Modern automation engineering combines elements of electronics, interfacing, instrumentation, software programming, robotics, networking, databases and data intelligence which are highly sought-after skills in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, medical device 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 control/monitor the physical processes of the factory and make de-centralised decisions. Such developments demand graduates with a blend of electronics, automation, software programming, networking, IT and data intelligence skills.
Course Aims
The BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering course was designed in consultation with several principal medical device, pharmaceutical and food industry employers 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.
Industrial Placement
In year three, students go on industrial placement for up to nine 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. Industrial placement also provides the opportunity to liaise with companies for final year project. It also reinforces industrial links between SETU Waterford and the automation engineering industry in Ireland and abroad.
Year 1
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
Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Instrumentation & Measurement
Control Systems
Electromechanical Devices & Interface
Industrial Instrumentation
Engineering Mathematics
Object Orientated Programming for Microcontrollers
AC Circuit Theory
Programmable Digital Systems
Mechatronics 1
Intermediate Engineering Calculus
Advanced Programming for Robotics
Industrial Automation
Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
Database Fundamentals
Industrial Studies & Placement
Advanced Engineering Maths
Embedded Systems Scripting
Process Quality & Software Control
Project Management
Telecommunications
Year 4
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 Data Exchange & XML
Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering:
2 subjects: H5 4 subjects: O6/H7 English or Irish: O6/H7 Mathematics: O2/H6
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering:
Students who complete other engineering courses at SETU, 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:
Industrial Control
Robotics
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Vision Systems
Data Intelligence i.e. automated storage of manufacturing information to a database & querying same
Project Management
Industrial Networks
Standards, Validations and Verification (including best safety practices from an engineer’s viewpoint e.g. programming with a view to safety concerns)
Graduates for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering may find employment in the following areas:
Graduates for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering may find employment in the following areas:
Automation Engineering
Control Engineering
Research & Development
Test and Measurement
Data Intelligence
Network Management
Graduates may apply to study postgraduate courses including the MEng in Electronic Engineering, MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering, Master by Research and PhD programmes.
