Course description
Course descriptionThis programme is one of the most well-established of its kind in the UK, having evolved from the very successful MSc programme in Machine Tool Technology, and is regularly updated in line with subject developments and changing industrial practices.Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Systems Management has developed into a broadly based multi-disciplinary discipline, demanding expertise in many diverse topics. The structure of the programme reflects this by requiring in-depth study of a number of topics ranging from the fundamentals of manufacturing processes to the management of manufacturing systems. More specialised study takes place in the dissertation project where students undertake individual research projects of industrial relevance.The programme has a strong practical orientation and it aims to produce engineers with the theoretical and practical experience to enable them to analyse and investigate problems and to engage in design, development and research involving manufacturing technology and in the management of manufacturing systems. Whilst the programme is intended primarily for those wishing to pursue an industrial career, it is equally relevant as preparation for research in advanced manufacturing technology and systems management. Module detailsThe programme is largely organised on a modular basis, with modules covering the broad areas of manufacturing technology and computing, and systems and management. The material is presented through lectures, laboratories and small projects of an individual or group nature. Much of the laboratory and project work enables students to gain `hands-on' experience and students have extensive access to computer terminals outside the timetabled laboratory periods.At the final stage of the MSc, the dissertation project takes a variety of forms and may be of an analytical, computational, design or experimental nature. The majority of the projects are linked to longer term ongoing research programmes. Students are required to take the six compulsory modules listed, for the taught components of the MSc. Each module has 36 hours of lectures and accounts for 15 credits. A total of 26 hours is recommended or allocated for mini-projects/seminar/tutorial/essay and 31 hours for laboratory exercises.The taught part of the programme consists of two double, two intermediate and two short course units, all of which are compulsory. Typical course units include: Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Machining; Manufacturing Processes; Manufacturing Systems; Manufacturing Management; Manufacturing Automation; Manufacturing Metrology and Machine Tool Performance.