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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
135
Mechanical and
manufacturing engineering
Students who wish to study mechanical and manufacturing
engineering apply to the Engineering degree (TR032). The
first two years are common to all Engineering students and
at the end of the second-year students select Mechanical
and manufacturing engineering as their specialist area.
See page 126 for details of the Freshman (first two) years.
What is Mechanical and
manufacturing engineering?
This is often seen as the broadest of all engineering
qualifications as the skills required range from mathematics
and electronics to metal fatigue and fluid mechanics.
Nearly all machines used in everyday life – from the car or
washing machine to the most complex aircraft or electricity
supply plant to the tiniest surgical instrument – have required
the skills of a mechanical engineer. Every industrial plant or
manufacturing operation relies on a mechanical engineer for
its smooth running and efficiency.
Mechanical engineers are involved in design, testing, inspection
and manufacture of mechanical devices and components. As
a mechanical engineer you will work as a professional using
technology to make the world a better, safer place.
What will you study?
Course topics include:
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Energy
– the study of thermodynamics applied
to the creation and use of energy.
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Solid mechanics
– stresses and deformation
experienced by components under service loads.
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Engineering materials
– the mechanical properties
of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites.
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Fluid mechanics
– the study of gases and liquids,
for example the flow of air over the wings of an aircraft,
or the flow of air into a car engine.
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Manufacturing technology and systems
– how
components are made and how factories are organised.
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Dynamics
– the study of moving bodies and machines,
including acoustics and vibrations.
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Mechatronics
– the study of electro-mechanical systems,
for example the electronic control of engines and
manufacturing processes.
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Engineering design
– principles underlying the correct
design of components; computer-aided design.
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Bioengineering
– Engineering principles of the human
body: design of medical devices and instruments.
In the Junior Sophister (third) year you will study eight technical
courses. In the Senior Sophister (fourth) year and optional
Masters (fifth) year you will choose from a wide range of
technical and non-technical subjects, tailoring your degree to suit
your own interests. You can specialise in areas of the subject
such as: bioengineering, energy, aeronautics or manufacturing.
Project work is an important aspect of this degree and
there is an extensive research facility available to students.
You will carry out several projects, including a major
research project in your final year. Some examples of
final-year projects include:
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Study of jet engine exhaust noise
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Design and build an entry for ‘Robot Wars’
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Design and construction of energy storage devices
for the developing world
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Pedestrian car impact simulation
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Making new body parts by tissue engineering
Study abroad and work experience
You can spend part of your fourth year studying abroad
or working in industry. There are opportunities to study
abroad through the Erasmus, Cluster and Unitech exchange
programmes. The Department links with many universities
including Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium; INSA de
Lyon, France; INPG Grenoble; Karlsruhe, Germany and KTH,
Sweden.
Career opportunities
As well as the potential for a career in mainstream mechanical
or manufacturing engineering, graduates have found work in
industries as diverse as film production and airlines. There is
also a demand for specialist research and development work in
industry, research organisations and universities. Opportunities
exist for graduates in mechanical and manufacturing engineering
to find employment in Ireland and elsewhere in the following
areas:
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Engineering consultancy companies engaged in national
and international engineering projects
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Large public utilities – Local authorities, transport, power
generation etc.
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Companies manufacturing mechanical, electronic,
biomedical and pharmaceutical products
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Specialist areas such as design, engineering management,
financial services and IT
Further information
www.tcd.ie/mecheng
Tel: + 353 1 896 1383