication technique for those involved in Engineering, the aim of this module is to give the student a comprehensive introduction to the standards used in the preparation of Engineering drawings. Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems are now the typical means by which Engineering drawings are produced, students will use 2D and 3D CAD software to prepare a portfolio of their work.
• Mechanical Engineering Science
  • Credits: 10
  • To develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics and their application to engineering.

Year 2

• CADCAM & Design
  • Credits: 10
  • The use of computer aided design and manufacturing (CADCAM) systems in industry has become an essential part of the modern working environment. It is used at all stages of the design period, from conceptualisation and production of working drawings to the production of virtual reality images, prototypes, and final products. This unit aims to further candidates understanding of the CADCAM Parametric Modelling environment, in terms of hardware, software and physical surroundings, and the concepts of mechanical engineering design that accompany this environment. It will explore the typical composition of a CADCAM Parametric Modelling systems and Health and Safety matters that are associated with safe working practices.
• Electrical and Electronic Technology II
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to broaden and strengthen the knowledge of Electrical and Electronic technology.
• Engineering Technology and Maintenance
  • Credits: 15
  • This module in Engineering Technology and Maintenance introduces the learner to advanced technologies, procedures and techniques as used by the modern mechanical or manufacturing engineer. The module has four main elements including metrology, material science, manufacturing processes and maintenance. All four elements are predicated upon safety and ethical considerations as required by a code of good practice.
• Fluids and Mechanics
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is strengthen knowledge of Engineering Science fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical problems.
• Mech Eng Maths & Programming
  • Credits: 10
  • Strengthen the knowledge of mathematical fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical Engineering problems. Developing programming, debugging and engineering computation skills using software such as Visual Basic in Excel.
• Thermodynamics
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. The knowledge gained, from such principles as the conservation of energy and the second law of thermodynamics, is applied to practical applications including heat pump and refrigeration cycles, vapour power cycles and gas power cycles. The plant components required for these thermodynamic cycles are analysed, with particular focus on boiler systems, compressor and turbine configurations and performance. The learner will also apply the principles of thermodynamics to laboratory experiments, while gaining experience in the collection, interpretation and presentation of experimental data in order to draw conclusions.

Year 3

• Applied Mechanical Engineering Mathematics 1
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.
• Applied Mechanical Engineering Mathematics 2
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.
• Fluid Dynamics
  • Credits: 5
  • Develop the students understanding of fluid power through a grounding in Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics.
• Group Project
  • Credits: 5
  • This module involves active learning where learners participate in a work based group project. The group project topic may have industrial links and involves the practical application of research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis and manufacturing. The group project allows for team development where each member has a defined role to play.
• Heat Transfer
  • Credits: 5
  • Application of the laws of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics in the analysis of engineering situations involving heat transfer.
• Hydraulics
  • Credits: 5
  • Develop the students understanding of fluid power through a grounding in Hydraulics, and enable the student to design, build, test and fault find hydraulic and electro-hydraulic circuitry.
• Individual Project
  • Credits: 5
  • This module aims to develop the learner’s ability to apply their technical skills and knowledge to complete an individual technical project. There may be capacity for the individual project to focus on a pre-existing group project, where the focus of the project may be in such areas as characterisation and test of an assembly, product improvements, risk assessment or any other relevant topic agreed between learner and supervisor.
• Industrial Automation
  • Credits: 5
  • Industrial Automation has evolved as a method of monitoring and controlling large processes. Industrial Automation includes, but is not limited to, control systems integrated with software applications to control and monitor the efficiency of these large processes, reducing the need for human intervention
• Industrial Control and Instrumentation
  • Credits: 5
  • To provide learners with the knowledge of instrumentation and process control which includes the basic concepts, the engineering and the installation of control equipment.
• Material Selection
  • Credits: 5
  • This subject aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies. Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (CES Edupack for example). Learners will also analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading. This module will enhance their learning from the Fluids & Mechanics module in Yr 2 and coincide with the Applied Mathematics module in Yr 3. This module is semesterised. Mechanics and Failure Analysis will follow on from it in Semester 2.
• Mechanics & Failure Analysis
  • Credits: 5
  • This module aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies. Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (CES Edupack for example). Learners will also analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading. This module will enhance their learning from the Fluids & Mechanics module in Yr 2 and coincide with the Applied Mathematics module in Yr 3. This module is semesterised and follows on from the Material Selection module in semester 1.
• Plant Engineering
  • Credits: 5
  • Application of the laws of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer in the analysis and design of plant systems and individual components.

Year 4

• Building Information Modelling
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to achieve an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and reach an appropriate level of academic competence in the analytical and computational elements of this topic, and apply this knowledge in the optimisation of engineering solutions.
• Building Management Systems and Technology
  • Credits: 5
  • Introduce the student to Automated Building Controls and how they relate to Building and Facilities. Describe the function and control of the various systems employed in modern facilities.
• Dissertation
  • Credits: 10
  • This module aims to develop learners’ research skills and ability to work independently to produce a dissertation in accordance with pre-determined formats, standards and ethics. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the course of study being undertaken by the student and the dissertation is to provide an exhaustive, critical and in-depth analytical study of the specific area of interest.
• Dynamic Simulation and Systems
  • Credits: 5
  • The study of Advanced Heat Transfer in Buildings, together with an appraisal of Lighting, Water Services Systems, and Acoustics.
• Energy Performance Analysis
  • Credits: 5
  • The study of Assessing the Energy performance of Buildings for Facilities Engineers, including the practical use of software.
• Facilities Management 1
  • Credits: 5
  • This Module relates to the management and maintenance of Buildings, i.e. the discipline of Facilities Management. FM is a broad discipline encompassing many topics . This module focuses on the maintenance of building services and the building fabric itself from a management perspective.
• Facilities Management 2
  • Credits: 5
  • This Module relates to the management and maintenance of Buildings, i.e. the discipline of Facilities Management. In Particular this module focuses on procurement, financial management, health and safety, and employee well-being.
• HVAC & Building Services
  • Credits: 5
  • This module deals with the mechanical aspects that a facilities engineer will be faced with in industry. Topics include psychrometric systems (i.e. air conditioning), soil and waste water, hot and cold water supply. Much of the content is based on the use and application of calculations and data from relevant institute guidelines. Descriptions are given of the types of systems and equipment used for these services.
• Mechanical Services Heat Transfer
  • Credits: 5
  • This module deals with the heat transfer applications that a mechanical or facilities engineer will be faced with in industry. Topics include basics of heat transfer, radiation heat transfer & glazings, heat exchangers and combined heat and power units. Much of the content is based on the use and application of calculations and data from relevant institute guidelines. Descriptions are given of the types of systems and equipment used for these services. This module is semesterised and will link into the HVAC & Building Services module in semester 2
• Statistical Analysis and Techniques
  • Credits: 5
  • To give the student a broad foundation in statistics and to build on this foundation so that the student have the necessary confidence and statistical skills to visualise and interpret data
• System Design & BIM
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to facilitate the student to achieve an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the principles of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and reach an appropriate level of academic competence in the analytical and computational elements of this topic, and apply this knowledge in the optimisation of engineering solutions. Also, to show the impact of simulation tools on the engineering process and best practice in their use.

Career Opportunities

• TUS Engineering graduates work for companies such as ARUP, Regeron, Kirby Group, Jacobs Engineering, Vistakon, Boston Scientific, ESB.
• Positions that graduates have worked in include:
  • Product Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Facilities Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Building Operations Supervisor

Further Study

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