MSc Mechanical Engineering (Modelling)

Programme outline and modules

This MSc programme offers very relevant modules in highly sought-after engineering and scientific subjects.  Computational modelling has become an essential part of industrial product development; the manufacturing sector in particular has been experiencing a significant uptake of computational engineering technologies to increase its competitiveness in the global market.  This programme is designed for engineering and science graduates, providing a wide exploration of these new and advanced technologies.

Modules
The range of modules reflects the nature of engineering modelling and the uses it is put to in engineering and commercial practice.

Core modules:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics and Applications
• Solid Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis
• Renewable Energy
• CAD Principles and Materials Selection
• Practical Numerical Methods
• Advanced Computer Aided Design (ADVCAD)
• Major Project
• Research Project
• Sustainable Design

Elective Modules:

• Strategic Finance
• Project Management
• Product Introduction Process
• Finite element Analysis: Theory and Application
• Innovation Business Development

Jump to:

Entry requirements

Essential and/or desirable academic qualifications:

• The normal entry requirement for applicants for this programme is a minimum of a lower second class Honours Degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics or a related subject or overseas equivalent.
• English Language Requirements (for candidates whose first language is not English):
  
  • A TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based) with a minimum score of 23 in Speaking, 22 in Reading and 21 in Writing and Listening.
    
  • An IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band.

• References: Please provide at least one reference (preferably academic).
  
  

Learning, teaching & assessment

The modules in this programme are delivered with lectures and lab-based tutorials giving a good balance between scientific methodologies and hands-on practice.

There is a heavy emphasis on the use of computational engineering methods and this is reflected in the way the programme is delivered and assessed.

Modules are assessed through either course work or exams.  The major project is assessed by dissertation; examples of past major projects include development of CFD code, aero and structural dynamics of vehicles and aircraft, and analysis of development of industrial machines.

Facilities & equipment

Much of the teaching and learning in the Programme take place in the CAE facility or Design Suite which have the latest commercial Computer Aided Engineering tools (e.g. Solid works, Fluent, Ansys).

Lecture rooms are equipped with modern AV/IT facilities which aid CAE teaching.

Engineering Laboratories and workshops allow physical models to be made and tested to validate computational models and include stress measurement and fluid dynamics and rapid prototyping.

Good learning resources – such as up-to-date texts and publications are available in the library and many electronically.

Career opportunities

Career prospects for graduates are excellent.  The programme puts practical engineering modelling, research and project management skills in to the hands of graduate.  This helps career progression in industries where computer-based technology is required including manufacturing, R&D, science, IT, design and academia.

Recent graduates have been employed in a range of jobs including:

• product development with a manufacturer of domestic heating products
• computer aided design with a manufacturer of military/surveillance equipment
  

 

Personal development

Along with the range of technical skills, the Programme aims to develop self reliance, project management, IT communications and research skills.

You will develop and deliver a major dissertation and the necessary project management processes.  You will also make several individual presentations and get chance to hone your interview techniques.

Student profile

“The MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Modelling) is an intense 12 month course that covers modern computational modelling in an industrial setting. The course teaches practical and technical skills that are essential in product development. After reviewing the programme structure and the description of the course the university offers I realised it was the perfect choice for me. I found the staff to be very approachable which made studying on the programme easier and meant that any problems I had, academic or otherwise, were easily sorted out.
 
Shortly after completing the course I started working for a company where my computational modelling and management skills were put to the test. It was rewarding to find out that my experience at Aston equipped me with the necessary tools to face the challenges that a design engineer can encounter in product development.
 
It has been a truly brilliant experience and I am particularly impressed with the invaluable support given by the supervisors on the course. I will recommend this course to any interested student who wants an exciting career in industrial product development.”  

Accreditation

The MSc Mechanical Engineering (Modelling) is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the purpose of meeting the educational requirements of Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course director

Professor Geoff Tansley
PhD CEng FIMechE
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Prof Tansley developed his engineering modelling skills through industrial consulting, research projects in universities, and as Chief Mechanical Engineer in an Australian Medical device company where he led modelling and manufacture of an artificial heart.

Prof Tansley has expertise is in computational fluid dynamics of blood flow and in the design and development of implantable medical devices; his current research projects include an aortic balloon pump, a rotary blood pump and blood cell dynamics in Couette flow.

Teaching staff

Dr Xianghong
Senior Lecturer
Dr Ma graduated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA in 2000.  Prior to joining Aston University in 2002, she worked as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in General Electric Global Research Centre in Schenectady, New York.  During her past study and industrial working experience Dr Ma researched non-linear dynamics of systems from aeronautical, power generation to medical equipment.

Dr Ma’s recent research is focused on Micro/Nano technology in biomedical engineering and she is developing innovative sensing, actuation and manipulation tools for cell, tissue and body using state-of-the-art technologies.

Dr J. Gregory Swadener
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Dr Swadener’s experience includes 7 years in industry and 10 years in research, most recently as a Scientist with the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory with over 40 publications in scientific journals.  He was also recently a guest scientist at Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung.  His research areas include biomechanics and nanomechanics and have featured nanoindentation, finite element methods, molecular dynamics modelling and additional numerical techniques.

Dr Mark Prince
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Mark is a former Aston graduate with experience in mechanical design and analysis.  His research interests are in ophthalmic and medical device development and he has experience in designing microsystems for biological structure interfacing, and exploiting vision technologies. Mark has expertise in 3D computer solid modelling, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacture, computer aided engineering, electronic/mechatronic design, and optical and contact microscopy and imaging techniques.

Dr Philip Davies
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Philip Davies is a member of the Sustainable Environment Research Group.  His main research activities are in developing renewable and efficient energy systems and in the treatment of water for drinking and sanitation.  Philip has held appointments at the University of Oxford, the Universidad Politécnica in Madrid, the University of Warwick, and in manufacturing and consulting companies. He holds a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London, and D.Phil from the University of Oxford.