Biosystems & Food Engineering

ME Biosystems & Food Engineering
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 120)

This Masters will provide graduates from an engineering or mathematical based science background the opportunity to specialise in the application of engineering science and design to biological materials and systems, especially in:

Food process engineering
Sustainable energy
Environmental protection

Biosystems Engineers are at the forefront of the search for practical solutions to global problems and this specialisation will lead graduates to a wide variety of employment opportunities with companies focussing on processing of food and other biological materials, environmental protection, waste recycling, sustainable energy and green technologies.

This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School comprising a European Research Council Fellow and six Marie Curie Fellowships. Professors Sun and O'Donnell are in the world's top one percent of the most cited scientists in their field. The UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering also consistently wins up to €3 million in annual research funding.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Vision and Values Statement
The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering programme is aimed at Engineering (BE) and Engineering Science (BSc) graduates who wish to pursue a career as a professional engineer in agricultural, food, environmental or related industries. The programme focuses on the engineering, scientific and technological aspects of the agrifood industry through advanced numeracy, design, critical thinking and leadership skills developed in a dynamic learning environment where all students can work individually and in teams. The programme combines a range of modules delivered by internationally recognised research-active academic staff through lectures, practicals, technical site visits and problem-based learning. A broad range of assessments including examinations, reports, projects, group work, case studies and peer evaluation are used. A period of professional work experience is integrated into the programme to provide the student with an opportunity to practice as an engineer. The programme can lead to research or professional engineering career opportunities.

Programme Outcomes
an understanding of their profession responsibilities and the importance of high ethical standards.

knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences and technologies underpinning Biosystems and Food Engineering.

the ability to communicate effectively with their professional community.

the ability to design and conduct an experiment and to apply a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques.

the ability to design components, systems or processes for applications in Biosystems and Food Engineering.

the ability to interpret, apply and use scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles, data and models to evaluate and solve problems.

the ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake self-directed lifelong learning.

Student Internships
The Professional Work Experience (PWE) module is incorporated into the two-year Master of Engineering Programme and is designed to integrate a student's academic and career interests with practical work experience for a 6-8-month period.

The module provides students with the perfect opportunity to gain increased experience and understanding of their chosen field, assess where their strengths and weaknesses lie and maximise their knowledge of the available career possibilities. The practical skills acquired during this placement will give graduates a competitive advantage when applying for positions upon graduation.

Stage 1 - Core
Bioprocess Engineering Principles BSEN30010
Environmental Engineering BSEN30280
Unit Ops for Bioprocess Eng BSEN40590

Stage 1 - Option
Air Pollution BSEN30030
Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health BSEN30060
Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery BSEN30170
Agricultural Mechanisation: Hydraulics and components BSEN30190
The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production BSEN30310
Life Cycle Assessment BSEN30360
Green Technologies Project BSEN40210
ME Professional Work Experience BSEN40230
Global Cold Chain Safety BSEN40250
Energy Systems Integration BSEN40350
LCA Applications BSEN40400
Food Chain Integrity BSEN40410
Biorefinery Process & Tech BSEN40560
ME Professional Work Experienc BSEN40580
Measurement & Instrumentation MEEN30040
Engineering Thermodynamics II MEEN30100
Professional Engineering (Finance) MEEN30140

Stage 2 - Core
Food Process Engineering BSEN30320
Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies BSEN40320
Food Refrigeration Engineering BSEN40440
ME Biosystems Engineering Thesis BSEN40710
Professional Engineering (Management) MEEN40430
Research Skills and Techniques MEEN40560

Stage 2 - Option
Buildings and Environment BSEN30020
Air Pollution BSEN30030
Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health BSEN30060
Agricultural Mechanisation: Engines and Crop Machinery BSEN30170
Agricultural Mechanisation: Hydraulics and components BSEN30190
The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production BSEN30310
Life Cycle Assessment BSEN30360
Green Technologies Project BSEN40210
Global Cold Chain Safety BSEN40250
Energy Systems Integration BSEN40350
LCA Applications BSEN40400
Food Chain Integrity BSEN40410
Biorefinery Process & Tech BSEN40560
Professional Engineering (Finance) MEEN30140

An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) with minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in an engineering degree programme

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Students meeting the programme's academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD's Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master's Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

The following entry routes are available:

ME Biosystems & Food Engineering FT (T299)
Duration 2 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

2 years full-time.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
This is one of Ireland's most important industries and our graduates have excellent prospects finding employment in:

• Bioprocess and food companies
• Environmental protection and waste recycling companies
• Sustainable energy and green technology companies

There are also opportunities to pursue PhD research in UCD and worldwide.