Why Surface Engineering and Tribology ?


Surface engineering is a modern multidisciplinary subject, making possible design and maufacture of engineered components with enhanced and cost effective performance. Tribology, the science of friction, lubrication and wear of surfaces in relative motion, is destined to be of increasing importance. Surface engineering and Tribology are generic activities, with applications throughout engineering, from machinery and manufacturing equipment, to power transmission, aerospace design and technology. All these areas and more, are crucial to our future, and whilst research can aid industry with answers, what is equally important are engineers trained and equipped with new, necessary and specialised skills, enabling them to contribute directly to industry's need for increased effectiveness. In recognition of these needs, the School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds University, has launched the MSc (Eng) in Surface Engineering and Tribology course. With an outstanding research and teaching pedigree in this area of engineering, our commitment is underpinned by our many academic members of staff who are world leaders in this field.


Aims of the MSc course


This course offers a unique opportunity for career development in a specialised area of engineering, which will become more and more important in the future. To the best of our knowledge at the time of writing, there is no equivalent course on offer throughout the whole of Europe. The prime intention of this course is to equip graduates in engineering and physical sciences, as well as engineers already employed in industry, with focused and in-depth knowledge of the multi-disciplined skills required for effective employment and contribution to the Surface Engineering and Tribology industries. Through our considerable contacts with industry, it is estimated that the UK need for such skilled engineers is very high. Some key areas of need are automotive, aerospace, marine, chemical, food processing, maufacturing, and medical implant industries.


On successfully completing this course, graduates will find themselves equipped with an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the subjects covered in the compulsory modules, with comparable abilities in their chosen areas of specialization. As professionals, graduates from this course will find they are effective communicators, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to work on an individual basis or as an integral member of a team.

Course Content


This course lasts for one academic year. Like all of the School's MSc courses, it is modular, with a number of compulsory core modules being augmented with additional modules chosen to reflect the particular interests of any individual student. Many of the modules are the very same ones taken by our PhD students as part of their formative training, and as such, employ leading edge technologies and the latest analytical techniques. Knowledge of advanced technologies and processes, such as plasma assisted coating and diffusion methods is imparted in many of these modules.


With the close contact and involvement with industry enjoyed by our school, there is naturally an input from industry, with outside practising specialists making contributions in the form of Guest Lectures. Endorsement is also given by some companies who place staff on the course, whilst others sponsor students and research projects.

Course Structure


During the first semester, from October to December, the following compulsory modules are taken, each with a value of 10 credits: In the second semester, the following compulsory modules are taken: with two additional optional modules (of value 10 credits each) chosen from:
Biomaterials and Biotribology, Engine Tribology, Bearing Design, Computational Geometry for Design and Manufacture, Automotive Transmission Engineering, Finite Element Methods for Stress Analysis, Vehicle Ride and Handling, Quality Tools for the Product Life Cycle, Combustion in Engines, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Plasticity for Metal Forming.

There is also a compulsory Professional Project which spans the duration of the course, with a credit value of 40 credits: The MSc (Eng) is awarded on successfully acruing 120 credits from the above modules and options.



Professional Project


This project runs throughout the academic year and culminates in final experimental or theoretical work during the summer months. All projects are carried out by individuals, within various research groups in the school. Topics covered include surface engineering, engine tribology, biotribology, friction and wear. Frequently projects are directly or indirectly supported by industry.

Planned visits


Every academic year at least one industrial tour within the UK is organised. At least two principal companies whose main activity is surface engineering and tribology are visited.

Facilities available


The School of Mechanical Engineering has excellent lecture, seminar and computer support facilities. It also has a very substantive technical staff. In addition to the extensive computing facilities provided by the University, the School of Mechanical Engineering has recently installed both a modern Pentium Processor PC facility (52 machines) and a Silicon Graphics O2 state-of-the-art work station grouping
(38 machines). A very well equipped and technically supported tribology laboratory exists with a diverse range of sliding and rolling contact wear testing equipment, including high temperature (~700°C) testing equipment. Many students enjoy access to the bio-tribology lab which has a large number of specialised wear test facilities. In addition the School of Mechanical Engineering offers outstandingly equipped metrology and mechanical testing laboratories.

Entry requirements


The course provides its students with a systematic, rigorous and advanced induction into surface engineering and tribology. Given the multidisciplined nature of these subjects, the course requirement is for graduates with good first degrees (preferably a 2(i) honours or better) in the engineering or physical sciences. Applications are welcome from new graduates, Professional engineers already working in industry, and from applicants both in the UK and Europe as well as further afield overseas. Proficiency in the English language is also an essential pre-requisite for admission to the course. Graduates of mathematics, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science as well as mechanical engineering are all welcome to apply.

Other Information


If you have any questions or would like additional information, or would like to make a visit to the school, please contact: Email: Dr P.A.Dearnley

or
The Postgraduate Admissions Tutor,
School of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Leeds,
Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
Phone ++44 (0)113 233 2140/2117
Fax ++44 (0)113 233 2150
Email: pg-admissions@mech-eng.leeds.ac.uk
www http://www.mech-eng.leeds.ac.uk

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