Year 1
Year 2
In your second year the usual main areas of study are design, professional studies and management but you will also begin to study the core material that provides the basic technical knowledge required by mechanical engineers. These would normally include such subjects as thermodynamics, fluids, materials and structures, dynamics, and control. You would also expect to have some form of project e.g., a typical design challenge might be a transmission system for a racing car, choosing the gear ratios to maximise acceleration.
Year 3
Your final year would normally be more hands on either individually or as part of a team. You will undertake a design activity which includes the design, build and test of a machine or process. You will also undertake an individual research project which is essentially a mojor project for your degree. Briefs may include machine tools, management, manufacturing, materials, processes, mathematics, micro-mechanics, modelling & simulation, plant monitoring, power plant or environment.
Career Opportunities
Modern analysis and design processes in mechanical engineering are aided by various computational tools including FEA (Finite Element Analysis), CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture). Manufacturing is typically accomplished with the aid of CNC machines including robots, milling machines, and lathes. You could also end up working for a Formula 1 team, a leading automotive manufacturer or ship building and engine development.
