Course Title: Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Design / Mechanical Engineering
Leaving Certificate Requirements
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Minimum Number of |
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Subjects |
Higher |
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5 |
N/A |
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Minimum Grade in |
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Maths |
Four Subjects including English/Irish |
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O4/H7 |
O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Requirements
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QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
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Any full Level 5 or 6 award |
Essential Component Awards: Merit in one of the following C20174 or C20175 or 5N1833 or 5N18396 or 5N0554 or 5N0556 or 6N3395 or B20029 or 5N2066 or C20139 or 4N2138 or N33029 or 5N16654 or O4/H7 in LC Maths |
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.
Course Description
Engineers are in extremely high demand right now in Ireland and globally with exponential growth in job opportunities, especially in the Mechanical and Biomedical sector.
With such rapid advances in technologies in the healthcare and medical devices sector, robotics, pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage industries, graduates of these three courses will be at the forefront of new technologies to help improve our quality of life through new innovative designs.
This course takes 3 years to complete and we ensure that additional tutorials are available for any students who may require additional academic support. In Year 1 students will have the option to choose between Mechanical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering. The two Engineering disciplines pride themselves on graduating students who are industry-ready after 3 years.
Engineering graduates are trained to be creative and inventive, and to solve difficult problems such as the development of new technologies from jet engines to robots to artificial hip implants to hybrid cars and train components.
Mechanical engineers work at the leading edge of projects such as augmented reality, driverless cars, renewable energy sources and biocompatible materials for medical devices. In this three-year course, you’ll study subjects such as engineering graphics, mechanical science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, machine dynamics and robotic systems. You’ll learn about engineering analysis, design and manufacture, and be trained in the use of complex equipment (computers, medical devices, robots, various consumer products). In our laboratories, you’ll face real-world issues and you’ll learn the language of engineers and begin to think like an engineer.
Biomedical Design engineers develop technologies to save people’s lives and to improve health. They design products such as stents, ventilators, diabetes monitors, incubators, artificial joints and limbs. 300 medical technology companies are based in Ireland employing over 25,000 people. Biomedical design engineers are the link between the technology and the medical profession. Students study human anatomy, medical imaging, regulatory affairs, device design alongside core engineering modules.
In your final year of all engineering courses, you will carry out a project, often a design, build and test style project which will develop your problem-solving, design, and communication skills, a key skill that employers require. The project will give you a good opportunity to develop your design, selection of materials and machining skills.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Students experience innovative teaching in modern laboratories and lectures. They can visit engineering companies, travel abroad for a semester or year to our partner Universities in France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, China or seek work placements through our close links with engineering companies and past graduates in industry.
Professional Accreditation
Engineers Ireland have accredited our courses for over 25 years now which means that graduates can travel worldwide and have their qualifications recognised abroad.
Our past graduate of the Level 7 courses often work in technical roles in companies such Intel, Aer Lingus, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Kerry Foods, Coca Cola, Siemens, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, Kenkel and Google. Many graduates also work in medical device companies, hospital laboratories and the energy sector. Our graduates often progress to Level 8 either full time or part time in order to progress to engineer roles.
Semester 1
Critical Skills Development
This Module will focus, in particular, on the development of critical skills such as research skills, learning skills, the skills of academic writing and referencing, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills/teamwork.
Electrical Circuits
The aim of this module is to introduce and apply the laws used in DC circuit analysis and to introduce the student to the basic components of electrical circuits that will provide a solid foundation for further study.
Engineering Graphics
This module aims to enable the student to communicate engineering information in the form of orthographic drawings.
Materials & Processes 1
This module provides the student with fundamental knowledge in materials and manufacturing processes for both metals and plastics. It will provide students with an overview of the relationship between the structure and properties of materials and their influences on manufacturing processes. It will provide the student with the knowledge required to implement both materials and manufacturing process selection through the analysis of design requirements. The student will expand their knowledge of the environmental aspects of manufacturing processes.
Mathematics 1
The first aim of Mathematics 1 is to allow a thorough revision and consolidation of key basic mathematical topics that have been encountered by students prior to entry to higher education. The second aim is to deepen the students understanding of key mathematical ideas regarding engineering functions, iteration and calculus in such a way as to support other engineering modules.
Physical Science
This subject equips the student with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of physical science. It enables the student to apply mathematical formulae and techniques to the analysis of physical problems. This provides essential grounding for other engineering topics.
Semester 2
Automation
The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding and provide practical experience of fluid power and PLC control systems as used in industrial environments. This subject forms the basis for student project work and further study in third year.
Solid Modelling 1
This module aims to enable the student to communicate component part information in a technical situation. The student will be able to create three dimensional CAD models, interrogate a model history tree and subsequently generate two dimensional drawing layouts with geometric dimensions.
Mechanics 1
The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding of mechanical problems and apply mathematical formulae and techniques to their analysis. This subject forms the basis for further study in second and third year.
Measurement Systems
The aim of the subject is to provide the student with the ability to use measurement methods in lab work throughout the course and in professional life.
Materials and Processes 2
This module provides the student with fundamental knowledge in materials and processes for materials. It will provide the student with the knowledge required to implement both materials and manufacturing process selection through the analysis of design requirements. It will provide students with an overview of relationship between structure & properties of materials and manufacturing processes. The student will expand their knowledge of the environmental aspects of manufacturing processes.
Mathematics 2
The aim of Mathematics 2 is to enable the student to master a broad range of standard mathematical techniques in linear algebra, analysis and calculus to a high level of proficiency. This proficiency is required to support engineering subjects and forms the basis for further mathematical study in year 2.
Semester 3
Mechanics 2
This subject equips the student with a fundamental understanding of mechanical problems. It will provide the student with the analytical and practical skills for solving problems in this field. This forms the basis for further study in their final year.
Electrical Engineering 1
This module will introduce and develop the student’s understanding of the theory of alternating current and voltage. AC and DC machines will be introduced. The effect of circuit components on the relationship between voltage and current will be covered including their effect on both single phase and 3 phase AC power and DC power.
Fluid Mechanics 1
This module will introduce students to the principals of fluid mechanics and will also lay the foundation for fluids mechanics 2. Students will apply these principles to the solution of engineering problems such as pipe sizing and the selection of system components such as valves and pumps.
Solid Modelling 2
Solid Modelling 2 will provide the student with experience of the general engineering design process, and provide a foundation for Design. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to apply solid modelling techniques to assist the design and development of typical engineering components. Students will apply concurrent engineering assembly techniques for working effectively in teams and enable them to contribute to the modification or design of manufacturing systems and products.
Quality & Manufacturing Systems
This subject provides the student with an introduction to Quality and Manufacturing Systems. The student will also gain practical experience in the use of various Quality and Manufacturing Systems techniques.
Mathematics 3
The aim of the module Mathematics 3 is to provide the student with a working knowledge of statistical techniques so as to enable them to select and apply such techniques to the solution of engineering problems.
Semester 4
Group Project & Environmental Technology
The aim of the group project is to prepare students to work in project teams and integrate technical knowledge in design, processes and materials with the soft skills required for effective teamwork. A further aim is the development of creative problem solving skills. The aim of the Environmental Technology section is make students aware of the need for consideration of environmental matters with regard to project work.
Information Technology
The course will provide a foundation for computer programming skills and enable the student to plan, programme for final test and validation and debug code for embedded engineering solutions using a stuctured approach.
Mechanics 3
This subject equips the student with a fundamental understanding of mechanics of machines. It will provide the student with analytical and practical skills for the solution of problems in this area.
Electrical Systems & Networks
This module demonstrates to the student where the basic principles of electro-magnetism translate into industrial actuators such as DC motors, AC motors and Stepper motors. This module will apply knowledge of the National Rules for Electrical Installations to allow the graduate to work safely with electrical panels. Finally the module aims to equip students with the ability to read and understand drawings of electrical installations and hence communicate with other professional engineers
Thermodynamics 1
This subject introduces and develops basic thermodynamic principles and focuses on industrial applications.
Mathematics 4
The first aim of Mathematics 4 is to further develop the broad range of standard mathematical techniques in linear algebra, analysis and calculus assimilated in Mathematics 2. The second aim is to enable the student to apply these mathematical techniques to the solution of bounded engineering problems.
Semester 5
Mathematics 5
The first aim of Mathematics 5 is to reinforce the student’s competence in a range of mathematical techniques to support the analytical content of other modules in the course. The second aim is to enable the student to apply these mathematical techniques to the solution of engineering problems, such as the analysis of system behaviour and solution of control problems.
Mechanics 4
This subject equips the student with detailed knowledge of theoretical, numerical and experimental techniques to analyse mechanical stress systems. This in turn will provide the students with the analytical ability and practical skills necessary in the workplace.
Automation Systems
This module equips graduates to work with automated technologies by providing them with knowledge, understanding and practical experience in PLCs, sensors, robotics, pharmaceutical automation and machine vision. Safety strategies in both the design and implementation of automated systems are emphasized. The practical work is designed to develop team working skills.
Design
Design builds on knowledge of the engineering design process, encompassing specification, analysis, creative thought, and selection from alternative designs. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to write basic design specifications for a product or task. Students will undertake analytical calculations to design and/or select machine elements and apply selection methodologies to compare different design proposals. Students will also be tutored in the requirements for safety, ergonomic and environmental issues. They will expand their concurrent engineering knowledge into the areas of design for manufacturing, and assembly etc.
Thermodynamics 2
Thermodynamics 2 will build on the fundamentals introduced in Thermodynamics 1, introduce the student to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and explain its consequences. This will enable the student to analyze the performance of heat engines and heat pumps. In addition it will give the student an understanding of heat transfer processes and the analytical skills to evaluate the performance of heat exchangers typically found in process industries such as the food, pharmaceutical and bio-engineering industries.
Project
The aim of this module is for the student to develop a solution to a problem that is presented to them that meets specified objectives. The Project will bring together a wide range of technical skills such as; mechanics, mathematics, materials, manufacturing technology, automation and computer programming. It is also required that students provide a creative, high quality solution and compare their final project against initially stated specifications, aims and objectives. The students are to develop 3D CAD solid models, and 2D engineering drawings to represent their project solutions.
Semester 6
Mathematics 6
The first aim of Mathematics 6 is provide the student with further transform based techniques so as to have completed a broad range of methods for the solution of engineering problems. A second aim of the module is to apply numerical implementations of transforms to sampled signals and data. Finally the module aims to complete the process of putting in place a firm mathematical foundation for future development of the student.
Mechanics & Materials
The first aim of this subject is to describe and analyse vibrations and their role in mechanical systems. The second aim of the module is to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of engineering materials. It also aims to provide the student with further understanding of the relationship between materials microstructure and associated material properties. The concept of fracture toughness and designing against catastrophic failure using fracture mechanics is introduced. This is achieved through lectures in materials science and engineering.
Management & Professional Development
The primary purpose of this module is to inform the student of the societal and business context in which they practice their engineering profession. This context includes the constraints imposed by the environment, health and safety and the ethical and professional standards expected of an engineer in society. The business and economic context includes an understanding of the role of business, entrepreneurship, business competitiveness and marketing. The subject also provides foundation skills for graduate engineers to manage their work in a modern engineering or manufacturing environment and to calculate the cost implications of engineering decisions.
Instrumentation & Control Systems
The aim of this subject is to enable the student to apply mathematical formulae and techniques to the solution of engineering control problems. In a workplace context the student should be able to analyse and model an engineering problem and apply an appropriate control strategy
Fluid Mechanics 2
To enable the student to develop the knowledge and analytical skills to solve practical problems in fluid mechanics, through applications to system design and performance studies.
Project
The aim of this module is for the student to develop a solution to a problem that is presented to them that meets specified objectives. The Project will bring together a wide range of technical skills such as; mechanics, mathematics, materials, manufacturing technology, automation and computer programming. It is also required that students provide a creative, high quality solution and compare their final project against initially stated specifications, aims and objectives. The students are to develop 3D CAD solid models, and 2D engineering drawings to represent their project solutions.
Mechanical Engineering
Biomedical Design Engineering
The opportunities for mechanical engineers are numerous. Past graduates have gone on to work as creators and designers of new technologies. Some are involved in research of fuel and energy, materials, heating and cooling processes, storage and pumping of liquids and gases. Other graduates work as process engineers or project engineers in the food, pharmaceutical, medical device, semi- conductor and energy sectors.
- Diarmuid Rush, Head of Department
Graduates of Mechanical or Biomedical Design Level 7 courses may progress to Year 4 of their Level 8 program upon successful achievement of a GPA of 2.5 and an average 60% in Mathematics at Level 7.
Students who do not have the above may take qualifier exams in August before Year 4 as an attempt to achieve this standard.