Higher Certificate in Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering

Course details

Applicants must have a pass in five subjects (ordinary level) in the Leaving Certificate, to include Mathematics and English or Irish, or an equivalent qualification. The minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC level 5 or 6 awards is any full award. This award must include Mathematics (C20139) or Mathematics for Computing (C20175) or Mathematics for Engineering (C20174). Mature applicants (i.e. those who are aged 23 years or more on January 1st in the year of entry) applying for the first level of programmes are exempt from this requirement.

Aims

Mechatronics is the integration of precision mechanical engineering, control theory, computer science and electronics in:

• Product design process, for creation of more functional and adaptable products.
• Process control and automation.
• Quality control/Management.
• System efficiency enhancement, including ergonomics.

Employment opportunities exist in (among other key industries):

• Industries requiring automated manufacturing processes for mass production and quality control (e.g. pharmaceutical industry, vehicle manufacture and assembly, food processing etc.)
• Design and development of intelligent machines (e.g. robots) and autonomous vehicles for application in hostile environments e.g. fire fighting, bomb disposal etc.
• Medical devices industry incorporating sensors, control and machine vision.

This programme allows students to achieve the award of Higher Certificate in Engineering in Mechatronics. This is a widely recognised and accredited multidisciplinary engineering qualification. It will give students the necessary knowledge, know-how and skills to find employment as a technician in a relevant industry. It will also give students the opportunity to proceed to further studies in Mechatronics (i.e. degree level studies).

Course Content

Subjects covered in the programme include aspects of Electronics, Mechanics, Automation, Production, Software Engineering and Mathematics, with a strong emphasis on practical skills. The theoretical and practical skills developed during the programme are brought together in the final semester, where a significant aspect of the programme is the undertaking of a project, where students design and construct a mechatronics device. A detailed breakdown of the modules is provided below in the course schedule.

At ITB we have a range of fully equipped laboratories and computer rooms. These facilities allow students to successfully design, test and build engineering projects. The labs are equipped with the latest software packages in Computer Aided Design, Instrumentation and Control, Simulation and Programming.

Assessment

There is a wide range of assessment procedures employed in this programme. Assessment will range from laboratory assignments to online tests. Many of the modules will be continuously assessed throughout the semester, and the final module mark arrived at by a combination of final exam and continuous assessment. In some cases modules are assessed by ongoing continuous assessment only.

Year 1

Semester 1

• Mathematics 1
• Personal Development with Computer Applications
• Computer Aided Design

  Semester 2    

• Engineering Science
• Circuit Theory
• Workshop Practice 1

Semester 3

• Mechanics 1
• Mathematics 2

Year 2

Semester 1

• Mathematics 3
• Analogue Electronics
• Workshop Practice 2

  Semester 2    

• Mathematics 4
• Digital Electronics
• Electrical Science

Semester 3

• Interfacing and Data Acquisition
• Introduction to Data Communications and Networks

Year 3

Semester 1      

• Fluid Power Systems
• Programming 1
• Microcontrollers

Semester 2      

• CAD/CAM
• Electronic Computer Aided Design
• Instrumentation and Control

Semester 3      

• Manufacturing and Maintenance
• Mini Project