MSc-PGDip Mechatronics

Institution De Montfort University
Method At the institution
Location Leicester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc-PGDip Mechatronics

Objectives The field of Mechatronics is still recognised as a skills shortage area. Such skills will be critical to the industrial and economic growth of industries in the western world and developing nations. Graduates from this course can expect enhanced technological skills, which will improve their prospects in such roles as product manager, project leader, research engineer, systems engineer or product development engineer. Typical employing industries include automotive, aerospace, automation systems and hardware/software developers.
Entry requirements Applicants should have a first or second-class Honours degree in Engineering or Physical Science, or an equivalent qualification. Emphasis is placed on proven ability in Applied Maths at undergraduate level. Applicants without an Honours degree or equivalent should demonstrate technological knowledge and mathematical ability equivalent to a good Honours degree.
Academic title MSc/PGDip Mechatronics
Course description Programme

The course aims to take graduates from a single discipline background in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Engineering Science and develop them into multi-disciplinary engineers capable of working in the Mechatronic field. This will meet the demand from industry to produce engineers who can operate in industry at the highest level. Graduands from this course will attain broad base technological knowledge and skills to integrate the Engineering disciplines, enabling them to design and develop integrated products and systems.
Exposure to the cultures and languages of a multinational student body also develops international attitudes.
The course occupies three 15-week semesters in one calendar year. During the first two semesters, students study eight modules, which are delivered in parallel, normally over a 12-week period. The remaining three weeks are for assessments and examinations.

The course aims to develop the student's ability to engage in research, which is principally represented by the substantial individual project undertaken in the second and final semester. The student uses this knowledge and displays the ability to apply a Mechatronic approach to the solution of a technological problem.

Stage 1: Broadening studies (12 weeks plus three weeks assessment)
Four modules with an emphasis on case studies:

-Electromechanics:
The module provides an insight into the fundamental theory behind mechanical, electronic and mechatronic systems engineering and the more detailed study of control, dynamics and design. Some electronic applications are presented, including examples of vehicle electronic systems, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, power electronic systems and drives. Mechanical applications are featured in the module and include power transmission, friction theory and vibration analysis.
-Mechatronic Systems:
Engineering and Design:
The module will introduce the students to Mechatronic philosophies of Design. It will provide the basic tools and the rules for analysis of systems and integrated design concepts and evaluation techniques. To expose the student to rational assessment of a range of studies of Mechatronic design.<
-Mechatronic Business Environment:
The module will provide an awareness of the commercial environment and the need for profit. To provide some grounding in management techniques.
-Programming and Software Engineering:
In this module, a programming approach to software engineering is used with an emphasis on the development of practical programming skills: A modern object-oriented programming language will be used to design, implement and test programs of moderate complexity.

Stage 2: Advanced studies (12 weeks plus three weeks assessment) Four, modules intended to deepen knowledge of some of the tools required by practicing Mechatronic engineers:

-Machine Vision, Robotics and Flexible Automation:
The module will provide both conceptual and detailed knowledge in the area of robotics, machine vision and flexible automation. The module builds upon the fundamental philosophy of Mechatronics in the context of flexible automation technologies. The module will develop techniques and present applications of the technologies.
-Mechatronics Systems: Dynamics and Control:
The module will deepen knowledge in the area of control and dynamics. The study builds upon the fundamental philosophy presented in Mechatronic Systems Engineering. The application of control and signal processing is considered to be a critical mechatronic 'specialisation'. This will enable the students to be able to create mathematical models of engineering systems and devise control strategies to control these systems and be able to analyse a range of dynamics problems and apply a range of techniques to their solution
-Microprocessor Applications and Digital Signal Processing:
The module will provide the student with adequate knowledge for the application of a microprocessor system, aimed at single chip embedded solutions as being appropriate to a product orientated treatment. It will provide the knowledge of DSP algorithms and systems and an understanding of implementation technologies, designs and applications areas. Also to provide practical applications in mechatronic systems using dedicated DSP boards.
-Research Methods:
Preparation for the Individual Project Stage 3: Individual project (15 weeks including assessment). - Formulate and present a project outline indicating the problem to be investigated, the methodology to be employed and the anticipated outcomes. Appraise a range of different approaches, which may be adopted at various stages within a research project taking into account factors such as the project length, constraints and the purpose of the project. The module will introduce and develop the concepts, organizational structure and deliverables of a research project.

Stage 3 - Project

-Individual Project
-A project is undertaken at an appropriate standard for the award of MSc. The project can be industrially based, attached to one of the Mechatronic Research Teams within the Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering or in other collaborating institutions.

This programme uses a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials/groups work and self directed study. Various modes of assessments are also used such as examinations, continual assessments and laboratory exercises.