Bachelor/Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Profile - Joseph Mooney

I choose to complete my degree at the University of Limerick because of its highly recognized engineering courses, co-operative education and sporting facilities. As a sports scholar, UL helped me to balance my sporting and academic goals and in August 2018, I graduated with a first class honors degree. I am also still at peak performance levels in sport thanks to the university and its staff.

In my leaving cert year I was uncertain of what course I wanted to pursue. I had a great passion for design (my DCG project received 4th best in the country), problem solving, inventing and making these inventions come to life. My favorite subjects in school were: Physics, DCG, Engineering and Mathematics. In choosing Engineering (Common Entry), I was able to study relevant engineering modules in first year before deciding on my specific discipline. After my first year in UL, I knew that mechanical engineering was for me.

I chose mechanical engineering because it is so versatile. Throughout the programme, I developed skills to solve problems in mechanical engineering, but also for applications in many other types of engineering such as aeronautical, biomedical and design. The University of Limerick gave me the opportunity to work for a biomedical engineering company (Johnson & Jonson: Vision Care) for my co-operative education.

Currently I am completing a PhD in the development of cooling systems for 5G wireless technologies. This research requires me to use the knowledge I gained from my undergraduate courses in heat transfer, materials, finite element analysis and mechanics modules. I developed a passion for these topics during my undergraduate and I believe 5G technologies are currently on the front line for global development. A degree in mechanical engineering is so adaptable that if, in time, you want to branch out into another industry you will already have the skills required to do so.

Student Profile - Reiss Connolly

From the first day of first year I realised that UL was the perfect choice for me. In school, I enjoyed subjects such as DCG and Materials Technology Woodwork. These interests pointed me in the direction of Engineering and particularly Mechanical Engineering.

The thing I love most about the course is when you can apply what you have learned to everyday situations such as understanding why you change gears on a bike depending on the gradient you are cycling on (Production Technology), working out the probability of an outcome (Engineering Maths 4), how a 2 stroke/4 stroke engine works (Thermodynamics 2) and the application of how a fluid will flow depending on the properties of that fluid (Fluid Mechanics).

Because I chose UL, I had the opportunity to complete an 8-month work placement in Medtronic Vascular Galway in the R&D department. Although this seemed to be more in the Biomedical Engineering field it highlighted just how versatile a degree from UL in Mechanical Engineering can be.

I was involved in the development of a next generation Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve Implant (TAVI) device. I enhanced my knowledge of current technologies available such as laser welding, 3D printing, water cutting and laser cutting. I also developed professional skills needed for the workplace such as punctuality and communications.

Prior to Co-Op I wouldnt have considered a career in the biomedical industry however the placement has shown me just how interesting this field is and how my skills can be applied to many fields of Engineering. Medtronic is a world renowned company with leading technologies in the biomedical industry. As a result of the placement I have made friends whom I keep in contact with to this day and hope to work alongside in the future.

Niall is currently employed at Abbott Vascular and was awarded the title of Graduate Employee of the Year 2014.

Graduate Profile - Niall Fitzgerald

A Day in the Life of a Component Engineer

I chose Mechanical Engineering at the University of Limerick as the course has a reputation as being the best in the country and because UL has the highest graduate employment rate in Ireland. I always had an interest in maths, physics and how things work - Mechanical Engineering combined all of these and offered great opportunities and career variety. The 8-month coop placement also provides a competitive advantage over the same discipline at other universities.

A typical day as a Component Engineer consists of many different and interesting activities. Tasks include mechanical testing, identifying and investigating issues with manufactured medical device parts, design of new parts, selection of materials and validation of products for use in regulated medical devices.

The modules I studied at UL provided me with practical problem-solving skills, a logical thought process and a strong technical foundation in many aspects of engineering. Through group projects you will gain excellent teamwork skills and make friends for life while being prepared for real world engineering problems. My degree gave me the tools and confidence to work effectively with both technical and non-technical people from the first day I started work. Through coop I gained exposure to an industry and company I would not have previously considered for a career.

Key engineering skills are sought after by many companies. There are great opportunities both nationally and globally to work in many engineering positions with a Mechanical Engineering degree, from car design to manufacturing and medical devices to name a few.

Niall is currently employed at Abbott Vascular and was awarded the title of Graduate Employee of the Year 2014.

Student Profile - Michael O'Callaghan

My family is steeped in the tradition of naval service. Growing up, I was always interested in how ships operated. I always loved looking around the engine room, seeing how turbines, generators and diesel engines worked.??It was from these childhood experiences that I knew I wanted to be an engineer. Having reviewed several courses, I decided that Mechanical Engineering in UL would suit me perfectly because there was a great balance between theory and practical work. For my Co-Op placement, I worked at Novartis Ringaskiddy who are a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. During my time there, I was able to get hands-on experience at working as a mechanical engineer. My regular tasks ranged from the design and repair of machinery to the validation of various manufacturing processes. Mechanical engineering at UL provided me with the opportunity to work for this international pharmaceutical company and put that on my CV, whilst also gaining experience in the manufacture of drugs used to treat a wide range of illnesses.

Student Profile - Daniel Mortell

From the days of putting my first few Lego blocks together, it was in my nature to become an engineer. I was always very curious as to how things were made and the principles upon which they worked. Studying Mechanical Engineering in UL has given me the knowledge needed to apply my creativity to the science of engineering to improve upon existing designs, or create something new.

My CoOp experience in Stryker Instruments, a leading manufacturer of surgical tools, taught me how quickly design concepts can go from being formed in your mind to being manufactured and tested. There???s also the responsibility of knowing that what you have created is going to help someone, perhaps in need of major surgery to improve their quality of life, and is a reminder of just how important your designs can be and the impact it can have on the lives of others. The diverse nature of the Mechanical Engineering degree in UL leaves me with plenty of options in the future to choose in which direction I want to go.