The student should be able to advise a management team on Quality Management.

1. explain Quality Management Frameworks
2. explain approaches to team building and team dynamics
3. manage a quality improvement programme
4. communicate modern trends in Quality Management
5. appreciate the quality culture and dynamics in an organisation

The student should be able to have a foundation in statistical analysis and be able to manipulate statistical data.

1. Summarise, describe data and identify the position of a data value in a dataset.
2. Determine the probability of an event using probability rules.
3. Calculate the probability for outcomes using discrete and continuous distributions.
4. Calculate confidence intervals for population mean, proportion and variance.
5. Perform hypothesis testing using parametric and nonparametric tests.
6. Make decisions and draw conclusions on the basis of statistical analysis.

This module will enable the student to examine the relationship between structures and properties of the main polymer classes, characterisation, and application.

1. Identify, classify, and describe the amorphous and crystalline states of polymers.
2. Interpret the principles, concepts, and limitations of established mathematical methods of different polymer characterisations.
3. Investigate and define requirements for application of different polymer classes.
4. Conduct searches of literature and consult and critically use databases and other sources of information pertinent to unfamiliar problems of polymer characterisation.
5. Recognise and make use of the interactions between various engineering disciplines when considering polymer application.

This module will enable the student to comprehend concepts of the rheology of polymers in the molten state, basic rheological characterization, and how to associate rheological data with the processing of different plastic commodities.

1. Applyappropriate mathematical methods for analysing and estimating the essential rheological parameters (strain, viscosity, shear, and shear rate).
2. Describe the relevant advantages and disadvantages of different rheological techniques.
3. Conduct searches of literature and consult and critically use databases and other sources of information pertinent to an unfamiliar problem of polymer rheology.
4. Investigate and define requirements for polymer processing based on rheological data.
5. Design and conduct experiments and simulations, analyse and interpret rheological data, and draw valid conclusions.

This module will provide the student with the tools necessary to plan, conduct and analyse experiments. The analytical interpretation of these results will allow the student to optimise products and processes.

1. Calculate correlation coefficient and conduct a test of significance.
2. Solve simple linear regression and curvilinear regression problems and make predictions.
3. Conduct one way and two-way ANOVA including the analysis of residuals.
4. Conduct and factorial experiments and analyse the resulting data.
5. Apply Taguchi methods involving calculation of loss function and signal-to-noise ratios.
6. Describe when and how to apply the appropriate experimental techniques and models
7. Use a statistical package to analyse and interpret experimental data.

Provides the student with a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the use of statistical methods and techniques for monitoring and controlling processes.

1. Use and apply the basic problem solving techniques of quality to analyse data.
2. Apply qualitative tools for problems solving, prioritising problems and improving processes.
3. Develop, plot and analyse both variable and attribute Shewhart control charts.
4. Construct and use a EWMA chart
5. Apply short run and standardised control charts.
6. Conduct process and gauge capability analysis and develop the capability indices.
7. Conduct acceptance sampling by attribute and by variable data using ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 and ANSI/ASQC Z1.9 respectively.
8. Apply skip-lot, continuous and chain sampling procedures.

This module will provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of operation, construction and layout of equipment used in the melt processing of polymeric materials. The students will become proficient in the application of the principles of scientific moulding and its use in injection mould design and process improvement.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory, concepts and methods and gain practical application in relation to the injection moulding process.

2. Analyse key factors that affect the quality and performance ofpolymer extrusion process.

3. Inform new designs based on feedback and analysis of injection mould analysis.

4. Optimise the design and production parameters of an injection mould machine based on analysis an understanding of the historic faults.

5. Develop a continual improvement systembased on evidence to apolymer processes.

6. Demonstrate a detailed of knowledge and understanding of mould flow analysis.

This course aims to provide the student with a broad understanding of the various medical devices available for the treatment and prevention of diseases, their control and regulation and their modes and methods of manufacturing. It also aims to provide an overview of the medical device industry both globally and nationally.

1. Discuss the medical device industry, the principal companies involved and the main product types being manufactured.
2. Explain the various principles and practices involved in the control and regulation of the medical device industry
3. Describe the theory, practice and practical applications of polymer-based medical devices.
4. Outline the theory, practice and practical applications of medical devices manufactured from a variety of other materials such as metals, natural materials, composites.
5. Compare and contrast the principal steps involved in the manufacturing of a range of different medical device products.
6. Interpret the various principles and practices involved in the validation of medical device processes

The aim of this module is to intorduce the learner to the recycling laws and legislation relevant to the plastics industries. The learner will gain an overview of polymers which can be currently recycled and the level of activity both nationally and internationally. Collection and sorting techniques for recycling of plastics will also be presented and will aim to equip the learner with the knowledge in order to select the most appropriate techniqes for different types of plastic materials. Finally additive properties for the enhancement of polymer recycling and reuse markets will be presented with case studies.

1. Compare polymer recycling costs andcarbon foot print withe the use of legislation
2. Analyse and compare the environmental impact of different materials in product design
3. Select the most appropriate sorting techniques for a recycling process
4. Compare and select the most appropriaterecycling process
5. Design plastic part for recycling using knowledge of additive and recycling process

The main purpose of this module is the give student the experience of designing and injection moulding tool similar base on real part requirements and constraints. The student will learn about latest trends in injection moulding and learn about the tool available to produce good quality part parts.

1. Design low cavity moulds for complex parts
2. Design multi-cavity moulds for high volume parts
3. Apply plastic flow analysis to the mould design process
4. Examine the documentation requirements for various sectors
5. Complete a mould design project including all relevant documentation

This module explores the intricate relationship between product design and the limitations of polymer processing methods, focusing on advanced techniques, material behaviour, and industry practices to optimise the design and manufacture of plastic parts.

1. Critically evaluate the interrelationship between product design and the limitations of polymer processing methods, demonstrating an advanced understanding of material behaviour, flow properties, and process-specific constraints.
2. Integrate knowledge of polymer processing limitations to propose innovative solutions for complex part geometries and applications.
3. Assess and recommend suitable processing methods and materials for specific design requirements, taking into account mechanical performance, aesthetic quality, and production scalability.
4. Analyse and adapt plastic part designs to incorporate sustainability principles, including material recyclability, waste minimization, and compliance with global environmental regulations.
5. Formulate and apply quality assurance techniques, including dimensional validation, non-destructive testing, and documentation standards, ensuring the reliability and performance of advanced plastic part designs.

The thesis is where the student brings together their analytical skills developed throughout the duration of their studies to research / investigate / analyse a specified technical area. The student must demonstrate the ability to carry out a detailed investigation, document the findings clearly and perform the task within the allotted timeframe.

1. Define clearly the objective of the chosen area of investigation.
2. Carry out research using library, and internet sources to establish current knowledge in field.
3. Carry out a detailed technical investigation using relevant analysis tools and/or equipment.
4. Carry out the investigation within the allocated timeframe.
5. Document the work done in a coherent and professional manner.