Mechatronic Engineering
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This programme is managed between both the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and the School of Electronic Engineering.
View our video on our BEng and MEng in Mechatronic Engineering degree here:
More and more aspects of the world around us are becoming automated, with labour-saving machines, ‘always on’ connected devices and robots able to perform tasks quicker and more accurately than humans. These machines are staggeringly complex, with huge numbers of finely tuned moving parts being precisely controlled in the blink of an eye by state-of-the-art electronics. Just consider the machines you use on a daily basis and how many moving parts are involved.
Such machines are examples of mechatronic engineering, the science of combining mechanical engineering, electronic and computer engineering and software design to create intelligent machines. Mechatronic engineering skills are key in the ever growing presence of a connected world (Internet of Things (IoT))enabling machines to interact with the (electro-mechanical) physical and (software) virtual worlds via the internet. The potential in this area is immense no matter what your interest, from designing safer cars to building labour-saving intelligent robots to interfacing the mechanical and electronic parts of future renewable energy systems.
After completing four years of the course, you’ll achieve a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering. There is an option to complete an additional 5th year to achieve an integrated Masters degree (decision to choose the 5th year option is made heading into 3rd year and subject to achieving a H2.2 or higher in Years 1 and 2).
"The Mechatronic programme in DCU is a perfect balance between mechanical and electronic engineering. It helps students to develope important skills required in the modern industry such as report writing, problem solving and teamwork. Also, the programme involves many computer based modules which are aimed to train students to use common software like SolidWorks, Matlab and C language. Practical classes and laboratories which are scheduled every week allow student to consolidate knowledge obtained during lectures. I was absolutely happy with the programme and staff attitude during all my four years in DCU"
This four-year BEng (Honours) Degree with the option to do a 5th year integrated Masters degree (decision to choose the 5th year option is made after 2nd year and subject to achieving a H2.2 or higher in Years 1 and 2) has 8 academic themes addressing a particular aspect of Mechatronic engineering. The degree begins with fundamental scientific principles and leads through to a set of modules dealing with design, analysis, manufacture and modelling of electromechanical products and systems.
The undergraduate programme focuses on eight core areas:
- Basic Science and Mathematics — As the roots of mechatronic engineering are in the sciences and mathematics, you’ll undergo courses in the basic sciences and engineering mathematics.
- Electronic Circuit and Systems Design—Electronic components and systems are explored through electronics modules as well as modules on analogue and digital circuits and systems.
- Mechanical Systems Design and Analysis — Materials Engineering, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Strength of Materials and the Mechanics of Machines provide a foundation for design and analysis of mechanical components and systems.
- Software — Software design and analysis are integral parts of mechatronic engineering. Modules introducing general techniques of software development are given in Years One and Two, with a focus on Embedded Systems in Year Two. You’ll also be introduced to specific software tools through modules and project work.
- Mechatronic/Electromechanical System Design — A key emphasis of this programme is to unite the disciplines of mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. Modules such as the first-year project, the third-year group project and the Year Four project are designed to develop mechatronic skills and awareness. In addition, another core area of mechatronic engineering is the design of electromechanical systems — systems that consist of both electrical and mechanical elements. A substantial part of the final year of the course is devoted to the design, simulation, analysis and control of such systems. The Mobile Robotics module is entirely project-based and embodies the key principles of mechatronic engineering. It is organised around a specific robotic design challenge and is intended to give you an opportunity to integrate and expand your knowledge in several different core areas: digital and analogue electronics, mechanics, software development and control systems.
- Automated Manufacture — Another core area of Mechatronic Engineering is the use of electronics, embedded systems and software in the automation of manufacturing and assembly. In the fourth year, a significant emphasis is placed on autonomous technology and manufacturing automation.
- Project Based Learning — You’ll complete various projects during your four years, culminating in a major individual project in Year Four. Students’ projects normally include elements of research, design, component sourcing, construction, testing and documentation. All projects must be based on at least two of the three core mechatronic elements (namely, mechanical, electronic and software design components).
- Experiential Learning — In Year Three you’ll undertake an industrial work placement for six months (referred to as INTRA). This is usually with a business in Ireland but opportunities may arise abroad and there are also some research positions within DCU.
The listing of the modules for the BEng programme in years 1 to 4 is available using the following link:
Modules Year 1 - 4 BEng Mechatronic Engineering
Students who choose to do a Masters in Mechatronic Engineering share the first three years with the BEng programme. Subsequently, the 4th and 5th years comprise of the following modules:
Year 4 (MEng) |
Credits |
Year 5 (MEng) |
Credits |
| Project Planning and Research | 7.5 | Image Processing and Analysis | 5 |
| MEng Project Design (5) | 5 | Computer Vision | 7.5 |
| Entrpreneurship for Engineers | 7.5 | Manufacturing Automation | 7.5 |
| Intra II | 22.5 | Robotics (7.5) | 7.5 |
| Digital Filters & DFT | 5 | Control Systems Analysis | 7.5 |
| Mechanical Engineering System Simulation | 5 | Mechatronic System Simulation & Control | 7.5 |
| Design For Manufacture and Assembly | 7.5 | Data Analysis & Machine Learning | 7.5 |
| Uaneen Non-Contributing Module | 5 | Power Electronics | 5 |
| Uaneen Non-Contributing Module | 5 |
Life on Campus
We have three academic campuses close to Dublin City centre - they are located in Glasnevin and Drumcondra, and can be reached by public transport (Dublin Bus).
Each campus has libraries, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. Sports facilities are located on two of the academic campuses. We also have a dedicated sports campus in the form of St Claire’s.
Exceptional facilities
DCU students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and radio/podcast studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
Construction on our FutureTech building on the Glasnevin campus will get underway in 2022. Once completed, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science, computing and engineering disciplines. It will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus.
Campus life
Among the student facilities in DCU are a sports complex with a 25 metre pool, three libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
In 2018, a purpose-built state-of-the-art new student centre - The U - was opened. This centre serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body of 18,500 and is home to the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub.
DCU Students' Union and the Office of Student Life are also based in the U. The centre is a space for students where they can meet, with lots of charging points and isolation booths. Clubs and socs avail of meeting rooms here and it's also home to DCUFM. NuBar, Londis and the Venue are also located here.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre: Offers a wide range of supports and services to students
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning: facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
"The Mechatronic programme in DCU is a perfect balance between mechanical and electronic engineering. It helps students to develope important skills required in the modern industry such as report writing, problem solving and teamwork. Also, the programme involves many computer based modules which are aimed to train students to use common software like SolidWorks, Matlab and C language. Practical classes and laboratories which are scheduled every week allow student to consolidate knowledge obtained during lectures. I was absolutely happy with the programme and staff attitude during all my four years in DCU"
Mechatronic engineering skills are in demand by both national and international companies looking to ensure that products they manufacture are up-to-date and can be produced economically.
The skills learned in your course can be applied to many areas, including:
- Medical equipment
- Transport-related industries (e.g. cars, rail, aircraft)
- Hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical controls and drives
- Automated production systems
- Consumer products
- Robotics
- Food processing
- Petrochemicals
- Internet of Things (Connected devices)
- Research and Development Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Management Engineer
- System design, concentrating on mechanical systems, electronic hardware, software design or combinations thereof.
Alternatively, you could opt for further academic studies in one of our popular taught postgraduate programmes, or perhaps a career in research within one of our internationally respected research groups in DCU.
Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply
GCE A Level C Mathematics
For details of QQI requirements and relevant codes please click here. Simply enter the DC code for the programme you are interested in or if you are not sure of the code enter DC in the Select by Institution option, then click on Go.
The engineering schools consider transfer requests based on the performance of the candidate. The overall
set of guidelines which is in use for equivalent qualifications is as follows:
Qualification Possible Point of Entry
|
Relevant Higher Certificate/National Certificate |
First year | (Distinction) |
| Relevant Higher Certificate/National Certificate | First year | (Merit plus Experience) |
|
Relevant Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma |
Second year |
(Merit or Better) |
| Relevant Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diploma | Third year | (Distinction plus a possible interview) |
Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 1st Feb to the 1st May 2022.
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.