Information about the course
About
It is important that engineering students acquire a knowledge of the principles and operation of mechatronic systems and the mechatronic approach.
Aims
To provide the student with a knowledge of:
- Further examples of mechatronics systems and modelling approach
- Programmable logic controllers
- Fieldbus technologies
- Design of feedback and modern control systems for mechatronics applications
- Digital frequency and time measurement systems
Successful students will be able to:
- Develop and perform theoretical and practical skills in the design and analysis of control approaches for mechatronics systems including s-plane root locus techniques, frequecny response design methods, state-space methods and modern control approach
- Understand and apply techniques for the application of programmable logic controller for mechatronics and industrial applications
- Design the time and frequency measurement circuits/systems for mechatronics application, develop and perform key skills in the design and modelling of mechatronics systems
- Use of modern software packages to simulate and validate design calculations and develop programming skills
Term dates
Course start date: 28 January 2025
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Belfast campus, on Tuesdays, during Semester 2 in 2025.
The short course is timetabled for the following days:
Weeks 1 – 12.
Tuesday 28 January 2025, 09:15am – 5:15pm to Tuesday 15 April 2025, 09:15am – 5:15pm
Dates may be subject to change.
Attendance
Students will be required to attend class approximately 6 hrs per week.
Location
This course is delivered on the Belfast campus.
Teaching and Assessment
The module is blended. The course will comprise of lectures supported by tutorials and laboratory investigations. Practical laboratories will consolidate learning, test understanding and further direct additional personal study. Computer software packages will support and extend the theoretical aspects of the syllabus.
The module is assessed through both a written exam and a practical skills assessment as outlined below.
Written examination (Written) [70%]
Examination:
For the 3 hour unseen examination, there are eight set questions - 20 marks each. Students are asked to answer any five questions, with all questions carrying equal marks.
Practical skills assessment (Practical) [30%]
The coursework assessment comprises two practical assignments that will be undertaken by the students in weekly supervised laboratory sessions. Support and feedback on their progress will be continuously available during these sessions. Each assignment will require four weeks for completion and after submission of the completed work in each case, feedback on students' performance will be provided according to the University's recommendations. Both practical assignments are equally weighted.
Assessment and Feedback Strategy
The coursework that will be undertaken by the students in weekly supervised laboratory sessions. Support and feedback on their progress will be continuously available during these sessions. After submission of the completed work in each case, feedback on students' performance will be provided according to the University's recommendations.
Career Options
Engineering related job roles across a wide variety of sectors including electronic and mechanical, automation, and robotics.
Academic Profile
The course will be taught by Dr Amir Forokh Payam
Further Information
Modules
This is a 20 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
Pass HND with overall Merit in an Engineering, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering subject to include a Merit in either Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods, Level 4 Engineering Maths or Level 5 Further Maths module. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
OR
Pass Foundation Degree in a relevant subject area with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules and 50% in the Level 4 Mathematics module within the Foundation Degree. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
