The course represents a study of a wide range of mechanical engineering materials, processes and technological application integrated with the acquisition of the manipulative skills and techniques necessary for practical resourcefulness, creativity and design realisation in the execution of work.

It aims to promote an educational knowledge of the materials; an understanding of the processes; ability in safely using the skills and tools to achieve objectives through practical work; initiative in the planning and development of technological projects.

Content

The core areas of study are:

Workshop Processes

o   HEALTH AND SAFETY

o   BENCHWORK

o   HEAT TREATMENT OF METALS

o   PLASTICS PROCESSING

o   FABRICATION AND FINISHING OF METALS

o   MACHINING

o   TECHNOLOGY

Materials and Technology

o   CLASSIFICATION AND ORIGIN OF METALS

o   STRUCTURE OF METALS

o   IRON AND STEEL

o   NON-FERROUS METALS

o   HEAT TREATMENT OF METALS

o   CORROSION OF METALS

o   MATERIALS TESTING

o   PLASTICS

o   JOINING OF MATERIALS

o   METROLOGY

o   MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Assessment

The syllabus is presented in two sections:

1. Workshop Processes. This section represents all the practical processes which may be applied in the school workshop integral with the related theory. This section will carry 300 marks in the examination at both levels. Ordinary and Higher:
   There will be 150 marks for a practical examination and 150 marks for assessment of workshop/laboratory work and projects.
2. Materials and Technology. This section represents the wider knowledge and technology as a whole. In the written examinations this section will carry 200 marks at Ordinary level and 300 marks at Higher level.

Career Prospects

Engineering in the leaving certificate can lead to an ever expanding career path; the following are samples of many leading careers,

• Mechanical engineer
• Aeronautical engineer
• Chemical engineer
• Electronic engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Building services engineer
• Civil engineer