More and more aspects of the world around us are becoming automated, with labour-saving machines and robots able to perform tasks quicker and more accurately than humans. These machines are staggeringly complex, with huge numbers of finely tuned moving parts being precisely controlled in the blink of an eye by state-of-the-art electronics. Just consider the machines you use on a daily basis and how many moving parts are involved. Such machines are examples of mechatronic engineering, the science of combining mechanical engineering with electronic engineering to create intelligent machines. The potential in this area is immense no matter what your interest, from designing safer automobiles to building labour-saving intelligent robots to interfacing the mechanical and electronic parts of future renewable energy systems. The DCU School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and the School of Electronic Engineering were the first in Ireland to offer a degree course in Mechatronic Engineering. On this four-year course (with an optional fifth year leading to a Masters degree), you will focus primarily on aspects of developing novel products based on mechatronic principles. You will learn about electronic and mechanical systems, process control and instrumentation, and robotics and automated manufacturing. Degree Options There are two degree options available: BEng - Students can graduate after successfully completing the first 4 years to achieve a bachelor of engineering degree. MEng - For students that achieve at least an overall H2.2 award at the end of the first 4 years there is the option to do a fifth year (90 credits) to obtain a master of engineering degree. For external applicants the opportunity exists to extend a bachelor degree to a master level by applying directly to enter the fifth year of the programme. Applicants must have achieved a level H2.2 award in a relevant accredited engineering programme.

Mechatronic engineering skills are in demand by both national and international companies who require personnel with mechatronics expertise to help to ensure that the products they manufacture are up-to-date and can be produced economically. Companies associated with this course include ABB, Agilent Technologies, Applied Materials, Braun, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Proscon, Schering Plough, Tecpro Ltd and Xsil Ltd. Typical industry sectors requiring both mechanical and electronic design and analysis are: • Domestic consumer goods (e.g. video recorders, cameras, washing machines) • Medical machinery (e.g. body scanners, life support systems) • Transport-related industries (e.g. cars, rail, aircraft) • Hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical controls and drives • Automated production systems • Robotics • Food processing • Petrochemicals The skills you learn are fundamental and can also be applied to many other areas. What's more, your INTRA work placement will greatly improve your employment potential. Alternatively, you could opt for further academic studies in one of our highly popular taught postgraduate programmes, or perhaps even a career in research with one of our internationally respected research groups.