University College Dublin s2

University College Dublin: Master of Engineering (Biosystems) Programme

UCD SCHOOL OF BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

MASTER OF ENGINEERING (Biosystems) DEGREE PROGRAMME

MTEMP006, T268

Duration: 2 Years

Schedule: Full-Time

Commencing: Monday, 10 September 2012

Programme Co-ordinator & Contact Details:

Dr Patrick Grace

School of Biosystems Engineering

University College Dublin

Belfield

Dublin 4

Ireland

Email address:

Application Details: Applications for this programme are through Online Applications www.ucd.ie/apply

Entry Requirements: Candidates holding a Bachelors Degree in Engineering (with a minimum of 2H2 honours level) or an equivalent engineering qualification will be considered.

Closing Dates: 15 March 2012 (Round 1 Offers) and 15 July 2012 (Round 2 Offers)

Candidates from outside the European Union are encouraged to apply by 15 March 2012, in order to leave sufficient time for processing of visa applications. More information on the latter point is available at: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/travel_to_ireland/student_visas.html

Tuition Fees: €6,120.00 (EU students) per annum, €11,400.00 (Non-EU) per annum (2011-12 figures) For up-to-date information, see http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/index.html

OVERVIEW

Biosystems Engineering is about applying the principles of engineering to biological systems and covers the production, processing and disposal of biological materials. Biosystems engineers apply their knowledge to produce, manufacture and process biological materials such as biosensors, enzymes, food products, new and advanced packaging systems, and precision production and harvesting systems. They also work to achieve sustainable development and environmental protection by developing improved waste management techniques, and systems to protect air, soil and water quality.

The aim of the ME Biosystems Engineering is to provide advanced engineering education in subject areas related to applied biological, environmental, food and agricultural sciences thus allowing graduates to develop and apply engineering solutions to problems in biological systems. Biosystems Engineers are at the forefront of the search for practical solutions to global problems related to clean air and water, sustainable agricultural production, processing of safe foods, safe and healthy environments, climate change impacts and adaptations, minimization of waste, and many other issues at the interface between human desires and environmental resources.

There is a national and global demand for green technologies to drive the transition to sustainable societies and a green economy. Engineers are at the forefront of this revolution in thinking, and the ME Biosystems Engineering will provide the educational foundation for professional engineers who wish to work in the bioresource and green technology sectors.

COURSE CONTENT

The ME (Biosystems Engineering) programme involves lectures, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work and professional work experience. A critical component of the programme is a significant research project carried out during the second year. A wide range of core and optional modules are included in this programme.

MODULES

The Modules listed below are indicative only.

UCD Code / Module Title / Core / Options / Core Credits / Option Credits / Semester
BSEN40230 / ME Professional Work Experience / (C) / 30 / Two
BSEN40220 / ME Biosystems Engineering Thesis / (C) / 20 / One - Two
MEEN40560 / Online Research Skills and Techniques / (C) / 5 / One
MEEN40430 / Professional Engineering (Management) / (C) / 5 / Two
BSEN40410 / Food Chain Integrity / (C) / 5 / One
BSEN40180 / Advanced Environmental Engineering / (C) / 10 / One
BSEN40440 / Food Refrigeration Systems / (C) / 5 / One
BSEN30230 / Unit Operations in Bioprocess Engineering / (C) / 5 / Two
BSEN30320 / Food Process Engineering / (C) / 5 / Two
BSEN30060 / Quantitative Risk Assessment / (C) / 5 / Two
MEEN30140 / Professional Engineering (Finance) / (C if not already taken) / 5 / One
MEEN30100 / Engineering Thermodynamics II / (C if not already taken) / 5 / One
BSEN30010 / Bioprocess Engineering Principles / (C if not already taken) / 5 / One
BSEN30190 / Power and Machinery Systems I / (C if not already taken) / 5 / One
AESC40080 / EIA & SEA / (O) / 5 / One
BSEN30240 / Waste Management / (O) / 5 / One
CVEN30040 / Design of Structures / (O) / 5 / One
BSEN30360 / Life Cycle Assessment / (O) / 5 / One
BSEN30020 / Buildings and Environment / (O) / 5 / Two
BSEN30030 / Air Pollution / (O) / 5 / Two
BSEN30170 / Power and Machinery Systems II / (O) / 5 / Two
BSEN30310 / Biofuels and Renewable Energies / (O) / 5 / Two
BSEN30220 / Soil Engineering / (O) / 5 / Two
BSEN40400 / LCA Applications / (O) / 5 / Two

Please note that final selection of modules is subject to consultation with and prior approval by the Programme Co-ordinator.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Teaching

Teaching is generally based around 24 hours of lectures in a 12 week semester. Some modules involve online work with intensive seminar sessions. Learning on the course involves both individual and team-based assignments combining lectures, casework and projects. A significant amount of the learning on this programme takes place during the 6-month work placement and the research project, both of which enable students to translate the concepts from the lecture theatre into the business environment.

Assessment

Assessment methods include exams, case assignments, presentations, individual reports and group activities.

Timetable / Hours

The programme is modular and semesterised with full-time hours. There are two teaching semesters, i.e. Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring). Details of the official University calendar for 2012/2013 are as follows:

Semester 1

Teaching term 1 Monday, 10 September 2012 – Friday, 30 November 20121 (12 weeks)

Revision Saturday, 1 December 2012 – Friday, 7 December 2012 (1 week)

Exams Monday, 10 December 2012 – Friday, 21 December 2012 (11 working days)

Semester 2

Teaching term 2a: Monday, 21 January 2013 – Friday, 8 March 2013 (7 weeks)

Fieldwork/Study period Monday, 11 March 2013 – Sunday, 24 March2 2013 (2 weeks)

Teaching term 2b Monday, 25 March 2013 – Friday, 26 April3 2013 (5 weeks)

Revision Monday, 29 April 2013 – Sunday, 5 May 2013 (1 week)

Exams Tuesday, 7 May4 2013 – Saturday, 18 May 2013 (11 working days)

Summer term/Research period

Term Monday, 20 May – Sunday, 8 September 16 weeks

Graduate exam process (final dates to be confirmed)

1 October Bank Holiday: Monday, 29 October 2012

2 St Patrick’s Day, Sunday, 17 March 2013

3 Good Friday, 29 March 2013; Easter Sunday, 31 March 2013; Easter Monday, 1 April 2013

4 May Bank Holiday: Monday, 6 May 2013

5 June Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 June, 2013; August Bank Holiday: 5 August 2013

AWARD

Graduates are eligible for the award of Masters of Engineering (ME) in Biosystems from University College Dublin.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ME (Biosystems) Graduates can find employment in:

· Bioprocess and food companies

· Environmental consultancy and waste recycling companies

· Sustainable energy and green technology companies

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information in relation to this programme, please contact: