ME Materials Science & Engineering
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 120)
The ME in Materials Science and Engineering provides engineers with a specialist education and training in the area of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites for industrial engineering applications from biomedical device manufacture to future energy solutions. This Masters is accredited by both Engineers Ireland and the IOM3 (UK).
Graduates from this programme will be fully qualified professional engineers, capable of working anywhere in the world at an advanced technical level.
Focus on real-world materials used for the manufacture of advanced engineered components and systems such as biomedical implants.
Integrated theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge.
Technical research project in collaboration with world leading research groups and researchers.
Materials Scientists and Engineers are at the centre of virtually every area of technology from optoelectronics to space materials and from automotive and aeromotive manufacturing to biomedical devices. Graduates from this programme will be fully qualified professional engineers, capable of working anywhere in the world at an advanced technical level or as a professional engineering manager. Graduates will also have specialist training in underlying scientific fundamentals and practical materials handling and analysis techniques that will make them attractive to either potential employers or equip them for further study at advanced postgraduate level such as PhD studies in Ireland or across the world.
Vision and Values Statement
This programme is aimed at students with a primary degree in engineering or cognate physical science who wish to develop a career or engage with further studies in materials science and engineering leading to a professionally accredited qualification. We value and therefore encourage students to be engaged, autonomous learners who have a critical and problem-solving approach to materials as they are used in both common and advanced engineering applications. Of key importance within the learning experience is the ability of the student to work individually or within teams and to communicate their ideas and outcomes effectively. Students should also not lose sight of the ethical, environmental or human perspectives within which they work. We aim to provide a stimulating learning environment with a wide-ranging and relevant taught curriculum that is underpinned by a hands-on laboratory experience that will encourage students to develop a deep understanding of structure-property relationships in materials. A significant period of structured internship at an industrial partner is a key component of the programme. A variety of teaching, learning and assessment strategies are used to achieve the desired outcomes including individual and team assignments, technical presentations, internship assessment and a significant supervised research project. These are subject to assessment on both a continuous and end-of-semester basis.
Programme Outcomes
Advanced knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences and technologies underpinning their branch of engineering.
The ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems.
The ability to perform the detailed design of a novel system, component or process using analysis and interpretation of relevant data.
The ability to design and conduct experiments and to apply a range of standard and specialised research (or equivalent) tools and techniques of enquiry.
An understanding of the need for high ethical standards in the practice of engineering, including the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people, society and the environment.
The ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.
The ability to communicate effectively on complex technical activities with the engineering and science community and with society at large.
Student Internships
The Professional Work Experience (PWE) module is incorporated into the two-year Masters 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.