Module Title: Engineering Systems Simulation

Module Description:
This module provides students with an understanding of the principles of simulation of continuous and
discrete systems found in engineering and other areas. Participants are given a thorough grounding in
the mathematical principles involved.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to give students an overview of the principles of system simulation using
technical computing methods. A range of application areas in engineering, featuring continuous and
discrete systems, will be covered. Examples are drawn from mechanical, electrical and control
systems.

Module content:

Time based simulation systems:

Numerical Integration methods
Accuracy and convergence issues
Issues in the modelling of stiff systems and systems containing discrete elements

Modelling of physical and spatial systems

2D and 3D forward and inverse kinematics
2D and 3D dynamics
Rigid Body mechanics
Modelling of flexible bodies
Constraints, singularities, redundancies, modelling nonlinearities

modelling of mechatronic systems:

electrical machines
control elements
digital and analogue elements
nonlinearities

Visualisation of results.
solid modelling and virtual reality environments
interpretation of graphical and numerical information

Software techniques for solution of systems:

matlab, simulink, sim mechanics
Custom packages embedded in CAD software
CAD and VR interfaces
Other techniques – bond graphs etc.
Other software – 20-sim, dynlab etc.
Application examples and Case Studies

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Module Title: Engineering Analysis 1

Module Description:
This module primarily focuses on conveying to the participants a good grounding in the basics of Finite
Element Theory. This material serves as a basis for introducing for advanced topics in follow on
modules. The module consists of formal lectures which develop the theory behind the simulation tools.
Assignments are given to reinforce learning in both the theory and practical application of simulation
tools to engineering problems. An appropriate level of engineering maths and engineering mechanics
or equivalent is assumed.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to:

1. Provide exposure to a representative range of engineering software tools by use of case studies.
2. Provide experience in typical examples of packages in use today by use of tutorials and
demonstrations.
3. Provide a detailed overview of current and developing technology for the simulation of mechanical
systems, backed up by a sound and thorough theoretical understanding of the methods involved.
4. Highlight issues that arise from the integration of various simulation and design tools.
5. Provide a detailed overview of the basis of Finite Element Analysis for the simulation of mechanical
systems, backed up by a sound and thorough theoretical understanding of the methods involved.

Module content:
Introduction to stress and strain

Finite Element Method: Simple Finite Element Types; Stiffness Element applied to Plane Truss. Displacement
Stiffness Method; Potential and Energy Methods; Variational Formulation of FEM; Natural Coordinates and
Isoparametric formulation.
Structural Finite Element Problems; Jacobian Matrix; Gaussian quadrature; numerical integration
Meshing criteria, free and mapped meshes. Nodal connectivity, boundary conditions and symmetry.
Issues arising with meshes: suitability of elements to various problems with applications.
Outline of solution methods used to solve finite element systems.

Software: Ansys (finite element analysis); Matlab (general mathematical toolbox); other relevant
software.

Using Finite Element Analysis: Modeling approaches and complexity. Developing an analysis
specification.

Geometry: Direct modelling in FE package; CAD interfaces;Dedicated links between CAD and FE.

Meshing: Choice of elements; Mesh quality and suitability; Automated mesh capabilities of different
packages

Interpretation of results: Post Processing; Evaluating results; Accuracy

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Module Title: Engineering Analysis 2

Module Description:
The range, capability and availability of design processes and simulation tools available to engineers
is increasing all the time. In order to make best use of these tools engineers need to be aware of what
is available, the theoretical basis behind them and what their true capabilities are. The module
consists of formal lectures which further develop the theory behind the simulation tools. Assignments
are given to reinforce learning in both the theory and practical application of simulation tools to
engineering problems. A Product Design methodology is introduced and the impact of engineering
simulation tools on this process is explored. A reasonable level of engineering maths and engineering
mechanics or equivalent is assumed (to degree level). Also the module “Engineering Analysis Part 1”
is an essential prerequisite.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to:
1. Provide exposure to a wide range of engineering software tools by use of case studies.
2. Provide experience in typical examples of packages in use today by use of tutorials.
3. Provide a detailed overview of current and developing technology for the simulation of mechanical
systems, backed up by a sound and thorough theoretical understanding of the methods involved.
4. Highlight issues that arise from the integration of various simulation and design tools.
5. Show the impact of simulation tools on the product development process and best practice in their
use.

Module content:
Advanced topics: Sub-modelling and sub-structuring. Contact Analysis, Coupled Analysis, Non-linear analysis
(Non linearities of material properties, iterative analysis for non-linear behaviour). Modelling dynamic and transient
systems using modal and time integrated methods. Implicit and explicit methods: mesh considerations in explicit
dynamics applications.
The role of FEA and simulation tools in the product development process, discussion of best practice to achieve
successful product development.
Outline of solution methods used to solve finite element systems. Numerical errors and convergence
in FEA.
Modelling Fluid Flow and CFD.
Software Tools (demonstrated in class), such as Ansys, Matlab, LS-dyna ,Simulink or equivalent, and
other relevant engineering software which becomes available.

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Module Title: Computer Aided Design & Engineering

Module Description:
This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the role of computer aided design
software in the process of computer aided engineering. Underlying technologies, methodologies,
applications and standards and norms are considered. A range of current technologies is explored
from the point of view of the end-user and the developer alike. A strategic overview of the area and its
interaction with broader trends is also provided.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to give students a detailed understanding of how 3D CAD and modelling
applications contribute to the process of computer aided engineering – how they work and how they
can be integrated into the design process.

Module content:

CAD Packages and capabilities

Solid and surface modelling
Dimension-driven and feature-based design
export and import features

Data Exchange
Neutral files and translation
Product Data Modelling
STEP, IGES, VDAFS
features, compatibility, use, programming

CAD and Solid Modelling Kernels

Functionality and interoperability
Programming and development
Examples: ACIS, parasolid, cas.cade

Integration with other CAE tools

Geometry and version issues
Finite Element packages
Visualisation and animation
Other Analysis packages
Drafting functions

Programming and Environments

CAD and CAE APIs
STEP, EXPRESS, XML
javascript, java, other scripting and automation methods

Examples and Case Studies

A number of practical examples will be studied using the wide range of computer aided engineering
packages available in the College.

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Module Title: Operating Systems

Module Description:
This module introduces the student to the principles and techniques that underlie operating systems.
This includes in-depth coverage of process, memory, file and I/O management. Case studies involving
contemporary operating systems, such as Windows and Unix, are used throughout the module to
consolidate the theory behind operating systems. In many cases, Java or C is used to implement
algorithms demonstrating particular concepts.
.

Module aim
The module is aimed at technologists who wish to augment their knowledge of this aspect of IT for
professional needs. In particular,
• To give a critical understanding and appreciation of the technology of operating systems.
• Provide students with knowledge of leading-edge technologies in the field.
• Equip the student with the skills that will enable them to apply this knowledge and undertake
further research in the field.

Module content:

Introduction: history, main concepts, system structures.

Process management : Processes, Threads, CPU scheduling, Concurrency: Mutual exclusion,

Synchronisation, Interprocess communication and Deadlock

Memory management: Concepts, Partitioning, Cache, Paging, Segmentation, Virtual Memory, Page
replacement algorithms

File Systems: Structure and access, Protection, File allocation methods, Free space management,
Performance
Case studies involving contemporary file systems.

Input/Output systems: principles, interrupts, device drivers, disk scheduling algorithms, performance.

Distributed systems: Topology, Client/Server, Clusters, Symmetric multiprocessing, Remote

Procedure Call,

Operating system models : Monolithic, Layered, Client/Server, Virtual machines. Case studies.

Security : Issues and solutions

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Module Title: Networks

Module Description:
This module deals with data transmission, wide area networks (Internet) and local area networks
(Ethernet). It presents the student with material on network infrastructure, routing, networking
protocols. The module examines the interaction between Internet packets and LAN packets, and
explains the role of the OSI layered view of protocols. VPN and VoIP is covered. The module deals
with bandwidth, congestion, and error detection.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to give a comprehensive understanding of the technology of networks, and
the recent developments that have taken place in the field, particularly VPN and Voice over IP. The
module is aimed at technologists who wish to augment their knowledge of this aspect of IT for
professional needs.

Module content:
Data transmission
Encoding of data, serial and asynchronous methods modulation techniques, multiplexing, error
detection and correction, ADSL.
Networks
OSI reference model, topologies, media access control. VIrtual private networks
Physical layer
Media standards, twisted pair, fiber-optic cable, baseband signalling, CSMA/CD.
Data Link/Network/Transport layers
Framing, error detection and correction, routing, gateways, switches, port address tables, IP
datagram, IP addressing, connectionless delivery, address resolution protocol. TCP segment, ack/nak,
sliding window protocol, reliable delivery.
Presentation/Application layers
Electronic mail FTP, NFS, terminal emulation, encryption.
Wireless LAN
802.11 standard, unlicensed frequency bands. Ad hoc and infrastructure WLANs, access points,
network cards, network ID, spread spectrum frequency modulation, FHSS, DSSS, security, collision
avoidance, backoff algorithm.
VPN
Remote access, Site-to-Site, Scalability, Security, Firewalls, IPSec, AAAServers, Tunnelling, various Protocols.

Web
Client-server nature of web, HTML headers, hyperlinks, media types, content-type encoding,
document tree, server software, http, configuration file, authentication, firewall, network address
translation, server-side scripting, client-side scripting.

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Module Title: Database Systems

Module Description:
This module examines fundamental aspects of database systems. Topics include conceptual data
modelling, and logical and physical database design. The module also deals with Data Warehousing,
Data Mining, and Distributed Databases, and discusses Object-oriented databases.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to give a working knowledge of the application of database theory and
technology to the design of Database Systems.

Module content:

Relational data model: Relations, Entity Relationships, Join types, Referential Integrity, Functional
Dependency, Normal Forms, Mapping conceptual to logical database design, Structured Query
Language. Object-relational and Object oriented databases. The role of XML in data exchange and
storage.
Index construction: Binary trees, B+-Trees, Hash indexes, Poisson distribution, Bitmap indexes.
Distributed Databases: Business and technical factors, Homogeneous and Heterogeneous
architectures, Synchronous and Asynchronous replication, Partitioning, Distributed Query and
Transaction management
Data Warehousing and Data Mining: Characteristics of a Data Warehouse (Inmon), Business
benefits, Extraction, Transformation, Loading, Reconciliation. Data marts, Data mining models,
Verification model, Discovery model, On-line analytical processing.

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Module Title: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Module Description:
This module is an introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence. Different ways of modelling human
intelligence are examined. Techniques used in knowledge representation and search are introduced
and some of the more common application areas of AI are discussed.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to provide an accessible introduction to the main themes, techniques,
problems and application areas of artificial intelligence.

Module content:

Introduction and Overview. What is intelligence – Turing Test, Eliza, Searle's argument.

Knowledge Representation and Search as the two main themes in AI. Some techniques for knowledge
representation – production rules, frames, scripts.

State Space Representation. Searching Techniques. Brute Search vs. Heuristic Search. Simple
examples of searching in two-person games and mind puzzles.

Expert Systems with emphasis on Case Studies (eg. MYCIN, DENDRAL). Neural Networks as a
contrast to the Expert System approach.

Case-Based Reasoning as opposed to the production system model of problem solving. Natural
Language processing – why it is difficult, how some of these difficulties can be overcome, and its
applications.

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Module Title: Programming in Java

Module Description:

This module presents a comprehensive introduction to programming, with a particular emphasis on

object-oriented programming using the Java programming language. Topics include basic
programming skills as well as in-depth coverage of the object-oriented paradigm.

Module aim
The module is aimed at technologists, some of whom have little or no experience in the skill of
software development, who wish to augment their knowledge of this aspect of IT for professional
needs.

The main aim of this module is to introduce the principles of programming using objects as a basis.
It will introduce objects from the start, followed by the standard control constructs. Case studies and
practical examples will be used to illustrate the use of language features in solving problems.

Module content:

Software development process: Program analysis and design; Problem solving techniques; Program
documentation; Testing
Object-oriented paradigm : Classes and objects, Encapsulation, Inheritance and Polymorphism
Object-oriented Programming environment
Methods, Data and operators
Control structures : Selection statements and Loops
Strings and string processing
Arrays and array processing
Exception handling
I/O: Files, Streams and Input/Output techniques including GUI
Packaging, Interfacing, use of API’s
Case studies

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Module Title: Data Structures and Algorithms.

Module Description:
The design and implementation of software is a structured activity, which uses a particular set of tools
in order to achieve its aims. Central to this activity is the use of abstract structures to capture data, and
also generic problem solving techniques, in the form of algorithms. The study of both these tools is
essential to produce workable and useful programs, on a large scale.

Module aim
The primary aim of this module is to provide the student with a detailed and practical knowledge of the
data structures and algorithms commonly used in modern software design. The module examines in
detail the manner in which data is captured within a software design and how it is operated upon by
algorithms, for practical purposes. It also examines the practical implementations of these in real
programs, in order to achieve specific design goals.
The module is designed to :
• Demonstrate good design practices when producing non-trivial software solutions.
• Use practical case studies and implementations to illustrate commonly used software designs.
• Enable the student to identify and illustrate the generic structures and methods on which software
is based.

Module content:
Description of syllabus content covered in module.
• Linked Lists as data structures
• Stacks
• Trees : Algorithms for trees and Binary trees.
• Priority Queues and the Heap data structure
• Analysis of Algorithms Running Time Estimation
• Asymptotic Notation ( Big O )
• Dictionary types : Ordered and unordered, Hash tables, Look up tables.
• Sorting algorithms : Merge sort, Quick sort, Bucket and Radix sort
• The String Abstract Data Type and Pattern Matching
• The Boyer- Moore Algorithm and Knuth-Morris-Pratt algorithm
• Stream Programming Algorithms: Bi-tonic merge sort, Parallel binary searches
• Introduction to Unified Modelling Language

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Module Title: Numerical Methods

Module Description:
This module is concerned with the design and application of numerical methods to solve problems
described by mathematical equations. The first part of the module covers the basic techniques used
by numerical methods, and the second part shows how these techniques are combined to provide
complete numerical solutions to equations that model practical problems. Students gain experience
with the MATLAB scientific software package, to illustrate and reinforce most of the techniques
covered.

Module aim
The aim of this module is to equip the student the basic techniques employed by numerical methods,
how to select and apply these techniques to solve practical problems, and to give them hands-on
experience using a quality software package to solve numerical problems.

Module content:
1. Background material in linear algebra and calculus.

2. Interpolation of discrete data. Lagrange interpolation and Hermite interpolation for a number of
fixed data points. Curve fitting. Cubic Splines. Examples using the MATLAB package.

3. Solution of systems of linear equations. Gaussian elimination, LU decomposition, pivoting,

condition numbers, ill-conditioning. Iterative methods for linear systems. Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel
and Successive Over-Relaxation (SOR) methods. Applications using the MATLAB package.

4. Newton-Cotes integration rules. The degree of Newton-Cotes rules. Derivation and application
of the Newton-Cotes rules. Orthogonal polynomials. Weights and nodes for Gaussian
formulas. The degree of Gaussian Integration rules. Construction and application of the
formulas. Examples using the MATLAB package.

5. Numerical solution of Ordinary differential equations. Explicit methods. Forward and

backward Euler methods. Initial value problems. Runge-Kutta methods. Predictor-Corrector
methods. Use of the MATLAB suite of ODE solvers.

6. Numerical solution of 2-point Boundary Value Problems. Finite Difference operators and
Finite Difference methods. Formation of the discrete problem, and its solution using matrix
techniques in MATLAB.

7. Solution of Partial Differential Equations. Solution of PDEs in two dimensions by finite

difference methods. Boundary conditions, discrete formulation and solution. Examples of real
problems. Considerations for the computer implementation of the methods.

8. Introduction to Finite Element Methods. Fundamental ideas and necessary tools. Basis
functions. Finite element formulation. Mesh generation. Element matrices, and global stiffness
matrix. Load vector, matrix assembly and solution. Errors and results interpretation. Application areas
and finite element software.

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Module Title: Graphics and Computer Modelling

Module Description:
The graphical representation of data and its subsequent integration into abstract models, form the
cornerstones of most engineering design, development or research activities. In this regard, the
computer has become an essential design and modelling tool for the engineer and scientist. Its use is
so widespread and developments in the field are so rapid, that an understanding of the fundamental
principles of graphical representation and modelling, particularly in 3 dimensions, forms a prerequisite
knowledge base for work in many other areas.

The discipline of graphics and computer modelling also stands as a distinct area of study and research
in its own right with applications in a wide range of fields including, CAD/ CAM drawing packages,
finite element analysis, animation, simulation, hardware design and algorithm development.

Module aim
The primary aim of this module is to provide the student with a detailed and practical knowledge of the
fundamental principles which underlie three dimensional modelling, the structures used to implement
it, the practical applications based upon it and the likely future direction of its development.
The module examines in detail the mathematical descriptions of how to specify and manipulate
abstract graphical representations of real world objects and the manner in which they are captured.
The module examines the abstract representation of real 3 dimensional environments, the
reproduction of physically accurate lighting conditions and surface texture effects for realism, along
with rendering effects.
The module also examines the practical implementation of the graphics pipeline in hardware and
software, in order to achieve specific modelling effects.
The module is designed to:
• Demonstrate the fundamental principles on which 3 dimensional computer models are based.
• Illustrate how the graphical representations of these models are generated, manipulated and
reproduced. The role of specific graphics hardware accelerators is also examined in detail.
• Enable the student to describe and illustrate practical uses of graphics and computer modelling
applications. The role of computer graphics programming languages is examined in detail.

Module content:

Mathematical fundamentals of computer graphics, vectors, 3D transformation matrices

Representation of 3D objects, NURBS, mathematical representation of surfaces
Polygonal representation of 3D curved surfaces
Representation of Solid objects - Space subdivision techniques for object representation
The graphics pipeline (1): geometric operations, Vertex shader programming in Cg
The graphics pipeline (2): rendering, Pixel shader programming in Cg
Reflection models, Gouraud shading, Phong, BRDF’s and SSRDF’s
Textures, bump maps, environment maps, 3D texture mapping techniques
Whitted ray tracing and radiosity algorithms for global illumination

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Module Title: Dissertation

Module Description:
The Dissertation is a piece of research work carried by the student following successful completion of
an approved 60-credit combination of taught modules. Integral to this module is a series of
lectures/seminars which addresses some common issues experienced by first-time post-graduate
students.

Module aim
The aim of the module is to permit the student to develop a high level of expertise in a selected
subject area related to Information Technology or Computation, and to train them in the processes of
research methodology, critical analysis and academic and technical writing associated with the work.

The student is also introduced to quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, as well as the
tools and techniques necessary to write a minor dissertation appropriate to the level of the
programme.

Module content:
The Dissertation consists of a body of research and possibly practical work in an area chosen by the
student and approved by the programme team. In support of this activity, the following topics are
covered in a series of lectures/seminars:
• Critical and creative thinking: theory and practice
• Referencing, citation and plagiarism
• Time management strategies
• Research problems, finding and defining a research problem and identifying sub problems
• Gauging the scope of a research project
• Techniques in Technical Writing
• Writing a research proposal
• Writing and publishing in Computing
• Research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative approaches
• The research process
• How to conduct a literature review
• Good practice in designing software implementations
• Research tools (including how to use libraries, the Internet, professional journals etc.)
• Data analysis tools and the use of Statistical Methods
• Writing up a minor dissertation, the marking scheme etc.
• Aspects related to supervision

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