You can move the world!
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 Bachelors; an optional Year Five could fast-track you to a Masters in Electronic Systems or Telecommunications Engineering.
Quick Info
Course Code: DC193
Course Entry: CAO
Course Type: Level 8 (Honours Degree)
Course Duration: 4 Years
Course Delivery: Full-Time
Internship: Yes
Understanding Mechatronic Engineering
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.
Career Opportunities
Medical Devices
Robotics
Argi Machinery
Energy Systems
Automotive Industry
Why do this course?
Develop and work with exciting new technologies in an innovative environment
Hands on lab and project experience throughout, plus a six month paid work placement (INTRA) in Year 3
Career opportunities, both at home and abroad, in the technologies of the future – automation, robotics, medical systems and more
Option to complete a fifth year and obtain a Master’s degree as part of an integrated five-year programme.
Course accreditation by Engineers Ireland guaranteeing high quality tuition and world wide recognition
About the course
This degree course aims to produce graduates with knowledge, understanding and skills in mechatronic engineering.
It begins with fundamental scientific principles and leads through to a set of modules dealing with the design, analysis, manufacture and modelling of electromechanical products and systems.
The undergraduate programme focuses on eight core areas:
As the roots of mechatronic engineering are in the sciences and mathematics, you’ll undergo courses in the basic sciences and engineering mathematics.
Electronic components and systems are explored through electronics modules as well as modules on analogue and digital circuits and systems.
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 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.
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
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.
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).
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.
What Our Students Say
The Mechatronic programme in DCU is a perfect balance between mechanical and electronic engineering. It helps students to develop 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.
Anton Veselov, BEng in Mechatronic Engineering
Intra
In Year Three, you’ll participate in a six-month INTRA (INtegrated TRAining) work placement. INTRA ensures that you will have the opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge and skills acquired on our programmes in a practical setting before you graduate. You will build experience, confidence and connections for the future.
Placements are usually paid engineering internships with a business in Ireland, but some of our students go abroad or choose to take up a research position here in the university. Some of the biggest companies in the world offer DCU ME INTRA placements, including IBM, Philips, Google, and Microsoft. Other recent INTRA employers with a global reach included Xilinx, Cisco, Synopsys, AOL, Analog Devices, Mastercard, Deloitte and Touche, Accenture, SAP Ireland, Cypress Semiconductor Ireland, Tektronix Communications and Xerox. DCU engineering students recently completed INTRA abroad with NVIDIA in Santa Clara and Irdeto in The Netherlands, while more local INTRA employers with well-recognised names include Electric Ireland and the Irish Aviation Authority.
Degree-relevant work experience obtained on an INTRA placement can be extremely beneficial when it comes to finding a position as a graduate engineer.
Project Expo
In Year Four you’ll also do an individual project that will allow you to work in a specialist area of your choosing and apply the mechatronic engineering skills that you will have acquired during your studies.
This project provides a capstone to your undergraduate career where you can demonstrate your innovative capabilities, capacity for independent learning, and technical expertise.
The Faculty of Engineering and Computing provides a Year Four project expo as a showcase to bring your expertise to the attention of prospective employers.
What will I study?
Detailed Course Structure
The course covers a wide variety of engineering and engineering-related subjects. Over the course of four years, you will build on engineering fundamentals to explore, design, and build complex engineering systems.
Study the fundamentals of engineering.
Engineering Mathematics 1 and 2 | Project and Technical Drawing | Materials Engineering | Introduction to Electronics | Basic Sciences for Engineering | Engineering Mechanics-Statics | Software Development for Engineers | Numerical Problem Solving for Engineers | Fundamentals of Professional Development
Build on the fundamentals and explore engineering systems.
Engineering Mathematics 3 and 4 | Energy | Strength of Materials 1 | Digital and Analogue Electronics 1 and 2 | Object Oriented Programming | Circuits | Mechanics of Machines 1 | Energy: Thermodynamics | Design and CADD | Systems | Embedded Systems | Pneumatics and Control
Put the fundamentals to work on real-world problems and join an engineering organisation to gain a real understanding of your future role.
Product Design | Data Anyalytics for Engineers | Measurement and Signal Processing | Electromechanical Systems | Mechanics of Machines 2 | New Enterprise Development Project | Analogue Circuits & Design | Mobile Robotics | INTRA
Bring your skills, learning and creativity to designing innovative solutions to complex problems. Specialise in your chosen discipline and showcase your talents in the significant and individual final year project.
Project | Manufacturing Automation | Control Systems Analysis | Image Processing & Analysis | Industrial Electronics | Project & Quality Management | Mechatronic System Simulation & Control | Robotics | Design for Manufacture & Assembly | Uaneen Module (Extracurricular Activities)
Project Work
The course has a strong emphasis on project work (both team and individual). Each year, students are given a series of challenging tasks.
Explore a selection of projects from previous years.
Next steps
Optional One Year Masters
An optional Year Five will fast-track you to a Masters in Electronic Systems or a Masters in Telecommunications Engineeering. This will allow you to complete your engineering education to Masters level (NFQ Level 9) if you so wish, thereby broadening and deepening your engineering expertise, and making your engineering education comparable with the European standard of five years of education to professional engineering status. Upon successful completion of your four year Honours Bachelor Engineering Degree with at least a H2.2 award, you will have the option to continue your studies to Masters level under a number of exciting and flexible programme options.