Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical & Polymer Engineering
Course Overview
-
4
Year
-
8
Level
-
327
Points
-
US913
CAO Course Code
Why take this course?
The honours degree in mechanical and polymer engineering is offered in response to the demand for highly skilled graduates with training in mechanical engineering fundamentals, with an emphasis on specific technologies and methodologies associated with polymer engineering. Polymer engineering is a core skillset that many employers in the medical device/healthcare sector look for in graduates. The polymer/medical devices sector in Ireland is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. In excess of 250 companies are currently developing and manufacturing a diverse range of medical devices and diagnostic products. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce – over 45% of employees in the medical device sector are qualified to graduate or postgraduate level.
What will I experience?
On this course you will;
Apply core polymer engineering principles to the design and development of polymer products and medical device components.
Have the opportunity to undertake an six month placement, commencing January of Year 3. The placement will facilitate you in gaining an insight into industrial practices in your area of specialisation (for example product design, regulatory affairs, polymer processing).
Undertake a final year project, designed to enhance your research and analytical abilities. The project will be organised in co-operation with industry and may in certain circumstances follow on from work initially carried out as part of your work placement.
What opportunities might it lead to?
The polymer/medical technologies sector will become increasingly reliant over the next decade on the availability of specially trained and skilled personnel who understand the synthesis, properties and processing of polymer materials. Career opportunities for graduates in the sector’s 250 companies are exceptionally strong, given that 18 of the world’s top 25 medical device companies are located in Ireland, alongside a thriving indigenous base. Graduates can expect to find employment as Mechanical Engineers, Project Development Engineers, Manufacturing/Process Engineers, Senior Development Technologists and Quality Assurance Managers.
Rebecca Leavy, a Mechanical and Polymer Engineering (US913) student at TUS Athlone talks about her placement experience and her favourite modules within the course.
Course Details
- Course Duration:
- 4 Year
- CAO Course Code:
- US913
- Cut Off CAO Points:
- 327
- Course Award:
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Course NFQ Level:
- Level 8
- Department:
- Dept of Mechanical, Polymer Engineering & Design
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
-
Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade 06 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
QQI: QQI applicants to this programme must hold the following award: engineering technology (5M2061). They are also required to have the module mathematics (5N1833) or Maths for STEM (5N0556) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.
Accreditations/Endorsements
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
This new degree programme is designed to equip graduates with skill sets that are relevant and essential to emerging industrial technologies. Graduates can expect to find employment as Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing/ Process Engineers, Project Development Engineers, Quality Assurance Managers.
Work Placement
The student is required to complete a six-month placement from January to June in the third year of the programme. The placement carries 30 credits and most fulfil prescribed criteria, to which the employer will agree in advance. Placements may be done in Ireland or abroad. Placements are readily available across the medical devices, pharmaceutical and broader advanced manufacturing sectors. Companies include: Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Harmac, Trend, Bausch and Lomb.
Further Study
Students who successfully complete this programme will be equipped to progress to a taught Level 9 programme or to commence postgraduate research at TUS or another institute.