Advanced Composites and Polymers PgDip

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

In this section

Year one
Year one
Research Methods & Facilities
Year: 1

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 facilties.

Research Project (Part 1)
Year: 1

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. For MSc students this is one of three consecutive research modules, in Research Project 1 the projects are allocated, literature review is undertaken, some initial training/testing is completed and the students develop a plan for the remaining modules. In Research Project 2 the students undertaken a defined piece of work which they then write up in the form of a publication report. The prior literature review, training and practical work completed in Research Project 1&2 will enable the students to make good early progress in their final dissertation (MEC868).

Research Project
Year: 1

A Work Based Learning module is defined as a period of work based learning, normally of not less than 150 hours, supervised by a member of academic staff of the University. Part-time students working as professionals in industry are often involved in work which is entrepreneurial in nature. As a result they frequently gain knowledge, techniques and skills, and acquire expertise, which is equivalent to work at post-graduate level. This module is designed to provide a framework within which such personal development and achievement can be recognised by the award of academic credit.

Polymer Technology
Year: 1

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
Year: 1

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 in a position to devise conversion systems and associated quality assurance procedures, having regard to maximising cost effectiveness and product reliability.

Process Product Optimisation
Year: 1

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.

Biomaterials 1
Year: 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 a number of case studies.

Bioinstrumentation
Year: 1

This module is optional

This research led module provides students with the necessary skills to understand and develop medical engineering devices, providing context and knowledge of the clinical need, details of underpinning hardware/software platforms and regulatory procedures governing implementation.

Tissue Engineering
Year: 1

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 a number of case studies.

Embedded Systems RTOS Design
Year: 1

This module is optional

This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards.

Digital Signal Processing
Year: 1

This module is optional

This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms.

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices
Year: 1

This module is optional

The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology
Year: 1

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 arena are described.

Manufacturing systems
Year: 1

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
Year: 1

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) modles. 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) modles. Specific skills will be developed using commercially available software in both FEA and CFD.

Quality Improvement
Year: 1

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.

Entrepreneurship (Engineering)
Year: 1

This module is optional

In this module students are engaged in applying their knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process in resolving some of the practical problems inherent in enterprise development and new venture creation.

Computer Aided Engineering for Managers
Year: 1

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
Year: 1

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.