Emerged during the Industrial Revolution (transition to new manufacturing processes) in 18th century Europe, the field of Mechanical Engineering is one of the oldest engineering branches. It combines Engineering, Material and Natural Sciences to design, build and maintain mechanical systems.
Examples of core studied modules include:
- Mechanics: observes the motion of physical objects by studying the relationships between force, matter and motion.
- Thermodynamics: focuses on heat, work (energy transferred to or form an object by applying a force) and temperature and their relations to energy and other energy forms.
- Material Science: studies the properties of materials (such as ceramics, metals, plastics) and their applications for efficient manufacturing or construction.
- Structural Analysis: relates the effects of loads on physical structures (buildings, bridges, aircrafts) and their components.
Featured Courses
The CPD accredited courses are carefully crafted to help you gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of your interest.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
This intermediate-level course provides a thorough overview of the field of next-generation sequencing, from its properties and strength and its major applications, to an overview of a typical sequencing workflow.
Molecular Microbiology
Molecular microbiology is a very progressive field of science, there is an enormous demand to understand the omnipresent microbes influencing our everyday life on sub-cellular level, which will be subject of this course.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is one of the youngest disciplines providing a novel way into treating diseases.
Cancer Biology: Exploring the Molecular and Genetic Aspects
This is an intermediate-level course that explores the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, its evolution, and cancer immunology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the most advanced and fastest growing sciences. The beginning of the 21st century has seen huge developments in techniques to study and understand how the brain works.
CRISPR: Revolutionising Genome Editing
This advanced-level course is designed to develop an understanding of complex concepts related to genomics, particularly CRISPR/Cas technology and its applications...
Tools have also been develop to support mechanical engineers with their work these include:
- Computer-aided design (CAD): computers are used for initial design stages, prototyping, subsequent modifications and critical analysis. CAD software are used to maximise time-efficiency and design quality. The final electronic file may then be shared amongst the team and simplifies manufacturing operations.
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM): relies on software and computer-controlled machinery to automate a manufacturing process. Essentially the machinery should be able to turn a raw starting material into a finished product, ready for commercialisation.
- Product life-cycle management: managing a product’s full lifecycle from its initial design, prototyping, manufacturing and disposal. It also encompasses the delivery service to customers or communities and relies on data and business analysis.
Mechanical Engineers are involved from the design to the commercialisation of an object (component, machine, system or process) which can benefit humans in health care, transportation or climate change for example. They ensure that the manufactured products are safe and reliable while meeting competitive demands.
Mechanical Engineers bring an idea to life at any scale (satellites to light switches) by using their creativity, technical and problem-solving skills. To enter such a career path, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is required as well as strong interpersonal skills including leadership, teamwork and conflict management skills.
Precise tasks to expect will vary based on the domain you go into but will likely touch upon: conceptual design, data interpretation, prototyping, project management and customer service. Many domains require Mechanical Engineering expertise and allow you to specialise based on your interest including Aerospace, Biotechnology, Cyber Security, Health, Mechanics, Robotics. As such, jobs are plentiful and in high demand. Society relies on the advances in the field to positively impact or improve their lives.
