Mechanical Engineering with Management

Program Overview

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Mechanical Engineering with Management

Overview

This diploma aims to augment the undergraduate education of those who have completed it, through a combination of advanced scientific knowledge, interpersonal and research capabilities, with a specific focus on the development of engineering commercial and management skills. The curriculum will improve employability by developing the postgraduate skills required for a successful transition to industry or a research role in academia.

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) basis. Part- time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.

Entry Requirements

Normally a 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a suitable engineering discipline, including substantial Mathematics and engineering content at 2.2 Honours level or equivalent standard, acceptable to the School.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,867
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Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £4,867
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £6,167
EU Other | £17,200
International | £17,200

Modules

• Research and Data Analytics (20 credits)
• Sustainable Energy Systems (20 credits)
• Manufacturing Technology (20 credits)
• Engineering Systems and Management (20 credits)
• Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)
• Business Management and Enterprise (20 credits)

Career Prospects

This postgraduate degree programme offers a range of modules that can be combined to suit particular career aspirations, and graduates will have the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in mechanical engineering, technical management, research and other related fields.

Research and Data Analytics

Overview

Technical research skills, including use of databases and repositories (journals, patents, standards), literature and technology searches, critical literature reviews, citation techniques, copyright and plagiarism. Quantitative & qualitative research methods, data collection techniques, sampling theory and survey methods, research integrity and ethics. Mathematical fundamentals, data handling, processing, analysis and statistical techniques, process optimization and decision-making (design of experiments), with implementation in relevant software packages and programming environments. Technical communication and dissemination.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.
• Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions.
• Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non- technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Skills

• Complete an information search using a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources.
• Deliver a paper or presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively.
• Manage time effectively in order to achieve intended goals.
• Formulate effective strategies for achieving goals when working with others.
• Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities.

Sustainable Energy Systems

Overview

Fundamental principles, applications, and potential of key mature sustainable and renewable power sources used globally including: 1) wind power, 2) hydro power, 3) biomass, 4) solar power, and 5) nuclear energy. Other non-mature and/or less widely utilised technologies including a) wave and tidal, b) compressed air energy storage, c) geothermal, and d) energy storage will be introduced at a higher level. Current trends and perspectives on development and application of sustainable energy systems with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.
• Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions.
• Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
• Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate.
• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
• Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.

Skills

• Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems.
• Analyse data using appropriate techniques.
• Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources.
• Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader.

Manufacturing Technology

Overview

Structure and properties of engineering materials, laser manufacturing processes, as well as joining and assembling processes (welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, mechanical assembly). Control, automation, and metrology assisted automation, standards for quality control. Principles of design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA), techniques for product simplification and cost reduction. Current trends and perspectives on manufacturing technology with guest lectures from industry and research, and practical sessions in School/other manufacturing facilities. Advance readings containing case studies will precede each of these major topics, and will form the basis for discussion and content delivery. Follow-on assignments will require application of this content in the context of the case studies and implementation in manufacturing facilities. Knowledge in laser manufacturing will be accessed by class test.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.
• Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
• Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non- technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Skills

• Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities.

Engineering Systems and Management

Overview

Engineering project planning and management techniques, including project scheduling tools (PERT, Gantt charts, phase–gate analysis), techniques for reducing project duration and cost, mitigating delays and risks, and managing teams. Concepts and techniques for managing engineering systems, including systems structures, systems management and risk, decision analysis and support, systems design (requirements analysis, functional analysis and design, component design, validation). Concepts and techniques for operations, production, and supply-chain management, including labour schedules, forecasting demand, ensuring quality, maintaining inventory, and transporting products and materials. Lean and quality management, value stream mapping, advanced quality planning, lean teams and tools, lean and the supply chain, standardized working. Current trends and perspectives on engineering management with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits. Advance readings containing case studies will precede each of these major topics, and will form the basis for discussion and content delivery. Follow-on assignments will require application of the content in the context of the case studies (e.g. develop a plan for scheduling an engineering project, analyse an engineering system and propose an alternative system design, plan the supply chain and operations for a process). Group project integrating analysis and planning of multi-part systems.

Learning Outcomes

• Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
• Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.

Skills

• None.

Computer-Aided Engineering

Overview

The main focus of this module is on the application of Computer-Aided Engineering in the design and analysis of structural components, especially aerospace structures. The main topics covered in this module include CAD design, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Optimisation. You will be taught static, modal, and dynamic (fatigue) finite element analysis (ANSYS) on satellite structures using satellite launcher vibrations and quasi-static loading. The second part of the module is focused on design optimisation. The lectures and computer sessions cover a number of the most important analytical and numerical methods currently available to optimise structural components.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.
• Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions.
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
• Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
• Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
• Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
• Part/Assembly conceptual design using Solidworks.
• Mechanical preliminary design using Solidworks and Finite Element Method (ANSYS).
• Mechanical detailed design using Finite Element Method.
• Aerospace Structures mechanical and thermal(maybe, depending on module progress) environment.

Skills

• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
• Space environment mechanical loads.
• Using CAD and Finite Element method to design CubSat structures.

Business Management and Enterprise

Overview

Business organization and structures, Business modelling, Business strategy, PESTLE/SWOT Analyses. Market research, Financial/ Management accounting, financial analysis, costs and revenues, budgeting, capital raising. Law and ethics for engineers, professional negligence, and ethical principles for professional engineers. Leadership, motivation, and communication styles. Current trends and perspectives on business and enterprise with guest lectures.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.

Skills

• Apply their skills in communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities.
• Participate effectively in the operation of a team and collaborate effectively with members of the team.
• Deliver a report and presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively.