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.

 

Course Content and Structure:

• The Diploma in Spectroscopic Technologies and Data Analysis for Advanced Manufacturing comprises 60 credits of Modules (11 modules).  These modules are offered across the Spring and Autumn Trimesters.
• All lectures and tutorials occur during weekdays. Remote lectures & labs are available for those who cannot attend in person.
• Modules are delivered in real-time to full-time students and made available online (in real time and via recordings) to off-site learners

 

The programme has a flexible, blended approach:

• Core teaching materials will be made available online through Brightspace. Students will be able to access these in their own time.
• Synchronous engagement, using a flipped classroom or tutorial approach available in class with live/recorded broadcast using a virtual classroom
• Relatively rapid response discussion boards through Brightspace. Online students will be able to secure additional learning support if they are not able to attend the synchronous activities. These will be supported by teaching assistants.
• Laboratory practical sessions on campus. Delivered in blocks of 3 hrs scheduled in advance to allow attendance planning.

 

Assessment will be through a mix of problem-based activities design to evaluate module specific outcomes, with at least 3 outcomes contributing to each of the programme outcomes. Where possible, written examinations will not exceed 50% weighting and practical-based assessments will exceed 25% weighting.

 

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.