Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

General Information

Mechanical Engineering is a very broadly based discipline and students following the degree programme are prepared for careers in many industrial sectors, including such diverse areas as Energy,Chemical Processing, Research,Manufacturing,Design Consultancy,Materials Processing and Aviation. The Mechanical Engineering Degree programme aims not only to give students a thorough background in fundamental Mechanical Engineering subjects but also allows specialisation in one of a number of areas of particular relevance to Irish industry. Mechanical Engineering at the University of Limerick adheres to traditional guidelines set down by the professional engineering institutions (such as Engineers Ireland and IMechE) and requires students to have an aptitude for mathematics and problem solving.

The modules during the first year are the same as Aeronautical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Computer Aided Engineering and Design and students wishing to migrate between these courses will be encouraged to do so. Mechanical Engineering at the University of Limerick is an honours degree programme accredited by Engineers Ireland (www.engineersireland.ie), and the qualifications of graduates are recognised world-wide through international accords. Graduates achieving a suitable level of experience can register for the award of Chartered Engineer.

Course Structure

The programme is of four years duration consisting of eight semesters and is divided into two parts. Part I,which comprises the first year of study, provides the student with a foundation in the fundamental engineering subjects and makes up for variations in the background of individual students:

• Mathematics and Computing
• Engineering Mechanics
• Physical Chemistry
• Electrical Principles
• Fluid Mechanics
• ProductionTechnology
• The Engineering Profession

Part II comprises years 2, 3 and 4 and the degree award is based on the student’s performance aggregated during these three years.The student generally studies five modules per semester,with each semester worth 30 credits.The student studies all the fundamental subjects of mechanical engineering – mathematics, mechanics of solids, design, mechanics of fluids, thermodynamics, dynamics of machines and control.At the end of Year 2 the student is placed in industry for an eight-month Cooperative Education period.This period provides experience of the practice and application of Mechanical Engineering in an industrial environment. Students return to the University for the latter half of third year and start to specialise.

This programme offers a broad-based course in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, in the final year, the student can specialise in Thermofluids, Mechanics of Solids or Energy by choosing appropriate final year electives.

An important feature of this programme is the final year project.The individual project topic is allocated to the student near the end of third year, following an extensive consultation process.The student then has almost 12 months to undertake this major piece of work and prepare a report of the work for assessment. The project is an opportunity for students to express their creative and analytical skills in an imaginative and professional way and many students are proud to show their work at subsequent job interviews.

For further details, log on to www.mae.ul.ie

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent): Grade C3 in Higher level Mathematics and a grade D3 in a Higher or Ordinary Level paper in any one of the following:Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics, Technology, Biology,Agricultural Science.

Students can also enter this programme of study via the Engineering Choice degree LM116. Applications from mature students and transferees with NCEA (and other) Certificates and Diplomas are most welcome. Students with suitable qualifications may be offered exemptions from years 1 and / or 2 and a special transferee programme is run for one semester to help some students adjust. A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Career Prospects

• Mechanical Design in Aerospace, Biomedical, ICT, Process, Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing Industries
• Optimisation and Design of Energy Systems
• Project Management
• Aerodynamics
• Materials and Structural Analysis
• Research and Development
• Consultancy
• Design,Operation and Optimisation of Power Generation Systems
• Control of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processes