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Modern automation engineering combines elements of electronic engineering, software, robotics, networking and data intelligence which are highly sought-after skills in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries.
As manufacturing industry transitions towards Industry 4.0, the increased need for data intelligence means that the shortage of automation engineers with the required skillset will become greater.
Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the “smart factory” era where computers and automation come together via cyber-physical systems to monitor the physical processes of the factory and make de-centralised decisions. Such developments demand graduates with a blend of electronics, automation, networking and data intelligence skills.
The BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering course was designed in consultation with many of the principal employers of Electronic and Automation Engineers in the South East region with the aim of producing modern Automation Engineering graduates having the skillset required for current and future positions in this area.
In year three, students go on industrial placement for up to six months. This give the students a taste of what professional practice is all about, how the industry operates and how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. It also reinforces industrial links between WIT and the automation engineering industry in Ireland and abroad.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Engineering | Engineering Maths 2 |
| Engineering Computing | Engineering Physics 2 |
| Engineering Maths 1 | Analogue Electronic Devices |
| Engineering Professionalism | DC Circuit Theory |
| Engineering Physics 1 | Introduction to Electronic & Electrical Technology |
| Introduction to Programming |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Instrumentation & Measurement | Control Systems |
| Electromechanical Devices & Interface | Industrial Instrumentation |
| Engineering Mathematics | Object Orientated Programming for Microcontrollers |
| AC Circuit Technology | Programmable Digital Systems |
| Mechatronics 1 | Intermediate Engineering Calculus |
| Advanced Programming for Robotics | Industrial Automation |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Database Fundamentals | Industrial Studies & Placement |
| Advanced Engineering Maths | |
| Embedded Systems Scripting | |
| Process Quality & Software Control | |
| Project Management | |
| Telecommunications |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Advanced Programming Logic Controllers | Digital Control |
| Analogue Control | Automated Cloud Services |
| Industrial Networks | Project Implementation |
| Project Specification | Robotics & Vision |
| Application of the Internet of Things | Database Systems |
| Pharmaceutical Compliance & Law | Enterprise Date Exchange & XML |
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O2/H6
Students who complete other engineering courses at WIT, or another third level institution, at ordinary degree level or equivalent, may apply to transfer onto this course at the third year stage. Students who complete level 6 higher certificate programmes in engineering may apply for entry into this course at the second year stage.
The B.Eng (Hons) in Automation Engineering (with Data Intelligence) provides a graduate with such skills with particular emphasis on:
Graduates for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering may find employment in the following areas:
Graduates may apply to study postgraduate courses including the MEng in Electronic Engineering, MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering, Master by Research and PhD programmes.
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