Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering

Through this module, you will build a strong foundation in applied mathematics that will help you to understand other engineering modules.  

Key takeaway(s):

• Gain a brief overview of fundamentals including logarithms and exponentials, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions.
• Learn about limits and continuity, differentiation and integration of functions of one variable for various engineering applications.  

Through this module, you will get acquainted with numerical approaches and probabilistic and statistical inference for engineering applications.

Key takeaway(s):

• Employ engineering software to develop algorithms for numerical recipes and analyse data.
• Learn about data sampling and evaluation methods, as well as probability models.
• Apply numerical approaches to solve nonlinear equations and ordinary differential equations, including interpolation and curve fitting.

Through this module, you will master the fundamentals in engineering mechanics.

Key takeaway(s):

• Gain proficiency in finding and analysing the governing mechanical characteristics of structural elements and bodies in equilibrium.
• Learn about vectors, forces, moments and state of equilibrium to understand the use of free-body diagrams and static equations for mechanical analysis.
• Apply your acquired concepts to the structural analysis of trusses using the method of joints and the method of sections.

Through this module, you will learn about the fundamental mechanical properties of materials and effects of loading on solid elements and structures.

Key takeaway(s):

• Get acquainted with the mechanical properties of solids, stress-strain diagrams of materials, Hooke’s Law, Poisson’s ratio and shear deformation.
• Gain an understanding of stress-strain transformation with the use of Mohr’s circle, and an overview of fracture mechanics with fatigue and creep.
• Learn about materials under loading in axial, buckling, torsional and bending modes.

Through this module, you will develop the ability to “concurrently” consider the design process and manufacturing methods.

Key takeaway(s):

• Employ solid modelling software to generate 3D models and 2D technical drawings.
• Get acquainted with forming processes, machining methods, production planning and costing.
• Gain an understanding of fundamental orthographic principles, engineering fits and limit dimensions, geometric dimensions and tolerances, and surface texture.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with the properties of various classes of materials such as ceramics, metals/alloys, polymers and composites for use in engineering applications.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about atomic and molecular structures, crystal structures including defects, mechanical properties and testing, phase diagrams and transformations.
• Engage in materials selection using appropriate software such as CES Edupack and green/sustainable materials.

Through this module, you will develop your competence in writing programs in the C language to solve engineering problems.   

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn how to analyse programming problems such as when to choose regular loops, or when recursion will produce a better program. 
• Gain hands-on exposure in designing, implementing, testing and debugging programs.
• Understand basic data types, such as arrays, structures, and simple variables.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with electrical concepts and analogue circuit theory as a primary basis for understanding both electrical and computer engineering.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about circuit elements, Ohm´s law, Kirchhoff´s laws, simple resistive circuits, techniques of circuit analysis, capacitance, inductance, and first-order RC-circuits (natural and step response).
• Gain proficiency in Boolean algebra, logic gates, simplification methods, combinational logic and simple memory components, flip flops, counters, shift registers, and simple arithmetic circuits.

This module aims to provide and equip students with basic metrology and manufacturing skills to enable them to carry out design prototyping. The lesson plan will include hands-on activities to manufacture components using both traditional and modern manufacturing methods.

Skills and topics to be covered include:
Introduction to basic metrology tools (vernier callipers, micrometres, etc.)
Introduction to traditional manufacturing practises (milling, turning, etc.)
Introduction to modern manufacturing practices (3D Printing)
Introduction to complementary metrology tools to 3D printing (3D Scanners)

Through this module, you will develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of engineering thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.

Key takeaway(s):

• Employ your understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics to analyse common engineering systems.

Through this module, you will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of kinematics.   

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about Newton’s three laws of motion, linear and angular moment, and how forces and moments alter the momentum and energy of a rigid body and its motion in 2D space.
• Derive the kinematic relations and equations of motions to determine the states (velocity and acceleration) of the systems.
• Get acquainted with solving equations of motion using MATLAB/Simulink.

Through this module, you will acquire an understanding of the philosophy of Concurrent Engineering Design.

Key takeaway(s):

• Get acquainted with sustainable “cradle-to-cradle” product development.
• Learn how to identify stakeholders at the product specification stage and embed materials selection and manufacturing processes into a systematic detailed design process.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with engineering materials from a design perspective for manufacturing.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Learn about failure, fatigue, corrosion and creep mechanisms, as well as material properties that influence mechanical design.
• Explore how you can model your design to achieve the intended function and minimise failure.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with the physical design and principles of operation of different sensors and actuator types found in electro-mechanical systems.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about the elements of control and measurement systems: sensors, actuators, interfacing devices and controllers.
• Be equipped with a basic understanding of Programmable Logic Control (PLC). 

Through this module, you will learn about and employ the techniques used to analyse and design feedback control for linear dynamic systems.

Key takeaway(s): 

• Employ Laplace transforms to model system dynamics and obtains their responses.
• Develop insights into the system dynamics of a first and higher order, as well as their responses and behaviour from analysing system characteristics.
• Understand system specifications and design controllers to meet system requirements
• Use MATLAB/Simulink to analyse and design physical systems.

Through this module, you will learn about real-time system requirements and embedded systems, and integrate communication modules to these systems to achieve remote access and cloud data storage features.  

Key takeaway(s):

• Get acquainted with embedded microcontroller systems and appreciate the fundamentals of real-time systems.
• Gain an overview of real-time (RT) operating systems and RT software system design.
• Build Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions with sensors and actuators.

Through this module, you will gain a basic understanding of the fundamentals of thermal energy conversion using thermodynamics principles and heat transfer concepts.

Key takeaway(s):

• Get acquainted with air-conditioning systems, fluid dynamics and fluid machinery.
• Develop and apply the necessary knowledge and skills in energy management to engineering systems.
• Learn how to reduce energy costs and contribute to the environmentally responsible use of energy.

Through this module, you will be afforded with the opportunity to apply your learning and integrate theory with practice.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Acquire specialist knowledge and develop professional skills.  
• Appreciate real-world constraints in respective industry contexts to develop skills of adaptability, creativity and innovation, whilst adding value to the workplace. 
• Gain valuable insights by going through the process of a job search, submitting your job application letter and resume, as well as attending a mock job interview session. 

Through this module, you will be afforded with the opportunity to apply your learning and integrate theory with practice.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Acquire specialist knowledge and develop professional skills.  
• Appreciate real-world constraints in respective industry contexts to develop skills of adaptability, creativity and innovation, whilst adding value to the workplace. 
• Gain valuable insights by going through the process of a job search, submitting your job application letter and resume, as well as attending a mock job interview session. 

Through this module, you will get acquainted with the aspects of legal, financial accounting, ethics and operational standards that may be encountered by an engineer.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Acquire an overview of industry standards (ISO, SA and OHSAS) and learn the code of ethics of professional engineering bodies.
• Gain an awareness of the Singapore legal system, intellectual property rights, law of contract, negligence and liability.
• Establish an understanding of financial statements and business structures. 

Through this module, you will acquire the major tools in project planning, management and control.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Gain an overview of the functions of project management, product costing, screening and selection methods for a given project problem.
• Benefit from the opportunity to develop a detailed project plan comprising work/organisational structures, scheduling, project costs, and a project budget.
• Establish a control system to minimise deviation from the project plan. 

Through this experiential learning module, you will be afforded with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice during full-time work in the relevant industries.  

Key takeaway(s):

• Acquire specialist knowledge and develop professional skills.  
• Appreciate real-world constraints to develop skills of adaptability, creativity and innovation, whilst adding value to the workplace. 
• Benefit from the acquired experience that may contribute to your professional accreditation/certification requirements. 
• Immerse in the industry’s business and culture and decide if this is a good industry to work in.  

Through this module, you will foster an understanding of the manufacturing processes of engineering materials and emerging production techniques.

Key takeaway(s): 

• Get acquainted with metal casting and polymer processing techniques, modelling of heat transfer in metal casting and plastic injection moulding.
• Learn about advanced composite materials and manufacturing techniques, speciality materials (titanium and nickel-based superalloys) and rapid prototyping techniques. 

Through this module, you will glean the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma principles that drive production efficiency in the manufacturing sector.   

Key takeaway(s): 

• Learn about operational waste elimination and reduce the time from receiving the order to delivery while maintaining (or even improving) product quality.  
• Pick up practical techniques from both the technical standpoint and the human capital perspective necessary to effect lean changes and sustain improvements.  
• Learn about the various statistical methods of data collection and construct effective graphical displays to convey the data.
• Learn about Six Sigma concepts and apply them to practical situations for operational excellence.

Through this experiential learning module, you will be afforded with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice during full-time work in the relevant industries.  

Key takeaway(s):

• Acquire specialist knowledge and develop professional skills.  
• Appreciate real-world constraints to develop skills of adaptability, creativity and innovation, whilst adding value to the workplace. 
• Benefit from the acquired experience that may contribute to your professional accreditation/certification requirements. 
• Immerse in the industry’s business and culture and decide if this is a good industry to work in.  

Through this module, you will learn about systems modelling for solving engineering problems.

Key takeaway(s): 

• Get acquainted with systems analysis and modelling that considers variability and uncertainty that exist in many engineering problems.  
• Employ major industry-based software packages (such as Solidworks and ANSYS) for modelling and analysis.  

Through this module, you will develop competence in designing mechatronic systems.  

Key takeaway(s): 

• Appreciate the application of product development, design and testing, component selection, evaluation, project planning, budgeting and documentation for the design of mechatronic systems.   
• Get acquainted with the basics of microprocessor architecture and operations and the key differences in their applications in embedded systems.
• Integrate knowledge from across various electrical and mechanical engineering modules.
• Employ prototyping to realise a system.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with robot manipulators and mobile robots through the concepts of kinematics and control.

Key takeaway(s): 

• Explore the sensors, navigation techniques, types of control architecture and robot behaviour that are found in autonomous mobile robots.
• Gain exposure to the future trends of mobile robots and manipulators in social and service robotics.
• Understand various industrial manipulator configurations used in the industry.
• Relate end-effector positions for manipulator's joints.

Through this module, you will get acquainted with the major components of a modern automation system and learn their key principles.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about system hardware and software components of industrial automation systems.   
• Gain hands-on exposure to robotic work-cell integration and commercially available offline robot programming software.
• Assess economic viability in implementing automation.

Through this module, you will gain a holistic overview of the manufacturing ecosystem, along with engineering principles and operational tools to improve manufacturing processes.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about the different types of products and production shop floor processes including factory layout and machinery organisation, followed by mid-tier management systems.
• Gain exposure to top-tier corporate management systems governed primarily by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
• Get acquainted with Total Quality Management, Total Preventive Maintenance, and Reliability Engineering.

Through this module, you will tap on your knowledge acquired in this course to carry out an industry-focused design project.  

Key takeaway(s):

• Embark on a project that may involve analytical, computational and/or experimental studies, and/or design.
• Integrate and apply your knowledge in design, mechanics, materials, electronics, mathematics, and industry-led practices, amongst others.
• Develop hard and soft skills like risk assessment, project planning, time management, as well as finding and using information resources.