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Spectroscopic Technologies & Data Analysis for Advanced Manufact  (T389)

HDip (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2023/2024
School
School of Biosystems and Food Engineering
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Graduate Taught
NFQ Level
8
Award
Higher Diploma
Mode of Delivery
Blended
Programme Director
Professor Aoife Gowen
Overall Programme Credits:
60
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

This Higher Diploma has been structured in such a way to allow those currently working to upskill in this area, the course is 60 credits in total, 20 each trimester, which is a manageable load for those currently working. Additionally the flexible delivery of this programme – 70% of the content is online, is available either in real time or via recordings to suit your learning needs. It is designed to upskill a target cohort of STEM graduates seeking to either upskill or return to the workplace to gain sustainable employment, or those already in the workplace, who are seeking to develop high level skills in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing, thus future proofing graduates with advanced skills in emerging technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing industries (including bioprocessing, biomaterial, chemical and food processing).

This multidisciplinary diploma addresses the National need for the development and deployment of advanced spectroscopic technologies and digital skills. Although new technologies are available to provide massive and continuous data for improved process understanding and control, many industries still rely on manual acquisition and interpretation of data, due to a lack of skilled workforce. Students will develop skills in data analysis, sensors, automation and analytical technologies, which have been highlighted as key to the competitiveness of Irish industry (Manufacturing in Ireland: today, tomorrow and Beyond, Ibec, 2022). These skills are of critical importance in mitigating against unemployment exposure within the biological, chemical, food other advanced manufacturing industries, future proofing graduates with advanced skills in emerging technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing industries (including bioprocessing, biomaterial, chemical and food processing).

Modules are offered across three Schools in the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture (Biosystems Engineering, Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering and Mechanical and Materials Engineering). This unique cross-cutting interdisciplinary programme also addresses the following priority skills needs for enterprise (as identified by the Regional Skills Fora and the National Training Fund advisory group):  Advanced Spectroscopy, Good Manufacturing Practice, Quality Management in Food/Biopharma/Pharma/Materials production, Analytical Science, Industrial Instrumentation, Calibration, Statistics, Data Analytics. Big Data, Smart Manufacturing IOT and Industry 4.0.

This programme is also suitable for those who are working as the content is delivered approximately 70% online. Additionally as most modules can be done either in real time or via recordings – this gives workers flexibility in managing their learnings around their work hours.

Funding: This programme is eligible for springboard funding, if you believe you are eligible please apply first on www.springboardcourses.ie

On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to

  • Describe their understanding of PAT, outline the components and operation of a generic system for deployment of spectroscopic technologies in advanced manufacturing and identify specific use cases and how they are implemented.
  • For given examples, combine specific hardware and software technologies to solve known technical challenges associated with implementing PAT.
  • Appraise a new situation and design a solution for advanced manufacturing using Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis.
  • Explain in understandable terms, why their solutions are appropriate and why they will work to overcome a particular challenge.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge by being able to interpret new technical and systematic developments in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing.

Graduates with skills in Advanced Spectroscopy, Analytical Science, Instrumentation, Calibration and Data Analytics are highly sought after in the food/pharmaceutical/materials manufacturing industries. Job readiness is embedded in this programme through both credit bearing and non-credit bearing modules.  

Stage 1

T389 HD Spectroscopic Tech&Data Analysis for Adv Manufacturing FT is a one-year, 60-credit full-time Higher Diploma Programme. All students must take 60 credits of taught modules across the Autumn, Spring and Summer Trimesters, with a balanced workload of 20 credits per trimester.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30590 MATLAB and R for beginners Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40860 Chemometrics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30520 Sensors and Sensing Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40520 Optical Sensing Technology Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40870 Chemometrics 2 Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30600 PAT Project Summer  20
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
BSEN40500 Hyperspectral imaging Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
BSEN40820 Carbon Footprinting Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
CHEN40120 Biopharmaceutical Industry Regulation and Management Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
CHEN40770 Data Sci for Biopharm Manufact Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Select two (10 credits) of the following Optional Modules in the Autumn Trimester
MEEN40800 Engineering Project Management - Tools & Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
BSEN40620 Biorefinery Process & Tech O/L Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
BSEN40750 IoT enabled AgriFood Prod Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTIONS: Select one of the following Optional Modules in the Spring Trimester
MEEN40310 Project Management Spring  5

  • Applicants should hold a 2.2 or higher honours degree (NFQ Level 8 or International equivalent) in a STEM subject. Other disciplines and holders of Certificate and Diploma qualifications will be considered subject to an application detailing suitable mathematical, technological, and analytical skills, particularly if these can be demonstrated by experience in a relevant industrial/work environment.
  • Applicants will be initially screened to confirm that they satisfy the HCI Pillar 1 eligibility requirements; following this, their eligibility for the programme in terms of their educational record, skills and motivation will be assessed via CV and letter of motivation. Should more than 20 students be eligible, at this point a ranking will be carried out based on the CV and letter of motivation. A dedicated programme administrator will be assigned to review the applications.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.