UG Prospectus 2025

96 WhyDCU? − This coursewill equip youwith the skills and knowledge to design, develop, manufacture and operate the intelligent products and systems of today and tomorrow − DCU is home toworld-class engineering academics and state-of-the-art lecture theatres, workshops and labs − The Faculty of Engineering and Computing educates a diverse student community, has strong industry links and a range of exciting scholarship opportunities − 6month paidwork placement (INTRA) in Year 3 − Option to complete an additional year of study and graduate in Year 5with aMasters of Engineering − Internationally recognised qualification which enables graduates towork as professional engineers in the EU, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, NewZealand, Singapore, South Africa, theUK or theUSA About You Do youwant to build the robots of the future? Are you a problemsolver by nature? Do you have a natural ability inmathematics, the universal language of engineering? If you are fascinated by robotics and automation, and have a strong foundation in mathematics, this is the course for you. Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see page 174), the following entry requirements apply: minimum of H4 inMathematics or H4 in Applied Mathematics withH5 inMathematics. Understanding: Mechatronic Engineering More andmore aspects of theworld around us are becoming automated, with labour-savingmachines, ‘always on’ connected devices and robots able to perform tasksmore quickly and accurately than humans. In these complex machines, huge numbers of finely tuned moving parts are precisely controlled on the instant by state-of-the-art electronics. Just consider themachines you use on a daily basis fromcars to refrigerators andwashingmachines, how manymoving parts are involved? Such machines are examples of mechatronic engineering, the science that combines mechanical engineering, electronic and computer engineering and software design to create intelligent machines. Wherever your interests lie, mechatronic engineering has immense potential. You could soon be designing aircraft electronics for the aerospace industry or building robots to assist with complex surgeries, using simulation software to optimise FormulaOne cars or optimising the performance of wind turbines. This course perfectly blendsmechanical engineering and electronic engineering. It offers classes in 3Dmodelling and design, as well as circuit design and programming. Our students and staffare intrigued and inspired by the interplay between electronics andmoving parts in connected devices and state-of-the-art machinery. Throughout the course, youwill do lots of project-based learningwhere you use the latest real-world tools and technologies to solve problems and, of course, build robots. That’s not all. Youwill also take some business-basedmodules, so you can learn how to develop a business plan and work with other parts of an enterprise. While you can go on from this course to work in either mechanical or electronic engineering, our graduates typically end up in roles where they incorporate one into the other. For example, theymight put sensors into amachine tomeasure aspects of how it’s working or develop control systems for a lift or a car. Either way, mechatronics graduates are in huge demand as they are qualified for mechanical, electronic, andmechatronic roles. Course Structure This course brings together the disciplines of mechanical engineering and electronic engineering over the 4 years. The course has 8 academic streams addressing a particular aspect ofMechatronic Engineering. It begins with fundamental scientific principles and leads through to a set of modules dealing with the design, analysis, manufacture andmodelling of electromechanical products and systems. Students have the option to undertake an integrated Masters fromYear 3, subject to achieving aH2.2 or higher in Years 1 and 2. Basic Science andMathematics You study the basic sciences and engineeringmathematics that underpinmechatronic engineering. Electronic Circuit and Systems Design Electronic components and systems are explored throughmodules on electronics and on analogue and digital circuits and systems. Mechanical Systems Design andAnalysis Materials engineering, fundamentals of mechanics, strength of materials and themechanics of machines lay a foundation for the design and analysis of mechanical components and systems. Software Software design and analysis are an integral part of mechatronics. You take modules introducing general techniques of software development (usingC, C++ and Python programming languages) in Years 1 and 2, with a focus on embedded systems in Year 2. You are also introduced to specific software tools (such as Matlab and Labview) throughout a range of modules and project work. Mechatronic/Electromechanical SystemDesign A core area of mechatronic engineering is the design of electromechanical systems – systems that consist of both electrical andmechanical elements. A substantial part of the final year is devoted to the design, simulation, analysis and control BEng andMEng inMechatronic Engineering You canmove theworld