Short Course: Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems
About
Professional engineers are required to make decisions and exercise judgment throughout their careers. Design engineers and engineering managers are often faced with competing constraints and need approaches to aid their decision making. One key approach is the FEA technique which can be used to optimise design solutions, reduce lead times and cost, and improve system performance.
This module aims to:
- Provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the use and practice of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in the analysis of design solutions.
- Provide students with the numerical and modelling skills to develop design solutions and to optimise for competing constraints.
Successful students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of finite element analysis in the development of design solutions.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the potential of the FEA software, its place in engineering design and its limitations.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the design process, modelling, validation and critical evaluation of solutions for mechanical systems.
- Apply finite element analysis techniques in the description, analysis and innovative solution of an engineering problem.
Content includes:
- Introduction to the design process and methodologies.
- Creativity and innovation and professional responsibility in Design
- The Finite Element Method (FEM) and its use as a key tool within the Design function.
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the software tools used in industrial design and their limitations
- Fundamental of the FEM - the stiffness matrix, virtual displacements, FE approximations, use of elements.
- Finite element meshing and meshing approaches
- Selecting boundary conditions
- The convergence process
- Efficient modelling techniques, validation and effect of idealisation assumptions
- Management of the design function and optimisation of design solutions in organisations
Term dates
Course start date: January 2026
Attendance
This course will be taught over 12 weeks during Semester 2 on the Belfast campus.
Weeks 1-6, 4 hours/week
Weeks 8-12, 2 hours/week
Location
This course is delivered on the Belfast campus.
Teaching and Assessment
Theoretical methods and practical applications are blended in the classes. There are lectures and laboratory sessions in which students follow active learning techniques.
Visits from the industry are organised during the semester.
| Learning and Teaching Method | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 |
| Seminars | 6 |
| Practicals | 24 |
| Independent Study | 10 |
Assessed via 100% coursework.
This module is assessed through a project that requires an oral presentation (15 mins) and a design evaluation (1000 word) to include a critical appraisal and justification of the chosen design solution.
Feedback will be provided, within the required time-frame in line with the University's policy.
Ongoing formative feedback will be provided during the semester as the student develops their ability in the use of the FEA software package.
Career Options
Career Options/Job Roles include:
- FEA Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Simulation Engineer
- Product Development Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- R&D Engineer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Consulting Engineer
Transferable Skills:
- Finite Element Analysis Proficiency
- Numerical and Modelling Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Design Optimization
- Analytical Thinking
- Technical Knowledge
- Project Management
- Innovation and Creativity
- Critical Evaluation
- Communication
Academic Profile
Dr. Selim Bozkurt is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Ulster University. Before joining Ulster, he worked as a post-doctoral research associate at the Institute of Cardiovascular Science at University College London and at the Craniofacial Unit of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Prior to these roles, he was a researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University College London. Dr. Bozkurt earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, where he also worked as a research assistant. Earlier in his career, he was a research assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey, where he completed his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Eskisehir, Turkey.
Dr. Bozkurt has been serving as an associate editor for the journals “Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine” since April 2020 and “Digital Twins and Applications” since July 2024. From 2018 to 2021, he was a member of the technical program committee for the International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology.
Further Information
Modules
This is a 15 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry Requirements
An Honours or non-Honours degree, HND or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline.
GCSE maths, minimum grade C.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Software and Digital from the drop down box. Then select Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems from the next drop down box.
