Polymer and Mechanical Engineering – BEng

CAO Points: 233
Campus: Athlone
years: 3

Course Code US777
Level 7
Course Type Undergraduate – CAO
Study Mode Full Time
Department Mechanical, Polymer Engineering & Design

Course Overview

The degree in mechanical and polymer engineering is offered in response to the demand for highly skilled graduates with training in mechanical engineering fundamentals, with an emphasis on specific technologies and methodologies associated with polymer engineering. Polymer engineering is a core skillset that many employers in the medical device/healthcare sector look for in graduates. The polymer/medical devices sector in Ireland is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. In excess of 250 companies are currently developing and manufacturing a diverse range of medical devices and diagnostic products. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce – over 45% of employees in the medical device sector are qualified to graduate or postgraduate level.

The student is required to complete a six-month placement from January to June in the third year of the programme. The placement carries 30 credits and most fulfil prescribed criteria, to which the employer will agree in advance. Placements may be done in Ireland or abroad. Placements are readily available across the medical devices, pharmaceutical and broader advanced manufacturing sectors. Companies include: Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Harmac, Trend, Bausch and Lomb.

On this course you will;

Apply core polymer engineering principles to the design and development of polymer products and medical device components.

Have the opportunity to undertake an six month placement, commencing January of Year 3. The placement will facilitate you in gaining an insight into industrial practices in your area of specialisation (for example product design, regulatory affairs, polymer processing).

Undertake a final year project, designed to enhance your research and analytical abilities. The project will be organised in co-operation with industry and may in certain circumstances follow on from work initially carried out as part of your work placement.

Contact Details

Colette Breheny

Email: Colette.Breheny@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade 06 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

Year 1

Mathematics
Engineering Science
Mechanics
Materials and Processing
Engineering Workshop
Drawing and CAD
Communications and Computer Applications

Year 2

Mathematics
Instrumentation
Mechanics
Energy Systems and Thermofluids
Polymer Properties
3D Modelling & CAD
Control & Power Technology
Processes and Operations Management
Polymer Technology & Mould Design

Year 3

Statistical Process Evaluation and Control
Mathematics
Control & Automation
Mechanical Systems Design
Quality and Project Management
Polymer Properties and Applications
Design of Experiments
Industrial Experience (Mechanical /Polymer Engineering)

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

This degree programme is designed to equip graduates with skill sets that are relevant and essential to emerging industrial technologies. Graduates can expect to find employment as Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing/ Process Engineers, Project Development Engineers, Quality Assurance Managers.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 8 Honours Degree in Polymer and Mechanical Engineering at TUS.