Polymer & Mechanical Engineering – BEng (Hons)

This course will develop students interpersonal skills, focusing on conversation, active listening and body language. It will also improve students knowledge of learning and help them develop the skills for lifelong learning.

This module introduces the candidates to the fundamental principles of physics in an engineering context. It contains theoretical, practical and empirical material

This module will introduce to the student to the basic concepts of engineering mechanics related to simple engineering systems. It will broaden the student’s knowledge of the basic principles that are fundamental to mechanical engineering design and the operation of mechanical systems.

A strong knowledge of engineering materials is essential for a manufacturing engineer when designing, manufacturing and analysing a product. The module is primarily concerned with the structure-processing-property relationship of engineering materials with an introduction to the four main categories of materials Polymers, Metals, Ceramics/Glasses, Composite.

The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to drawing, machining and safety. The module provides the student with the skills needed to draw, read and interpret engineering drawings. The students are introduced to CAD software to produce drawing templates. The module provides the student with the skills and knowledge of current standards in engineering drafting practice in both manual and computer aided drawing. The workshop component develops safety skills, safety awareness, machine tool milling and turning skills and assembly of engineering components. Teaching strategies are employed to develop the students’ ability to problem-solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative learning.

This course gives students a foundation in the mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering and Automation & Robotics.

This course will continue to develop students skills in communication, focusing on presentation skills both with and without notes, academic writing styles and structures. Students will carry out extensive work with Excel, to include creating and manipulating formulae and graphs. They will also learn to apply basic statistics to excel.

This module is an introduction to electronics. The theory of electronics will be taught by way of lectures. The lectures will be supported by lab- based activities. Students will acquire skills to identify components, perform calculations, build and test simple circuits. This module will be of benefit to future electronics and electromechanical studies.

The module will expand the students’ knowledge of solid mechanics with work on friction, simple machines, work power energy, linear and angular motion. It will broaden the student’s knowledge of the basic principles that are fundamental to mechanical engineering design and the operation of mechanical systems.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to modern engineering processes. The processing of polymers, metals, ceramics and glasses will be covered. Students will get hands-on experience using a range of polymer processing equipment.

In this module students experience hands on safe mechanical workshop practices. The importance of safety within a workshop environment. A knowledge of machine tools associated with workshop practices. The module provides students with the skills and the knowledge of current standards in engineering draughting practice in computer-aided design. Students ability to problem solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative learning are central to this module.

This course gives students a foundation in the mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering and Automation & Robotics.

This module introduces the learner to various sensors that may be applied in a range of process control, automated and robotic systems.

This module concentrates on that branch of Engineering Mechanics known as ‘Statics’. Statics is the branch of Mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads (force and torque, or “moment”) on physical systems in static equilibrium, that is, in a state where the relative positions of subsystems do not vary over time, or where components and structures are at a constant velocity.

This module will introduce the student to general introductory chemistry including an introduction to matter, molecules, atomic theory, the periodic table, stoichiometry, acids, bases, intermolecular forces and the fundamentals of organic chemistry as they.

Enable the learners to design components and a multi-component assembly in both two and three dimensional computer aided design packages and produce detailed engineering drawings for its manufacture.

The basic theory and practical aspects of thermodynamics are outlined and practical aspects of thermodynamics with an emphasis on the engineering, the environment and society are explored. Candidates develop their understanding of the operation of thermodynamic machines, the effectiveness of such machines and how their performance can be improved. The module contains theoretical, practical and empirical material.

To provide the student with a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer Engineering problems and give them the necessary mathematical background to understand concepts introduced in other subjects.

This module introduces the concept of a control system and its various elements, and examines system behaviour. In this context it introduces pneumatics as power sources and its applications. It also introduces the student to the programmable controller by way of simple examples and programs. The module provides the student with an understanding and knowledge of the theory of electrical circuits covering both a.c. and d.c. industrial installations.

This module builds on the basic concepts of mechanics of machines. The material covered in the module examines the response of bodies or systems of bodies to external forces.

To build on the knowledge attained by the student in first year, to teach the fundamentals of the more prevalent aspects of production processes in association with the operation’s management skills in relation to the running of these processes. To provide the student with the knowledge of production metrics and costing implications of tooling up such a process. To familiarise the student with production costings and techniques relating to manufacturing processes.

This module will enable the student to develop a knowledge of polymer processing equipment (e.g. injection moulding, extrusion and blow moulding) and the use of this equipment to process a range of commodity polymer resins.

The aims of this module are to,
(a) Provide students with knowledge of the dependence of the physical and mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of selected bio-based and fossil based polymers on their structure and morphology.
(b) Provide training in material characterisation techniques that are essential for quality control and process development

To provide the student with a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer engineering problems and give them the necessary mathematical background to understand concepts introduced in other subjects.

This module provides Engineering Students with statistical tools required for evaluating process performance with the intention of making improvements and maintaining control.

Stress analysis of engineering design problems.
Using mathematical tools to solve design problems involving compound structures, non-uniform cross sections, mechanical and thermal stresses.

This module will enable the student to examine the relationship between structures and properties of engineering and speciality polymers, and provides the student with the necessary background to select a polymer for a particular application. It also provides the student with practical laboratory experience in the synthesis and characterisation of selected high performance polymers.

This module will enable the student to develop an in-depth knowledge of polymer processing equipment and the use of this equipment to process a range of hygroscopic commodity and engineering polymer resins. Students will also be introduced to sustainable polymer manufacturing techniques.

This module will be delivered prior to placement in order to provide students with the tools required to partake in experimental design projects. Many organisations use DOE for process performance improvement.
The student will learn how to design, analyse and interpret results of designed experiments. This will be done through the use of practical examples and case studies.

This module is designed to introduce students to problem-solving using Laplace transforms, linear programming, matrices and statistics

The module will enable students to critically evaluate project proposals as well as plan and manage their own projects and participate in industrial projects.

Industrial Placement forms an integral part of the degree programme. Learners must complete the requisite industrial experience with a suitable commercial body for a minimum period of 24 weeks. A student may extend this period by mutual agreement with the company/host. Throughout this period learners will work on the preparation of an evidenced backed portfolio. On completion of this work experience learners will be assessed by a number of methods including reports, presentations, poster presentations and interviews.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices industries must comply with the regulatory requirements of the markets that they supply to. This module aims to equip students with the requisite knowledge that will allow them to adhere to the specific regulatory requirements of safety, efficacy, quality and performance.
Validation is a regulatory requirement as well as a process of establishing documentary evidence demonstrating that a procedure, process, or activity carried out in testing or production maintains the desired level of compliance. This module will incorporate the documentary and testing requirements of a validation programme.

The successful alignment and integrated implementation of all analytical and computational techniques resulting in a more streamlined engineering design/manufacturing process with reduced costs, decreased development time and improved quality through the efficient usage and application of computational engines and appropriate industry-specific software.

The successful alignment and integrated application of appropriate analytical and computational techniques for the design of plastic products, parts and/or assemblies resulting in a streamlined engineering design/manufacturing process with reduced costs, decreased development time and improved quality.

This module will build on the theoretical and practical aspects of polymer processing methods covered in year 2 and 3. The module will enable the student to develop a comprehensive knowledge of polymer process validation including test method development, DOE and scientific injection moulding.

To build upon the student’s knowledge of polymer engineering materials and to bring about a more detailed technical understanding of engineering polymeric materials and their response under load.
To compare and contrast various composites used in the polymer industry, and understand the benefit of using different types of composites reinforcements and polymer matrices combinations for improvement of mechanical performances and various types of resistances including chemical, failure and environmental. Also showing how additives affect the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composite materials.
To quantify and predict these responses to aid design using proper material selection. To understand and appreciate the failure modes pervasive in polymer material selection for appropriate design, and how environmental aspects will affect the mechanical properties and life of composite material.
To appreciate and apply the philosophies of “circular economy” and “green design” as important considerations in composite material design.

To develop the student’s ability to carry out independent research into a relevant topic of technical merit related to the particular field of study.
To demonstrate the student’s ability to draw together in-depth knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme of study, together with independent learning, and to apply to a current and relevant industrial based engineering project.
To instil in the student the techniques required for effective dissertation preparation and presentation at an industrial level.

This module addresses two important areas of management that are essential to an engineering graduate; operations and sustainability. Operations management as a concept is introduced by exploring the role that operations management plays in productivity as well as global operating environments and strategy. Key aspects of designing operations are explored such as product design & development decisions in particular design for sustainability and product safety, process design, layout decisions, job design, ergonomics, and workplace safety. Sustainability at the level of the organisation is explored with particular emphasis on the sustainability of the transformation process.

To build upon the student’s knowledge of polymer engineering state-of-the-art and to bring to their awareness emerging trends from R&D and industrial settings in the areas of production/design, manufacturing and materials.
Exposure and familiarisation of cutting-edge technological trends and SOTA with a bias for polymer engineering; dividing the approach into 3 different clusters:
1) digitalised industries and IoT.
2) Advanced/hybrid/novel manufacturing techniques and technologies. 3) Materials science advancements, trends and R&D.
A full semester project will be the main strategy to explore these clusters in a team-effort manner which will develop engineering soft skills such as negotiation, team collaboration, and project and time management amongst others.

To equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to design optimised plastic parts, components and assemblies for structural and thermal applications while ensuring these designs can be manufactured efficiently i.e. appropriate cooling during processing. The module contains theoretical, practical and empirical material.

This module provides the student with the knowledge to apply structure-property relationships to a variety of high performance polymers and polymers for the medical device industry and provides the student with the necessary background to select a polymer for a particular application. It also provides the student with practical laboratory experience in the synthesis and characterisation of high performance and biomedical polymers.

This module aims to develop an understanding of control theory as applied to the polymer industry.