Program Overview

Pharmaceutical Process Equipment, Materials and Mechanical Design (PE6012)

Module Goal

To provide an understanding of the use of Engineering Materials and application of Mechanical Design to Process Equipment in the Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry.

Module Content

• Classification of Materials
• Containment
• Corrosion Resistance
• Process Compatibility
• Materials for Bio-Pharma and Pharma Industries
• Hygienic design
• Mechanical Design
• Machinery Dynamics
• Pressure Vessel Theory
• Fabrication
• Equipment Failure & Safety
• Process vessels
• Pipe systems

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 1 x 4hr(s) lectures
• 1 x 8hr(s) tutorials
• 1 x 12hr(s) problem-based learning

In person lecture/tutorial date

• Friday 20th of September | 1pm - 5pm | Food Science Building Room 322
• Thursday 17th of October | 2pm - 8pm | D Cummins Sustainability Lab G2

Practicalities

• Continuous Assessment - 100 marks
  • Assignment | Selected Studies | 40
  • Project | Selected Studies | 60

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Explain the importance of Design Codes in Vessel Design.
2. Categorize the important internal components of process equipment.
3. Outline the dominant environmental factors that underpin mechanical design.
4. Perform calculations of stress and deflection in equipment under load.
5. Select the material of construction for an item of equipment.
6. Design the significant dimensions of equipment from mechanical considerations.

Requirements

Applicants must have a BE (Hons) or BEng (Hons) Degree or equivalent engineering qualification, with a minimum Second-Class Honours Grade II, OR a level 8 BSc degree, with a minimum grade Second Class Honours Grade II, where the BSc graduate has a recognised qualification in process or Chemical Engineering (e.g. Diploma in Process and Chemical Engineering at UCC or equivalent). However, applicants with equivalent academic qualifications and suitable experience may be accepted subjected to the approval of the Programme Director under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), In all cases, the course of studies for each application must be approved by the Programme Director.

Fees and Costs

€1,000

Course Fact File

• Code: PE6012
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Closing Date: 22/08/2025
• Venue: Blended delivery
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: 12/09/2025