UCD Engineering

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UCD College of Engineering and Architecture ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE UCD ENGINEERING

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Engineering Degree Propectus of the University College Dublin

Transcript of UCD Engineering

Page 1: UCD Engineering

UCD College of Engineering and Architecture

ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE

UCD ENGINEERING

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Decision Point 1

Biosystems Chemical &Bioprocess

Electronic/ElectricalCivil Mechanical

Omnibus “Flexible Option”(for Biomedical, Energy Systems, or Electronic & Computer Eng.)

Stage 1 (60 Credit)DN150 Stage One Engineering (Common)

Stage 2 (60 Credit) Stage 3 (60 Credit)

Single–Stage ME (2–years, 120 Credit)

Biosystems

Civil Biopharmaceutical**

Engineeringwith Business

†Minimum GPA Required for Entry to ME Programmes

* BE (Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering) internationally accredited at Master’s level by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Mechanical

Biomedical Energy Systems

Year 1

Years 2 & 3

Years 4 & 5Year 4

Decision Point 2

Choose one of:

Graduateafter 4 years

with BE

Graduate after 5 years with both

BSc (Engineering Science) and ME

Master of Engineering (ME)† specialising in...

Stage 4 BE (60 Credit)

Chemical& Bioprocess*

Civil

Electrical

Biomedical

Energy Systems

Mechanical

Biosystems Electronic

Bachelor of Engineering

Graduateafter

3 yearswith BSc

(EngineeringScience)

**1-year full-time MEngSc programme

Electronic& Computer

Programme Structure

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DN150UCD ENGINEERING DEGREE PROGRAMME PATHWAYS

Studying Engineering at UCD

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Graduate after 5 years with both

BSc (Engineering Science) and ME

See also page 27.

Engineering at UCD

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If you see your future in energy, the

environment, business, healthcare,

manufacturing, clean technologies,

communications or construction and

sustainable living, then an engineering

degree from UCD may be just the right

step for you.

An exceptionally broad range of

programme pathways will be available to

students entering UCD Engineering

(DN150) in 2012. After successfully

completing a common first year, you will

be offered unrestricted choice from a

huge range of specialisations at

undergraduate level.

In addition to the long established

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) programmes

in Biosystems, Chemical and Bioprocess

Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical

Engineering, Electronic Engineering and

Mechanical Engineering, students also

have the option to specialise in Energy

Systems Engineering or Biomedical

Engineering.

To facilitate more advanced study (to a

level consistent with modern European

standards), students will have the option

to progress through to taught Masters

programmes in the areas of Biomedical

Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Civil

Engineering, Electronic and Computer

Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering,

Mechanical Engineering and Engineering

with Business.

Students also have the option of

specialising in many different research

areas at both Master and PhD level.

The Structural Engineering with

Architecture Programme (DN140) is based

only on the five-year education model (3

year BSc and 2 year ME) and is accessed

via a separate direct entry route. This will

suit those students who have a love of

design and the built environment, and a

passion for architecture.

Lectures will be led by academics, many

of whom hold world renown for their

research and knowledge breakthroughs in

engineering aspects of the environment,

energy, healthcare, communications,

power systems and even space travel.

From your first day in UCD you will be

exposed to innovative research in all of

these areas.

Through self-directed learning and

research gained from both class and

group projects, you will develop and

increase your knowledge of engineering

principles. This will prove to be enjoyable,

perhaps beyond what you thought an

engineering education would be. For

instance, had you previously thought that

as part of your education you’d be

teaching a boat to sail autonomously

across the Atlantic, measuring the effects

man has had on the environment en route

or, indeed, designing and building a robot

to play rugby?

Stage 1 (60 Credit)

Year 1

Years 2 & 3

Years 4 & 5

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WITH ARCHITECTURE

Stage 2 (60 Credits)Stage 3 (60 Credits)

Two –Stage MEStage 1 (60 Credits)Stage 2 (60 Credits)

MASTER OF ENGINEERING (ME)STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

WITH ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WITH ARCHITECTURE

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f ESA

DN140 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

WITH ARCHITECTURE

The dawn of a new era at UCD

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Engineering at UCD

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WelcomeThe aim of this brochure is to give you some insight into what life might be like if you

choose to study engineering at UCD, with a view to becoming a professional engineer

or to using your acquired skills in another arena. In essence, we aim to enable you to

develop your capacity for independent and creative thought, so that you will be

equipped to provide sound leadership in an uncertain future world.

At UCD, we provide a first-class education in a very wide range of engineering

disciplines, some of which may be familiar and others less so. Whatever the

specialisation, we place strong emphasis on mastery of analytical skills and the use of

quantitative methods. Study is based on solid mathematical, scientific and engineering

principles that do not change even though implementation through technology

changes rapidly. Also, we make significant efforts to ensure that all students develop

good communication skills and study some aspects of accountancy, business, finance

and law. We are not content with just understanding mathematics and the sciences. We

want to use this understanding to solve problems, to design and implement new

processes and products. Ultimately, engineers aim to provide solutions to a huge array

of problems faced by mankind, now and in the future. For example, it is now very clear

that an ever increasing population on earth is hoping to emulate the living standard

enjoyed at present by a lucky minority. Enormous challenges face us in providing

sufficient energy, water, food and healthcare for all. Perhaps you would like to

contribute, whilst at the same time enjoying a very satisfying and well-paid career?

Achieving something really worthwhile is rarely easy and engineering students need to

work consistently and learn to be efficient with use of their time. The contact hours are

slightly longer than in some other programmes but our students invariably have a really

enjoyable and satisfying experience. Many life-long friendships are formed through

team-work, often in the context of laboratory experiments and design projects. Our

programmes are fully accredited and the qualifications enjoy wide international

recognition. UCD-educated engineering graduates have excelled internationally in

technical and managerial leadership roles.

The suite of programmes under CAO code DN150 is vast and students entering under

this CAO code will not be required to specialise until after the first year, at which point

they are offered unrestricted choice from our extensive list of engineering

specialisations. Students will have the opportunity to complete an Honours Bachelor of

Engineering (BE) degree after four years or, alternatively, to complete both BSc

(Engineering Science) and Master of Engineering (ME) degrees after a total of five years

of study. In the latter case they will satisfy the future Engineers Ireland educational

requirements to become Chartered Engineers.

Professor Gerry Byrne, Chartered Engineer

College Principal

UCD College of Engineering and Architecture

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Engineering at UCD

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ContentsUNDERGRADUATE DEGREESIN ENGINEERING

Engineering 6

Biomedical Engineering 8

Biosystems Engineering 10

Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering 12

Civil Engineering 14

Electrical Engineering 16

Electronic Engineering 16

Energy Systems Engineering 18

Mechanical Engineering 20

Structural Engineering with Architecture 22

MASTER OF ENGINEERINGTaught Masters in Engineering

ME Biomedical Engineering 24

ME Biosystems Engineering 24

ME Civil Engineering 24

ME Electronic and Computer Engineering 25

ME Energy Systems Engineering 25

ME Engineering with Business 25

ME Mechanical Engineering 25

Life as an engineering student in UCD 26

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Engineering at UCD

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What is UCD Engineering?

UCD DN150 Engineering is the entry point to the majority of the

Engineering programmes at UCD. The diversity and possibilities open to

you as an Engineering student in UCD are second to none.

At undergraduate level after a common first year you will have

unrestricted choice of specialisation in any of the following areas;

Biomedical, Biosystems, Chemical and Bioprocess, Civil, Electrical or

Electronic, Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering. During the first

year of the Engineering (Common Entry) degree at UCD, all students will

enjoy a year of rigorous training in the fundamentals of engineering,

which UCD is renowned for. This year will focus on maths and physics to

develop your problem-solving and decision-making skills, which will hold

you in good stead throughout your engineering education, your career

and your life.

What makes a good UCD Engineer?

The engineers that have passed through the doors of UCD all hold

one very special attribute in common – creativity! UCD engineers

have inquisitive minds and love to solve problems – and it is their

creativity that sustains them when times get tough. Sometimes the

tried and trusted solutions won’t work and you’ll have to come up

with a new way of solving a problem, be it a health issue, a

structural design issue, an energy issue, or a business issue. You will

be the person that people will look to for answers and a UCD

engineer will try to find a creative way of arriving at a solution that

meets the needs of all parties.

What can students expect to studyfollowing entry to Engineering at UCD?A world of opportunity awaits you. The first year will be spent

intensively learning and discovering how to solve problems through

physics, mathematics and some engineering subjects such as

mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and

electronic/electrical engineering. You will be exposed to the various

engineering disciplines, which will make your choice (at the end of

the first year) a more informed one. You can then proceed into a

specialised area of engineering such as biomedical, biosystems,

chemical and bioprocess, civil, electrical, electronic, energy systems

or mechanical engineering.

What are the career options forengineering graduates?From running a company to designing an industrial plant, from

working in a multinational like Google to visiting Africa to work on

EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

UCD EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry Requirements Irish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSEPasses (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-LevelGrades: ABBB (A-Level) or equivalentcombination. Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) and C (AS) orequivalent combination.

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

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I was interested in both chemical and mechanical engineering and

didn’t know which one to choose. The Engineering (Common Entry)

degree from UCD meant I could delay the choice until I was more

familiar with the area. I chose UCD because of its strong reputation.

The greatest challenge by far about college life is time management;

any one thing is achievable but when you want to do many things

within a certain time-frame, organisation and forward planning

become essential. Between going to lectures, getting study and

assignments finished, playing sport, playing music, being involved in

clubs and societies, spending time with friends and family and

relaxing, it’s a challenge to balance everything. Every day you make

new mistakes (hopefully different ones); then you learn from them

and feel that you’re improving and making progress.

The advantage of this degree is that it gives students the

opportunity to study abroad on one of various exchange

programmes, known in Europe as "Erasmus Exchange

Programmes". The experience of an Erasmus exchange is invaluable

and life changing, both in terms of progression and discovery as an

engineer, but also in terms of personal development. I'd give three

reasons why, as a European engineer, this is the case: experience,

language and contacts.

Learning and integrating into another engineering school are the

only ways to determine where you stand in the pecking order of

international engineering students. Your ability to learn fast and

effectively makes you stand out as an engineer. Your ability to adapt

to new systems provides you with the motivation to succeed and the

impetus to learn an incredible amount in a short space of time.

A year studying and discovering abroad will inspire you to travel

further and provide you with the relevant contacts to progress with

your career and life. In my case, studying at EPFL in Switzerland and

making contacts earned me a job as a research engineer on a

detector project for a future linear collider at CERN.

The hurdles to success as an engineer are innumerable but not

insurmountable. If you’re courageous and dedicated, you will

progress fast and make your own luck. So, what's engineering

about? Advanced communication, rapid learning and effective

problem solving. The sky's the limit!

Since graduating from UCD, Ronan McGovern has been awarded

the Fulbright International Science & Technology Award. With the

Award, Ronan, who scored 900 points in the Leaving Certificate (9

A1s), has enrolled on a fully funded PhD in Mechanical Engineering

at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Engineering (Common Entry)

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Ronan McGovernEntrance Scholar and Irish Language Scholar

irrigation systems, the opportunities that will be available to you as

an engineering graduate from UCD are as wide as they are varied.

Whether your career path is to make a million by the time you are

25 or help save the world, you won’t go too far wrong with

engineering! It is not only a profession, it is a discipline, which will

equip you with a mindset and skill set that will make you an asset on

every career path you decide to take, and to any company that

employs you.

What are the graduate study optionsfor engineering at UCD?The options for UCD engineering graduates are numerous. In UCD

there are professional taught Masters programmes including

Biomedical, Biosystems, Civil, Energy Systems, Electronic with

Computer, Engineering with Business and Mechanical Engineering

currently available. There are also research Masters and PhD

opportunities. The world is really at your feet and the postgraduate

opportunities are fantastic!

Engineering graduates have a better chance than graduates of

any other discipline of becoming the chief executive of a Fortune

500 company. UCD engineering graduates have gone on to do

weird and wonderful things. Being part of the UCD engineering

alumni can lead you down a range of paths: from being managing

director of a multi-national company, to working in the Kennedy

Space Centre, and from developing new biomedical devices, to

tackling the energy and environmental challenges facing

mankind. Whatever path of engineering at UCD you decide to

take, you can be certain that, if you apply yourself, it can give you

opportunities you never would have thought possible.

Did you know? Life as an Engineering student

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Engineering at UCD

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What is Biomedical Engineering?Biomedical Engineering involves applying traditional engineering

methods and techniques to solve problems in biology and medicine,

and advance healthcare. Biomedical Engineers are interested in complex

living systems, particularly the systems of the human body. They are

employed in a wide range of areas. These include working in industry

researching and designing new medical technologies, for regulatory

agencies establishing safety standards for healthcare devices, as a

clinical engineer in a hospital, or in a research institution working on

developing new medical technologies, therapies or diagnostic methods.

This work often involves working closely with other researchers and

professionals with such backgrounds as medicine, physiology and

nursing. Biomedical Engineering is a relatively new and exciting area that

is changing rapidly.

What makes a good UCD Biomedical Engineer?

A good Biomedical Engineer

will have an interest in how the

human body works and how

technology can be used to

advance our understanding of

living systems and improve

healthcare. As with all

engineering courses,

Biomedical Engineering

requires a strong aptitude for

maths and problem solving.

A good Biomedical Engineer

will also have good

communication skills as they

may be expected to work as part of a diverse interdisciplinary team

with people from many different backgrounds. A strong interest in

the health of people and the future of healthcare is also a key

attribute of a good UCD Biomedical Engineer.

To see if Biomedical Engineering atUCD is for you, ask yourself thefollowing questions…■■ Do you want to apply engineering to understand how the

systems of the human body work?

■■ Do you want to create new technology that has an impact on the

world of medicine?

■■ Do you want to develop innovative solutions to today’s medical

problems?

■■ Do you want to graduate with an internationally recognised and

professionally accredited degree?

What can students expect to study inBiomedical Engineering at UCD?As with all engineering courses in UCD, Biomedical Engineering

involves a common first year, with the fundamentals of

engineering, maths, physics and science forming the core

elements.

Over the next two years students will develop a strong basis in

core engineering skills, focusing on developing their

competencies in electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Biomedical Engineering students will also have the opportunity to

study modules in physiology and biology to gain an understanding

of the systems involved. Towards the end of third year and during

the fourth year of the degree specific Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

UCD Biomedical EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry RequirementsIrish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level) and, two other recognised subjects

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

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I chose to study Engineering in UCD because of the fact that

the courses had an excellent reputation, which was important

for considering future career options. UCD also had excellent

extra-curricular facilities such as sports facilities and clubs and

societies. My favourite subjects at school maths, physics,

applied maths, economics and Irish. The Engineering degree

at UCD gives you a solid grounding in the fundamentals

which makes it easier to pick up new technical and theoretical

skills later on.

The academics in UCD are active in Biomedical research and

familiar with current trends and developments.

My doctoral project involved building computer models to

better understand how to treat Parkinson’s disease using

implanted electrodes in the brain.

Because of the high number of contact hours the class tends

to get to know one another very well. We had a great mix of

people from all over the country, people from Dublin and a

few foreign students from all over the world. Most of the

engineering disciplines are based in one building so there is

a real collegiate atmosphere and there are plenty of

opportunities to get to know other engineering students.

UCD Engineering has an incredibly fun and vibrant social

scene. I made friends with a number of people from my year

and I catch up with them regularly. The UCD Engineering

Society organises many parties and get togethers which are

terrific for getting to know classmates.

Studying Engineering at UCD prepares you for travel, career

and further graduate study. The UCD Engineering Degree is

recognised all over the world, as it is fully accredited by

Engineers Ireland and the IEEE. Many of the lecturers have

studied, researched or worked abroad in other institutions

and companies and are keen to share their experiences with

you. Employers also know that the UCD degree is of a high

standard and thus its graduates will make a great hire. I did a

summer internship with one of the lecturers from my

department at the end of third year and it gave me great

insight into how Biomedical research is conducted and the

challenges and opportunities involved.

Biomedical Engineering

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Dr. Peadar GrantLecturer, School of Electrical,Electronic and CommunicationsEngineering.

subjects will be introduced. These include biomechanics, neural

engineering, biomaterials, medical device design and

rehabilitation engineering. The reason for this can be described in

simple terms: the brain and the nervous system can be thought of

as one large processor which co-ordinates and transmits signals

around the body and the organs and limbs as pieces of machinery

that operate when receiving signals from the brain.

What are the career options fora UCD Biomedical Engineeringgraduate?Biomedical Engineering is an extremely diverse area. You could

find yourself working in many different fields including some of

the specialist areas in which UCD academics are involved. These

include orthopaedic biomechanics, where engineering methods

are used to understand joints and bones and in the design of

artificial joints; cardiovascular device design, involving the

development of materials for use in artificial organs and design

of implants such as artificial heart valves or cardiovascular stents;

and neural engineering, which applies engineering to understand

and interact with the human nervous system, for example in

neuromodulation devices which electrically stimulate nerves

within the body to restore lost function.

What are the graduate study optionsfor Biomedical engineers?Once you have your primary degree, you may decide to do a taught

or research Masters in Biomedical Engineering. You can also embark

on a PhD and work with some of the world’s leading researchers and

conduct ground-breaking research in an area that excites you.

The human eye is in constant motion,

some under our conscious control but

much of it completely unconsciously.

Knowing how the eye moves

involuntarily can tell us a great deal

about the health of the individual and

of the nervous system, even allowing

us to measure brain activity or death.

The only way to measure very small

eye movements until now was to

place a needle in contact with the

eye – this is very uncomfortable for the patient.

We have built a system for use by collaborators in St James’s

Hospital, which allows movement to be measured using laser

light. This is not only easier for the patients, it is more

accurate and safer.

Did you know? What have Biomedical Engineersgone on to do…?

Prof. John Sheridan

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What is Biosystems Engineering?

Our growing world population requires more food, water, and

energy but limited resources demand we do more with less, without

degrading our natural environment. Biosystems Engineers work on

global and local issues of safe foods, clean air and water,

sustainable bioresource utilisation, safe and healthy environments,

reduced waste, sustainable energy and green technology.

What makes a good UCD Biosystems Engineer?

Biosystems Engineers must have good creative skills and a love of

maths, combined with a a strong interest in working with living

systems and biological products. Due to their variability, biological

systems and products present many challenges to an engineer. For

example, the processing of biological materials such as food requires

a much different solution compared to the handling of other materials

such as metal or plastic. Another example is the mass cultivation of

marine algae for biofuel production; such systems must be designed

to optimise growth rates for particular algal strains, which are living

organisms. In working with these products and systems, Biosystems

Engineers must be able to incorporate biological variability into a

successful engineering design.

To see if Biosystems Engineering atUCD is for you, ask yourself thefollowing questions…■■ Do you want to study in an institution that is the only one to offer

such a course at honours degree level in the country?

■■ Do you want to study on a programme that will give you the

option of studying abroad as part of your course?

What can students expect to study when taking Biosystems Engineering in UCD?Biosystems Engineering is founded on basic sciences (biology,

physics and chemistry), mathematics and engineering design. It

then builds with engineering sciences and biology, culminating in

engineering studies chosen from food, bioprocess, environment,

mechanisation, and bioenergy. Students taking the Biosystems

Engineering Design Challenge have the opportunity to create

solutions for real-life problems. Team projects can range from

designing rainwater harvesting systems (pictured) to devices

making biomass briquettes.

Engineering at UCD

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Biosystems EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

UCD Biosystems EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry Requirements Irish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level GradesABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 11: UCD Engineering

My physics and maths were very strong at school, but I always felt

more drawn towards biology. I looked hard to find a degree in

which I could combine these subjects. Biosystems Engineering

suited all three and provides a unique chance to integrate biology

with engineering. With increasing talk about pollution and global

warming, Biosystems Engineering seems sure to become more

popular, leading to many jobs in the area. It also gives you an

opportunity to study abroad, which I highly recommend. On

graduating, I wanted to use the skills I’d learned to help others,

before working in a consultancy and travelling from site to site

helping to design and construct water quality systems. I was

involved with the UCD Softball Club and I took part in the Virginia

Tech–UCD Exchange Programme for two semesters. Now that I

have graduated, I have gone on to study a Masters in Sustainable

Management of Water Resources as my professional interests are

in the area of sustainable research management.

Biosystems Engineering

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Nicola GreeneUCD Biosystems Engineeringgraduate

What are the career options for a UCDBiosystems Engineering graduate?Graduates in Biosystems Engineering have a variety of employment

options open to them, as well as the option of further education

and research. Traditionally, our graduates have been employed in

bioprocess and food companies, consulting engineering

companies, and similar organisations. There are also numerous

opportunities in environmental protection agencies, equipment and

systems design, manufacturing companies, information technology

groups, and research and development organisations.

What are the graduate study optionsfor Biosystems Engineers?Once you have your primary degree you may decide to do a taught or

a research Masters degree or a PhD in an array of disciplines. Food,

bioprocess, environment, mechanisation, bioenergy and sustainable

energy are the key research areas of our academic staff. Within these

broad groupings, however, there is great diversity among projects and

you will be the architect and driver of your own research.

Increasingly, employers are asking for graduate engineers with

international experience. We are pleased to have several

programmes that allow our undergraduates to gain this valuable

exposure to the global workplace. Our third-year students have

the unique opportunity to study at Virginia Tech (one of

America’s top 25 engineering universities) or the University of

Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (the number 1 Biological Systems

programme in the USA).

What have Biosystems Engineers gone on to do…?

Did you know?

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Engineering at UCD

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What is Chemical and BioprocessEngineering?Chemical and Bioprocess Engineers are fundamentally interested in

transformations and how such transformations can be realised on a

large scale through research, design, construction and operation.

They are key to, for example, the transformation of crude oil into

petrochemicals and fuel in an oil refinery, or the conversion of

intermediates (chemicals) to pharmaceuticals, a hugely important

industry here in Ireland. Indeed, almost everything we touch, consume

or use, including energy, has had to be transformed to its final, usable

form in some way by a facility conceived and designed by these

engineers, with due regard to environmental, financial, safety, and

health constraints. Chemical processing utilises synthetic or man-made

transformations, as in the petroleum or pharmaceutical examples

given above, while Bioprocessing seeks to use biological systems

(cells, for example) to produce biopharmaceutical agents.

What makes a good Chemical andBioprocess Engineer?Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, like all of the other

engineering courses in UCD, requires hard work and commitment.

To succeed as a Chemical or Bioprocess Engineer requires an

aptitude for maths and science, as well as an inquisitive mind and

an interest in dealing with real and often complex problems.

Coupled to this is their ability to work with and manage large,

diverse teams towards common project deadlines and goals. These

attributes are essential for graduates who will be charged with

finding practical solutions to health, environmental, and energy

issues, by applying the scientific and engineering fundamentals

central to the UCD programme. A Chemical or Bioprocess Engineer

needs to be committed, creative and clever.

To see if Chemical and BioprocessEngineering at UCD is for you, askyourself the following questions...■■ Do you want to study at a university that has been running a

Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering degree for over 50 years, longer

than any other Irish institution?

■■ Do you want to study in a degree programme whose graduates are

sought after by the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies?

■■ Do you want to design processes to harness chemical or

biochemical reactions, safely and effectively, at a scale which meets

world needs for the valuable process products?

■■ Do you ever wish you could be involved in the development and

production of a drug to treat one of today’s prevailing illnesses?

■■ Do you want to join a School of Chemical and Bioprocess

Engineering that is the most research active in its field, not just in

Ireland, but also in Europe?

■■ Do you want to graduate with a professionally accredited and

internationally recognised engineering degree?

What can students expect to studywhen taking Chemical and BioprocessEngineering at UCD?As a first-year engineering student, you will receive vigorous training in

the fundamentals of engineering. After deciding to specialise in

Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering the subsequent years will see you

taking subjects such as chemical reactor and control system design;

process economics and safety; and engineering science subjects,

including heat transfer, mass transfer and fluid mechanics. Several

students choose to spend the third year of their studies in high-ranking

universities in the USA, Europe or Australia, through Erasmus or the

Education Abroad Programme (EAP). Project work is a key component of

Chemical and Bioprocess EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

UCD Chemical and BioprocessEngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or4 Years (BE) + 1 Year (MEngSc)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry RequirementsIrish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 13: UCD Engineering

Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering

Page 13

I was initially drawn to Chemical Engineering simply because I enjoyed

chemistry and maths at school. When I was doing the Leaving Cert, I

knew that Chemical Engineers had excellent job prospects, in Ireland

and abroad – and I'm very glad to say they still do! What I hadn't

anticipated was the range of opportunities the degree programme

would offer me – and the satisfaction I'd get from my working life as a

Chemical Engineer.

A great aspect of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at UCD is the

relatively small class sizes. There were just 33 students in my class,

which meant that you got to know everyone on a one-to-one basis.

Through the School, I obtained an industrial placement during the

summer at the end of my third year, working in a pharmaceutical

company in Ireland. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to apply

the engineering theory I’d learned in lecture and laboratory courses, in

the 'real world'. When I graduated in 2005, I was offered a place on

the FÁS Science Challenge Programme and spent a summer studying

at NASA and working with the Florida Space Authority (FSA). This was

an amazing experience, being mentored by and working directly with

NASA-based scientists and astronauts. I returned to Dublin

determined to continue with Chemical Engineering research and in

2008 I graduated from UCD with a PhD degree in Chemical

Engineering. From a career perspective, the PhD programme at UCD

opened so many doors for me: I travelled the world, attending and

presenting at conferences, meeting with leading international

scientists, as well as potential employers. After then spending some

time in industry, I returned to UCD, as a Senior Research and

Development Engineer with the Crystallisation Research Group. This

group is part of a national research effort, the SSPC (Solid-State

Pharmaceutical Cluster) and my role is to work closely with our

industrial partners on collaborative research and training projects; to

date, I've worked with 14 major pharma companies.

In partnership with another UCD Chemical Engineer, I've recently set

up an R&D company, leveraging what I've learnt in UCD and in

industry, to provide innovative and practical solutions to real

pharmaceutical processing challenges. I never imagined that this

could be a reality!

But it’s not all work! My strongest undergraduate memories are of the

great friends I’ve made. Those friends, coupled with a Chemical

Engineering degree and doctorate, have made my years in UCD

extremely enjoyable and very rewarding, and although global

economic difficulties affect all aspects of life, thankfully, there seems to

be no shortage of demand for Chemical Engineers!

Dr Mark BarrettUCD Chemical Engineeringgraduate

the final years of the programme, with students undertaking an

experimental research project, as well as participating in a group design

project. Students are strongly encouraged to seek industrial

employment during the summer at the end of third year; there are also

opportunities to spend a full year in industry between third and fourth

year; the School, which maintains very close links with industry, actively

supports students in these undertakings.

What are the career options for aUCD Chemical and BioprocessEngineering graduate?Chemical and Bioprocess Engineers are consistently the highest paid

engineering graduates, exemplifying the demand for such highly skilled

individuals. You will leave UCD ready for immediate employment as a

Chemical or Bioprocess Engineer, with an internationally recognised

degree, accredited at Master's level by the Institution of Chemical

Engineers (IChemE). You might choose to apply your skills and

qualifications in the strong Irish sector. Or you might work as a consulting

engineer, involved in the design of research and production facilities.

However, there is a multitude of options for graduates of this programme

and not all of them are immediately obvious. You could find yourself in the

increasingly important energy or environmental sectors, or even in the

corporate world of finance and banking.

What are the graduate study options fora Chemical and Bioprocess Engineer?The solid foundations of an engineering degree certainly won’t

restrict your choices after graduation. UCD offers opportunities for

taught Masters (including a one-year, full-time Masters in

Biopharmaceutical Engineering), research Masters and PhD

degrees; our graduate are also sought as research students by

leading universities worldwide.

Sustainable energy production is one of thedefining needs of our time, one that UCD Chemicaland Bioprocess Engineering is addressing throughefforts to harness “free energy” from the sun. Headof School Prof. Don MacElroy leads a nationalresearch programme in solar energy conversion

technology, for the development of next-generation solar cells forpower production, suitable for Ireland’s cloudy skies and indoor use,together with the development of solar fuels: hydrogen and CO2

reduction into low molecular fuels. Several other UCD ChemicalEngineering graduates have become international leaders in the fieldof energy: David O'Reilly (BE 1968), former CEO and Chairman ofChevron; Eddie O'Connor (BE 1970), former CEO of Airtricity, nowCEO of Mainstream Renewable Power; and, Martin McAdam (BE1982), CEO of Aquamarine Power. Through the Pat McAdamScholarship, Martin McAdam is supporting the next generation ofenergy innovators: under the auspices of the Scholarship, UCDChemical Engineering student Donal Finegan (pictured) spentSummer 2011 at the University of Colorado, working on thedevelopment of renewable energy materials.

Did you know? What have Chemical and BioprocessEngineers gone on to do…?

Page 14: UCD Engineering

Engineering at UCD

Page 14

What is Civil Engineering?

The first thing you need to know about Civil Engineering is that it is

not just about hard hats and building sites. The work of Civil

Engineers is on view on a daily basis in the critical infrastructure

required for a functioning society. Civil Engineers are required for

the roads you drive on, the bridges that get you from A to B, the

power stations that provide your electricity and for the fact that

when you turn on your tap you have fresh drinking water. Civil

Engineers also take an active role in protecting our environment

and have responsibility for a range of activities, including water

pollutant reduction and waste management.

What makes a good UCD Civil Engineer?Like all of the engineering disciplines, good creative and problem

solving skills are crucial. In particular, and because mathematics

underpins design, numeracy skills are important. As the modern

infrastructure of society impacts on the environment, Civil Engineers

have the task of finding solutions

that enable society to function,

while at the same time minimising

effects on the environment. So, to

sum up, the ideal UCD Civil

Engineer would be a bright,

intelligent person, who has great

enthusiasm and flair for the

challenge of solving problems,

coupled with a desire to see

society develop in a way that

keeps environmental concerns and

issues to the fore.

To see if Civil Engineering at UCD is for you,ask yourself the following questions…■■ Do you want to solve problems and address society’s

infrastructural and environmental needs?

■■ Do you want to study a degree programme that, following

graduation, will enable you to work in water and environmental

engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering

and transport engineering?

■■ Would you like the opportunity to take advantage of a work

placement in a top engineering organisation in Ireland or abroad

as part of your degree programme?

■■ Do you want to study a discipline that has solid career prospects

in the public and private sectors?

■■ Do you want to study for an engineering degree that is

internationally recognised and qualifies you to work anywhere in

the world?

What can students expect to studywhen taking Civil Engineering at UCD?Civil Engineering can be said to comprise four key areas: structures,

geotechnics, water and environmental, and transportation

engineering. The subjects that you will study for a degree in Civil

Engineering at UCD are varied. Like all of the other UCD

engineering disciplines, the first year will be spent on developing

the fundamentals of engineering. A rigorous study of mathematics

and physics will ensure that regardless of how technology changes,

you will always have solid fundamental problem-solving skills. This

makes UCD engineers extremely employable in professions outside

of engineering. The subsequent years are spent developing specific

skills in subjects that involve Civil Engineering design, analysis and

construction. A great emphasis in these years is on the built

Civil EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

“Big Dig” Boston, USA, whereUCD Civil Engineering studentshave undertaken work placements.

UCD Civil EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry Requirements Irish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 15: UCD Engineering

It is sometimes difficult for someone who has just finished their

Leaving Certificate to be certain of which career path to follow.

The benefit of studying Civil Engineering at UCD is that you learn

problem-solving skills that are transferable to, and well

recognised in, other fields and industries. A significant number of

students in my year subsequently developed careers in other

areas such as banking and management. A degree in Civil

Engineering from UCD is a good solid degree. I put UCD top of

my list because it has the best reputation for Civil Engineering in

Ireland. My interest in the environmental aspects of Civil

Engineering was initiated and developed while studying Civil

Engineering at UCD. As a result I have been working as an

environmental engineer at the National Roads Authority (NRA) for

the last number of years. I work in the Environmental Unit, where

my work involves developing and communicating the NRA’s

environmental policy. These policy documents provide guidance

on dealing with a number of environmental impacts which can

occur during the planning and construction of national road

schemes such as: air quality; noise and vibration; ecological (e.g.,

impacts on bats, otters, badgers, watercourse, trees and

hedgerows), landscape, architectural and archeological heritage;

and, hydrological, hydrogeological and geological impacts. A

significant portion of my time is spent advising those involved in

the project management of individual schemes on environmental

issues. I also advise on environmental law issues. This has led me

to study law with a view to developing my knowledge in

environmental law, which is why I recently completed an LL.B.

I have great memories from my time at UCD. The Civil

Engineering programme was quite intensive. Generally, there

were lectures in the morning and lab work in the afternoon.

Working in the various laboratories was very interesting and there

was always a great camaraderie between students. The lab

sessions were great craic, which made attending labs or lectures

good fun. Engineering has always had a reputation for having an

excellent social scene. I would recommend Civil Engineering at

UCD to any prospective student. It certainly is an ideal starting

point for a career in Civil Engineering, and it is also looked upon

very favourably in other industries.

Civil Engineering

Page 15

Christian NeaUCD Civil Engineering graduate

environment and natural environments and includes subjects related

specifically to the design of structures, water resources management

and transportation systems. The third year of the programme offers

students an opportunity to undertake a four-month work placement

in an Irish or international civil engineering organisation.

What are the career options for a UCDCivil Engineering graduate?Civil Engineering is comprised of many inter-related specialties such

as; structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental

engineering, traffic and transportation engineering, and water

resource and hydraulic engineering. As a result, the opportunities

available upon graduation are extremely varied. Some of our

graduates have gone on to work in the public sector or have

secured positions in consulting and contracting organisations.

Increasingly, the career path of a Civil Engineer involves

interdisciplinary work with engineers from other sectors, and

working on projects dealing with areas such as sustainable energy.

Studying engineering at UCD has provided our graduates with

highly transferable skills and many of our graduates have secured

positions in banking and business organisations.

What are the graduate study optionsfor Civil Engineers?Postgraduate study is an increasingly popular route for engineers.

At UCD we offer a taught Masters programme in Civil Engineering.

We also offer a range of research Masters and PhD opportunities

that cater for all interests. This presents students with the

opportunity to build on the work of, and further develop

relationships with, research groups to which you will have been

exposed in your undergraduate programme.

Did you know? What have Civil Engineers gone on to do…?

The Centre for Water Resources Research

(CWRR) under the directorship of Professor

Michael Bruen in UCD Civil Engineering is

currently involved in a number of projects to

enable both engineering practitioners and the

public at large to design for and deal with the

impacts of floods. Climate change impacts in

the future are likely to result in an increased frequency of floods,

particularly in urbanised areas. The CWRR is actively engaged in

projects to develop improved methods of flood estimation and is

also involved in work to improve flood forecasting and public

responses to flood warnings. Projects focusing on sustainable

development that are assessing the re-use of both excess

rainwater and ‘greywater’ are also being undertaken. The research

is not only focused on water quantity, but extends to developing

environmentally sensitive methods for improving the quality of

contaminated waters.

Page 16: UCD Engineering

Electrical/Electronic EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Engineering at UCD

Page 16

What is Electrical/ElectronicEngineering?Everywhere you go you are surrounded by the work of Electrical and

Electronic Engineers, from the music you listen to, to the device you

listen to it on, the internet where you download the music, and the

energy that powers it all. All of these are designed and developed by

Electrical and Electronic Engineers. However, there is more to it than

that. As you will see from the research carried out by the academics in

UCD, the work of Electrical and Electronic Engineers involves developing

new ways to solve the world’s energy problems through harnessing

renewable energy sources like wind and tidal power. Their work also

extends to communications, health and the medical professions. From

researching brain activity to developing artificial limbs; this is all part of a

day’s work for an Electrical and Electronic Engineer. There is a difference

between Electrical and Electronic Engineers; simply put, Electronic

Engineering is concerned with transmitting and processing information

while Electrical Engineering focuses on generating, transmitting and

using the electricity that powers our world. They combine scientific

principles, mathematical understanding and creative thinking to produce

the technology that shapes our world.

What makes a good UCD Electrical/Electronic Engineer?To determine if you are interested in Electrical or Electronic

Engineering, ask yourself the following questions… Do you like

using maths and physics to solve problems in the world around you?

Are you interested in technology? Are you interested in

communications? Do you want to know more about how

information is transmitted around the world? Do you want to

understand how technology is used in medicine? Do you want to

know how to generate electricity from renewable energy sources?

To see if Electrical/ElectronicEngineering at UCD is for you, askyourself the following questions…

■■ Do you want to study in an environment where the people

teaching you are involved in ground-breaking research in the

areas of energy, communications and health?

■■ Do you want to study at an institution which offers the only

Electrical Engineering degree programme in Ireland?

■■ Do you want to study in a university with a long established,

recognised degree programme in Electrical and Electronic

Engineering?

■■ Do you want to study in an institute that has close contact

with Irish and multinational companies?

■■ Do you want to study in a university whose solid fundamentals

are recognised by the world’s leading businesses like Intel,

Siemens, and Google?

If you said yes to any of these – then UCD is the place for you!

What can students expect to studywhen taking Electrical/ElectronicEngineering at UCD?In Electrical and Electronic Engineering we educate you not just

for your first job, but for your entire career. We do this by

emphasising the fundamentals of the field. With this background,

you won’t be left behind as technology advances, but will be

among those driving and developing the technology of the

future. Like all other engineering courses in UCD, the first year is

common throughout, with the fundamentals of engineering,

maths, physics and science forming the core elements. The

UCD Electrical/Electronic EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry RequirementsIrish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 17: UCD Engineering

At Google’s London headquarters, amongst the primary coloured

exercise balls and a giant projection of a spinning globe –

highlighting all of the google searches happening in real time all

over the world works Dave Burke, a graduate of Electrical

Engineering (EE) at UCD.

“I decided to study engineering as I wanted to understand the

fundamentals of all the cool technologies and gadgets I saw

around me and have the skills and knowledge to one day invent

my own.

My favourite subjects in school were physics, maths, applied

maths and economics. I saw and still do see EE as a great

foundation to allow students to pursue a wide variety of directions

ranging from cutting-edge electronics, to software development

and biomedical engineering.

I don’t think I could have selected a better course than the EE

course in UCD. The EE course at UCD focuses on the

fundamentals and not on technologies that quickly become

dated. Moreover, the course equips you with the skills to analyse

and think for yourself – you learn how to learn!

After my undergraduate degree, I went on to do a Masters and

then a PhD. My PhD involved studying the electrical activity in the

brain and allowed me to get a good grounding in other areas

outside of engineering such as mathematical neuroscience. EE

gave me the tools and confidence to learn any subject. As a

result, I was able to bring together different ideas from different

fields and really be innovative at an advanced level.

Later, I went on to found and manage a leading-edge software

development company. Again, the skills I picked up doing EE

were a real benefit here, notably being able to analyse a problem,

propose solutions, and to think rationally, quantitatively, and

objectively.

I am currently an engineering manager at Google’s largest mobile

development office, based in London. I direct a team of around

30 of the smartest engineers from all over the world working on

mobile products ranging from Google Maps for Mobile to Picasa

and You Tube. We invent new technologies and techniques that

touch a huge amount of people every day. I found my time at

UCD fantastic! I met lots of smart interesting people who have

become life-long friends. The social scene at UCD was really

good. Engineers know how to party!”

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Page 17

David Burke UCD Electrical Engineeringgraduate

second year will see you delving in more depth into subjects

such as circuit theory, computer engineering, electromagnetics,

communication systems and digital electronics. In third year you

will then embark on a specialised path of study between

Electrical or Electronic Engineering. You will develop your skills

further and study new subjects like signals and systems, wireless

systems, power engineering and renewable energy systems.

What are the career options for a UCD Electrical/ElectronicEngineering graduate?

There is a multitude of career options to choose from upon

graduating from UCD – you can work on projects that will really

make a difference to the world and society that we live in such as

discovering new sources of energy. You may work on finding new

means of communication and embark on a career developing the

next generation of multimedia devices or you may work studying

the human brain and body, working with electrical impulses

around the body.

What are the graduate studyoptions for Electrical/ElectronicEngineers?Once you have your primary degree you may decide to do a

taught Masters in an array of disciplines. You can also conduct

ground-breaking research in an area that excites you and work

with some of the world’s leading researchers by embarking on a

research Masters or a PhD degree.

Dr. Madeleine Lowery, a lecturer at UCD,

studied Electronic Engineering followed

by a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in

UCD. After finishing her PhD, Dr. Lowery

took up a research position in the

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago where she worked in the

Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs. Dr. Lowery was

involved in research into developing new means of controlling

artificial arms by connecting nerves from amputated limbs to

remaining muscles and recording the electrical signals generated

by these new nerve-muscle systems. These electrical signals,

known as EMG signals, are then used to control a multifunction

prosthetic arm, allowing it to move with many more degrees of

freedom than conventional artificial arms.

What have Electrical/Electronic Engineersgone on to do…?

Did you know?

Page 18: UCD Engineering

Engineering at UCD

Page 18

What is Energy Systems Engineering?

Energy Systems Engineers work on finding and implementing

solutions to the world’s energy and climate change problems.

The complex world that we live in presents many inter-

disciplinary and cross-disciplinary challenges and a narrow focus

on solution to one aspect of a problem is often inappropriate if

the ultimate need is to meet the needs of an ever-increasing

global population for a good standard of living. The latter

requires that adequate supplies of clean water and food be

available to all. It also requires clean air, comfortable housing,

good quality transportation, stable climatic conditions, efficient

communications systems, etc. Many of these are ultimately

dependent on human ability to exploit natural resources in ways

that are sustainable and do not leave permanent damage.

Economic development and progress over the past few

generations has been remarkable but built on unsustainable

foundations and a reliance on finite natural resources, the rate of

consumption of which has begun to threaten the planet we live

on. Finding and implementing alternatives here is urgent but

really challenging. Harnessing sustainable energy sources linked

to wind, ocean, solar or biomass is clearly desirable but must be

implemented under severe economic constraints and in

competition with existing unsustainable alternatives.

Education in Energy Systems Engineering is aimed at enabling

you to become a contributor in this important area. UCD offers

students the opportunity to complete their education to either

Bachelor Degree (BE) or Master Degree (ME) level in Energy

Systems, after four or five years, respectively. Each builds on the

essential core principles of mechanical, chemical and electrical

engineering, developed during the earlier years. The pro gramme

focuses on engineering applications in the energy arena. In

particular it focuses on the interdependence between the

electricity system, building energy systems, the industrial

production system, the food supply chain and the transport

system, as well as taking account of security of supply and climate

impact/CO2 emissions. For example, road transportation has

traditionally depended almost exclusively on combustion of fossils

in internal combustion engines. In the future, it seems likely that

electric vehicles powered ultimately by renewable energy will

gradually become commonplace. An important consequence will

be strong interdependence between electrical and mechanical

systems that were previously unconnected. Also, the need to

manage and control an electrical generation system that is

influenced by minute-to-minute changes in wind characteristics

presents exciting but very formidable challenges. Solutions to

these very real challenges do not respect traditional boundaries

between engineering disciplines. The UCD Energy Systems

Engineering degree programme aims to provide you with an

education that will help you to participate in finding the necessary

solutions – for the benefit of mankind and to enable you to have a

satisfying and prosperous career.

To see if Energy SystemsEngineering at UCD is for you, askyourself the following questions…■■ Do you see yourself working on solutions to the world’s energy

problems?

■■ Do you want to create new clean and efficient energy

technologies that will change the world we live in?

■■ Do you want to study a discipline that offers solid career

prospects both in the public and private sectors?

■■ Do you want to learn how to harness the power of the sun, wind,

waves or an atom to generate energy?

Energy Systems EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

UCD Energy Systems EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry Requirements Irish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 19: UCD Engineering

As a child I was always inquisitive about how and why things

worked. I was always asking for Lego and Meccano for Christmas

and birthday presents. My favourite subjects at second level were

woodwork, physics and maths. I suppose this mindset followed

me all the way through my life so it seemed a natural choice to

study Engineering, and where better to do it than at the largest

university in Ireland!

As a UCD Engineering student, of any discipline, you’ll find that

on any given day you could spend your time doing a wide range

of activities, ranging from lectures and tutorials, to handling heavy

duty electrical machinery in the labs.

My favourite aspect was the hands-on approach in the labs; this

more than anything else allowed me to get a grasp as to what

was actually happening, and it gave me a better understanding of

materials initially presented in the lectures.

Studying Engineering at UCD has opened up so many doors for

me that I never expected. As well as graduating with an

internationally recognised degree, my postgraduate study in UCD

has led to me travelling to various conferences and seminars

around the world, and even to spending time on a work

placement with a Scottish wave energy company called

Aquamarine Power.

I am currently studying for a PhD with the Electricity Research

Centre in UCD under the supervision of Dr Damian Flynn. My

work focuses on the integration of ocean energy devices with our

power system, and figuring out the implications for the other

energy sources we use to generate electricity. Harnessing the

power of the oceans to generate electricity is a cutting edge area

of research in both Ireland and around the world. The Sustainable

Energy Authority of Ireland estimates that the accessible ocean

energy resources around Ireland would total approximately 90%

of Ireland’s electrical energy demand.

Studying an energy-related field at UCD will leave you well placed

to be at the forefront of the industries that will be tasked with

solving these challenges, and will give you a long and fulfilling

career in an area that is becoming ever more relevant.

My strongest memories of UCD are of the final few weeks of my

undergraduate degree as the realisation arrived upon myself and

my classmates that we wouldn’t see a lot of each other again. It

was at that point that you realise how many friends you’ve made

over the years, and how much you have enjoyed your time

at UCD.

Energy Systems Engineering

Page 19

What can students expect to study inEnergy Systems Engineering at UCD?Like other UCD engineering courses, the first year is common, with

the fundamentals of engineering, maths, physics and science forming

the core elements. Key components of the Energy Systems

Engineering programme at UCD include modules on energy

engineering, and electrical circuits. Core modules include: energy

systems and climate change; fossil fuels, carbon capture and storage;

chemical processes of sustainable and renewable energy; and, power

systems operation.

What are the career options for a UCDEnergy Systems Engineering graduate?Graduates of the Energy Systems degree will be equipped with

the skill set and knowledge vital for crucial roles in research,

design and development in the energy sector. Candidates who

complete the optional electrical modules will be equipped to work

as electrical engineers within the power industry with organisations

such as ESB International, Airtricity, GE Energy and Sustainable

Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

What are the graduate study optionsfor Energy Systems Engineers?Graduates can gain a more in-depth knowledge of Energy Systems

Engineering through postgraduate study. There are many options

available including taught masters or research work at master or

PhD level. From day one you will be exposed to the high volume of

research currently being conducted in the energy area at UCD.

From this you can get a good grounding in the research activity and

then chose your area of research specialisation accordingly.

Professor Chen-Ching Liu is an internationally

distinguished leader in developing advanced

computer methods to enhance the reliability

and resilience of electric energy systems. In

his role as Professor of Power Systems in

UCD Engineering he has developed an

innovative project concerned with cyber

security of the computer and communication

systems that power grids rely upon for

monitoring and control functions. As the

power plants, distributed renewable sources, substations and control

devices of the grid become more and more “wired”, new cyber

security technologies are needed to protect the integrity of the

complex and dynamic power grids. Professor Liu and his team are

developing new methods for monitoring, anomaly detection and

mitigation of cyber intrusions.

Did you know? What have Energy Systems Engineersgone on to do……?

Prof. Chen–Ching Liu

David Kavanagh BEPhD candidate UCD

Page 20: UCD Engineering

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is concerned with the design and

production of virtually every device used by mankind. If it moves in

any way, Mechanical Engineers are involved. From biros to satellites,

from design to manufacture, Mechanical Engineers have been

involved every step of the way.

What makes a good UCDmechanical engineer?It has been said of great men and women that they dare to dream;

we might add that great Mechanical Engineers dare to wake up

afterwards! The best Mechanical Engineers possess more than a

vision of the way the world should be; they combine it with the

desire and skills to make their dreams come true. They lead change,

drive innovation and open doors to a new and exciting reality. They

share a common thought: the world isn’t perfect, it could be better

– let’s make it happen!

To see if Mechanical Engineering atUCD is for you, ask yourself thefollowing questions…■■ Do you want to help overcome the great global challenges that now

confront us?

■■ Do you want to apply science, logic and mathematics to identify what

changes we need to make?

■■ Do you want to develop the technologies that will make these

changes possible?

If your answer to these questions is a resounding ‘Yes!’; if you want to

learn from people doing ground-breaking research in energy, materials

science, bioengineering, and technology management; if you want to

help direct the currents of change, rather than be swept along by them;

then Mechanical Engineering at UCD is the place for you.

What can students expect to study in Mechanical Engineering at UCD?All UCD Engineering students share a common first-year course, in

which the emphasis is placed on engineering fundamentals, maths, and

science.

In years 2 and 3, the focus shifts towards Mechanical Engineering, with

subjects such as fluid mechanics, applied dynamics, manufacturing,

design, and control to be explored. The theoretical material delivered in

lectures and tutorials is closely linked to, and reinforced by, experimental

work in all important aspects of the course, and students will find

themselves working in well-equipped workshops and laboratories.

Considerable attention is also devoted to developing effective oral and

written communication skills, with each student required to deliver both

written reports and oral presentations.

Engineering at UCD

Page 20

Mechanical EngineeringBachelor of Engineering (Honours)

UCD Mechnical EngineeringLength of Programme4 Years (BE), or3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 430

Entry RequirementsIrish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. (Note: A-Levels are normally exempt from the Irishlanguage requirement.)Guideline Equivalent Average A-Level Grades:ABBB (A-Level) or equivalent combination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: ABB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering& Architecture Programme OfficeUCD Engineering and Materials Science CentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email: [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engineer

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DN150BE (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) or BSc (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 8) leading to ME (NFQ Level 9)

Page 21: UCD Engineering

At school I always liked physics and maths, and had two great

teachers at Templeogue College in Dublin who were inspirational

– Mick O’Hara in physics and Ray Kennedy in maths. As

engineering represents the appliance of science and

mathematics, I was more attracted to a career as an engineer than

one as a pure scientist. Mechanical Engineering became the

obvious choice for me as a young school leaver in Dublin. The

work I am involved with at present involves both Mechanical

Engineering and space. People often wonder how these tie

together. A pretty good start would be to note that the first man

on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was an aerospace engineer (closely

related to mechanical engineering). In fact, the new engineering

building at Purdue University (his Alma Mater) in the USA was

recently completed and named the Armstrong Building in his

honour. Getting any space vehicle off the ground and into orbit

requires a huge team of engineers, and the design of the

spacecraft structure, its propulsion, and the materials used in its

construction, are all figured out by mechanical/aerospace

engineers.

I became involved in the European Space Agency via my research

at Oxford, where I did my masters and then doctoral studies

under the supervision of Prof. John Hunt. The only place that one

can do long-duration experiments in near-zero gravity is in space;

hence the ESA’s involvement. They can provide access to the

international space station, in particular to the new European

Columbus lab, and to other space microgravity platforms. A lot of

the students I have lectured have become involved in research,

starting with undergraduate projects, right up through Masters,

PhD and postdoctoral level, and many UCD engineering students

have worked on my projects. Many of these now have successful

careers in industry and business, whereas others have taken my

path and have themselves started their own research teams in

other universities. I hope some day that a UCD engineering

graduate will become an astronaut, and continue the work of

engineering predecessors like Neil Armstrong. Indeed, the ESA

has recently been recruiting for new astronaut trainees, and

young professional engineers will feature among the chosen few.

Mechanical Engineering

Page 21

Dr David BrowneSchool of Mechanical andMaterials Engineering

At the end of years 2 and 3, students are encouraged to participate in

the optional vacation employment scheme; this is considered to be an

important part of the engineering education. These voluntary

placements are arranged with carefully selected participating

companies, offering invaluable experience in design, manufacturing

and software projects in a broad spectrum of engineering industries,

both in Ireland and abroad.

In year 4, further specialisation is possible: students have access to a

wide range of advanced modules in areas as diverse as energy,

biomedicine, materials, mechanics, and economics. Students also

undertake a major project in an area of interest. The project provides

an opportunity for students to integrate the knowledge and

understanding acquired in previous stages, and to develop and test

their analytical and research skills.

What are the career options for a UCDMechanical Engineering graduate?In Ireland, there is significant demand for Mechanical Engineering

graduates in the energy, biomedical, manufacturing and IT sectors, at

both engineering and management levels. There is a wide range

of career options, in all areas. Or you may decide to go into further

academic study…

What are the graduate study options for Mechanical Engineers?Once you have your primary degree, you may decide to do a taught or

research Masters in Mechanical Engineering, energy systems or

bioengineering. You can also embark on a PhD and work with some of

the world’s leading researchers and conduct ground-breaking research

in an area that excites you.

Did you know? What have Mechanical Engineers gone on to do…?

A research group in UCD MechanicalEngineering, under the supervision of ProfessorGerry Byrne, is helping to develop the nextgeneration of green power generation systems.The group is focused on the development oftidal turbines, which use the periodic tidal flowsinduced by lunar and solar gravitation, togenerate electricity. Working with Irish renewable

energy company OpenHydro, they aim to develop farms of tidalturbines mounted on the seabed where no part of the structure isvisible from the surface and which is deep enough not to interferewith shipping. This method of installation realises the company’s visionof silent, invisible, predictable, renewable energy. In May 2008OpenHydro became the first company in the UK and Ireland tocomplete the connection of a tidal turbine and commence electricitygeneration onto the UK national grid. This testing and grid generationis ongoing. The trials at EMEC have been supported by bothSustainable Energy Ireland and the Scottish Government.

Page 22: UCD Engineering

Engineering at UCD

Page 22

What is Structural Engineering with Architecture?The Structural Engineering with Architecture degree at UCD is a two-

part degree leading to a Masters qualification. It is often said that the

architect is a creator and the engineer is an inventor. Architects and

Structural Engineers work closely together as members of the design

team, developing designs from the earliest stages, bringing them from

concept to reality. This programme is designed to give engineers a full

understanding and appreciation of the architectural profession,

coupled with the solid fundamentals of the engineering degree.

What makes a good UCD Structural Engineer?A strong creative flair, great problem-solving skills, and a love of

Architecture and buildings are the attributes that a good Structural

Engineer requires. These skills are nurtured and developed through

the Structural Engineering with Architecture programme at UCD.

To see if Structural Engineering withArchitecture at UCD is for you, askyourself the following questions…■■ Do you have you an interest in problem solving?

■■ Do you have an appreciation for the beauty of structural

design and architecture?

■■ Do you want to study Structural Engineering with Architecture?

■■ Would you like the opportunity to take advantage of work placement

in the top engineering consultancy firms either in Ireland or abroad

as part of your degree programme?

■■ Do you want to enhance your employment prospects through

focused study in Structural Engineering to a postgraduate level?

What can students expect to study in Structural Engineering with Architecture at UCD?

You will study a multitude of interesting and diverse subjects

while studying Structural Engineering with Architecture. In your

first year you will find yourself studying the fundamentals of

engineering, maths, physics and science subjects with the

rigour that UCD is renowned for. Along with a solid grounding

in these subjects, you will also be introduced to creativity and

design processes as well as different perspectives on

Architecture. This will be married to the study of theory and

design of structures, and the history and theory of the designed

environment.

By the end of your first year you will understand the

fundamentals of engineering and have an appreciation of

architecture. In your second year the foundations of structural

design are studied, including construction materials,

construction practice, mechanics of solids and mechanics

of fluids.

Design studio work includes model making and 3D computer-

aided design (CAD). In third year, the design and skills from the

previous two years are taken to a more advanced level with

specific modules relating to the analysis and design of steel and

reinforced concrete structures and the theory of elasticity and

plasticity being covered.

At the end of third year, successful students are awarded a BSc

(Hons) Structural Engineering with Architecture. After this,

students have the opportunity to study for a Master of

Engineering degree in this area. It is important to note that, as

the second part is considered to be graduate study, students

must obtain an honours BSc degree with a 2.80 GPA for

admission to the Master of Engineering (ME) programme, and

Structural Engineering with ArchitectureBachelor of Science and Master of Engineering

DN140

UCD Structural Engineering With ArchitectureLength of Programme3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)Minimum CAO points 2011: 410

Entry requirementsIrish; English; Mathematics (minimumgrade C3 LC Higher Level); onelaboratory science subject – Physicsand/or Chemistry is recommended(minimum grade D3 LC Higher Level);and, two other recognised subjects.

A-Level/GCSE:Passes (GCSE Grade C or above) in sixrecognised subjects including thoseabove, of which two must be minimumGrade C or above at A-Level. Guideline Equivalent Average A-LevelGrades: ABBB (A-Level) or equivalentcombination.Guideline Equivalent Minimum A-LevelGrades: BBB (A-Level) & C (AS) orequivalent combination.

Contact detailsUCD Engineering & ArchitectureProgramme OfficeUCD Engineering andMaterials ScienceCentreBelfield, Dublin 4Tel: +353 1 716 1868Email:[email protected]:www.ucd.ie/engineer

Page 23: UCD Engineering

I was interested in both maths and science subjects in secondary

school. I felt that a qualification in either engineering or science

would allow me to pursue a career that used my interests and

abilities. The career opportunities available to an engineering

graduate in the areas of design and research appealed to me. I

had not decided which branch of engineering I wanted to study

when I started my engineering degree at UCD. I quickly became

drawn to the discipline of civil engineering, with the challenges of

design and construction of buildings, bridges and highways most

particularly attracting me.

When I graduated from UCD I went to work with Arup in London,

where I was very fortunate to work with the famous Irish engineer,

Peter Rice. I worked on a variety of lightweight structures, steel

and glass structures and tall buildings with architects such as Sir

Michael Hopkins, Ian Ritchie and Richard Rodgers. During this

time, I also undertook a part-time MSc at City University, further

developing my design capabilities and research skills. Following

this I worked with Skidmore Owings and Merrill in London, a

Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm. I returned to

Dublin after six years and worked with Techrete and,

subsequently, Muir Associates, before returning to UCD as a

lecturer and researcher.

UCD has a strong tradition in both research and teaching.

Research activity at UCD informs the teaching, creating a culture

of enquiry and innovation. This ethos facilitated my design and

development of the Structural Engineering with Architecture

Programme, which integrates the development of key skills across

the curriculum, preparing students for both the workforce and for

further postgraduate study. A degree in Structural Engineering

with Architecture or indeed Civil Engineering at UCD can open up

many opportunities for an exciting career.

Structural Engineering with Architecture

Page 23

Dr Amanda GibneySchool of Civil, Structural andEnvironmental Engineering

postgraduate fees will apply. In the first year of the ME

programme, design and analysis skills are enhanced through

lectures, laboratory practical sessions and project work. In

addition, a professional studies module is taken. During the

second semester a work placement option, either in Ireland or

abroad, is available. Our students have undertaken placements

in top firms in Dublin, London, Paris, Dubai, New York and

Prince Edward Island, experiencing the excitement of being

part of creative design teams.

The second year provides you with advanced modules in

structural design and analysis and soil mechanics. The modules

relating to construction management and innovation leadership

further prepare you for professional life. A major research

project is undertaken, and the results are presented in a

final thesis.

What are the career options for aUCD Structural Engineeringgraduate?Graduates of this programme can go on to have successful

careers working with innovative and creative design teams,

typically with engineering consultancy firms, bringing what was

believed to be the impossible alive through feats of

engineering. The sky’s the limit, or is it?

What are the graduate studyoptions for a Structural Engineer?Upon successful completion of the five-year programme, you

will obtain the award of Master of Engineering (ME). However,

your education need not stop there – a multitude of taught or

research graduate opportunities are available to you.

What have Structural engineers gone on to do…?

RFR, Paris

Page 24: UCD Engineering

Engineering at UCD

Page 24

ME Biomedical EngineeringBiomedical Engineering involves the application of engineering

principles to healthcare and medicine. It is an interdisciplinary field,

requiring knowledge of both living systems and engineering. The ME

Biomedical Engineering at UCD provides students with a broad

background in Biomedical Engineering, taking the fundamentals of

electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering developed at

undergraduate level and complementing these with modern biomedical

engineering techniques. As part of the ME you will study Biomedical

Engineering subjects such as rehabilitation engineering, neural

engineering, biomechanics and medical device design. You will also

have the opportunity to choose from a range of modules in physiology

and anatomy alongside advanced engineering topics including

advanced signal processing, nanomaterials and dynamics. There will be

an emphasis on independent learning and research, with the

opportunity to participate in a work placement either in the medical

technologies industry, a clinical environment or with a research group in

UCD. You will work with staff and researchers at UCD who have extensive

experience in ground-breaking Biomedical Engineering research. You

will also develop a knowledge of how the medical device industry is

regulated and how new products are introduced to the market, drawing

from experience within UCD which includes pioneering companies such

as BiancaMed. Upon graduation from the Biomedical Engineering

Masters degree at UCD you will have the knowledge and experience to

position you to follow a career in the medical devices and technologies

industry or to pursue PhD research in Biomedical Engineering.

ME Biosystems EngineeringOur growing world population requires more food, water, and energy

but limited resources demand we do more with less, without degrading

our natural environment. Biosystems Engineering involves the

application of engineering science and design to biological materials

and systems, especially in food production, sustainable energy and

environmental protection. The ME Biosystems Engineering at UCD

provides students with a broad background in Biosystems Engineering,

complementing the engineering fundamentals with state-of-the-art

knowledge from research-active staff. As part of the ME you will study

modules such as food process engineering, biofuels and renewable

energies, and advanced environmental engineering. There will be an

emphasis on independent learning and research, with the opportunity to

participate in a work placement either in a related industry or with a

biosystems engineering research group in UCD. You will work with staff

and researchers at UCD who have extensive experience in the most

advanced Biosystems Engineering research. Upon graduation from the

Biosystems Engineering Masters degree at UCD you will have the

knowledge and experience to develop a career in bioprocess and food,

consulting, environmental protection, sustainable energy and green

technology industries. There will also be opportunities to pursue PhD

research in Biosystems Engineering.

ME Civil EngineeringThe ME in Civil Engineering from UCD is a Masters degree specialising

in structures and water and environmental engineering. Alternatively you

can decide to specialise exclusively in one of these areas. At present,

environmental issues are of major concern to the international

community at large, resulting in an increasing demand for graduates

with an understanding of the natural environment. This UCD Masters

degree will develop and deepen your knowledge of Civil and

Environmental Engineering and will allow you to apply this knowledge in

a manner that is environmentally sustainable and contributes to

overcoming the challenges that currently face us.

The UCD staff involved in this programme have a long standing

reputation for research in this area and enjoy collaborative links both

Taught Masters in Engineering

Master of Engineering

The Taught Masters inEngineering at UCD arethe next step in yourengineering education.Upon completion ofyour undergraduateengineering degree,you will have the optionof being involved insome of the mostadvanced and ground-breaking research in theareas of technology,healthcare, energy,communications andthe environment.

Page 25: UCD Engineering

Page 25

with internationally recognised academic institutions and with industry.

Students of this course will work with the academic staff and be

actively engaged in research projects. Engineering design is an

integral part of this course and students will complete real-world case

studies within a problem-based learning course and a major design

project under the guidance of UCD staff and experts from industry.

While this is a taught Masters, a considerable amount of independent

learning and research is involved. Students will undertake research in

one of the School’s many laboratories, computer suites or in the field,

in areas ranging from geotechnical engineering to hydrology. In

addition to the well-recognised Civil Engineering subjects, the course

structure allows students to elect to follow a range of complementary

areas such as engineering law, business and planning.

ME Electronic and Computer EngineeringThe ME in Electronic and Computer Engineering is offered by the

UCD School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. This

course is designed to give students the knowledge and the tools to

solve complex problems in communications engineering, chip design

and software engineering. Students will work alongside staff in the

School, which boasts five academics who have received the award of

Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, indicative

of the high standard of research in a broad range of areas conducted

at UCD.

Through the learning and understanding of subjects including

advanced communication theory; photonic engineering; performance

of computer systems; and, introduction to coding and cryptology,

graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding

of fundamental and advanced, theoretical and practical issues in

Electronic and Computer Engineering with the ability to quickly

analyse issues in a variety of professional situations and be able to

make judgments as to the nature and scale of viable solutions. We

believe graduates of this programme will be in a position to take

leadership positions within the fields of Electronic and Computer

Engineering and beyond.

ME Energy Systems EngineeringIf you want to contribute to the creation of new clean and efficient

energy technologies that will change the world we live in, then the ME

in Energy Systems Engineering offered by UCD may be the right

choice for you. This Masters degree programme builds upon skills

developed at undergraduate level through the study of mathematics,

physics, chemistry and a range of engineering subjects such as

thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, applied dynamics,

measurement and instrumentation, electrical circuits and electrical

engineering. The ME programme prepares engineers for work in

designing and developing future energy systems and aims to deepen

understanding of the interactions between these systems and the

environment and energy policy, taking account of economic factors.

The scope of the programme includes analysis of global energy

systems, use of finite natural resources and the impact on climate. It

focuses on renewable and other energy sources such as wind, wave,

nuclear and solar power and on the conversion, storage and

transmission by electrical and other means. The programme will also

address the efficient use of energy in buildings, transport and

industrial processes, together with the study of other topics such as

carbon sequestration. The UCD academic and research staff involved

in the programme are recognised as international experts in their

specialist subjects and are currently leading research efforts backed

by substantial funding from government and industry sources,

aimed at finding practical solutions to the energy challenges

facing mankind.

ME Engineering with BusinessThe ME in Engineering with Business offers a unique opportunity to

deepen the knowledge of engineering students in the business and

management areas. Increasingly the analytical and problem-solving

skills of engineers are required across a broad range of sectors in

today’s corporate world. This programme utilises the existing

strengths and resources of the engineering schools within UCD and

the UCD Graduate School of Business to provide a unique learning

experience. The ME in Engineering with Business allows graduates to

continue to deepen their engineering education within a given

engineering discipline while also gaining a grounding in business and

management subjects. Students will learn to apply their knowledge

and understanding of engineering in an industrial and commercial

business context, through the use of case studies and a research-

based master’s thesis. In addition to the application of engineering

principles, business subjects will be introduced encompassing topics

such as entrepreneurship, marketing, organisational behaviour and

strategy. Students will apply both engineering and business

knowledge in the design, implementation and management of

complex engineering systems, developing their judgment both in the

analysis of problems and in the implementation of solutions. Learning

on the course involves both individual and team-based assignments

combining lectures, case work and projects.

ME Mechanical EngineeringThis two-year professional engineering masters programme aims to

provide students with an opportunity to gain advanced theoretical,

conceptual and practical knowledge in the application of Mechanical

Engineering. The course comprises core and optional taught

modules, a research project and a professional work experience

opportunity. Advanced modules are available in core areas such as

thermodynamics, mechanics of fluids, energy systems and climate

change, mechanics of solids, continuum mechanics and control

theory and also in subjects focused on materials science and

engineering, including nanomaterials, technical ceramics, metals

processing, composites and polymers. Module choices permit the

student to tailor the programme to personal interests. Emphasis is

placed on the skills required to generate new knowledge through

research. This is achieved through independent and project-based

learning while working with UCD academics and researchers on

contemporary research projects. Graduates from this programme will

be fully qualified as professional engineers, capable of working

anywhere in the world at an advanced technical level or as a

professional engineering manager.

Taught Masters in Engineering

Page 26: UCD Engineering

Engineering at UCD

Page 26

Engineering Society – EngSocMost of the engineers’ social activity is arranged by the

Engineering Society, known in UCD as EngSoc. EngSoc is a

student-run group catering mainly for the needs of engineering

undergraduates on campus.

Perhaps one of the most colourful student weeks across the

Belfield campus is Engineering Week. Social and charitable events

are organised by EngSoc to bring like-minded people together in

projects that are both worthwhile and a lot of fun. The week

culminates in ‘Eng. Day’, where students take part in a range of

activities from 24-hour busking, to a fancy dress stretcher race, to

engaging in human Tetris. Along with this, evening lectures are run

to help students become more involved in their course and

discipline by showing them the more interesting side to

engineering. Guest lecturers talk about some of the most

ambitious engineering projects out there, and bring the

importance of enjoying the course home to students.

The highlight of the EngSoc social calendar is the Engineering

Ball, when students and staff come together to celebrate the

successes of the year. The awards ceremony focuses on

educational and social achievements, and it is always a night

to remember.

RoboRugbyRoboRugy is the robotics design project which is available as an

elective module to students who have taken an introductory module

Life as an engineering student in UCDAn essential part of being an engineering student in UCD is taking part in

a fantastic social scene. Engineering students in UCD are renowned for

their work hard, play hard ethic. As studying engineering in UCD involves

long hours and a lot of group study on projects, engineering students tend

to create extremely strong bonds with one another, and this is reflected in

their social life.

Page 27: UCD Engineering

Life as an engineering student at UCD

Page 27

in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Up to 20 teams of first-year

Engineering students work on designing, building and

programming their own autonomous robots. Over the 12 weeks of

the project, novices become experts as the participants develop

their creative thinking and design skills, while working on an

interesting and challenging problem.

Design and problem-solving are an important part of an

Engineering education and there is no substitute for learning by

doing. The RoboRugby design exercise provides an interesting and

enjoyable problem, with plenty of scope for innovation and creative

thinking. The competition and prizes provide an extra incentive,

thanks to generous sponsorship from Siemens Ireland.

http://roborugby.ucd.ie/

Sports at UCD

Engineering students who love

sports, or even want to engage in

a little exercise, will find that the

sports facilities at UCD are among

the best in the country and include

56 official sports clubs. Indoor and

outdoor facilities include the UCD

Sports Centre, 23 outdoor pitches,

an athletics track, the National

Hockey Stadium and six five-a-side

pitches. In 2012, with the

completion of the new Student

Centre, UCD’s quality student

facilities will also feature an

Olympic standard, 50 metre

swimming pool.

DN150 EngineeringThis programme provides access via common entry to all the

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degrees offered by UCD, after four

years study. It also allows access to a range of Master of

Engineering (ME) programmes. In the latter case, graduates will be

awarded both BSc (Engineering Science) and ME degrees, after a

total of five years of study. It is also possible to leave after three

years with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Engineering

Science. The first stage (year) of the Engineering degree

programme lays the mathematical, scientific and engineering

foundations on which you will build your specialised knowledge

later. After deciding to come to UCD (!), your next big decision

comes at the end of your first stage (year), when you will have to

decide on one area of specialisation for the later stages of your

degree programme. We provide plenty of information and advice

during your first year, to help you to make an informed decision.

DN140 StructuralEngineering withArchitectureThe structural Engineering with Architecture degree is a two-part

programme. The initial ithree-year bachelor’s degree, BSc (Structural

Engineering with Architecture) is followed by a two-year master’s

degree (Master of Engineering).

Information onAccreditationA UCD Engineering degree is recognised worldwide and all of our

programmes have been subject to a rigorous process of evaluation.

UCD’s degree programmes in Engineering are accredited by

Engineers Ireland and in the case of the BE in Chemical and

Bioprocess Engineering by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

If you decide to pursue the BE in Chemical and Bioprocess

Engineering, this programme is accredited at Master’s level by the

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE www.icheme.org), with

the option of pursuing the MEngSc programme over one additional

year (i.e. 4 years + 1 year).

Engineers who pursue a BE in other Engineering disciplines and

who graduate from 2013 and wish to be recognised by Engineers

Ireland (www.engineersireland.ie) as Chartered engineers will need

to complete a Master of Engineering (ME) programme or

equivalent. Please note: it is not compulsory to become a Chartered

Engineer and the Bachelor of Engineering degree will satisfy the

requirements for Engineers Ireland membership, but not that of

Chartered Engineer.

Page 28: UCD Engineering

UCD Engineering and Architecture Programme Office

Room 122, (first floor)

UCD Engineering and Materials Science Centre

University College Dublin

Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 716 1868

Fax: +353 1 716 1155

Email: [email protected]

www.ucd.ie/engineer

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BiomedicalEngineeringBiosystemsEngineeringChemicalandBioprocessEngineeringCivilEngineeringElectrical/ElectronicEngineeringEnergySystemsEngineeringMechanicalEngineeringStructuralEngineeringwithArchitecture

BiomedicalEngineeringBiosystemsEngineeringChemicalandBioprocessEngineeringCivilEngineeringElectrical/ElectronicEngineeringEnergySystemsEngineeringMechanicalEngineeringStructuralEngineeringwithArchitecture