Dept of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers are the wheels of the world. They are involved with almost every aspect of our lives, innovating and designing machines from computers to power generators to medical equipment. According to Engineers Ireland, ‘mechanical engineering offers graduates a huge variety of career paths across a wide range of industries including aeronautics, motor car and engine development, transport systems, entertainment, electronics, medical and information technology.’
Mechanical engineers
research, develop, design, manufacture and test tools, engines, machines and
other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is central to the production
process of most manufactured goods; it is concerned with the design,
construction and operation of machines, the generation and utilisation of
power, and the layout and maintenance of industrial plants. Mechanical
engineers take into consideration efficiency, effectiveness, safety,
environment, and energy conservation in their design work. They are one of the
main developers of new innovations such as faster car engines and the emerging
fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Technological developments are instrumental in producing a degree of convergence between the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. Solutions to many of the problems encountered by a mechanical engineer can be facilitated through new computer-based technology and microelectronics, e.g. computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). Mechanical engineers work in many industries and their duties vary by industry and function. However, most are employed in the design and manufacture of products.
According to the Future Skills Needs report, despite the current economic pressures, in a number of manufacturing sub-sectors there is a shortage of process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles to production processes. The report also highlights a demand in the renewable energy sector (e.g. wind, wave and tidal), which is expected to be one of the drivers of future growth.
Why Choose Mechanical Engineering at AIT?
- Our degree in mechanical engineering and renewable energy is designed to help engineers meet the biggest challenge of our age.
- The practical focus of the programmes gives you hands-on experience of areas from robotics to pneumatics and microprocessors, which is highly valued by employers.
- Engineers Ireland accreditation available to graduates of selected programmes.
- Graduates from our honours degree are deemed eligible by the Teaching Council to apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
