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Masters in Biosystems & Food Engineering  (T299)

ME (NFQ Level 9) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Biosystems and Food Engineering
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Graduate Taught
NFQ Level
9
Award
Master of Engineering
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Ronald Halim
Overall Programme Credits:
120
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 2
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 60
Stage 2: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

For more information on this programme, see: ME Biosystems & Food Engineering.

This programme is delivered by a highly research-intensive School with state-of-the-art infrastructure in

  • thermal and non-thermal food processing system and analysis,
  • microalgae biotechnology and biorefinery,
  • spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging.

This programme also provides 6-8 months’ professional work experience as an embedded element of the programme.

This programme is accredited with Engineers Ireland, allowing graduates to gain Chartership status.

Module Information:

Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.

 

The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering programme is aimed at Engineering (BE) and Engineering Science (BSc) graduates who wish to pursue a career as a professional engineer in agricultural, food, environmental or related industries. The programme focuses on the engineering, scientific and technological aspects of the agrifood industry through advanced numeracy, design, critical thinking and leadership skills developed in a dynamic learning environment where all students can work individually and in teams. The programme combines a range of modules delivered by internationally recognised research-active academic staff through lectures, practicals, technical site visits and problem-based learning. A broad range of assessments including examinations, reports, projects, group work, case studies and peer evaluation are used. A period of professional work experience is integrated into the programme to provide the student with an opportunity to practice as an engineer. The programme can lead to research or professional engineering career opportunities.


1 - PO1. Knowledge and Understanding Advanced knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, data science, analytics, and other technologies underpinning biosystems and food engineering
2 - PO2. Problem Analysis The ability to identify, formulate and analyse complex biosystems and food engineering problems.
3 - PO3. Design The ability to design innovative solutions to complex biosystems and food engineering problems.
4 - PO4. Investigation The ability to investigate, experiment and apply standard and specialised research methods in biosystems and food engineering
5 - PO5. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities towards people and the environment in the practice of biosystems and food engineering.
6 - PO6. Teamwork and Lifelong Learning The ability to work effectively independently and in diverse and inclusive teams, and to prepare for lifelong learning.
7 - PO7. Communication The ability to communicate effectively on complex biosystems and food engineering activities to diverse audiences.
8 - PO8. Engineering Management Knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and financial decision-making relevant to biosystems and food engineering and an ability to apply these to one’s own work and to the management of projects.
9 - knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences and technologies underpinning Biosystems and Food Engineering.
10 - the ability to interpret, apply and use scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles, data and models to evaluate and solve problems.
11 - the ability to design components, systems or processes for applications in Biosystems and Food Engineering.
12 - the ability to design and conduct an experiment and to apply a range of standard and specialised research tools and techniques.
13 - an understanding of their profession responsibilities and the importance of high ethical standards.
14 - the ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary settings, together with the capacity to undertake self-directed lifelong learning.
15 - the ability to communicate effectively with their professional community.

Our graduates can find employment in:

  • Bioprocess, food and beverage companies
  • Environmental protection and waste recycling companies
  • Sustainable energy and green technology companies
  • Consultancy firms operating in the above areas

Some of these include Glanbia, Sanofi, Royal Oak Distillery, Diageo/Guinness, Abbott, PM Group, Rowan Engineering Consultants, Green Generation, Maria Lucia Bakes, and Takeda Ireland.

There are also opportunities to pursue PhD research at UCD and internationally in relevant areas in circular bioeconomy.

Stage 1

The ME (Biosystems & Food Engineering) is a 2-year, 2-Stage 120-credit programme. The normal workload for Stage 1 is 30 credits per Trimester or 60 credits per year (Stage). **** Students should consult the Programme Director about module prerequisites and other requirements. A taught masters programme in UCD must have at least 70 credits at Level 4.****Across the two Stages of the programme, students are permitted to select modules that are not on the list of Option Modules as a negotiated option, but the selected module must be approved by the Programme Director in advance, and will require formal approval by the Engineering Programme Board.

Stage 2

The ME (Biosystems & Food Engineering) is a 2-year, 2-Stage 120-credit programme. The normal workload for Stage 2 is 30 credits per Trimester or 60 credits per year (Stage). **** Students should consult the Programme Director about module prerequisites and other requirements. A taught masters programme in UCD must have at least 70 credits at Level 4.****Across the two Stages of the programme, students are permitted to select modules that are not on the list of Option Modules as a negotiated option, but the selected module must be approved by the Programme Director in advance, and will require formal approval by the Engineering Programme Board.

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
BSEN30010 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN30280 Water and Wastewater Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
BSEN40590 Unit Ops for Bioprocess Eng Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MEEN30100 Engineering Thermodynamics II Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: Students MUST take ONE of the following CORE MODULES relating to Professional Work Experience. The long placement @30-credits (BSEN40230) is recommended. However, you may need to take the short placement (BSEN40580) if you have gaps in your learning or other special requirements.
BSEN40230 ME Professional Work Experience 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  30
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: Students MUST take ONE of the following CORE MODULES relating to Professional Work Experience. The long placement @30-credits (BSEN40230) is recommended. However, you may need to take the short placement (BSEN40580) if you have gaps in your learning or other special requirements.
BSEN40580 ME Professional Work Experienc Summer  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students must select 5 credits of Option Modules. Students who have completed MEEN30100 in their previous studies MUST select an additional 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN30190 Agricultural Mechanisation: Hydraulics and components Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students must select 5 credits of Option Modules. Students who have completed MEEN30100 in their previous studies MUST select an additional 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN30310 The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
AUTUMN OPTIONS: Students must select 5 credits of Option Modules. Students who have completed MEEN30100 in their previous studies MUST select an additional 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN30360 Life Cycle Assessment Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN40350 Renewable Energy Systems Analysis Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
BSEN40560 Biorefinery Process & Tech Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
SPRING OPTIONS WITH SHORT PWE: Spring Trimester Option modules are ONLY relevant to students taking the Short PWE Module BSEN40580 (10 credit). Students must select and complete 4 OPTION MODULES.
MEEN30040 Measurement & Instrumentation Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BSEN40710 ME Biosystems Engineering Thesis 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  25
Stage 2 Core Modules
BSEN40320 Waste to Energy Processes & Technologies Autumn  10
Stage 2 Core Modules
MEEN40560 Research Skills and Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BSEN30320 Food Process Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BSEN40440 Food Refrigeration Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MEEN40430 Professional Engineering (Management) Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN30060 Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal Health Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN40250 Global Cold Chain Safety Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN40350 Renewable Energy Systems Analysis Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN40400 LCA Applications Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
ME OPTION MODULES: Students who have completed MEEN30140 in their previous studies MUST select 5 credits of Option modules.
BSEN40560 Biorefinery Process & Tech Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
MTEMP006 Stage 2 - 50.00%
Stage 1 - 50.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47