Course description
There is a distinct need within the engineering industries for an integrated course where advanced theory, human factors and creativity tools essential to successful product development are taught and experience in the application of these knowledge and skill components in an integrating real life group project is given. This course has been developed to fulfil this need.
This programme is aimed at high calibre and ambitious Mechanical Engineering graduates who wish to gain expertise in systematically developing complex, multidisciplinary engineering design. You will learn how to design products requiring embedded intelligence and comprehensive engineering analysis and how to use six CAE software packages.
The course:
* equips you with advanced knowledge and application experience;
* has been developed in consultation with leading companies, students and academic institutions for students aiming at TOP and ELITE positions in engineering;
* enjoys the approval of 'The Institution of Mechanical Engineers' for registration in the Chartered Engineering class;
* permits you to gain British industry experience as part of the curriculum;
* is offered in full-time mode and part-time mode.
Why a program in Engineering Design ?
Engineering Design is the application of engineering principles, the experience of making, and use of mathematical models and analysis. The design and production of complex engineering products often require the use of embedded intelligence and detailed engineering analysis involving mechanical, electronic and control functions. Advanced theoretical knowledge and a wide range of computer driven tools, methods and methodologies are essential for this process.
Thus there is a need for an integrated course where advanced theory, human factors and creativity tools essential to successful product development are taught, training in software, research and/or applicationis provided and experience in the application of these knowledge and skill components in an integrating real life group project is given. This course has been developed to fulfil this need.
Professional Accreditaton
Approved by IMechE
Course Details
Continued design of modern complex products demands advanced knowledge in mechanical, electronic, manufacturing and control engineering disciplines and human factors in design, ability to use advanced engineering software packages, integrating application experience and ability to carry on learning.
The Engineering Design MSc and its course curriculum has been developed to produce design engineers who can meet these demands. It contains six taught modules where advanced multi-disciplinary theory is taught. As part of the course, six engineering software packages are also taught. In order to give an integrating application experience in an industrial setup, 'Design Experience', a group project module with an industry, has been included as part of the curriculum. The dissertation is aimed at providing training in carrying out an in-depth engineering task on a self-learning basis. Thus, at the end of the course you will become a confident design engineer equipped with high quality and advanced knowledge and skills to work on design tasks in an advanced computer assisted environment and ability to gather useful knowledge on an engineering topic on your own when it is necessary as part of the task.
The course is constituted with the following five items:
* Engineering Design in Perspective
This module is delivered in a block fashion during the first two weeks and provides
o revision in Solid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics and Matrices;
o training in MATLAB software;
o lectures in Engineering Design Methodology;
o a two week group project on 'Design from Concept to Reality'. This module does not carry any credits.
* Six taught modules (each worth 15 credits) in Advanced Theory
o Advanced Computer Aided Engineering
This module is aimed at providing the knowledge needed to understand the creation of Computer Models and their use in Mechanism Synthesis and Analysis and NC machining. It also provides training in the use of appropriate software packages.
o Structural Design and FEA
This module provides the knowledge in Structural Design and in Principles of Finite Element Analysis. It also provides training in ANSYS software package.
o Human Factors in Design
This module is aimed at educating the students in physical characteristics of humans and qualitative and analytical methods of human centered design.
o Design of Mechatronic Systems
This module provides the knowledge and skill required to develop an electronically controlled system.
o Microcontrollers and Digital Control
This module provides the knowledge and skill required to program a microcontroller for a control application.
o Manufacturing Engineering
This module provides the knowledge and skill required to transform the design into manufacturable entity by the choice of the appropriate manufacturing process and manufacturing facilities.
o Engineering Design in Perspective
* Design Experience (worth 30 credits)
A Group Project with the Industry: In this module a design project comprising mechanical, electronic and control functions is taken from the industry and a group of students are assigned to work on it under the supervision of a group of academics and a supervisor from the industry. This module gives the most valuable integrating experience within the constraints of the manufacturing industry.
* Dissertation (worth 60 credits)
The dissertation is aimed at providing training in carrying out an in-depth study on a chosen engineering subject.
* Work in a purpose equipped Design Studio with various experiential learning facilities including computers for the exclusive use of the MSc Engineering Design Students.
The award of the MSc requires students to achieve 180 credits.
Special Features
The course has been approved by the IMechE as equivalent to their Part 3 requirement for registration in the Chartered Engineer Class.
Careers
The course provides advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes demanded in job descriptions by top engineering organisations such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, VW group and British Petroleum, Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Caterpillar and engineering consultancies such as Anderson Consulting. It provides active experience in the whole design process in an industrial environment from initial concept to final design for manufacture, through its Design Experience module. Niftylift Ltd, a leading aerial work platform manufacturer, has provided a computer based open learning facility where the students learn Engineering Software packages such as Pro/Engineer, ADAMS, DEPOCAM, ANSYS, ARENA, MATLAB and PSPICE. to complement the studies in the classrooms which will create many employment opportunities.
Students have described the course as "The doorway to industry" due to its integrated advanced theory and intense applications.
Graduates are in employment with a variety of engineering companies including construction companies, original equipment manufacturers and oil and gas companies. It is anticipated that graduates will go on to a wide range of careers, including aerospace, transport, government and manufacturing.
