Hands-on engineering experience for school leavers
19 January 2005

Michael Ennis and Karl O'Sullivan from St David's CBS in Artane get to grips with mechatronics and robotics at DCU's School of Engineering workshop.

The School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University recently opened its doors to second-level students from 18 schools across Dublin and the surrounding counties who might have a general interest in electronic engineering. This event takes place twice-yearly, and has always received an overwhelming response from students who are keen to learn more about what electronic engineering actually involves.

Over fifty students came onto campus and spend a day in the School. According to Jim Dowling, the Head of the School, "We know that there are many sixth year students who might be interested in engineering in a broad sense, but would like to see what it involves. By coming in to DCU for the day, they can see how digital electronics are used in assembly work, how robots can be controlled and manipulated, amongst many other applications. Choosing a course at university poses difficulties and challenges for school leavers but with this workshop they gain first-hand experience of engineering classes and laboratory work and mingle with current university students. It makes choosing a lot easier".

The workshop runs over two days and the students find out about electronic engineering, digital media engineering, information and communications engineering, and mechatronic engineering. They experience digital electronic assembly, robot manipulation and build working, electronic dice; this part of the workshop gives the students a practical understanding of what is involved in electronic engineering. Some of the students are also introduced to electronic engineering research - what it entails, what its application is, and how it affects the world we live in.

The next workshop will take place in March 2005. Students who are interested in attending should contact Hannah Dyas at 7007641.

Participating schools:
Scoil Chaitriona Glasnevin
Manor House School Raheny
St Michaels Holy Faith Finglas
Beneavin College Finglas
St Louis Secondary Dundalk
Colaiste Mhuire Ratoath Road
St Finians Swords
St Davids CBS Malahide Rd Artane
Marian College Ballsbridge
Kells Community School
St Joseph's CBS Co Louth
Loreto College Swords
Ashbourne Comm School
Loreto Balbriggan
St Dominic's Cabra
Colaiste Eanna Rathfarnham
St Joseph's Fairview
Kings Hospital Palmerstown