ObjectivesIn designing this MSc programme, we have kept a number of objectives clearly in mind. Our aims are: * To demonstrate how the technological and human resources of manufacturing are organised to make products in the most competitive way. * To provide a thorough knowledge of the potential and limitations of new manufacturing technologies. * To illustrate the essential role of the human resource and its effective integration into the manufacturing system. * To give the sound theoretical underpinning necessary to exploit the potential of modern manufacturing systems. * To fit management and strategic theories into the realities of modern manufacturing by demonstrating a positive applications approach. * To encourage work on real industrial problems, giving confidence in the ideas underlying manufacturing and the practicalities of implementing these ideas.
Entry requirements* Recent engineering and technology graduates who have decided to move into manufacturing and related disciplines. * Established manufacturing engineers working in industry and faced with the challenge of new areas of responsibility. * Managers and designers working in manufacturing organisations who need to invest in their personal career development. * Others with engineering, technology or appropriate business backgrounds working in advisory, consultancy or research roles, who need to familiarise themselves with advanced manufacturing systems.
Academic titleAdvanced Manufacturing Systems MSc
Course descriptionCourse Summary
This course is designed to address the challenges of modern Manufacturing and Enterprise Systems. It covers a breadth of subjects that enable candidates to appreciate and deal with complexities of modern Industrial Environments. The AMS graduates will be equipped with the latest techniques in manufacturing and systems engineering for dealing with complexities in:
1. Efficient and economical performance of Industrial systems ranging from manufacturing, finance, transport, health, and public services.
2. Managing and providing solutions for advanced automated and semi-automated industries.
3. Application of advanced computer and mathematical modelling for improved performance, design and management of industrial systems.
4. The latest advanced material technology and micro/nano manufacturing to achieve highest manufacturing capabilities.
5. Management and implementation of Projects and Operations under time and resource constraints.
The Advanced Manufacturing Systems programme consists of three main schemes, Technology, Systems and Management.
The technology scheme: enables you to appreciate the technological challenges of modern industrial systems. The scheme provides you with the necessary skills to tackle issues in manufacturing methods, design, applied control, and precision manufacturing.
The systems scheme: deals with modern mathematical tools for measuring systems performance techniques such as, discrete event simulation, modelling, stochastic analysis, queuing theory, quality and reliability issues.
The management scheme: enables you to appreciate the necessary management skills to run and effectively manage projects, companies and large consortiums. You will acquire the necessary skills to design and manage supply chains.
In addition to a strong theoretical background, AMS will offer you the opportunity to acquire practical skills in the subject area with its state-of-the-art workshops and computer labs.
AMS is run by one of the strongest research groups in the University and within the UK. The members of the group were ranked 5 out of 5* in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.
Course Details
Modes of Study
1 Year Full-Time - The taught element of the course (September to April) includes eight modules; delivery will be by a combination of lectures, tutorials and group/seminar work. A further four months (May to September) is spent undertaking the dissertation.
3 Years Part-Time - Attendance is one day a week in each of the first two years during which students follow the taught modules. The third year is taken up with the dissertation and attendance is by appointment with your research supervisor.
3-5 Years Distance Learning - The distance learning programme is designed to enable you to conduct most of your studies at home, in your own time and at your own pace. There is no requirement to attend lectures at Brunel University, instead you follow a structured programme of self-study at home or at work. Students are supplied with a study pack in the form of text books and CD-ROMs which are supported by e-learning web based lecture materials. Students can take between 3 and 5 years to complete the course, it is entirely up to you how long you take but usually the minimum is 3 years, with students taking four modules in the first year, four modules in the second year and the dissertation in the third year. However, depending on your other commitments you can take longer up to a maximum of 5 years. Assessment is by a combination of assignments and examinations. Examinations can be taken either at Brunel University or in the country you are resident in. We have an extensive network of organisations (Universities, Colleges and British Council Offices) throughout the world who will provide invigilation services. The cost of invigilation away from Brunel is your responsibility. The exams are held in May and September each year.
Taught Modules
* Computer Aided Design and Manufacture
Main topics of study: principles of product lifecycle management; systematic design process; geometric modelling of objects; NC manufacturing.
* Robotics and Manufacturing Automation
Main topics of study: automation and control fundamentals; robotics and intelligent machines; intelligent manufacturing systems.
* Advanced Manufacturing Methods
Main topics of study: a basic study of the properties of materials; a comprehensive review of materials processing methods and an introduction to new processes under development; a review of the main polymer processing routes; processing of thermoplastic polymers (synthetic and natural), metals, polymer composites and ceramics; advanced manufacturing processes utilised in the application of functional materials and controlling procedures during manufacture.
* Global Manufacturing and Enterprise Systems
Main topics of study: enterprise systems for supporting the product manufacturing, and developmentand lifecycle; the marketing/services/supply chains and their interface; e-Manufacturing and operations; digital enterprise technology (DET), virtual organizations and the integration; selection and use of DET and e-manufacturing tools; global manufacturing implementation isses and methodology; global manufacturing concept, methodology and implementation issues; case studies on global manufacturing operations and best practices.
* Systems Modelling and Simulation
Main topics of study: principles of systems engineering. modelling and analysis of discrete Systems; material Flow systems (assembly lines, transfer lines, serial systems, shop scheduling, Flexible Manufacturing, Group technology, Facility layout); machine setup and operation sequence; Material Handling systems; general Modelling approaches (Queuing Models); process Simulation and data analysis, enterprise operations; supply chain and logistics-reverse logistics modelling concepts.
* Micro Manufacturing
The module is concerned with design, manufacturing and measurement of precision and micro components and systems such as aerospace components, MEMS devices and micro/miniature products, optical lenses and ultraprecision machines and instruments, etc; ultraprecision machine design; micro manufacturing processes; nano/micro metrology and precision measurement.
* Operations Strategy, Quality and Reliability
Main topics of study: quality assurance; reliability and availability; operations strategy.
* Advanced Manufacturing Systems Projects
Main topics of study: a basic study of the properties of materials; a comprehensive review of materials processing methods and an introduction to new processes under development; a review of the main polymer processing routes; processing of thermoplastic polymers (synthetic and natural), metals, polymer composites and ceramics; advanced manufacturing processes utilised in the application of functional materials and controlling procedures during manufacture.
* Dissertation
Following the taught part of the programme and reflecting individual interests, the dissertation is an in-depth study of a manufacturing problem or situation, requiring a high standard of investigation and presentation. The analysis of a 'real' problem is expected, frequently involving a company or workplace. Close liaison between the University, the student and, where appropriate, the company, is essential when selecting a topic which has a suitable academic content and an appropriate scope, relevance and timescale. Some students may wish their dissertations to be considered by the Chartered Engineering Institutions to satisfy requirements for corporate membership. In this case, a further set of criteria will have to be satisfied and you should contact the appropriate institute on the best way to proceed.
In the one-year full-time version, the first half of the course comprises taught modules studied in one-week blocks, together with individual and group projects. The remaining period is occupied by the preparation of the dissertation. The part-time form takes three years, the first two years consisting of the same modules taught in one-week blocks, plus individual projects. The final stage is taken up with the dissertation. Candidates would normally be supported by their employer.
The distance learning route extends over three years, with the taught modules and individual projects in the first two years, followed by a dissertation. This method of study is particularly suitable for those candidates unable to attend the University on a regular basis. Study by distance learning can begin in either October or May.
A combination of attendance at one-week blocks and distance learning is also possible.
Recent examples of dissertations by students taking this course include:
* New product development in aerospace
* Lean manufacturing principles: a framework for improving production efficiencies