Advanced Composites and Polymers PgDip, MSc Postgraduate Programme By Ulster University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Materials Sciences

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Core modules: Composite engineering, Polymer technology, Process product optimisation, Research Methods & Facilities, Advanced Manufacturing Students can then tailor the course to their needs and interests by selecting from a wide range of optional modules. Modules The following modules will be taught on this course; Polymer Technology At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement. Composite Engineering At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be able to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability. Biomaterials 1 This module is optional This module provides the student with the core skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of synthetic biomaterials in the context of the relevant materials science considerations. Issues relating to the regulation of biomaterials, as used in relevant medical devices and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of biomaterials for specific clinical applications by considering several case studies. Tissue Engineering This module is optional This module provides the student with the skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of tissue engineered products within the context of the relevant biological and materials science considerations. Issues relating to the ethics and regulation of tissue engineering and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of scaffolds, cells, stimulatory factors and bioreactor environment for specific applications by considering several case studies. ​ Research Methods & Facilities This module is optional The module proves the underpinnings in research methods required to design and conduct original postgraduate level research programmes. In addition, the module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced expertise in the use of specific advanced research facilities. ​ Manufacturing systems This module is optional This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed. Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics This module is optional An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD. An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD. Quality Improvement This module is optional This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered. Research Project (Part 1) This module is optional The Research Based Learning module is defined as a period of project work within a research environment, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. It is designed to inculcate a spirit of critical enquiry coupled with a rigorous academic approach to problem solving in research and enhance the personal, managerial, commercial and technical capabilities of the student. Computer Aided Engineering for Managers This module is optional This module provides a concise and application-based overview of current computer aided engineering systems by providing a detailed summary of current rapid-prototyping and manufacturing processes, multi-axis advanced manufacturing technologies, digital inspection and simulation. The application of CAE to enhance the product lifecycle will be the fundamental objective of this module. The integration of these systems from new product introduction (NPI) through to digital inspection will be addressed. Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming This module is optional An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised. Process Product Optimisation At the end of the module the student should be capable of critically assessing the complete polymer or composite system. Using modelling and analysis techniques, they should be capable of designing the complete system to meet a specific performance requirement, thus removing much of the trial and error from the practice. Bioinstrumentation This module is optional This module provides students with the necessary skills to understand develop medical engineering devices and provides in-depth knowledge of the regulatory procedures governing their implementation. Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices This module is optional The course provides an in-depth knowledge of micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from surface science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, plasmas and thin films, biosensors, tissue engineering and biomaterials. Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology This module is optional This module focuses on Nano and micro-scale analysis and metrology. The principle of operation and limitation of each technique are explained, the applications to the nanotechnology arenare described. Entrepreneurship (Engineering) This module is optional In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of

Programme overview

Main Subject

Materials Sciences

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Core modules: Composite engineering, Polymer technology, Process product optimisation, Research Methods & Facilities, Advanced Manufacturing Students can then tailor the course to their needs and interests by selecting from a wide range of optional modules. Modules The following modules will be taught on this course; Polymer Technology At the end of the module the student should be able to critically appraise alternative thermoplastic conversion and fabrication processing routes. Through analysis of processing behaviour, they should be capable of developing appropriate strategy for selection of conversion routes for a range of representative material systems and applications in terms of total economics and quality enhancement. Composite Engineering At the end of the module the student should have acquired a high level of competence the many facets of composite materials and their processing methods leading to an active role as a member of a Production Management or Research team. The student should have the ability to select between competing 'composite' technologies for specific applications and hence be able to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability. Biomaterials 1 This module is optional This module provides the student with the core skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of synthetic biomaterials in the context of the relevant materials science considerations. Issues relating to the regulation of biomaterials, as used in relevant medical devices and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of biomaterials for specific clinical applications by considering several case studies. Tissue Engineering This module is optional This module provides the student with the skills required to critically appraise the composition, properties and function of tissue engineered products within the context of the relevant biological and materials science considerations. Issues relating to the ethics and regulation of tissue engineering and the implications of the relevant FDA (USA) and Medical Device Directives (EU) legislation are also covered. Students will also develop skills to enable them to provide a considered opinion regarding the choice of scaffolds, cells, stimulatory factors and bioreactor environment for specific applications by considering several case studies. ​ Research Methods & Facilities This module is optional The module proves the underpinnings in research methods required to design and conduct original postgraduate level research programmes. In addition, the module aims to develop in-depth knowledge and advanced expertise in the use of specific advanced research facilities. ​ Manufacturing systems This module is optional This module provides a concise review of modern manufacturing, time compression methodologies and current manufacturing systems - their specification, implementation and development. The flow of data within a product lifecycle is analysed from design through to manufacture and the effective utilisation of advanced manufacturing technology addressed. Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics This module is optional An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD. An introduction to continuum modelling approaches will enable students to understand the concepts and applications of finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD. Quality Improvement This module is optional This module considers modern approaches to Quality Improvement. The context of product or service is set for the interpretation of Quality from different perspectives. The Quality topics are considered under the themes of definition, measurement, actions, improvement and control. Modern and traditional management approaches are evaluated and techniques appropriate to product or service characteristics and organisation performance are considered. Research Project (Part 1) This module is optional The Research Based Learning module is defined as a period of project work within a research environment, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. It is designed to inculcate a spirit of critical enquiry coupled with a rigorous academic approach to problem solving in research and enhance the personal, managerial, commercial and technical capabilities of the student. Computer Aided Engineering for Managers This module is optional This module provides a concise and application-based overview of current computer aided engineering systems by providing a detailed summary of current rapid-prototyping and manufacturing processes, multi-axis advanced manufacturing technologies, digital inspection and simulation. The application of CAE to enhance the product lifecycle will be the fundamental objective of this module. The integration of these systems from new product introduction (NPI) through to digital inspection will be addressed. Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming This module is optional An introduction to the theory of engineering plasticity applied to common sheet metal forming processes. The relevant theories are presented and their application to real industrial processes are emphasised. Process Product Optimisation At the end of the module the student should be capable of critically assessing the complete polymer or composite system. Using modelling and analysis techniques, they should be capable of designing the complete system to meet a specific performance requirement, thus removing much of the trial and error from the practice. Bioinstrumentation This module is optional This module provides students with the necessary skills to understand develop medical engineering devices and provides in-depth knowledge of the regulatory procedures governing their implementation. Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices This module is optional The course provides an in-depth knowledge of micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from surface science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, plasmas and thin films, biosensors, tissue engineering and biomaterials. Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology This module is optional This module focuses on Nano and micro-scale analysis and metrology. The principle of operation and limitation of each technique are explained, the applications to the nanotechnology arenare described. Entrepreneurship (Engineering) This module is optional In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of

Admission Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements. Entry Requirements PgDip - Normally, an Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. It is possible to transfer onto the MSc version of the course after successfully completing the PGDip. MSc - Specific details on the admission criteria can be found at the course webpage provided below. Normally, a second class honours degree or better in a relevant engineering, science, physics or technology discipline. Or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering or technology discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. English Language Requirements English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes. Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores. English language requirements Your country Exemptions and transferability Students can apply for exemptions for specific modules based on prior learning.

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