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Mechanical Engineering – Higher Certificate

  • Campus: Athlone

  • years: 2


Course Overview

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic and innovative discipline that plays a central role in shaping the world around us. It involves applying our scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural world to invent, design, and build solutions that address real-world challenges. As a mechanical engineer, you will be at the forefront of creating practical solutions through the invention, design, development, manufacturing, and maintenance of a wide range of products, equipment, and machinery.

This 2-year Level 6 Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering programme is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mechanical engineering. The course covers various aspects of the field, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of how to apply your knowledge to solve problems and improve the functionality of machines and systems.

Contact Details

Eoin McIntyre

Email: Eoin.McIntyre@tus.ie

Phone: (090) 6468176

Entry Requirments

Leaving Certificate

Grade O6 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Any QQI level 5 qualification is acceptable. Applicants to this programme are required, however, to have one specified mathematics module included in their award either module mathematics (5N1833) or Maths for IT (5N18396) or Maths for STEM (5N0556) or alternatively have Leaving Certificate mathematics.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Communications for Manufacturing 1.1

    Credits: 5

    This course will develop students interpersonal skills, focusing on conversation, active listening and body language. It will also improve students knowledge of learning and help them develop the skills for lifelong learning.

  • Engineering Science 1

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the candidates to the fundamental principles of physics in an engineering context. It contains theoretical, practical and empirical material

  • Mechanics 1.1

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce to the student to the basic concepts of engineering mechanics related to simple engineering systems. It will broaden the student’s knowledge of the basic principles that are fundamental to mechanical engineering design and the operation of mechanical systems.

  • Engineering Materials 1.1

    Credits: 5

    A strong knowledge of engineering materials is essential for a manufacturing engineer when designing, manufacturing and analysing a product. The module is primarily concerned with the structure-processing-property relationship of engineering materials with an introduction to the four main categories of materials Polymers, Metals, Ceramics/Glasses, Composite.

  • Processing of Engineering Materials and Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1

    Credits: 5

    The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to drawing, machining and safety. The module provides the student with the skills needed to draw, read and interpret engineering drawings. The students are introduced to CAD software to produce drawing templates. The module provides the student with the skills and knowledge of current standards in engineering drafting practice in both manual and computer aided drawing. The workshop component develops safety skills, safety awareness, machine tool milling and turning skills and assembly of engineering components. Teaching strategies are employed to develop the students’ ability to problem-solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative learning.

  • Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    This course gives students a foundation in the mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering and Automation & Robotics.

  • Communications for Manufacturing 1.2

    Credits: 5

    This course will continue to develop students skills in communication, focusing on presentation skills both with and without notes, academic writing styles and structures. Students will carry out extensive work with Excel, to include creating and manipulating formulae and graphs. They will also learn to apply basic statistics to excel.

  • Electronics Technology 1

    Credits: 5

    This module is an introduction to electronics. The theory of electronics will be taught by way of lectures. The lectures will be supported by lab- based activities. Students will acquire skills to identify components, perform calculations, build and test simple circuits. This module will be of benefit to future electronics and electromechanical studies.

  • Mechanics 1.2

    Credits: 5

    The module will expand the students’ knowledge of solid mechanics with work on friction, simple machines, work power energy, linear and angular motion. It will broaden the student’s knowledge of the basic principles that are fundamental to mechanical engineering design and the operation of mechanical systems.

  • Processing of Engineering Materials 1

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to modern engineering processes. The processing of polymers, metals, ceramics and glasses will be covered. Students will get hands-on experience using a range of polymer processing equipment.

  • Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2

    Credits: 5

    In this module students experience hands on safe mechanical workshop practices. The importance of safety within a workshop environment. A knowledge of machine tools associated with workshop practices. The module provides students with the skills and the knowledge of current standards in engineering draughting practice in computer-aided design. Students ability to problem solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative learning are central to this module.

  • Mathematics 1.2

    Credits: 5

    This course gives students a foundation in the mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering and Automation & Robotics.

  • Sensor Systems 2

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to various sensors that may be applied in a range of process control, automated and robotic systems.

  • Mechanics 2.1

    Credits: 5

    This module concentrates on that branch of Engineering Mechanics known as ‘Statics’. Statics is the branch of Mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads (force and torque, or “moment”) on physical systems in static equilibrium, that is, in a state where the relative positions of subsystems do not vary over time, or where components and structures are at a constant velocity.

  • Engineering Practice & CAD 2

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the students understanding of materials and processes and the skills associated with workshop practices used in the mechanical engineering industry.
    It also develops the students’ skills and the knowledge of current standards in draughting practice in 2D computer-aided drawing.
    Teaching strategies are employed to further develop the students’ ability to problem-solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative project based learning activities.

  • Materials 2

    Credits: 5

    To build on the knowledge foundation attained by the student in the topic of engineering materials during the first year of their studies. To broaden their understanding of crystalline and amorphous materials.

  • Energy Systems and Thermofluids 2.1

    Credits: 5

    The basic theory and practical aspects of thermodynamics are outlined and practical aspects of thermodynamics with an emphasis on the engineering, the environment and society are explored. Candidates develop their understanding of the operation of thermodynamic machines, the effectiveness of such machines and how their performance can be improved. The module contains theoretical, practical and empirical material.

  • Mathematics 2.1

    Credits: 5

    To provide the student with a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer Engineering problems and give them the necessary mathematical background to understand concepts introduced in other subjects.

  • Control and Power Technology 2

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the concept of a control system and its various elements, and examines system behaviour. In this context it introduces pneumatics as power sources and its applications. It also introduces the student to the programmable controller by way of simple examples and programs. The module provides the student with an understanding and knowledge of the theory of electrical circuits covering both a.c. and d.c. industrial installations.

  • Mechanics 2.2

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the basic concepts of mechanics of machines. The material covered in the module examines the response of bodies or systems of bodies to external forces.

  • Processes and Operations Management 2

    Credits: 5

    To build on the knowledge attained by the student in first year, to teach the fundamentals of the more prevalent aspects of production processes in association with the operation’s management skills in relation to the running of these processes. To provide the student with the knowledge of production metrics and costing implications of tooling up such a process. To familiarise the student with production costings and techniques relating to manufacturing processes.

  • Process Technology & Design 2

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the students understanding of materials and processes and the skills associated with workshop practices used in the mechanical engineering industry.

    It also further develops the students’ skills and knowledge of current standards in draughting practice through solid modelling and the production of detailed engineering drawings of models and assemblies.

    Particular attention is paid to developing the students approach to project based learning where certain teaching and learning activities are employed to develop the students’ ability to problem-solve and participate in self-directed and collaborative learning.

  • Energy Sys & Thermofluids 2.2

    Credits: 5

    The basic theory and practical aspects of Fluid Flow are outlined with an emphasis on the processes, the environment and how it affects society. Candidates develop their understanding of fluids mechanics, the operation of systems comprised of these, the effectiveness of such and how their performance can be improved. The module contains theoretical, practical and empirical material.

  • Mathematics 2.2

    Credits: 5

    To provide the student with a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer engineering problems and give them the necessary mathematical background to understand concepts introduced in other subjects.

What can you do after this course?

Successful candidates of this programme are eligible to apply for entry to year three of our Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering degree.

Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, manufacture and operation of the mechanical systems and processes that are all around us. Upon completion of this programme graduates can expect to find employment as an entry level technician in high-tech manufacturing industries, mechanical industries, building services and design. Higher Certificate graduates at this level may work in manufacturing and production, quality control, automation, planning logistics and supply, technical sales support or as a draughtsperson . The course equips students with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical expertise demanded by leading global employers to work in this constantly evolving field.

Further Information

The Faculty of Engineering & Informatics at TUS Midlands has a long tradition of delivering mechanical engineering courses that meet the ever-changing needs of modern industry. Our close relationship with industry ensures that our programmes have a practical and applied focus that will give you hands-on experience of the most relevant areas to today’s enterprises.

  • Materials Science: Understand the properties and applications of different materials used in engineering.
  • Mechanisms: Explore the fundamentals of how machines and mechanical systems operate.
  • Power Systems: Learn about the generation, transmission, and usage of power in various forms as applied to mechanical and manufacturing machines.
  • Energy Management: Study the efficient use and conservation of energy in engineering processes.
  • Manufacturing Technology: Gain insights into modern manufacturing techniques and technologies.

At TUS Midlands, Engineering education is very practical. Almost 50% of your time will be spent in state-of-the-art laboratories developing your practical engineering skills, and the other 50% will be spent on engineering theory and its application.

While studying on this course our students will:

  • Visit some of our industrial partners to experience the role of a mechanical engineer.
  • Operate high-end technical engineering equipment in our cutting edge engineering laboratories
  • Improve their teamwork and communications skills by working as part of small teams on problem-solving and projects.
  • Develop their problem – solving skills and reasoning techniques through applied problems.
  • Work on topic-specific problems, both as part of a team and as an individual and develop your lifelong learning skills.
  • Gain an ethical awarenews with regard to the engineering profession, the environment and society.
  • Comprehensive Syllabus: Covering a wide range of essential topics in mechanical engineering.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from industry experts and seasoned professionals.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern laboratories and equipment.
  • Practical Learning: Emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world applications.
  • Industry focused: gives you hands-on experience of the most relevant areas to today’s enterprises.

At TUS Midlands our students gain a set of transferable skills with a strong focus on practical experiments, problem solving and case studies. We place a strong emphasis on student support and aim to provide a learning environment that is both stimulating and academically challenging, whilst also supporting your learning. You will encounter a range of teaching methods that include but are not limited to:

  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Projects and case studies
  • Group work
  • Guest lectures
  • Examinations
  • Portfolio work
  • Integrated assessments