Summary

• School of Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems

• Duration
• Full Time: 12 months
  

• Fees
• Full Time: €4,400 per year
  International Students: €11,350 International GDL

Overview

This course aims to:

• Develop automotive design engineers skilled in the use of advanced computer modeling and simulation techniques.
• Enable you to develop the skills required to design and analyse components and systems within the automotive environment.
• Introduce modern computer-based tools used within the industry and give you the opportunity to apply them to realistic problems.
• Develop engineering skills including problem-solving abilities, practical competencies, critical appraisal and communication skills.

Key Facts

• This course is aimed at modern automotive design in areas such as powertrain, body and chassis, suspension dynamics and NVH.
• During the course you will be using sophisticated computer tools, such as Adams mechanisms, computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and solid modelling to solve real engineering problems.
• You will develop skills in the use of virtual reality as a visualisation and solution tool for the representation and behavioural simulation of components and systems within vehicles. The tools are mapped onto a basic underpinning of theoretical and practical aspects to support their applications.

Course Outline

Course Structure

Modules

Postgraduate Certificate Automotive Powertrain--30 Credits Simulation Techniques--30 Credits

Postgraduate Diploma Powertrain Technology--30 Credits New Materials and Processes--30 Credits

Master's Dissertation--60 Credits

Modules Description

Automotive Powertrain

• This module enables you to develop a deeper understanding of automotive powertrains with regard to the engine, drivetrain and the necessary control systems.
• You will be focusing on the design, analysis and manufacturing process of separate components, subsystems and the powertrain system as a whole, as well as the resulting interactions between the systems.
• Furthermore, the deeper understanding of complex subsystems will be supported with the use and application of appropriate CAE tools and hands-on laboratories.
• The aim of this module is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skill to analyse, evaluate and develop powertrain components and systems to industry standard.

Body Engineering

• This module aims to provide you with the ability to analyse and assess the structural design of vehicle bodies and chassis systems.
• You will be introduced to state-of-the-art developments in materials science and manufacturing and their application to real engineering situations.

New Materials And Processes

• The aim of this module is to introduce you to state of the art developments in materials science and manufacturing and their application to real engineering situations.
• The module will enable you to use new materials and processes in their design by gaining an understanding of the capabilities of the new technologies.
• There will also be a focus specifically on designing with new materials and the modelling of manufacturing processes.
• You will also gain experience of team-working and the application of project management techniques.

Simulation Techniques

• Modern mechanical and automotive engineering projects almost inevitably involve the use of computer simulation.
• This module is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to carry out such simulations by the use of case studies and projects.
• The aim of this module is to provide the industrial standard simulation techniques which will enable you to model and analyse and redesign complex engineering components and systems.

Assessments

Effective communication is key in a professional environment. For this reason, we use project reports, record keeping and oral presentations extensively in our assessments, although we may use time-constrained tests where appropriate. Assessment focuses largely on projects and case studies and we make personal development planning an integral part of the learning process.

After your studies

Further Studies

The University has a range of research (MPhil and PhD) postgraduate programmes. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates typically forge rewarding careers in:

• Academic research, further study or commercial Research and Development (R&D)
• Powertrain development engineering in the automotive industry
• Design and performance engineering