Mechatronics MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

First semester (September to January)

Mechatronics Systems Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
introduces you to model-based system engineering and the mechatronic philosophies of design. It provides the essential tools and rules for analysis of systems and integrated design concepts and evaluation techniques. The students will also be acquainted with the tools and skill necessary for the design and development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.

Programming and Software Engineering
develops the knowledge of efficient programming approaches to software engineering with an emphasis on the development of practical programming skills. Modular programming in C provides the basis for many signal and image processing software and programming techniques.

Engineering Business Environment
enable students to understand and reflect upon the role of business in a rapidly changing, globalised world. The opportunities and threats for an industrial business arising from environmental policy, legislation and societal change will be identified. The steps a business can take to respond to the environmental challenges ahead; for example, through supply chain management, logistics, life-cycle analysis, green accounting and carbon trading will be explored.

Choose 1 out of the 2 optional modules:

1. Advanced Computer Aided Design & Finite Element Analysis - gives students a hands-on insight into the role of computers in the design and manufacturing process. This module will further the students’ knowledge of CAE by looking at how advanced simulation techniques can be used to design and manufacture sustainable engineering components following international standards.

2. Digital Manufacturing - provides an insight into a variety of digitally controlled manufacturing processes that convert computer models directly into physical objects and the design techniques suitable for digital manufacturing processes. 

Second semester (February to May)

Study Skills and Research Methods
introduces the fundamentals of research methods in an engineering context. It will prepare you for the individual research project through lectures, seminars and assignments that introduce and develop the concepts, organisational structure and deliverables of a research project. It will cover: understanding the research of others, literature reviewing, research planning, research methods, data interpretation and analysis, research ethics and intellectual property and report writing.

Choose 3 out of the 5 optional modules:

1. Microprocessor Applications and Digital Signal Processing
   provides knowledge for the application of microprocessor systems, aimed at single-chip embedded solutions as being appropriate to a product-orientated treatment. Also provides the knowledge of DSP algorithms and systems and an understanding of implementation technologies, designs and application areas.

2. Machine Vision, Robotics and Flexible Automation
   provides both conceptual and detailed knowledge in the areas of robotics, machine vision and flexible automation, and builds upon the fundamental philosophy of mechatronics in the context of flexible automation technologies and applications.

3. Robotics
   provides the knowledge and skills necessary to research, design, build and operate an industrial robotic system. The concepts and tools for modelling, simulating, and controlling robots will be introduced. Current and future industrial applications of robotic technology, and the use of robots in the manufacturing and service industries, and other field applications will be explored.

4. Advanced Dynamics and Control
   develops your ability to critically analyse engineering problems involving dynamics and control issues, as well as your modelling and design skills. Control and dynamics are key technologies in the mechatronics design approach. The module is supported by MATLAB tutorials and laboratory experiments concerned with computer control of a typical mechatronic system.

5. Systems Operations Management
   to enable students to critically understand the role effective operations management has in a success of a firm. In managing manufacturing or service operations several types of decisions are made including operations strategy, product design, process design, quality management, capacity, facilities planning, production planning and inventory control. Operations management is thus about procurement, production, distribution, warehousing, and retailing, with the objective of creating competitive advantage for the enterprise.

Individual Project (June to September)

The Individual Project aims to introduce students to the discipline of a research and development project carried out in a restricted time frame. It will involve planning and organisation; research, design and development; application, analysis, evaluation, and presentation. The project would be in an area relevant to mechatronics, where clear evidence of the ability to solve a real multidisciplinary problem is demonstrated. 

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials and laboratories. You will be expected to undertake self-directed study.

Contact and learning hours

For taught sessions you will attend eight modules with a total of 48 hours (four hours per week for 12 weeks each), with eight hours per module per week of average additional self-directed study. For the individual project you normally will spend 13 weeks working five days (eight hours per day) a week to complete it, and have one hour per week contact time with your supervisor.

Academic staff teaching on this course are part of the school’s Institute of Engineering Sciences. As part of your studies, you will be offered opportunities to work on projects with researchers within the faculty that are engaged in high-class, leading-edge research, industrial collaboration and consultancy with industry.