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BEng in Precision Engineering (add-on)

Course Code: N/A


Level

7

Duration

1 year

Department

Mechanical & Automobile Engineering


CAO Points

N/A

Course Type

Undergrad Add Ons

Location

Limerick

This Level 7 degree in Precision Engineering has been designed with industry to respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of the Precision Engineering industry. This is the equivilent of third year Precision Engineering as a one-year add-on programme to existing qualifications or experience.

The programme focuses on the key factors required in the design, manufacturing, and assessment of high value components in the materials processing sector with specific emphasis in metal cutting and related processes. This is a workshop/lab based programme with hands-on experience on state-of-the-art CNC machines, CAM software and metrology equipment. Learners will work as individuals and in groups on a variety of industrial standard engineering projects.

This programme can be completed in one year full time. Alternatively, a work/learn model can be used over two years; students work three days per week and study in LIT two consecutive days per week.

Programme graduates will work as precision engineers in world class manufacturing environments and will be highly skilled in areas of CNC machining, CAD/CAM, metrology and material selection methods.

What are the entry requirements?

Level 6 Higher Certificate successfully completed in an engineering related area, such as mechanical engineering, as well as prior learning in:

  • Engineering/Manufacturing Technology
  • CAD (SolidWorks)
  • CNC
  • Metrology
Advanced Entry
  • Level 6 Craft Certificate (trade) or equivalent such as Fitting or Toolmaking
  • Candidates who hold a Senior Trade Certificate and/or National Craft
  • Certificate with appropriate endorsements or examination attainments in a cognate area will also be considered for advanced entry into Year 3 subject to a satisfactory interview. Prior learning in areas of experience are such as:
  1. Higher Certificate Engineering Mathematics and Science
  2. Engineering/Manufacturing Technology
  3. CAD (SolidWorks)
  4. CNC
  5. Metrology and Quality

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

  • Semester 1

    Title: Advanced CNC Machining 1

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    The aim of this module is to advance the CNC knowledge and skills of the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of CNC machining. The learner will develop a greater depth knowledge in current CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will program, set-up, and operate CNC mills and lathes.


    Title: Advanced Six Sigma and Metrology 1

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module introduces the learner to adcanced six sigma tools appropriate for the precision machining industry and other regulated manufacturing environments such as medical device, aerospace and automotive. The statistical aspect of the module uses techniques for analysing multiple production systems with the aims of identifying critcal underlying factors and how they interact with other variable in the system. This will enable the learner to develp process optimisation plans using design of experiments. On completion of this work the learner will also have gained the knoledge to employ methods for maintaining improvements so that they can be sustained ober a prolonged period of time.


    Title: Applied Mechanical Engineering Mathematics 1

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.


    Title: Group Project

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module involves active learning where learners participate in a work based group project. The group project topic may have industrial links and involves the practical application of research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis and manufacturing. The group project allows for team development where each member has a defined role to play.

    This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner's transferrable skills, in order to prepare for employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.


    Title: Material Selection

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This subject aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies. Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (CES Edupack for example). Learners will also analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading. This module will enhance their learning from the Fluids & Mechanics module in Yr 2 and coincide with the Applied Mathematics module in Yr 3. This module is semesterised. Mechanics and Failure Analysis will follow on from it in Semester 2.


    Title: Process Planning

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module aims to improve the learner’s knowledge and understanding of process planning in a precision engineering environment.

    The learner will develop a knowledge of modern manufacturing processes through the completion of coursework in a practical workshop environment and will critically analyse the strategic usage of the manufacturing processes for specific components to increase the manufacturing efficiency, productivity and profitability of modern precision engineering industries. The module will also discuss the integration of manufacturing techniques to the learner with focus on the precision engineering industry. The role, implementation and monitoring of process planning in a modern precision engineering industry is analysed.


  • Semester 2

    Title: Advanced CNC Machining 2

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    The aim of this module is to advance the CNC knowledge and skills of the learner who already has completed Advanced CNC machining 1. The learner will use industrial standard computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software for complex components. These complex components will required the learner to investigate advanced techniques to machine parts with complex 3D surfaces, use simultaneous 5-axis motion and to use advanced milling techniques on turned components.

    The learner will develop a greater depth knowledge in current CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will program, set-up, and operate CNC mills and lathes. The learner’s knowledge of ISO programming will be developed for more advanced CNC machining techniques, development of macros, advanced canned cycles, multiple-part environment and multiple-component machining.


    Title: Advanced Engineering Technology

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module in advanced engineering technology presents in great detail both the traditional and modern manufacturing processes to the learner. Advanced and emerging technologies used in modern precision engineering industries are analysed and reviewed by the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of engineering technologies and manufacturing processes. Modern machine tooling, work and tool holding techniques are also presented.


    Title: Advanced Six Sigma and Metrology 2

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module introduces the learner to statistical techniques for performing advanced process optimsation. The aim of this modules is to broaden the learners statistical knowledge in process improvement methodologies applicable to the precision machining industry but also in other industries in particular pharmaceutical manufacturing. The design of experiments section of the module details tools which are frequently used in tese industries to control the implementation of process changes and improvements.


    Title: Applied Mechanical Engineering Mathematics 2

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.


    Title: Individual Project

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module aims to develop the learner's ability to apply their technical skills and knowledge to complete an individual technical project. There may be capacity for the individual project to focus on a pre-existing group project, where the focus of the project may be in such areas as characterisation and test of an assembly, product improvements, risk assessment or any other relevant topic agreed between learner and supervisor.

    This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner's transferrable skills, in order to prepare for employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.


    Title: Mechanics & Failure Analysis

    Credits: 5

    read more »

    This module aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies. Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (CES Edupack for example). Learners will also analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading. This module will enhance their learning from the Fluids & Mechanics module in Yr 2 and coincide with the Applied Mathematics module in Yr 3. This module is semesterised and follows on from the Material Selection module in semester 1.


Are there opportunities for further study?

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to progress to the final year of the level 8 course in Precision Engineering.

What are the career prospects?

A person who has completed this programme will be able to:

  • Interpret engineering drawings and carry out model based inspection of components
  • Support key business metrics with ongoing process improvements and introduction of new manufacturing processes and technologies.
  • Support manufacturing process development to meet project milestones and to allow operations to meet their targets.
  • Drive process improvements/capacity increases through new technology / equipment selection and specification.
  • Validate requirements on new equipment introductions / processes / process changes.
  • Design & develop tools, fixtures, and gauges for manufacturing operations and new product / process introductions in conjunction with toolroom technicians and process engineers.
  • Preparation and maintenance of all relevant manufacturing specifications.