Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering

B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
YEAR 1
All students are required to register for 60 credits in Engineering.
Semester 1
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
EPC 1102 Electrical Engineering Technology 5 credits
MAT 1801 Mathematics for Engineers I 4 credits NCP
MEC 1400 Engineering Mechanics - Statics 6 credits NCP
MME 1201 Fundamentals of Material Science I 5 credits
CCE 1110 Computer Programming 6 credits
MFE 1101 Engineering Drawing
5 credits
Engineering workload this semester: 31 credits
Semester 2
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
ESE 1231 Fundamentals of Electronics 5 credits
MAT 1802 Mathematics for Engineers II 4 credits NCP
MEC 1405 Thermodynamics I 5 credits NCP
MFE 1202 Fundamentals of Manufacturing and Machining 5 credits
MEC 1401 Mechanics of Materials I 5 credits NCP
MME 1202 Physical Metallurgy and Diffusion 5 credits
Engineering workload this semester: 29 credits
Engineering workload this year: 60 credits
Requirement for Regular Progression to Year II: 60 credits in Engineering
Total B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering course this year: 60 credits
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B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering
YEAR 2
All students are required to register for 60 credits in Engineering.
Year (This unit starts in Semester 1 and continues in Semester 2)
Compulsory Unit
SOR 1201 Probability, Sampling and Estimation 4 credits NCP
Semester 1
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
MFE 2105 Engineering Design Methods 2 credits
MEC 2340 Fluid Mechanics I 5 credits NCP
MFE 2101 Engineering Metrology 5 credits
MEC 2300 Engineering Mechanics - Kinematics 5 credits NCP
MME 2203 Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals 5 credits
MEC 2308 Mechanics of Materials II 5 credits NCP
Engineering workload this semester: 29 credits (including half load of Year unit)
Semester 2
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
MAT 2814 Numerical Analysis with MATLAB 4 credits NCP
MEC 2306 Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics 5 credits NCP
SCE 2210 Introduction to Control Systems 5 credits
MEC 2341 Fluid Mechanics II 5 credits NCP
MEC 2307 Thermodynamics II 5 credits NCP
MEC 2402 Mechanical Engineering Components 5 credits
Engineering workload this semester: 31 credits (including half load of Year unit)
Engineering workload this year: 60 credits
Requirement for Regular Progression to year III: 60 credits in Engineering
Total B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering course this year: 60 credits
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B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering workload this year: 60 credits
YEAR 3
All students are required to register for 60 credits in Engineering. Students must register not less
than 24 credits and not more than 36 credits in one semester.
Year (This unit starts in Semester 1 and continues in Semester 2)
Compulsory Unit
ENR 3000 Final Year Project 18 credits NCP
Semester 1
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
MAT 3815 Mathematics for Engineers III 4 credits NCP
MEC 3007 Vibration Analysis I 5 credits NCP
MME 3206 Material Degradation 5 credits
MEC 3400 Environmental Engineering 5 credits
Semester 2
Compulsory Units (All students must register for these units)
MEC 3008 Vibration Analysis II 5 credits NCP
MEC 3103 Heat Transfer 5 credits NCP
MEC 3302 Engineer in Society 3 credits
Elective Units
Choose study-units to the value of 10 credits from the following list:
Semester 1
MFE 3102 Mechatronics Systems Design 5 credits
MME 3207 Mechanics of Material Fracture 5 credits
MFE 3107 Industrial Automation 5 credits
MME 3205 Joining processes 5 credits
Semester 2
ENR 3301 Engineering Management 5 credits
MFE 3207 Quality Management and Control 5 credits
MFE 3201 Technologies in Mechatronic Systems 5 credits
Requirement for successful completion of Year III (final year): 60 credits in Engineering
Requirement for award of B.Eng. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering : 180 credits in Engineering
Note: This course of study is governed by “The General Regulations for University
Undergraduate Awards, 2004” and by the Bye-Laws…….
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Level 1 units
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC1400 - Engineering Mechanics – Statics
Credits 6
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 14 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Dr. Z. Sant
MEC2300 - Engineering Mechanics - Kinematics, and
MEC1401 - Mechanics of Materials 1
Objectives This unit introduces the concept of classical mechanics, the
principles of modeling various loads and solving equilibrium
between bodies connected by means of constrains.
Syllabus • Basic principles of Mechanics and Statics
• Force systems and their description
• Equivalence and equilibrium in Statics using vector
algebra.
• Applications of principle of equivalence - centroid of
area, centre of gravity.
• Solid body constrains and their characteristics
• Equilibrium of a constrained solid body
• System of coupled bodies in equilibrium. Trusses.
• Friction and its application to mechanisms
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Meriam J.L., Kraig L.G., Engineering Mechanics – Statics
• Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics – Statics
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC1401 - Mechanics of Materials I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 7 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. Z. Sant
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC1400 - Engineering Mechanics – Statics
Leads to MEC2308 - Mechanics of Materials II
Objectives This unit introduces the fundamental principles of solid
mechanics. Theories related to the relationships between the
external loads applied to a deformable body and the stress
intensities within the body are studied and then applied to
practical problems.
Syllabus • Introduction to Mechanics of Materials – mechanical
properties of materials, stress v.s. strain curves, direct stresses,
average shear stress, factor of safety, stress concentrations;
• Tension/Compression – normal stress, deformation, strain
energy;
• Torsion – the elastic torsion of circular cross-sections, shear
stress, deflection, strain energy;
• Bending of beams – the simple theory of pure bending,
second moment of area and section modulus of beam cross
sections, beams with un-symmetrical cross section, composite
beams, bending of initially curved beams, bending stress,
strain energy;
• Shear stress distribution in beams – the relationship
between bending moment, shearing force and intensity of
loading, vertical shear stresses in beams, horizontal shear
stresses, shear centre;
• Slope and deflection of beams - relationship between
loading, shearing force, bending moment, slope and
deflection.
• Deflection of beams and frameworks - energy methods,
Castigliano’s theorems;
• Combined loads – the principle of superposition applied to
bending stresses, direct stresses and shear stresses, skew or
unsymmetrical bending.
• Euler’s theory of elastic buckling
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Mechanics of Engineering Materials, P.P. Benham, R.J.
Crawford, C.G. Armstrong
• Mechanics of Materials, E.P. Popov
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC1405 - Thermodynamics I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. M. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to MEC2307 - Thermodynamics II
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of thermodynamics,
the laws of thermodynamics, and mixtures
Syllabus • Fundamental concepts
Equation of state, Internal energy, Enthalpy.
Zeroth Law, and First Law of Thermodynamics.
• Non-Flow Processes for gases and Vapour
Properties of Liquids and Vapour (Steam), Use of
Tables and Charts for steam.
Steady Flow and Non-Flow Energy
Equation. Application of the Energy Equation to Non-
Flow and Flow problems, Filling of a rigid vessel from
a main (non-steady).
• Second Law of Thermodynamics, Carnot Cycle,
Absolute thermodynamic Temperature Scale, Entropy
and Reversibility, General thermodynamic relations.
Exergy. Corollaries of the second Law.
• Properties of Mixtures: Perfect gas mixtures; P, V, T
relationship, Parts of mass; Parts of volume; Internal
energy; Enthalpy; Specific heats and entropy of
mixtures; Gas and vapour mixtures; Psychiometric
chart.
Laboratory work Polytropic Processes, Marcet Boiler, Heat Pump, Latent heat
of vaporization, Heat balance on IC engine
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Eastop and McConkey, Applied Thermodynamics for
Engineering Technologists.
• Rogers & Mayhew, Engineering Thermodynamics
Work and Heat Transfer
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Level 2 units
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2300 - Engineering Mechanics - Kinematics
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 7 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. Z. Sant
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC 400 - Engineering Mechanics - Statics
Leads to MEC 2306 - Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics
Objectives This unit introduces the concept of movement analysis and
characterization by means of path traveled, velocity, and
acceleration for different types of motion.
Syllabus • Kinematics of a Particle
• Kinematics of System of Particles – rectilinear motion,
curvilinear motion
• Harmonic motion
• Orthogonal Transformation of Vectors
• Body Motion Characteristics – velocity and acceleration
due to translation, rotation, general planar motion,
spherical motion, general space motion
• Kinematic Analysis of Planar Mechanisms – velocity
and acceleration using analytical, grapho-analytical, and
matrix method
• Kinematic Analysis of Space Mechanisms – velocity
and acceleration, relative velocity and acceleration using
analytical, grapho-analytical, and matrix method.
• Applications of kinematic analysis to gear systems,
Planet Mechanisms, and cams.
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Meriam J.L., Kraig L.G., Engineering Mechanics –
Dynamics
• Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
This unit is offered to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Degree – Chemistry with Materials
Unit Name MEC2303 - Mechanics of Materials for Scientists
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 7 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. Z. Sant
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC1400 - Engineering Mechanics – Statics
Leads to MEC2308 - Mechanics of Materials II
Objectives This unit introduces the fundamental principles of solid
mechanics. Theories related to the relationships between the
external loads applied to a deformable body and the stress
intensities within the body are studied and then applied to
practical problems.
Syllabus • Introduction to Mechanics of Materials – mechanical
properties of materials, stress v.s. strain curves, direct stresses,
average shear stress, factor of safety, stress concentrations;
• Tension/Compression – normal stress, deformation, strain
energy;
• Torsion – the elastic torsion of circular cross-sections, shear
stress, deflection, strain energy;
• Bending of beams – the simple theory of pure bending,
second moment of area and section modulus of beam cross
sections, beams with un-symmetrical cross section, composite
beams, bending of initially curved beams, bending stress,
strain energy;
• Shear stress distribution in beams – the relationship
between bending moment, shearing force and intensity of
loading, vertical shear stresses in beams, horizontal shear
stresses, shear centre;
• Slope and deflection of beams - relationship between
loading, shearing force, bending moment, slope and
deflection.
• Deflection of beams and frameworks - energy methods,
Castigliano’s theorems;
• Combined loads – the principle of superposition applied to
bending stresses, direct stresses and shear stresses, skew or
unsymmetrical bending.
• Euler’s theory of elastic buckling
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Mechanics of Engineering Materials, P.P. Benham, R.J.
Crawford, C.G. Armstrong
• Mechanics of Materials, E.P. Popov
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2306 - Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 7 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. P. Mollicone
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC2300 - Engineering Mechanics - Kinematics
Leads to MEC3007 – Vibration Analysis I
Objectives
Syllabus
• Basic principles in dynamics – Newton’s law, Momentum,
Impulse, D’Alembert’s principle, Work and Energy
• Dynamics of a particle
• Dynamics of system of particles
• Moment of inertia and its transformation, principal axes and
principal moments of inertia
• Dynamics of rigid body due to – translation, rotation,
general planar motion, spherical motion, general space
motion
• Dynamics of mechanisms
• Rotor dynamics
• Impact of solid bodies
• Basic principles in analytical dynamics: Virtual Work,
Lagrange Equations
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Meriam J.L., Kraig L.G., Engineering Mechanics –
Dynamics
• Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2307 - Thermodynamics II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. M. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
MEC1405 - Thermodynamics I
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of thermodynamics,
the laws of thermodynamics, and mixtures
Syllabus • Fluid Flow: Flow of Gas and Vapour through ducts of
constant/varying cross section area; Critical pressure
ratio; Efficiency of nozzles and diffusers; Meta-stable
state.
• Combustion: Stoichiometry, products of combustion,
calorific value, enthalpy of combustion, application of
the first law to combustion processes, adiabatic flame
temperature, dissociation.
• Air standard Cycles: Carnot Cycle, Otto Cycle, Joule
Cycle, Diesel Cycle, Mixed Combustion Cycle,
Ericsson Cycle, Sterling Cycle, Open and Closed Gas
Turbine Cycle, Optimization of Gas Turbine Cycle,
Cycle with Regenerator, Effects of variable specific
heats, Cycle for Jet Propulsion. Air Refrigeration Cycle.
• Vapour cycles: Simple Rankine cycle, Rankine cycle
with re-heat; Regenerative cycle; Back pressure turbine
and extraction turbine cycles; Binary cycle, Combined
cycle, Simple vapour compression refrigeration cycle.
Heat pump cycle.
.
• Air Compressors: Single and double acting machines;
Effect of clearance volume; isothermal, adiabatic and
volumetric efficiency, Multi-staging and intercooling.
Laboratory work • Gas Turbine or Internal combustion engine
• Flow of gas/vapour through nozzle and diffuser
• Combustion processes
• Air compressor
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Eastop and McConkey, Applied Thermodynamics for
Engineering Technologists.
• Rogers & Mayhew, Engineering Thermodynamics
Work and Heat Transfer
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2308 - Mechanics of Materials II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
10 hours
Lecturer
Dr. M. Muscat
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
MEC1401 - Mechanics of Materials I
Objectives This unit builds up on the engineering applications
encountered in Mechanics of Materials I. It places an
emphasis on the solution of the equilibrium, compatibility of
deformation and constitutive equations in order to solve
certain indeterminate problems
Syllabus • Analysis of plane stress and plane strain – Equations
for the transformation of plane stress and plane strain,
Mohr’s circle for plane stress and plane strain, principal
stresses and principal strains, electrical resistance strain
gauges.
• Theories of elastic failure – Maximum shear stress
theory (Tresca), Shear strain energy theory (von
Misses), Maximum principal stress theory.
• Analysis of columns – energy methods to calculate
buckling load.
• Design of structural connections – rivets, bolts and
welds.
• Statically indeterminate structures and limit
analysis.
• Thick walled cylinders and rotating discs.
Laboratory work This will take the form of group work and can be either
laboratory work, a computer based project or any other
assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator.
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources • Mechanics of Engineering Materials, P.P. Benham, R.J.
Crawford, C.G. Armstrong
• Mechanics of Materials, E.P. Popov
• Advanced Strength and Applied Elasticity, A.C. Ugural,
S.K. Fenster
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2340 – Fluid Mechanics I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. T. Sant
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: Mathematics and Physics ALevel Standard
Leads to MEC2341 - Fluid Mechanics II
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of fluid statics and
fluid dynamics relevant to mechanical engineering with
emphasis placed on physical understanding.
Syllabus • Fluid basics
Units, dimensional formulae, pressure, shear stress,
viscosity.
Laboratory work • Data analysis
• Fluids at rest
• Fluids in motion
• Data analysis
Introduction to basic statistical methods and combining
experimental uncertainties.
• Fluid statics
Pressure in a static fluid, buoyancy, equilibrium, forces
on submerged bodies, stability of floating bodies, small
oscillations of floating bodies, pressure measurement,
aerostatics.
• Fluid dynamics
Integral relations for a control volume, differential
relations to fluid flow, mass continuity, Bernoulli
equation, conservation of energy, linear and angular
momentum.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical
Text books and resources Fluid Mechanics by Frank M White
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2341 – Fluid Mechanics II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. C. Micallef
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MEC2340 – Fluid Mechanics I
Objectives This unit is an intermediate module in fluid mechanics
applicable to a wide range of engineering practice.
Syllabus • Dimensional analysis and similarity
Buckingham Pi theorem, similarity, dimensionless
groups, model ship testing.
• Flow in ducts
Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes, Darcy equation,
head loss - friction factor, Moody chart, minor losses,
multiple pipe systems, three reservoir problems, non
circular ducts.
• Flow past immersed bodies
Momentum integral equation, boundary layer
equations, flat-plate boundary layer, boundary layers
with pressure gradient, experimental external flows
including drag and lift.
Laboratory work • Dynamic similarity
• Flow in ducts
• Flow past immersed bodies
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical
Text books and resources Fluid Mechanics by Frank M White
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC2402 – Mechanical Engineering Components
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours
Lecturer
Dr. P. Mollicone
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC2340 - Fluid Mechanics I, MEC2308 - Mechanics of
Materials and MEC1405 – Thermodynamics I
Leads to
Objectives The module will introduce students to different types of
components, performance characteristics, including how to
read manufacturers’ specs and basic formulae, how to choose
a given component for a given application and how to follow
and use standards such as European codes of standards.
Syllabus
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% Assignment
Boilers
Steam turbines and condensors
Calorifiers, Heat exchangers, Cooling towers
Water treatment
Pumps and fans
Refrigeration
HVAC
Hydraulics & Pneumatics
Compressors
Prime movers
Electric motors
Renewable energy components
Electrical components
Gears
Clutches
Belt drives, Chain drives
Flexible joints and couplings
Bearings
Lubrication
Fasteners, Keys, Spigots, Splines
Text books and resources Robert L. Norton – Machine Design, An integrated Approach
J.E.Shigley, C.R.Mischke, R.G.Budynas – Mechanical
Engineering Design
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
This unit is offered to the Industrial Engineering Stream.
Unit Name MEC2403 - Introductory Dynamics
Credits 3
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
16 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. P. Mollicone
Prerequisites and exclusions Engineering Mechanics I
Leads to
Objectives
Syllabus • Basic principles in dynamics – Newton’s law,
Momentum, Impulse, D’Alembert’s principle, Work and
Energy
• Dynamics of a particle
• Dynamics of system of particles
• Moment of inertia and its transformation, principal axes
and principal moments of inertia
• Dynamics of rigid body due to – translation, rotation,
general planar motion
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% written examination
Text books and resources • Meriam J.L., Kraig L.G., Engineering Mechanics –
Dynamics
• Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
This unit is offered to the B.Sc. (Hons.) Degree – Chemistry with Materials
Unit Name MEC2404 - Statics for Scientists
Credits 6
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures, 14 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Dr. Z. Sant
MEC2300 - Engineering Mechanics – Kinematics and MEC1401 -
Mechanics of Materials 1
Objectives This unit introduces the concept of classical mechanics, the
principles of modeling various loads and solving equilibrium
between bodies connected by means of constrains.
Syllabus • Basic principles of Mechanics and Statics
• Force systems and their description
• Equivalence and equilibrium in Statics using vector
algebra.
• Applications of principle of equivalence - centroid of
area, centre of gravity.
• Solid body constrains and their characteristics
• Equilibrium of a constrained solid body
• System of coupled bodies in equilibrium. Trusses.
• Friction and its application to mechanisms
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Meriam J.L., Kraig L.G., Engineering Mechanics – Statics
• Hibbeler R. C., Engineering Mechanics – Statics
- 16 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Level 3 units
- 17 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC3007 – Vibration Analysis I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours
Lecturer
Dr. D. Camilleri
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to MEC3008 - Vibration Analysis II
Objectives An introductory course in Mechanical Vibration systems
having single degree of freedom. This includes theory,
computational aspects and applications. An emphasis of the
physical significance and interpretation built upon previous
mechanics units shall be made.
Syllabus • Periodic harmonic and non harmonic motion
• Natural frequency of single degree of freedom
systems:
Newton’s second law of motion
Energy method
Raleigh’s method
• Damped free vibration of single degree of freedom
systems:
Viscous damping
Critical damping, under-damping and over damping
Logarithmic decrement
• Forced vibrations of viscous damped single degree of
freedom systems:
Harmonic excitation, support excitation and excitation
due to rotating imbalance
Method of complex algebra
Transmissibility and vibration isolation
Vibration measurement instruments
• Transient analysis due to impulsive forces
• Transverse vibrations of beams:
The energy method and Dunkerley’s method Whirling of
shafts
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources • Seto W., Mechanical Vibrations
• Thompson W.T. theory of Vibrations with Applications
- 18 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC3008 - Vibration Analysis II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures
Lecturer
Dr. D. Camilleri
Prerequisites and exclusions MEC3007 - Vibration Analysis I
Leads to
Objectives This module familiarizes students with vibration analysis of
torsional oscillations, mutli-degree of freedom systems and
continuous media. Numerical methods are established to
identify their dynamic response.
Syllabus • Torsional oscillations:
Two and three rotor systems
Stepped shafts, equivalent lengths and location of nodes
Analysis of geared systems
• Numerical and matrices methods of multi-degree of
freedom systems:
Analysis of free, damped and forced multi-degree of
freedom systems
Matrix analysis using the characteristic equation and the
power iterative method
Dynamic stiffness and flexibility matrices
Mechanical impedance method
Holzer’s method
Stodola’s method
Branched systems
• Vibrations of continuous media:
Longitudinal vibration of bars
Transverse vibration of beams
The orthogonality principle
Torsional vibrations of circular shafts
Laboratory work Can be either laboratory work, computer based project or any
other assignment chosen by the course co-ordinator
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources • Seto W., Mechanical Vibrations
• Thompson W.T. theory of Vibrations with Applications
- 19 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC3103 – Heat Transfer
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. C. Micallef
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MEC2307 - Thermodynamics II and MEC2341
- Fluid Mechanics II
Objectives This unit is an advanced module in heat transfer relevant to
mechanical engineering with emphasis placed on physical
understanding.
Syllabus • Conduction
Thermal conductivity, thermal resistance networks,
analytical and numerical solutions for one- and twodimensional
steady-state conduction, one-dimensional
transient and unsteady conduction.
• Convection
General concepts and phenomena, velocity and thermal
boundary layers, Reynolds analogy, use of experimental
correlations for internal and external flows, enhancement
techniques for convective heat transfer
• Radiation
Emissivity, absorptivity, transmissivity, Kirchhoff's law,
black body radiation heat transfer, view factors, grey
body radiation exchange, radiation networks.
• Boiling and condensation heat transfer
Introduction to boiling and condensation heat transfer
• Heat Exchangers
Laboratory work • Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
•
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical
Text books and resources Fundamentals of Mass and Heat Transfer by Incropera DeWitt
Heat Transfer by J P Holman
- 20 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC3302 – Engineer in Society
Credits 3
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
None
Lecturer
TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: none
Leads to n/a
Objectives This unit introduces non-engineering issues that the
professional engineer has to deal with in his professional
career.
Syllabus What is a profession?
The engineering warrant
Professional ethics for engineers
Occupational Health and Safety
Standards (the Malta Standards Authority, CEN, ISO,
etc)
Intellectual Property (patents and copyright)
Industrial relations and employment
Environmental Directives
Authorities, networks and monopolies
Companies and partnerships
Entrepreneurship
Quality Standard 9000
Laboratory work None
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% assignment
Text books and resources www.justice.gov.mt for relevant legislation
www.mra.org.mt
www.msa.org.mt
www.ohsa.org.mt
www.mca.org.mt
Humphreys Kenneth K., What every engineer should
know about ethics, Marcek Dekker Inc., ISBN 0-8247-
8208-9.
- 21 -

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MEC3400 – Environmental Engineering
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
4 hours for industrial visits
Lecturer
Prof. R. Ghirlando
Prerequisites and exclusions none
Leads to n/a
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of environmental
engineering.
Syllabus Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Sustainable development
Air Emissions (sources and control)
Energy and the Environment
Water
Life Cycle Assessment Methodology
Green Design
Cleaner Manufacture
Solid Waste management
Waste minimisation and prevention
Recycling
Environmental laws and regulations
Environment management systems
Environmental audits
Laboratory work Replaced by visits to recycling and waste management sites
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% assignment
Text books and resources State of the Environment Reports for Malta 2002, 2005, 2006.
This and other information available on www.mepa.org.mt
Masters Gilbert M. and Wendell P.Ela, Environmental
Engineering and Science, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-148193-2
- 22 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Eng.
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Level 1 units
- 2 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE 1101 - Engineering Drawing
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours Apart from the theoretical aspect, most of the lectures include
hands-on practice on generating engineering drawings.
Lecturer
Ing. P. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to MFE2103 – Computer-Aided Engineering Design
MFE3105 – Engineering Design
Objectives This unit covers the principles and practice of engineering
drawing. It aims at providing students with the basics in
understanding, reading and generating engineering drawings.
Syllabus
• Introduction to Engineering Drawing
The importance for engineers to express their ideas manually
through drawing; types of drawings used in the design stages
of a technical system; roles of Computer-Aided Design
(CAD) systems to produce engineering drawings.
• General Engineering Drawing Principles
First vs. third angle projections; linework and lettering;
scales; section views; three-dimensional illustrations (e.g.
isometric projection); geometrical constructions; drawing
standards (e.g. BS8888:2004); draughting conventions
associated with threads, nuts, bolts, screws, springs, gears
and bearings; dimensioning principles; general graphical
symbols (e.g. to indicate surface finish); common
abbreviations.
• Conceptual design drawings
Importance of sketching; types of sketches (rough sketches,
sketches drawn to scale); graphical representations
commonly used in sketches (e.g. perspective projection);
sketching techniques.
• Detailed design drawings
Drawing layouts (single-part drawings, assembly drawings);
limits and fits; geometrical tolerancing and datums; specific
graphical symbols used in welding, pneumatics and
electronics.
.
Laboratory work • Since most of the lectures include hands-on practice,
students are required to bring drawing instruments.
Drawing boards will be provided.
Assessment 100% - Assignment
Text books and resources Simmons, C. & Maguire, D. (2004) "Manual of Engineering
Drawing to British and International Standards", Newnes,
ISBN 0-7506-5120-2.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE1202 - Fundamentals of Manufacturing & Machining
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Dr. M.A. Saliba
Leads to MFE2201 – Advanced Manufacturing Processes and
MFE2204 – Manufacturing Systems
Objectives This module presents to the students an introduction to the
fundamental principles of manufacturing, and a descriptive
and analytical approach to machining technology and
processes.
Syllabus • Manufacturing Fundamentals
• Introduction to Manufacturing Technologies
• Elements of Machine Tool Design
• Tool Geometry and Chip Formation
• Mechanics of Cutting (Single Point Tools)
• Cutting Tool Technology
• Turning, Drilling and Related Operations
• Milling Machine Operations
• Grinding and other Abrasive Processes
• Broaching, Sawing, Filing, Shaping and Planing
• Shape, Tolerance and Surface Finish
• Selection of Cutting Conditions
Laboratory work • Tangential Force on a Lathe Tool
• Grinding Demonstration
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources Black S.C., Chiles V., Lissaman A.J., Martin S.J., “Principles
of Engineering Manufacture”, Arnold, 1996.
Groover M. P., “Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing”,
2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2002
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Level 2 units
- 5 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE2101 - Engineering Metrology
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ing. Tania Briffa
Prerequisites and exclusions /
Leads to /
Objectives This unit introduces the students to the idea of standards and
standardizations, and to gauging and measurement
applications.
Syllabus • Measurement and gauging. Use and care of various
measuring and gauging instruments. Angular and taper
measurement. Use of sinebar, precision levels, and angle
gauges. The principle of the Angle Dekkor and
autocollimator. The rotary table and dividing head.
Precision polygon. Methods of taper angle measurement.
Use of telescopic and hole gauges. Flatness, straightness
and roundness measurement.
• Sources of errors in linear measurement.
• Design of limit gauges.
• General inspection equipment - The reference surface,
surface table and surface plates. Toolmakers’ flat.
Straight edges. Mean true plane of a surface plate. Right
angle and box angle plate. Engineers’ square. Engineers’
parallel. Vee and ‘B’ blocks. Use of calibrated balls,
rollers and pins. Taper parallel.
• Use of optics in Engineering Metrology.
• Comparators.
• Thread measurement.
• Emerging trends – Micro and Nano metrology.
Laboratory work • Dimensional Measurement Exercises
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% project
Text books and resources • Shotbolt & Galyer, Metrology for Engineers, ISBN
03043 18442.
• Lissman, Principles of Engineering Production, ISBN
03400 48530.
• Wilkening & Koenders, Nanoscale Calibration Standards
and Methods, ISBN 3-527-40502-X
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE 2103 – Computer-Aided Engineering Design
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 14 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
12 hours
Lecturers
Dr. J.C. Borg, Ing. P. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE1101 – Engineering Drawing
Leads to MFE3105– Engineering Design
Objectives
By the end of this module, students will acquire knowledge
on the principles of Computer Aided Engineering Design for
a range of sectors including Mechanical and Manufacturing.
This knowledge transfer will be achieved through a structured
mix of theory and practice.
Lectures: • Introduction to CAED; The role of C.A.E.D. in the
Design Process & In Industry;
• Computer Hardware; Typical hardware configurations for
C.A.E.D. applications.
• Computer Software for C.A.D.; Model representations:
2D, 3D, wire-frame, surface and solid models (CSG & B-
REP);
• Product Modelling using C.A.D.; Entity Manipulation;
Feature-based and Parametric modeling;
• 3D Model data standards - GKS, I.G.E.S, STEP/PDES,
DXF, VRML, STL.
• Principles of Rendering techniques;
• Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Systems;
• Knowledge Intensive C.A.D; Product Life Cycle Modelling
(PLM) Systems;
• CAD simulation of mechanisms; CAD & Rapid
Prototyping.
• Synchronous/Asynchronous Collaborative Design Tools.
Practical Sessions
Practical sessions using a commercial C.A.E.D. system will be
used in six sessions of 2hrs each, allowing students to acquire
hands-on experience on:
• 2D Geometric Modeling;
• 3D Surface & Solid modeling;
• Generation of Detail Design Drawings from 3D models;
• CAD Model Data Exchange;
Assessment 50% Project, 50% Lab-based exam
Text books and resources • MCMahon C. & Browne: CADCAM From Principles to
Practice, ISBN 020156021.
• Rooney Joe & Steadman P., Principles of Computer Aided
Design, Pitman/Open University, ISBN 0273 026720.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
This unit is offered only to the Mechanical Engineering
Unit Name MFE 2105 – Engineering Design Methods
Credits 2
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures
Practical hours
14 hours of design project
Lecturers
Dr.J.C. Borg, Ing. P. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE1101 – Engineering Drawing
MFE 2103 – Computer Aided Engineering Design
Leads to Final Year Project
Objectives This module introduces students to systematic design
methodologies. The aim is to provide students with a
scientific basis for engineering design methodology to enable
them to systematically create solutions to engineering
problems.
Semester 1 / Lectures
Assessment 100% Assignment
Text books and resources
• Artefact Theories; Theory of Technical systems;
• Design Process Model; Design Theory;
• Design Problem Analysis, Synthesis, Solution Analysis,
Evaluation;
• QFD, PDS, Morphological charts ; SCAMPER, FMEA;
• Design For X Methodologies - Design for Manufacture &
Assembly; Design for the Environment;
• Managing/Co-ordinating Design Projects,
• Managing Product Variety and Commonality. Design of
Product Platforms;
• Machine Design Elements Selection (eg bearings, gears,
belts, etc.)
• Design in Industry;
• Roozenburg N.F.M & Eekels J., Product Design:
Fundamentals and Methods
JohnWiley&SonsLtd,Wiltshire,1995.
• Pahl G. & Beitz W., Engineering Design - A Systematic
Approach 2nd edition, Springer-Verlag, London, 1996.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE2201 – Advanced Manufacturing Processes
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ing. Pierre Vella
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
MFE1202 – Fundamentals of Manufacturing & Machining
Objectives This module is primarily aimed to introduce students to
modern advanced manufacturing processes, which are
increasingly finding new applications in industry for the
development of new products and devices. The students will
also be given an overview of Computer Numerical Controlled
(CNC) Machining and part programming.
Syllabus • CNC Machining and Part Programming.
• Limitations of conventional processes. Introduction to
non-conventional processes.
• Thermal processes including Electro Discharge
Machining (spark erosion), Electron Beam Machining,
Plasma Arc Machining, Laser Beam Machining.
• Chemical processes such as Electrochemical machining
(ECM), Photo Chemical Machining, Chemical
Machining.
• Mechanical processes such as Ultrasonic Machining,
Abrasive Flow Machining, Abrasive Jet Machining.
• Areas of application of non-conventional machining.
• Rapid Manufacturing (RM) and Rapid Tooling (RT).
• Manufacturing in Electronics
• Micro and nano machining.
• Manufacturing Processes at the micro and nano scales.
Laboratory work These lectures will be supplemented by a series of practical
exercises in the laboratory as detailed below. An assignment
will be given to the students later in the course.
• CNC Machining using the Cincinnati VMC
• EDM using the Dieter Hansen
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources Kalpakjian, S. & Schmid S.R., Manufacturing Processes for
Engineering Materials, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2003, ISBN
0-13-140871-9.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE2204 - Manufacturing Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
31 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Lecturer
Dr. C. Pace
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE1202 – Fundamentals of Manufacturing & Machining
Leads to
Objectives The objective of the module is to give students an
introductory overview and awareness of the characteristics of
manufacturing systems, from the principle subdivisions in the
activities within a manufacturing system to the technologies
applied within manufacturing systems. Students will also be
introduced to Lean Manufacturing
Syllabus • An Introduction to Manufacturing - the economic
importance of manufacturing, manufacturing sectors,
manufacturing activities;
• Manufacturing Activities : fabrication, assembly, testing
and material transfer, Resources of production,
engineering in manufacturing industries - product design,
R&D, materials and process engineering, manufacturing
engineering, industrial engineering, quality engineering,
control engineering.
• Production System Types and Production Layouts – The
importance of material flow considerations; job, batch,
cellular/GT and flow production, layout types; process,
product, cellular. Principles of Layout Planning.
• Planning Activities in Manufacturing Systems: Process
Planning, line balancing in flow lines, Production Planning
: Capacity Planning, Planning of resources.
• The role of technology in Manufacturing Systems :
production technologies; automated production systems,
flexible manufacturing systems, planning and control
technologies; manufacturing execution systems.
• Introduction to Lean Manufacturing.
Laboratory work •
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources Groover M.P., 2001. Automation, Production Systems, and
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Prentice Hall.
Haslehurst M., 1981. Manufacturing Technology, 3rd edition,
Edward Arnold.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Level 3 units
- 11 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE3102 - Mechatronics Systems Design
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 29 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. C. Pace
Prerequisites and exclusions SCE2210 - Introduction to Control Systems
Aim The aim of this module is to provide students with an
understanding of the principles of Mechatronics in product
and process development. The focus will be on the need for
integrating diverse technologies in developing successful
systems that satisfy customer requirements.
Objectives At the end of the module the students should be able to:
1. Understand the significance of integrating electronic and
microprocessor based systems in mechanical products and
processes;
2. Appreciate the complexity that arises from developing
such systems and what the system development
requirements are;
3. Comprehend which technologies are involved in such
systems and understand the principles involved in the
integration of these technologies;
4. Appreciate the role of system modeling and the principles
involved in the analysis and development of Mechatronic
systems;
5. Comprehend aspects of the design approach relevant to
Mechatronic product and process development.
Syllabus 1. What is Mechatronics? - Microprocessors in modern
engineering systems and the need of integration; basic
definitions; key elements of Mechatronics; Mechatronics
as a framework for integrating technologies; Mechatronics
in products and processes; development aspects of an
automobile as a Mechatronic system example.
2. System Integration – Integration of Technologies,
Priniciples of integration of technologies in products and
processes. Systems Development – hierarchical
approaches to comprehending complex system design
problems, identification of interfaces, interface
characteristics, system evaluation.
3. Actuation and Measurement Systems Design Issues – The
Mechatronic system and information flow; Information
input in Mechatronics Systems – role of measurement
systems and typical sensing requirements; Information
output in Mechatronic Systems – role of actuation systems
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
and typical actuation requirements. Data acquisition and
communication – communication and information flow
interfacing requirements
4. The Role of Modelling and Control in Mechatronics
Modelling as part of the design process; stages in the
investigation of the dynamic characteristics of systems,
physical modeling, equations of motion, analogies,
characteristics of dynamic system; steps for Mechatronic
systems control development.
Laboratory Work • Familiarisation with Data acquisition hardware and
Software.
Assessment Exam – 50%, Practical – 20%, Assignment – 30%
Reference Texts • Introduction to Mechatronics, Appu Kuttan, ISBN
0195687817, Oxford University Press
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE 3105 – Engineering Design
Credits 10
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures
Practical hours
14 hours of design project
Lecturers
Dr. J.C. Borg, Ing. P. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE1101 – Engineering Drawing
MFE 2103 – Computer Aided Engineering Design
Leads to Final Year Project
Objectives This module runs over two semesters and consists of lectures
on systematic design methodologies in the first semester
complimented with an engineering design project which will
have to be carried out by the student working as part of a team
in the second semester. The aim is to provide students with a
scientific basis for engineering design methodology to enable
them to systematically create solutions to
mechanical/industrial engineering problems, irrespective of
their domain.
Semester 1 / Lectures
Semester 2 / Design Project
• Artefact Theories; Theory of Technical systems;
• Design Process Model; Design Theory;
• Design Problem Analysis, Synthesis, Solution Analysis,
Evaluation;
• QFD, PDS, Morphological charts ; SCAMPER, FMEA;
• Design For X Methodologies - Design for Manufacture &
Assembly; Design for the Environment;
• Managing/Co-ordinating Design Projects,
• Managing Product Variety and Commonality. Design of
Product Platforms;
• Machine Design Elements Selection (eg bearings, gears,
belts, etc.)
• Design in Industry;
• Just before the start of semester 2, each student team will
be assigned its design project.
• During the 2 nd semester, an appointed team leader will
manage the project team to systematically carry out various
activities ranging from problem analysis up to solution
detailing/modeling;
• At the end of the Semester, the team will submit their
design solution (in the form of solution drawings, models
and a technical report );
• The individual teams will make a presentation of their
projects during which they will be interviewed and orally
examined;
Assessment 30% Assignment; 70% Design project
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Text books and resources
• Roozenburg N.F.M & Eekels J., Product Design:
Fundamentals and Methods
JohnWiley&SonsLtd,Wiltshire,1995.
• Pahl G. & Beitz W., Engineering Design - A Systematic
Approach 2nd edition, Springer-Verlag, London, 1996.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE3107 - Industrial Automation
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. M.A. Saliba
Prerequisites and exclusions SCE2210 - Introduction to Control Systems
Leads to MFE4101 – Robotics
Objectives The objective of this module is to familiarize the student with
the various aspects of industrial automation.
Syllabus • Basic principles of automation
• Building blocks of automation
• Elements of industrial control systems
• Numerical control
• Mechanization of parts handling
• Automated production, assembly and inspection
• Actuators and sensors used in automation
• Introduction to industrial robots
• Introduction to robot programming
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Implementation of automation
• Ethics in automation
Laboratory work • Robot demonstration
• PLC programming
• Industrial automation demonstration
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources C. Ray Asfahl, “Robots and Manufacturing Automation”, 2nd
Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 1992.
Groover, M.P., “Automation, Production Systems, and
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing”, 2nd Edition, Prentice-
Hall, 2001.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE3108 – Public Speaking & Presentation
Credits 2
Lectures/tutorial hours 6 hours lectures, 20 hours practical sessions
Laboratory hours
Lecturer
Dr. M.A. Saliba
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Objectives The objective of this module is to instill into the students the
fundamentals of effective speech preparation, organization
and delivery. This is done partly through theory, and mainly
through supervised and evaluated practical sessions.
Syllabus The module consists of a number of introductory lectures
during which the principles of effective public speaking are
explained, followed by a series of practical sessions during
which the students deliver prepared speeches to the class, and
take other roles such as session chairs and speech evaluators.
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% practical
Text books and resources
- 17 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE3201 Technologies in Mechatronic Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 29 hours lectures,
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. C. Pace
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE3102 – Mechatronics Systems Design
Aim The aim of this module is to provide students with a deeper
understanding of the specific technologies found in
Mechatronic systems. The focus will be on sensory and
actuation technologies as well as on microprocessor based
controllers. The module will also aim to give an insight into
newer technologies mainly related to Micro-Electro
Mechanical systems as well as intelligent machines.
Objectives At the end of the module the students should be able to:
1. Understand the principles behind the operation and use of
sensory and actuation systems, and apply them to the
integration of such technologies in Mechatronic Systems;
2. Understand the use of microcontroller technologies in
Mechatronic systems, with specific focus on
Programmable Logic Controllers;
3. Program and Simulate Programmable Logic Controller
Operations;
4. Comprehend the elements that constitute an intelligent
machine;
5. Appreciate and be aware of the technological aspects of
Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems MEMS and their areas
of application.
Syllabus 1. Measurement Systems
Classification of measurement systems; Sensory system
modeling for acceleration, linear and rotary displacement and
velocity, force, torque, pressure, flow, temperature and
proximity sensing; Measurement system interfacing.
2. Actuation Systems
Classification of Actuation Systems; Actuation system
modeling for electromechanical and fluid power systems;
Actuation System interfacing.
3. Computer Systems in Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines
Mechatronic use of computer systems for information
processing and control; Operating principles for embedded
microcontrollers; Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
operation and ladder diagram programming,; Interfacing of
controllers with other system devices including Human-
Machine Interfacing; Comprehending the transformation from
self-regulation to reasoning and ‘intelligent’ systems; elements
of intelligent systems – perception, cognition, planning and
execution; outline of architectures for intelligence.
4. MEMS
A brief introduction to MEMs; the principles of scaling;
Overview of fabrication technologies; Examples of MEMs.
Laboratory Work • Fluid Power systems Development
o Fluid Power System Simulation
o Fluid Power System Implementation
• PLC Programming
Assessment Exam – 70%, Practical – 10%, Assignment – 20%
Reference Texts • Introduction to Mechatronics, Appu Kuttan, ISBN
0195687817, Oxford University Press
• Mechatronics an Integrated Approach, Clarence W.
De Silva ISBN: 0849312744, CRC Press
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE3207 – Quality Management and Control
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ing. T. Briffa
Prerequisites and exclusions /
Leads to MFE4213 – Quality & Reliability Engineering
Objectives To provide a fundamental coverage of quality control
concepts, especially the application of statistical techniques to
quality control and quality assurance.
Syllabus � Introduction to quality. Short history of quality. Definition
of terms used. Inspection, Quality Control and Quality
Assurance. Concept of quality assurance. Quality
management.
� Quality costs – appraisal, preventive and failure costs.
� Sampling Tehcniques – Operating characteristic curves,
AQL, use of BS 6000.
� Concept of variation and probability, standard frequency
distributions and their presentation eg: normal, binomial,
poisson, tally charts and histograms. Use of Standard
Normal Distribution for quality control. Tests for
Normality. Skewness and Kurtosis, use of Normal
Probability paper, Chi-Test.
� Range and mean. SPC – Variable Charts and attribute
Charts. Process Capability indices.
� Use of computer packages for inputting statistical data and
its interpretation.
� Problem Solving – PDCA cycle, benchmarking,
brainstorming, Cause and Effect diagrams, Pareto analysis,
TOPS etc.
� Kaisen and Quality Circles.
� Quality Management Systems – ISO 9000 and QS 9000
series.
� Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
Laboratory work � SPC
� Problem Solving
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% project
Text books and resources � Logothetis N., Managing for Total Quality, ISBN
0135535123
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE 3208 – Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturers
Dr. J. Borg, Ing. P. Vella, Ing. P. Farrugia
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE 2103 – Computer Aided Engineering Design
Leads to MFE 4212 – Comp. Simulation in Product & Process Dev. and
MFE 4211 – Artificial Intelligence in Engineering
Objectives This module aims to introduce students to the multi-faceted
role which Information Technology (IT) plays in Advanced
Manufacturing Technology (AMT). By the end of this
module, students would be able to select elements to design a
CIM system. In addition, students will learn CNC part
programming that is central to a CIM environment.
Syllabus • Why and What is CIM? Manufacturing Paradigm shift;
Manufacturing Transformations; Types of
Automation; Islands of Automation vs
Integration; Elements of a CIM System; CNC machine
tools, Robots and Material Handling Systems; AGVs;
AS/RS, FMS Cells.
• CNC Machine Tool Technology - NC versus CNC; 2.5
axis, 3 axis, 5 axis; feedback devices.
• Heidenhain Manual Programming 1 - Absolute versus
Polar Coordinates; Tool offset compensations; Auxiliary
Functions; Simple Part Program.
• Heidenhain Manual Programming 2 - Introduction to M/C
canned cycles.
• Heidenhain Manual Programming 3 - Complex
programming example #A.
• Heidenhain Manual Programming 4 - Complex
programming example #B.
• Role of Product Models for CIM; Types of PMs; Neutral
Representation of Product Models; Engineering
Databases; Time-dependent and independent data; PDM
• The roles of Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided
Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in manufacturing –
Principles of Computer Aided Part Programming; Post-
Processing;
• Familiarisation with a commercial CAD/CAM package;
• Manufacturing Information Communication Technology;
Open Systems in Manufacturing; ISO-7 layer; MAP;
Principles of Computer Networks; Enterprise Wide
Integration; The Distributed Enterprise; E-manufacturing
• Manufacturing Intelligence For Flexible Automation;
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Knowledge Processing; Intelligent Systems; The Role of
AI in Manufacturing; Adaptive Control; Machine Vision;
Maintenance Systems.
• Principle of Image Processing; Illumination Techniques;
Applications of IP in Manufacturing Processes.
• The Design of FMS and CIM Systems; Systems Thinking;
Group Technology; IDEFx, CIMOSA concepts; CIM
System Simulation.
Laboratory work • The above lectures will be complimented with practical
lectures, which will include industrial visits and hands-on
experience of CNC part programming. In addition,
students will be expected to submit assignments related to
CAD/CAM and CNC part programming.
Assessment
Text books and resources
20% project, 80% exam
Roger Hannan, 1997. Computer Integrated Manufacturing
from concepts to realisation, Addison-Wesley.
Groover Mikell P., 1987. Automation, Production Systems
and Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Prentice Hall.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Level 4 units
- 23 -

Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE4101 - Robotics
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. M.A. Saliba
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MEC1400 – Engineering Mechanics - Statics,
MEC2300 – Engineering Mechanics - Kinematics, MEC2403
– Introductory Dynamics, SCE2210 – Introduction to Control
Systems, MFE3107 - Industrial Automation
Leads to
Objectives This module gives the students an in-depth understanding of
the methods of selection and of the use of robots in industry,
as well as an introduction to the principles of robot design.
Syllabus • Introduction to Robotics
• Robot Classification
• Robot Programming
• Robot End Effectors
• Safety, Economic, and Social Issues in Robotics
• Robot Arm Kinematics
• Introduction to Robot Dynamics and Control
Laboratory work • Robot programming exercises
Assessment 60% written examination, 40% assignment
Text books and resources J. A. Rehg, “Introduction to Robotics in CIM Systems”, 4th
Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000.
C. Ray Asfahl, “Robots and Manufacturing Automation”, 2nd
Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 1992.
L. Sciavicco and B. Siciliano, “Modeling and Control of
Robot Manipulators”, McGraw-Hill, 1996.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE4110 – Maintenance Management
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours
Laboratory hours
8
Lecturer
Ing. P. Vella
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
ENR2100 - Engineering Systems Elements
Objectives This module is primarily aimed to introduce students to the
techniques, technologies and strategies of modern
maintenance. Students will be exposed to both the theoretical
and practical aspects of maintenance engineering and
management, in order to gain the knowledge needed to be
able to optimise the maintenance of industrial assets.
Syllabus • Terminologies, technologies and strategies of
maintenance
• Maintenance planning and control,
• Objectives of the maintenance department,
• Types of failures,
• Types of maintenance and maintenance strategies,
• Structures of maintenance departments
• Documentation and computerized maintenance
management
• Maintenance of Engineering Systems
• Methods of maintenance optimization: Total Productive
Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Centered Maintenance
(RCM)
• Design/redesign of engineering systems to improve
maintainability and reduce life cycle costs;
• Performance indicators used in maintenance
Laboratory work
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources Terry Wireman, Total Productive Maintenance, Industrial
Press, Inc; 2Rev Ed edition, ISBN-10: 0831131721
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE4211 – Artificial Intelligence in Engineering
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hrs
Laboratory hours
10 hrs
Lecturer
Dr. J.C. Borg
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
CCE 1110 – Computer Programming
Objectives To provide an introduction and overview of Artificial
Intelligence and its role in Engineering for the development of
smart/intelligent systems. By the end of this module, students
should be able to identify areas in which AI tools and
techniques could be applied successfully.
Syllabus • What is AI?; History of AI; AI and the real world;
Branches in AI. Benefits of using AI techniques in
Engineering.
• Data, Information and Knowledge; Knowledge Elicitation
techniques.
• Typical knowledge representation schemes; Search
strategies; heuristics.
• Capturing Expertise: Expert Systems; Anatomy of Expert
Systems; Inference engine; Expert System Shells;
Examples.
• Identification and selection of AI application domains;
Application of Rule-based ESs; Production Systems.
Strategy to building an Expert System; Selecting a
suitable shell; Rask specification; Handling Uncertainty.
• Knowledge based systems, Expert systems, Case-Based
Reasoning Systems.
• Fuzzy logic; Neural Networks; Truth Maintenance
Systems.
• The engineer’s tasks: interpretation, fault finding,
monitoring production planning, design; Use of AI for
problem solving, consultation and training purposes.
• Typical applications of AI in Engineering (I): AI in
Design; Decision Support Systems; Intelligent CAD
Systems; AI applications to Concurrent Engineering; AI
in Manufacturing Control Systems; Scheduling.
• Typical applications of AI in Engineering (II):
Applications of AI in Condition Monitoring &
Maintenance Management Systems; Pattern Recognition;
Robotics and Machine Vision.
Laboratory work • Hands-on using an expert system shell.
• To develop an AI-based system for an agreed engineering
problem.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Assessment Project – 100%
Text books and resources • Giarratano, J.C. & Riley G.D., 1994. Expert Systems:
Principles and Programming. USA, PWS.
• Jackson P., Introduction to Expert Systems, 2nd edition,
Addison-Wesley, 1990
• Sriran D. & Tong C., Artificial Intelligence in
Engineering Design, Vols. I, II & III. Academic Press Ltd.
• Wasserman Philip D., Neural Computing Theory: Theory
and Practice.
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE4212 – Computer Simulation in Product and Process
Development
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ing. T. Briffa
Prerequisites and exclusions /
Leads to /
Objectives This unit introduces the students to computer based tools that
can be used in
Syllabus � Computer Modelling Environment and its effect on
Product Development
� Function Modelling Techniques
� Geometric Modelling
� Finite Element Modelling & Analysis
� Kinematic Modelling of Mechanisms
� Dynamic Modelling & Analysis of Mechanical Systems
� Simulation Fundamentals and Types
� Computer graphics in product visualisation
� Visualisation techniques
� Web-based product modelling and visualisation
� Manufacturing systems simulation
Laboratory work � Computer modelling using different packages
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% project
Text books and resources � Christopher A. Chung, Simulation Modeling Handbook:
A Practical Approach (Industrial and Manufacturing
Engineering Series), ISBN 0849312418
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Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Unit Name MFE4213 – Quality and Reliability Engineering
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ing. T. Briffa
Prerequisites and exclusions MFE3207 – Quality Management and Control
Leads to /
Objectives
Syllabus � Advanced SPC.
� Calibration AND testing.
� Strategic Quality Planning.
� Total Quality Management.
� Deming Management Approach to Quality, Crosby and
Juran methods.
� Design of Experiments.
� Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) AND quality
function Deployment (QFD).
� Reliability theory – MTTF, MTBF, failure rate curve, life
testing, geometric distribution – exponential, Weibull.
� Reliability concepts for systems containing components
in series.
� Team Oriented Problem Solving (TOPS).
Laboratory work � Practical TQM exerscises
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% project
Text books and resources � Stephen George and Arnold Weimerskirch, Total Quality
Management: Strategies and Techniques Proven at
Today’s Most Successful Companies, ISBN 0471191744
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Dept. of Metallurgy and Materials Eng.
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Level 1 units
- 2 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME1201 – Fundamentals of Material Science I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Mr. K. Zammit
Leads to MME2002 – Physical Metallurgy
Objectives This course presents the fundamentals of materials, including
metals, polymers, ceramics and semi-conductors while giving
the student an appreciation of the relationship between material
properties, such as strength, conductivity, ductility,
hardenability and toughness among others as well as the
specific material structure.
Syllabus • Introduction to Materials
A review of the different classes of materials together with their
basic properties. Several examples will be highlighted.
• Atomic Structure & Interatomic Bonding
The basic structure and electronic configuration of the atom and
the periodic table. The different types of bonds that can exist
between atoms, i.e. metallic, ionic, covalent and secondary
bonds.
• The Structure of Crystalline Materials
The difference between crystalline and non-crystalline
materials. Single crystals and polycrystalline materials. Crystal
structure, lattices and unit cells. Metallic crystal systems
including BCC, FCC and HCP. Density computation.
Crystallographic directions and planes. Linear and planar
densities.
• Imperfections in Solids
Point defects, Vacancies and Self-interstitials. Impurities in
solids, solid-solutions. Dislocations, interfacial defects, volume
defects etc.
• Strengthening Mechanisms
Dislocations and plastic deformation. Slip systems and
twinning. Dislocation climb, work hardening, solid-solution
hardening, effect of grain size.
• Mechanical Properties of Materials
The tensile test and the stress-strain diagram. Hooke's Law,
yield, tensile and fracture strength. Anelasticity, Resilience and
stiffness. The difference between engineering and true stress
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
and strain. Hardness and Impact testing.
• Electrical Properties of Materials
Electronic and ionic conduction. Energy band structure in
solids. Electron mobility. Resistivity. Electrical characteristics
of common materials. Semi-conductors. Intrinsic and extrinsic
semi-conduction. Dielectric behaviour and materials.
Ferroelectricity and Piezoelectricity.
• Thermal Properties of Materials
Heat Capacity, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and
thermal stresses.
• Optical Properties of Materials
Light interactions with solids. Atomic and electronic
interactions. Refraction, reflection, absorption, transmission,
colour, opacity and translucency. Luminescence and
photoconductivity. Lasers.
• Magnetic Properties of Materials
Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism. Ferromagnetism. Domains
and Hysteresis. Soft and hard magnets. Magnetic storage.
Superconductivity.
Laboratory work • The Tensile Test
• Sample preparation for microstructural examination.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Callister W.D., Material Science and Engineering, Wiley.
• Shackelford James F., Introduction to Materials Science for
Engineers, Prentice Hall.
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME1202 – Physical Metallurgy and Diffusion
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Ms. A. Zammit
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Materials Science I
Objectives This unit introduces the basic topics in metallurgy, giving the
student the tools to work with and understand metallurgical
processes and concepts. The mechanisms of diffusion and
factors affecting it are described.
Syllabus • The formation of alloys
Purpose. The solid solution: substitutional and interstitial.
Intermediate phases. Eutectics and Eutectoids. Strengthening
mechanisms in alloys
• Equilibrium phase diagrams
Importance to engineer. Construction of simple phase diagram,
solubility limit, phase equilibria, interpretation of phase
diagrams, different types of phase diagrams.
• The iron-carbon system
Fe-Fe3C phase diagram, development of microstructures.
Effect of alloying elements on: polymorphic transformation
temperature, grain growth, eutectoid point and transformation
rates.
• Non Feusus Systems
• Heat treatment
Annealing, normalizing, hardening, tempering etc.
Microstructural changes during heat treatment. Development of
TTT diagrams. The Jominy test, CCT diagrams.
• Diffusion
Mechanisms of diffusion, steady and non-steady state diffusion,
Fick’s law, factors affecting diffusion
Laboratory work • Effect of heat treatment and carbon content on the
deformation behaviour of plain carbon steels.
• Jominy test
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Higgins, R.A., Engineering Metallurgy Part1 Applied
Physical Metallurgy, Edward Arnold
• Smallman R.E., Modern Physical Metallurgy, Butterwoth
• Callister W.D., Fundamentals of Materials Science and
Engineering, John Wiley and Sons Inc.
- 5 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Level 2 units
- 6 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME2203 – Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturer
Mr. J. Buhagiar
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1202 - Physical Metallurgy and Diffusion
Leads to MME4213 – Material Testing Procedures and Standards and
MME4209 - Nano and Biomaterials
Objectives The objective of the course is to introduce the student to the
vast range of ferrous and non ferrous alloys. Reference is
made to applications, limitations, methods of production and
properties for these alloys
Syllabus • Ferrous Alloys
Commercial Steels: The designations of these steels such
as alloy steels, maraging steels, high strength low alloy,
dual phase steels and mechanically alloyed steels will be
discussed.
Cast Irons: Grey, ductile, malleable and austempered
ductile iron will be discussed together with their
production, alloying chemistry, structure mechanical
properties and applications will be outlined.
Stainless Steels: The alloying chemistry of these steels
and their importance in terms of their superior corrosion
properties and strength will be discussed.
• Non-Ferrous alloys
Copper alloys: Electrical properties of these alloys
together with brasses and bronzes.
Super alloys: Nickel based super alloys development and
applications will be discussed together with dispersion
hardened alloys.
Light alloys: Titanium, aluminium and Magnesium alloys
will be discussed in some detail. Outlining the importance
of these alloys in the modern society where energy
conservation is an asset.
Laboratory work • Microstructure / property relationship of stainless steels
• On Site casting of Aluminium alloys
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Smallman & Ngan, Physical Metallurgy & Advanced
Materials (Butterworth)
• Davis, ASM Specialty Handbook: Stainless Steel (ASM)
• Polmear, Light Alloys: Metallurgy of Light Metals
(Butterworth)
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME2204 - Fundamentals of Material Science II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. J. Betts
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201- Fundamentals of Materials Science I
Leads to MME4213 – Material Testing Procedures and Standards;
MME3208 - Materials Selection; year 3 topics – Polymers;
Ceramics; Composites
Objectives This unit introduces the structure and properties of polymers,
ceramics and composites and presents some applications and
methods of processing.
Syllabus 1. Introducing Ceramics, polymers and composites –
description of unit; comparison of general properties and
applications of materials (including metals); taxonomy of
these materials; description of coursework+labs.
2. Ceramics – structures of ceramic materials including
prototype crystalline structures, structures of silica-based
materials including glass.
3. Ceramics – application-based properties of ceramic
materials including mechanical, thermal, electrical and
corrosion-resistant properties, and typical applications
which utilize these properties.
4. Ceramics – fabrication of ceramic components
including an introduction to sintering, clay products and
glass fabrication, with applications of these processes.
5. Polymers – structures of polymers introducing the
concept of polymerization and some polymer structure
concepts and morphologies. Brief introduction to
elastomers and crystallinity in polymers.
6. Polymers – application-based properties of polymers
including mechanical and corrosion resistant properties,
and typical applications which utilize these properties.
7. Polymers - fabrication of polymer components
including an introduction to plastic injection moulding
and extrusion.
8. Composites – the composite material concept
including the rule of mixtures; a taxonomy of
composites; bonding of composite components; the
critical fibre length; properties of fibre-reinforced
polymers.
9. Composites – fabrication of composites including
pultrusion, filament winding, pre-impregnated
composites, and the production of metal matrix
composites.
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
10. Composites – adapting composites to applications
including examples of use of fibre-reinforced composites;
sandwich composites; laminates; metal matrix
composites; ceramic matrix composites.
Tutorials Tutorial 1 – Best of Both Worlds: designing composite
materials
Tutorial 2 – Polymers and ceramics on Materials Selection
Charts: locating these materials on materials selection charts;
the application niches of polymers and ceramics
Tutorial 3 – Open session: Q&A session
Laboratory work Design and testing of a composite material: the students are
grouped in threes and have to design a composite material,
fabricate it, and then test it in flexure conditions on
tensile/compression testing machine.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources W.D. Callister: Materials Science and Engineering: An
Introduction, 7th Edition
- 9 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Level 3 units
- 10 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3205 – Joining Processes
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturer
Prof. M. Grech
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME1201- Fundamentals of Metallurgy Science I
Objectives This course covers the methods used to join materials by
physical and chemical techniques and aims to give the student a
basic understanding of what actually occurs during these
processes. These vary from the conventional ones such as the
welding of metals to novel processes such as diffusion bonding
of glasses. Although the actual procedures of these methods are
described, the content is directed more towards the behaviour of
the material itself with emphasis on aspects such as joint design
preparation.
Syllabus • Introduction. Classification of Joining.
Basic concepts. Economic importance of joining. Typical
industrial applications, Welding symbols.
• Soldering and Brazing.
Practice of soldering. Joint types and preparation. Fluxes. Heat
sources and heat transfer. Brazing practice. Filler materials.
Heat sources. Different types of brazing. Braze welding.
• Welding.
Oxy-acetylene welding, arc-welding, fusion welding, resistance
welding, spot welding, electron beam welding, Thermit
welding, MIG, TIG, MAG, etc. Practice, joint design and
preparation. Filler materials.
• Basic Science of Joining Processes.
Sources of heat energy, the flame, the electric arc. Chemical
reactions during welding, oxidation reaction, protection of weld
pool with fluxes or gases. Theory of distortion.
• Metallurgy of Welding.
Microstructural changes during welding, the effect of heat on
metals. Pre-treatment and post-treatment of welds. Behaviour of
ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Fracture of welds.
• Inspection and Testing of Welds and Joints.
Mechanical testing. Non-destructive testing. Weld defects.
• Adhesives. Contact adhesives.
Polyester, polyamide and polyurethane melt adhesives.
Toughened acrylic and epoxy adhesives. Silicone adhesives.
Mechanical properties and fracture mechanics. Joint design.
• Joining of Ceramics. Metal/ceramic joining and
ceramic/ceramic joining.
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Thermo-chemical considerations. Diffusion bonding. Brazing
methods. Joint design.
Laboratory work Microstructural comparison of various types of welds.
Field work at Shipbuilding/Stainless Steel.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Milner D.R. & Apps R.L., Introduction to Welding and
Brazing, Pergamon Press
• Smith F.J., Fundamental of Fabrication and Welding
Engineering.
• De Garmo E.P., Black J.T. & Rohser R.A., Materials
and Processing in Manufacturing, Macmillan
Publishing Co.
- 12 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3206 – Material Degradation
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturer
Dr. S. Abela
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME1201- Fundamentals of Metallurgy Science I
Objectives Wear corrosion cost the country millions of pounds. This
course aims at increasing the student awareness of the various
mechanisms leading to material degradation. Design
considerations and various ways of preventing or controlling
mechanisms leading to material degradation are also studied.
Syllabus • Film Growth:
Mechanism of oxidation; High temperature oxidation,
protective film poising, volatile inhibitors, Factors
influencing service life.
• Electrochemical Corrosion:
Electromechanical corrosion, effect of overpotatial, the
effect of galvanic couples, and electrochemical corrosion
mechanisms (Hands on).
• Corrosion by Acids, Alkalis and Pure Water:
Action of non-oxidising acids; Attack by nitric acid;
Choice of materials for corrosion resistance; Graphical
construction for corrosion velocity; Corrosion by pure
water (Hands on).
• Influence of Environment:
Atmospheric attack; Corrosion of buried metal work;
Corrosion of immersed metals; Metal subjected to rapidly
moving water (Hands on).
• Passivity and Inhibition:
Nomenclature; Anodic inhibitors; Organic inhibitors; Other
inhibitive systems; Inhibitive pre-treatment before
painting.
• Kinetics and Chemical Thermodynamics:
The laws governing film growth in air; Basic chemical
thermodynamics.
• Wear and related physical phenomena:
An introduction to the various physical wear mechanisms
(Hands on).
• Synergistic effects between wear and corrosion:
The combined action of wear and corrosion (Hands on).
Tutorials • Brain storming sessions: Corrosion problems will be
introduced to the students. Through discussions and
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
literature research the students will be required to provide
solutions for such problems and compile a short report
(maximum 2000 words).
Laboratory work • Galvanic corrosion, wear, and electroplating
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Text books and resources • Stansbury and Duchanan, Fundamentals of electrochemical
corrosion.
• Evans Ulick R., An Introduction to Metallic Corrosion.
• Friction, Wear, and Lubrication a textbook in tribology.
ISBN 0-0801-8080-9.
• Degradation of metals in atmosphere. ISBN 0-8031-0966-0
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3207 – Mechanics of Material Fracture
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
8 hours
Lecturer
Mr. G. Cassar
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MEC1401 - Mechanics of MaterialsI
Objectives The objective of the course is to introduce the student to the
mechanisms and mechanics of failure, including high
temperature– creep and progressive fracture – fatigue.
The module also introduces non-destructive techniques
Syllabus • Fracture Mechanics
Definition of fracture toughness and the effect of variables on
K. Plane stress vs. plane strain behaviour. Fracture toughness
testing; standard and non-standard techniques.
Stress-Field theory of fracture including; the critical Stess-State
Criterion, principles of crack propagation and stress
concentration factors and strain.
The Energy of Fracture; Griffith Theory of Brittle Fracture –
Energy Balance Approach.
Crack tip plasticity and plastic zone size determination. Irvin’s
1 st and 2 nd estimation of plastic zone.
Differentiation between LEFM and EPFM.
• Creep
Introduction and definition. Stages of creep under constant load
and temperature. Mechanisms of creep; dislocation glide,
dislocation creep, grain boundary sliding, diffusion creep.
Tertiary creep and fracture.
Determination of time to failure.
Deformation mechanism maps and case studies.
Creep resistant alloys.
• Fatigue
Introduction, definition and post-failure recognition through
characteristic structural features of fatigue.
Stages of fatigue crack growth and crack propagation.
Prediction of fatigue crack growth under constant amplitude
loading. Application of Paris and Forman equations for life
prediction.
Variables affecting fatigue behaviour and susceptibility.
• Non-Destructive testing
Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection; common techniques and
applications and their role in design
Laboratory work Fracture toughness testing
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • R. J. Sanford, Principles of Fracture Mechanics, Prentice
Hall, 2003
• J. A. Collins, Failure of Materials in Mechanical Design –
Analysis, Prediction, Prevention, Wiley Interscience, 1993
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Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3208 - Materials Selection
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 16 hours tutorials (reduced to proportion
allocated for 4 credits)
Laboratory hours
n/a
Lecturer
Mr. J. Betts
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1202 - Physical Metallurgy and Diffusion,
MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I, MME2204 –
Fundamentals of Material Science II and
MME2203 - Ferrous & Non Ferrous Alloys
Leads to Year 3 topics
Objectives This unit presents approaches to the selection of materials for a
product component design.
Syllabus 1. Introducing Materials Selection – a presentation of the
course concept and contents; an overview of approaches for
materials selection; over- and under-design; Functions,
Objectives and Constraints.
2. The design process – the place of materials selection in
design; information on materials; translation, screening and
ranking; inspiration; innovation.
3. Cost – material cost components; cost as an overriding
consideration and otherwise; the resource base and reserve; cost
fluctuations and predictions.
4. Materials selection charts – the concept of materials
selection charts; different chart types; using selection charts.
5. Materials selection techniques – ranking; weighted
ranking; introduction to materials indices.
6. Materials indices – simple materials indices; materials
indices and selection charts; examples of use.
7. Materials indices – multiple materials indices;
examples of use.
8. Materials for ship structures – the application of
materials selection considerations to the requirements of
materials for naval architecture requirements.
- 17 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
9. Materials for space – the application of materials
selection considerations to the requirements of materials for
space engineering requirements.
Tutorials Tutorials 1 and 2: A consideration of materials selection case
studies
Tutorials 3 and 4: Consultation sessions on assignment task
Tutorial 5: Open session: Q&A session
Coursework Materials selection exercise: each student is individually
allocated a single component for which the material or
materials has/have to be selected by applying the techniques
presented in the course lectures whilst basing on design
methodology and sound engineering principles. The student
would be required to present a written text and a PowerPoint
presentation which would be delivered in class.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Text books and resources Textbook:
Materials and Design, M.F. Ashby, K. Johnson
Recommended resources:
Materials engineering, science, processing and design, M.F.
Ashby et al
Materials Selection in Mechanical Design, M.F.Ashby
- 18 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3210 – Materials Processing Techniques
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. B. Mallia
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I
and MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Objectives This unit covers the fundamentals of the wide range of
manufacturing processes for engineering materials. Their
capabilities, limitations and suitability for different materials
are described, providing an insight for the students to find
solutions for product manufacture.
Syllabus • Introduction
Selecting materials and manufacturing processes, economics,
responsibility of engineers.
• Casting processes
Introduction, solidification, melting furnaces, different types of
casting processes (sand, die, ingot casting etc), advantages and
limitations, economics
• Bulk deformation processes of metals
Introduction, forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing, defects in
components, advantages and limitations
• Sheet metal forming processes
Sheet metal characteristics, shearing, bending, stretch forming,
bulging, rubber forming, spinning, high energy rate forming,
superplastic forming, advantages and limitations, economics
• Polymer processing
Thermoplastics, thermosets, Processing of Plastics: extrusion,
injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding,
thermoforming, compression molding, transfer molding,
casting, cold forming. Processing of reinforced plastics:
Molding, filament winding, pultrusion and pulfroming. Product
quality. Economics
• Metal powders, ceramics, glass, and composite processing
Powder metallurgy: Introduction, powder production and
characteristics, blending compaction, sintering, finishing
operations. Advantages and limitations over other processes.
Ceramic processing: Introduction, Casting, plastic forming,
pressing, drying and firing, Finishing operations. Glass forming
of: flat sheet, rods, tubing, discrete products. Composites
processing: Metal matrix and ceramic matrix.
• Selection of manufacturing processes
Process selection considerations, case study
- 19 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Laboratory work • Production of Aluminium casting
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Kalpakjian, S. and Schmid, S.R., Manufacturing Processes
for Engineering Materials, fourth edition, Prentice Hall
• Edward L. and Endeam M., Manufacturing with Materials,
Butterwoth
• Dieter G.E., Mechanical Metallurgy, McGraw-Hill
• Swift K.G. and Booker J.D., Process selection: from design
to manufacture, Arnold
- 20 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME3211 – Principles of Material Characterization
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
12 hours
Lecturer
Dr. S. Abela
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I
and MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Objectives This module describes modern analytical methods in simplified
terms and emphasizes the most common applications and
limitations of each method. The intent is to familiarize the
student with the techniques and give him sufficient knowledge
to interact with the appropriate analytical specialists, thereby
enabling materials characterization and troubleshooting to be
conducted effectively and efficiently.
Syllabus • Interaction of high energy beams with matter. Properties
of electrons. The scattering of electrons by the atoms in the
specimen, Electromagnetic spectrum.
• Optical, atomic force and electron microscopy:
a) The optical microscope: components, operation, specimen
preparation, image analysis including phase analysis,
limitations.
b) The scanning electron microscope: Principle of operation:
components and characteristics, applications.
c) Transmission Electron Microscope: Principle of operation:
components and characteristics, applications.
d) The AFM and STM: Contact and non contact mode of
operation, applications and limitations.
f) Sample preparation.
• X-Ray Spectroscopy:
a) Principle of X-ray diffraction, Bragg’s Law
b) X-ray equipment: components and characteristics
c) X-ray diffraction techniques
• Different electromagnetic radiation spectroscopy
methods.
Adsorption and emission spectroscopy, principle of
operation, interpretation of results, applications.
• Static and Dynamic mechanical analysis
Hands on topics, Measurement of mechanical properties of
materials.
- 21 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Tutorials • Research project: The student will be required to prepare a
presentation and a short report (max 10,000 words) to
describe the applications, limitations, and equipment used for
a specific characterization technique which will be assigned
at the beginning of the semester.
• Demonstrations: The demonstration will cover the procedure
to be followed, the operation of the characterization
equipment, and interpretation of results (subject on the
availability of the equipment)
Laboratory work • X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron Microscopy (subject on
availability)
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Text books and resources • ASM Metals handbook
• Flewitt P. & Wild R., Microstructural characterization of
metals and alloys.
• P. E. J. Flewitt, R. K. Wild, Physical methods for material
characterization
• Colin N. Banwell, Elaine M. McCash, Fundamentals of
Molecular Spectroscopy
- 22 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME 3212 - Introduction to Surface Engineering
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
10 hours
Lecturer
Dr. S. Abela
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science
I, MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II and
MME1202 - Physical Metallurgy and Diffusion
Leads to Year 4, 5 topics
Objectives This unit presents the philosophy and application of the
surface engineering of components, aided by a number of
demonstrations of practical applications.
Syllabus 11. Introducing Surface Engineering – the concept of
surface engineering; the requirement for surface
engineering; advantages and disadvantages of surface
engineering; a taxonomy of surface engineering
processes.
12. Coating processes – electroplating; electroless coating;
galvanizing; painting; sol-gel coatings; enamelling;
glazing. Requirements for coating processes.
13. Mechanical processes – shot peening; examples of
application.
14. Thermal processes – surface heat treatment; flame,
induction and laser surface heat treatment; cryogenic
treatment; requirements for thermal processes; examples
of application.
15. Thermochemical processes – solid, liquid and gas phase
thermochemical processing; plasma processing; nitriding,
carburizing, carbonitriding; requirements for
thermochemical processes; examples of applications.
16. Chemical and Physical Vapour Deposition – chemical
vapour deposition; physical vapour deposition;
requirements for cvd and pvd; examples of applications.
17. Ion beam processes – ion implantation; ion beam
assisted deposition; PI 3 ; requirements for ion beam
processing; examples of applications.
18. Thermal spraying – the thermal spraying process;
HVOF coating; plasma spraying; cold spraying;
requirements for spraying processes; application of
spraying processes.
19. Laser surface engineering – surface remelting; alloying;
particle impregnation; cladding; surface shock
processing; laser-assisted vapour deposition; laser beam
marking. Examples of practical applications.
- 23 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
20. Preparation for coating processes – pretreatment; grit
blasting; cleaning of surfaces; surface finish. Examples of
practical applications.
21. The economics of surface engineering – preparation
and process costs; bulk vs. surface properties;
performance enhancement.
22. Materials selection – bulk vs. surface properties;
selection of the correct surface treatment; case studies.
Tutorials Tutorials 1 and 2 : Q&A sessions
Coursework Coursework:
1. Online session on laser remelting and surface heat
treatment.
2. Online session on ion beam processing and PVD.
3. Online session on nitriding.
4. Process evaluation – microhardness, wear testing and
corrosion testing.
5.
Laboratory sessions Lab sessions:
1. Laser surface heat treatment and remelting
2. Plasma nitriding
3. PVD
4. Shot peening
5. Process evaluation – microhardness, wear testing and
corrosion testing (coursework)
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Text books and resources Textbook:
- 24 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Level 4 units
- 25 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME4109 – Nano and Biomaterials
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. J. Buhagiar
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: MME2203 - Ferrous and Non Ferrous Alloys,
MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I and
MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II.
Objectives Biomaterials: The objective is to provide a balanced,
insightful view of biomaterials were the classes of materials
used in medicine will be outlined together with their
applications in medicine, biology and artificial organs.
Syllabus • Nano-Materials
Introduction to Nanotechnology: Definition and classification
of nanomaterials. Virtues and potential hazards of working in
the nanodomain.
Nanoscale Mechanical Properties: Measurement techniques
for the quantification of basic mechanical properties
including: hardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness,
fatigue strength and scratch resistance. Use of STM and
AFM on thin films.
Chemical and mechanical synthesis of nanoparticles.
Introduction to the deposition and properties of
nanostructured coatings
Nanomaterials and Nanostructures; including CNTs and
buckyballs.
• Biomaterials
Introduction: An outline on the classes of materials which
are currently being used as biomaterials.
Metals: The three alloys: stainless steels, cobalt-chromium
and titanium will be discussed together with their applications
and limitations.
Ceramics: Ceramics, Glasses and Glass-Ceramics will be
discussed together with their applications and limitations in
the biomaterials world.
- 26 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Polymers: Polymers, composites, hydro-gels, medical fibres
and textiles will be covered together with their possible
applications and limitations in medicine.
Conclusion: A brief insight of how to improve biomaterials
by surface engineering will be given with a focus on metallic
and polymeric biomaterials.
Laboratory work • On Site visit to a biomedical laboratory
• Demonstration of material/product features at the
nanoscale using state of the art characterisation equipment
in materials lab
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% projects
Text books and resources • Ratner et al., Biomaterials Science: An introduction to
materials in medicine (Elsevier)
• Edited: Helsen et al., Metals as Biomaterials (Wiley)
• M. Di Ventra, S. Evoy, J. R. Heflin, Introduction to
Nanoscale Science and Technology, KAP, 2004
• A. S. Edelstein, R. C. Cammarata (Editors),
Nanomaterials: Sythesis, Properties and Applications,
IoP, 2002
- 27 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME4116 – Polymeric Materials
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Dr. S. Abela
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science
I and MME 2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Leads to None
Objectives This unit presents concepts and methodologies of polymer
engineering. The origin of the wide range of mechanical and
chemical properties will be traced down to its roots such that
the student can discriminate between different polymers.
Syllabus 1. Bonding in solids: Difference between metallic,
covalent and electrovalent bonding in solids. Arrangement
of atoms in crystalline solids. Secondary bonding in solids
and relation between the type of bonding and the physical
properties of solids.
2. Macro Molecular Solids: The polymeric chain
“backbone”, the mer, chemistry and structure. The
combined effect of the primary and secondary bonding, on
the physical properties of polymeric materials.
3. Functional Groups: Insight into the polymeric
backbone. Function of the various components of the
backbone and side groups. The chemical makeup of the
polymeric chain.
4. The Molecular Structure: Introduction to the relation
between the macromolecular structure and weight and the
physical properties of polymers.
5 Polymerization: Active sites, condensation
polymerization, addition polymerization, degree on
polymerization, molecular weight.
6. Degradation of Polymers: Shearing of primary bonds
by the application of stress. Effect of radiation, heat,
aggressive chemicals and solvents.
7. Polymeric Materials in Manufacturing Engineering:
Compression moulding, extrusion, co-Drawing (conductor
insulation), blow moulding, film extrusion, casting,
Paints, sealants, and adhesive.
8. Surface Engineering of Polymers: Metallization of
polymeric films, magnetron sputtering, vacuum
deposition, electro less plating, ion implantation.
9. Polymer Assemblies: Joining of polymers, dimensional
stability.
10. Nomenclature: The chemical and industrial names of
some of the most common polymers
- 28 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Tutorials Tutorial 1 – Mechanical properties of polymers at various
temperatures
Laboratory work Tensile test.
Creep test.
Fatigue testing.
Coursework Degradation investigation: individual students are assigned
a set of specimens each. The specimen will be exposed to UV
radiation for various durations. The students would have to
describe the outcome in a report in writing. The case would
also be presented to the class and discussed during a tutorial
session.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Recommended reading Polymer Chemistry Edited by Malcolm P. Stevens
Engineering with polymers Edited by Peter C. Powell and A.
Jan Ingen Housz
- 29 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME4213 - Materials Testing Procedures and Standards
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. B. Mallia
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I
and MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Leads to None
Objectives This unit presents concepts and methodologies of polymer
engineering. The origin of the wide range of mechanical and
chemical properties will be traced down to its roots such that
the student can discriminate between different polymers.
Syllabus 1. Bonding in solids: Difference between metallic,
covalent and electrovalent bonding in solids.
Arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids. Secondary
bonding in solids and relation between the type of
bonding and the physical properties of solids.
2. Macro Molecular Solids: The polymeric chain
“backbone”, the mer, chemistry and structure. The
combined effect of the primary and secondary
bonding, on the physical properties of polymeric
materials.
3. Functional Groups: Insight into the polymeric
backbone. Function of the various components of the
backbone and side groups. The chemical makeup of
the polymeric chain.
4. The Molecular Structure: Introduction to the
relation between the macromolecular structure and
weight and the physical properties of polymers.
5 Polymerization: Active sites, condensation
polymerization, addition polymerization, degree on
polymerization, molecular weight.
6. Degradation of Polymers: Shearing of primary bonds
by the application of stress. Effect of radiation, heat,
aggressive chemicals and solvents.
7. Polymeric Materials in Manufacturing
Engineering: Compression moulding, extrusion, co-
Drawing (conductor insulation), blow moulding, film
extrusion, casting, Paints, sealants, and adhesive.
8. Surface Engineering of Polymers: Metallization of
polymeric films, magnetron sputtering, vacuum
deposition, electro less plating, ion implantation.
9. Polymer Assemblies: Joining of polymers,
dimensional stability.
- 30 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
10. Nomenclature: The chemical and industrial names of
some of the most common polymers
Tutorials Tutorial 1 – Mechanical properties of polymers at various
temperatures
Laboratory work Tensile test.
Creep test.
Fatigue testing.
Coursework Degradation investigation: individual students are assigned
a set of specimens each. The specimen will be exposed to UV
radiation for various durations. The students would have to
describe the outcome in a report in writing. The case would
also be presented to the class and discussed during a tutorial
session.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Recommended reading Polymer Chemistry Edited by Malcolm P. Stevens
Engineering with polymers Edited by Peter C. Powell and A.
Jan Ingen Housz
- 31 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME4214 - Engineering Ceramics
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. J.C. Betts
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science
I and MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Leads to MSc
Objectives This unit presents the structures and properties and ceramics
and composites and presents some applications and methods
of processing.
Syllabus Introduction: classification of ceramics, historical
development, technologic and economic significance.
Ceramic structure: bonding and defects in ceramic
chemical structures; crystal and amorphous structures;
polymorphism; ceramic transformations and phase
diagrams.
Physical properties: thermal, mechanical, electrical and
optical properties of ceramics; the statistics of failure.
Engineering ceramic processing: the sintering process;
powder pressing and sintering fabrication processes;
sintering defects; slip casting, ceramic injection
moulding, tape casting; refractories; single crystal
processing.
Clay-based ceramics: forming processes for
hydroplastic ceramics; drying and firing; glazing.
Glass: glass composition, processing temperatures, and
fabrication methods; forming of glass plates, hollow ware
and fibres; annealing and tempering.
Cement: types of cement; calcination; processing of
cements; future trends; concrete.
Tutorials Tutorial 1 – Designing with ceramics
Tutorial 2 – Innovative applications of ceramic materials
Tutorial 3 – Open session: Q&A session
Laboratory work Design and testing of a composite material
Abrasion/erosion of ceramics.
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% projects
Text books and resources M.W.Barsoum, Fundamentals of Ceramics, McGraw-Hill,
ISBN 978-0070055216
- 32 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
Unit Name MME4215 - Composite Materials
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
Mr. J. Betts
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: MME1201 - Fundamentals of Material Science I
and MME2204 – Fundamentals of Material Science II
Leads to None
Objectives The aim of this course is to introduce the student to advanced
materials, and to make him aware of the vast selection of
engineering materials available to him as an engineer. The
first part of the course deals with monolithic materials which
are specifically designed for advanced composite materials, a
very powerful tool for the design of new materials. The
course also introduces the student to materials designed to
operate in demanding conditions and to consider how surface
engineering techniques can be used to enhance the
performance of components in diverse industrial areas.
Syllabus
• Advanced Polymeric Materials. New polymeric materials
such as Kevlar. Advanced design with and fabrication of
polymers. Case studies.
• Advanced Ceramic Materials. Advanced powder
synthesis techniques. Advanced processing methods.
Microstructural design and grain boundary engineering.
Case studies.
• Introduction to Composite Materials. Phase selection
criteria. Reinforcing mechanisms. Interfaces, advantages
and disadvantages.
• Polymer Composites. Reinforcing and matrix materials.
Prepregs. Fiber winding techniques. Fabrication
techniques. Laminates. Mechanical behaviour, etc.
• Metal Composites. Types of reinforcement. Chemical
compatibility. Fabrication processes. Mechanical
behaviour and properties. Case studies.
• Ceramic Composites. Matrices and reinforcement. Why
to reinforce ceramics. Fabrication methods. Crack
propagation and mechanical behaviour.
• Surface Engineering. Reasons for surface engineering.
Introduction to surface modification processes including:
Carburizing, Nitriding, Nitrocarburizing, Ion
Implantation, Shot Peening and laser techniques.
Introduction to coating processes including: Plating,
- 33 -

Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
PVD, CVD and Thermal Spraying.
Characteristics/applications/limitations of the various
techniques
Tutorials Tutorial 1 – Designing an operational test
Tutorial 2 – Testing of composite materials
Laboratory work Tribological properties of surface engineered tool steel.
Comparison of PVD, nitrided, ion implanted steels.
Coursework Fatigue investigation: individual students are assigned a
specimen each. A standard rotary bending fatigue test at high
load would be carried out on these specimens which would
have different treatments applied to them.
The students would have to describe the outcome in a report
in writing. The case would also be presented to the class and
discussed during a tutorial session.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% projects
Recommended reading • AKing R.G., Surface treatment and finish of
aluminium, (Pergamon Press)
• Straafford K.N., Datta P.K., Grag J.S., Surface
Engineering Practice, (Ellis Horltoow)
• Richorson R.W., Modern Ceramic Engineering,
(Marcel Dekker)
- 34 -

Faculty of Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Faculty of Engineering
Level 1 units
- 2 -

Faculty of Engineering
Level 2 units
- 3 -

Faculty of Engineering
Unit Name ENR2000 – Team Project
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 8 hours
Laboratory hours 20 hours
Lecturer Various project supervisors
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to
Objectives In this unit students work in teams to design, implement, test
and validate a technical solution to a given requirement in the
field of electrical and electronics engineering.
Syllabus Projects will mainly involve a combination of elements of
electronic/electrical hardware, algorithm and software design.
As part of the unit, students shall also attend a series of formal
lectures on good practice in general problem solving, design
approaches, project planning and time management, team
work, report writing and presentation (preparation and
delivery).
Laboratory work • Project
Assessment As mentioned above
Text books and resources
At the end of the project, each team is expected to
demonstrate operation of the implemented solution, submit a
20 page project report and deliver a short presentation on the
project. All team members shall participate in the write-up of
the report and the delivery of the presentation.
The unit will be assessed through progress supervision,
project demonstration, student interviews, technical reporting
and public presentation. The unit will be assessed on the merit
of:
• Technical issues: technical research, design,
implementation, workmanship and success, testing
and validation procedures, project demonstration.
• Management and participation issues: project
planning, project management, role performance,
team work.
• Presentation issues: report, interview, presentation.
Students will be rewarded for taking proactive roles and
initiatives and for developing independent thinking.
- 4 -

Faculty of Engineering
Unit Name ENR2100 - Engineering Systems Elements
Credits 4
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours
Laboratory hours
4 hours
Lecturers
Sr. S. Abela, Ing. P. Vella
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: None
Leads to MFE4110 – Maintenance Management
Objectives This unit provides the student with an introduction to basic
engineering solutions, an overview of the specialized
components/ assemblies/ materials used in Engineering
systems, and the principles and methodologies used to
maintain and improve such systems. In addition to all this it
gives an opportunity to the student to study/ explore topics of
his/her interest and to present the relevant findings.
Syllabus • Introduction to Basic Engineering Solutions. Typical
topics are:
o Structures and structural elements: Stiffeners, stays,
torsion bars, fillets, webs, corrugations,
o bolts, nuts, screws, clamps, rivets, welding, soldering,
adhesives,
self aligning features; spigots, tapered components,
dowels, crowning, bellows
o springs
o Bearings
o Transmission of power: shafts, wire ropes, pulleys, gears,
gearboxes, chains, keys, splines, clutches, couplings, veebelts,
etc
o Pressure seals: Static and Dynamic seals
o Tailpipes, manifolds, diffusers, sprinklers, radiators,
o Quick release fittings,
o Paints, varnishes, coatings, conversion treatments and
clads.
• Components/ Assemblies/ Materials used in
Engineering Solutions. Indicative topics are:
o Mechanical Pumps, sorption pumps, ion pumps, and
educators; positive displacement or not, types, critical
clearances, lifetime, use
o Feedback devices; resolvers, limit switches, strain
gauges, load cells, thermometers, gas detectors, pressure
- 5 -

Faculty of Engineering
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% Assignment
gauges and switches, thermocouples, thermistors
o Control and intelligent devices; the governor, the PLC,
cams, computer DAQ, dedicated controllers, hard wired
control, Brakes.
o Pipe fittings, valves, feed regulators, pressure control
units, line filters, dampers, accumulators
o Heat exchangers, heat recovery (economizers), catalytic
convertors, shoot blowers, deaireators.
o ion exchange membranes, reverse osmosis, filters,
Heat pumps, re-heaters, turbo
o Prime movers: electric motors, IC engines, steam
engines, rockets, jets, sails, wind turbines, pneumatic /
hydraulic actuators.
o Manufacturing equipment related components/
assemblies: vibratory bowl feeders, vision systems, pick
and place, etc
o Generators
o Coolants, inhibitors, lubricants, hydraulic oils,
• Analysis Typical Engineering Systems
o A number of engineering systems will be analysed: e.g
HVAC systems; hoisting equipment; manufacturing
equipment; Domestic and industrial appliances such as
Dishwashers, automatic washing machines; etc
• Maintaining and Improving Engineering Systems.
Typical topics are:
o Equipment maintenance, Equipment Effectiveness, Total
Productive
Maintenance (TPM), Implementing TPM.
Text books and resources Robert L. Norton – Machine Design, An integrated Approach
J.E.Shigley, C.R.Mischke, R.G.Budynas – Mechanical
Engineering Design
- 6 -

Faculty of Engineering
Level 3 units
- 7 -

Faculty of Engineering
Unit Name ENR3000 – Final Year Project
Credits 18
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Objectives
TBA
Syllabus Final year projects in Engineering are open-ended problems
for which the aims and objectives must be defined, a
programme of work delineated and then carried out in a
structured way.
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% project
The type of work, design, experimental, simulation analysis,
etc will depend on the project specification and may
concentrate more on one area than another or be multidisciplined
according to the knowledge gained by the student
during the previous years of the course. However all projects
are expected to have an element of design, implementation
and testing.
The project presentation and project report should
demonstrate how well the student has achieved the intentions
behind the work in relation to the project specification.
Text books and resources Students are expected to consult the paper “Notes for the
presentation of final year dissertations” by Prof. R. Ghirlando.
- 8 -

Faculty of Engineering
Unit Name ENR3301 – Engineering Management
Credits 5
Lectures/Tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
28 hours lectures / 7 hours tutorials/ presentations
Lecturer
TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
None
Objectives This module is primarily aimed to expose students to different
aspects of business/ management principles, concepts and
techniques. The course will also introduce students to
Engineering Project Management.
Syllabus • Introduction to Management in Engineering
• Introduction to Human Resource management and
Industrial Relations
• Leadership and Directing the Shopfloor
• Motivating and Communicating your personnel
• Planning, Organising and Controlling a Quality
system
• Being a creative Engineer in a management position
• Introducing Finance to an Engineer
• Taking Decisions using your Accounts
• Building a Simple Manufacturing Financial Budget
• Basic Financial Accounting
• Planning and forecasting your Cash Flow
• Using Financial Ratios to gauge performance
• Starting your own Engineering Business
• Introduction to Engineering Project Management
Laboratory work
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% assignment
Text books and resources Fraidoon Mazda , Engineering Management, First Edition,
Prentice Hall; ISBN-10: 0201177986
- 9 -

Faculty of Engineering
Level 4 units
- 10 -

Faculty of Engineering
Unit Name ENR4012 – Final Year Project
Credits 25
Lectures/tutorial hours
Laboratory hours
Lecturer
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Objectives
Various
Syllabus Final year projects for the degree Bachelors in Advanced
Industrial Engineering will concern engineering problems
assigned by the University (and in certain cases originating
from industry) for which the aims and objectives must be
clearly defined, a program of work delineated and then
carried out in a structured way. The nature of the problem (eg
design, experimental, simulation analysis, etc) will depend on
the project specification and may concentrate more on one
area than another or be multi-disciplined according to the
knowledge gained by the student during the previous years of
the course. Advanced Industrial Engineering student projects
are expected to have an element of solution design,
implementation and testing. The final year project
presentation and project report should demonstrate that the
student has taken a scientific approach to the decisions made
during the execution of the project.
Laboratory work
Assessment 100% project
Text books and resources Students are expected to consult the paper “Notes for the
presentation of final year dissertations” by Prof. R. Ghirlando.
- 11 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Department of Industrial Electrical
Power Conversion
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Level 1 units
- 2 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC1101 - Electrical Circuit Theory I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr.C. Caruana and Dr.C. Spiteri Staines
Prerequisites and exclusions none
Leads to EPC1201 - Electrical Circuit Theory II
Objectives To develop the necessary tools required for the dc, ac and
transient analysis and understanding of the characteristics of
electrical and electronic circuits modeled as lumped elements.
Syllabus
• Electrical quantities: voltage, current, charge, resistance,
capacitance, inductance, power, frequency, phase, peak,
r.m.s values.
• Network analysis: Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws, Mesh Current
Analysis, Nodal Analysis, Thevenin and Norton's theorems,
Millman's theorem, Maximum Power Transfer. Linear and
non-linear networks, super-position theorem, voltage and
current sources.
• Definitions of Electric and Magnetic Fields, Capacitance
and Inductance.
• D.C. Transients: Charging and discharging of a capacitor,
linear and exponential, inductor transients.
• A.C. Theory: behaviour of resistors, inductors and
capacitors with sinusoidal signals, reactance, impedance,
phasor diagrams, j-notation, basic RLC circuits, real power,
reactive power, apparent power, power factor,
Laboratory work • Ohms Law (Linear and non-linear behaviou)
• D.C. Network Analysis: (Kirchoff's Laws, Thevenin,
Norton's Theorems, Super position)
• D.C. Transients (Charging and discharging)
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Boylestad Introductory Circuit Analysis Prentice Hall
• Nilsson, Electrical Circuits, Addison Wesley ISBN 0-210-
58179-5.
- 3 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
This unit is offered only to the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Streams
Unit Name EPC 1102 - Electrical Engineering Technology
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. C. Caruana and Dr. C. Spiteri Staines
Prerequisites and exclusions Mathematics and Physics at A level standard
Leads to n/a
Objectives This module introduces mechanical engineers to the basic
principles of electrical engineering to enable them to
understand these systems and to help them select the most
appropriate equipment for a particular application.
Syllabus • Circuit Theory
DC and AC circuits, resistances, inductors and capacitors,
Kirchoff’s laws, steady state analysis of AC and DC circuits,
Bridge measurements, power dissipation.
• Power Generation
Single and three phase generators, transformers, 3-phase
connections, power dissipation. Delta/Star transformation.
• Motors and Drives
Magnetism, DC machines. The d.c. motor and d.c. generator:
DC machine speed control, Series wound, shunt and
compound wound. Induction motors, Inverters drives, V/f
control.
Laboratory work • Ohms Law (Linear and non-linear behaviou)
• D.C. Network Analysis: (Kirchoff's Laws, Thevenin,
Norton's Theorems, Super position)
• D.C. Transients (Charging and discharging)
Assessment 90% written examination 10% practical
Text books and resources • Electric Circuit Theory & Technology – J.Bird.
- 4 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
This unit is offered only to Faculty of ICT
Unit Name EPC 1003 - Introduction to Electrical Circuit Theory
Credits 6
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 8 hours
Lecturer Dr. C. Spiteri Staines and Dr. C. Caruana
Prerequisites and exclusions n/a
Leads to n/a
Objectives
Syllabus
Laboratory work
The aim of this module is to familiarise the student with basic
electrical components and to provide the basic tools for analysing
linear circuits, under steady state DC, AC and transient conditions.
This module aims at providing the fundamentals in order to enable
the student to perform analysis of electrical and electronic circuits.
Electrical and magnetic properties of materials: insulators,
conductors and semiconductors, magnetic and non-magnetic
materials.
Electrical quantities: voltage, current, charge, resistance,
capacitance, inductance, power, frequency, phase, peak, r.m.s
values.
Network analysis: Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws, Mesh Current
Analysis, Nodal Analysis, Thevenin and Norton's theorems.
Super-position theorem (linear and non-linear networks), voltage
and current sources.
D.C. Transients: Charging and discharging of a capacitor, linear
and exponential, inductor transients.
A.C. Theory: behaviour of resistors, inductors and capacitors with
sinusoidal signals, reactance, impedance, phasor diagrams, jnotation,
basic RLC circuits (resonance).
Measurements Lab:
� Basic measuring instruments: multimeters, voltmeter,
ammeter, and ohmmeter, power supplies (done in conjunction
with Ohm’s Law).
� Use of the oscilloscope.
Computer simulation Lab (Pspice):
� D.C. Network Analysis: (Kirchoff's Laws, Thevenin, Norton's
Theorems, Super position), Basics of A.C. Circuits
D.C. Transients (Charging and discharging)
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Boylestad, ‘Introductory Circuit Analysis’, Pearson
education.
- 5 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC1201 - Electrical Circuit Theory II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. M. Apap and Dr. C. Spiteri Staines
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC1101 - Electrical Circuit Theory I
Leads to n/a
Objectives The aim of this course is to familiarise the student further in
linear circuit analysis, magnetic circuits and the basics of
electrical instrumentation. It includes a.c. network theorems,
resonance, magnetic circuits, basic transformer theory and
electrical instruments.
Syllabus • Delta/Star Transformation
• AC Network theorems
• AC Resonance, series, parallel, Q-factor
• Hysteresis, eddy current and leakage losses
• Magnetic circuits
• Mutually coupled magnetic circuits, dot notation
• The ideal transformer
• Electric and Magnetic fields
• Inductance and Capacitance of Electrical Lines
• Electrical Measurements: Electrical Indicating
Instruments and Electronic Instruments
Laboratory work • A.C. Phasors (including pf correction)
• Electrical Measurements
• Magnetic Circuits
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Boylestad, ‘Introductory Circuit Analysis’, Pearson
education.
• Boctor S.A., Electrical Circuit Analysis - Prentice Hall.
- 6 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 1202 - Introduction to Electrical Energy Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. Cedric Caruana
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC1101 - Electrical Circuit Theory I
Leads to EPC2102 - Electrical Power I
Objectives To develop an understanding of Electrical Power Systems:
Generation, Transmission and Distribution Systems.
Syllabus • Electrical Energy and its Generation: Introduction to
Electric Power systems; Introduction to Maltese Power
System; Electricity Demand; Generating Plants;
Alternative Energy Generation.
• Three Phase Systems: Advantages of 3–phase systems;
Three-wire and four-wire electrical systems with balanced
and unbalanced loads; Electrical Power Measurement in
3–phase systems.
• Basics of Electro-mechanical Conversion: Generation of
direct current and alternating current.
• The Synchronous Generator; Construction of 3–phase
synchronous alternators; Operation of the synchronous
generator on the grid.
• Transmission and Distribution Media: Types of Overhead
Lines; Short Line Model; Voltage Regulation; Types of
Underground Cables; Approximate Cable Model; Ferranti
Effect.
• Switchgear and Protection Equipment: Types of
Switchgear and Protection Equipment.
• Transformers: Principle of Operation; Construction;
Losses; Exciting Current; Equivalent Circuit; Phasor
Diagram; 3–Phase Transformer Connections;
Transformers in parallel.
Laboratory work • Open and short circuit tests of transformer
• Power measurement in 3–phase systems.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources •
- 7 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Level 2 units
- 8 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 2101 - Electrical Machines
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. J. Cilia
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC1201 - Electrical Circuit Theory II and
EPC1202 - Introduction to Electrical Energy Systems
Leads to EPC3104 - Electromechanical drives
Objectives
This unit covers in depth the three most popular machines
used nowadays. It deals with the synchronous machine, DC
machine and Induction motor. Further, the power transformer
is studied.
Syllabus Three Phase Synchronous Machine: Equivalent circuit, o/c
and s/c characteristics, operation on infinite busbars,
operating characteristics, synchronous motor.
Three Phase Induction Motor: Equivalent circuit, power
balance equations, torque and power calculations,
determination of circuit parameters.
The DC Machine: Armature reaction and commutation
process, performance characteristics, shunt, series, and
compound motors, speed control, losses and efficiency.
Power transformers: Theory of single phase and three phase
transformers, equivalent circuits, voltage regulation and
efficiency, parallel operation of single and three phase
transformers.
Laboratory work • Load test on a 3 phase induction motor.
• The D.C. Shunt/ Compound Machine resistive control
and Load Characteristics.
• Operartion of hysrterisis and eddy current losses in a
transformer
Assessment • 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Hindmarsh John, Electrical Machines & their
applications
• Say M.G., A.C. Machines
• Sen P.C., Principles of Electrical Machines & Power
Electronics John Wiley & Sons.
- 9 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 2102 - Electrical Power I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 4 hours
Lecturer Dr. C. Caruana
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC 1202 - Introduction to Electrical Energy Systems
Leads to EPC3102 - Electrical Power II
Objectives To enhance the understanding of Electric Power Systems:
Analysis of plant, transmission and distribution systems under
balanced and steady–state conditions.
Syllabus • The Per Unit System: Revision of 3–phase systems;
Definition of Per Unit System; Representation of
Component Specifications in pu; Changing between
different bases.
• Power Transfer in Power Systems: Load Flow Problem;
Balance of Powers; Synchronous Generator in Steady
State Operation; Synchronous Generator Excitation
systems; Performance Chart.
• Transmission Lines: Overhead Lines; Corona Discharge;
Insulator Types; Underground Cables; DC Cables;
Equivalent Circuits.
• Fault Analysis: Types of Fault; The Fault MVA Source;
Symmetrical Faults; Limiting the Fault Level.
• Power System Protection: Protection Relays; Overcurrent
Protection; Unit Protection; Distance Protection.
Laboratory work • Transformers in Parallel
• Generation and Distribution
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources •
- 10 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 2103 - Electrical Materials
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 9 hours laboratories/tutorials
Laboratory hours none
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions none
Leads to None
Objectives To provide a thorough introduction to the study of the electrical
properties of materials relevant to electrical engineering. These
include electrical contact materials, dielectric materials,
magnetic materials and superconductivity.
Syllabus • Electrical Contact Materials: Contact specifications
(resistance, thermal, lifetime); Contact failures; Material
properties; ac and dc design issues; Electrical, mechanical,
environmental and economic design factors; Industrial case
study.
• Dielectric Materials: Preliminary definitions; Classical
conduction theory; Dielectric specifications & properties
(dielectric strength, breakdown and losses, permittivity,
thermal conductivity, homogeneous, linear and isotropic
materials); Material selection criteria, electric-dipoles &
polarization theory (dipole moment, permanent and induced
dipoles); Classification of insulating materials; Insulation of
electric cables (capacitance, leakage resistance, hysteresis
loss, thermal resistance, electrical stress); Piezoelectricity,
optical fibres, liquid crystals and their application to
electronic displays.
• Superconductivity: Applications; Material properties
(transition temperature, critical magnetic field, critical
current, T-H-I diagram); Classifications - Type I and Type II
superconductors; Meissner Effect; Superconductivity theory
- BCS theory, Cooper pairs, Josephson Junction.
• Magnetic Materials: Basic concepts; Magnetic phenomena
(diamagnetism, paramagnetism, ferromagnetism,
piezomagnetism, magnetostriction, anti-ferromagnetism,
ferrimagnetism); Magnetic losses (hysteresis and eddy
current losses).
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books Course notes will be available
Suggested Reading Material Science for Electrical and Electronic Engineers, I.P.
Jones, Oxford
- 11 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC2201 - Power Electronics I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. M. Apap and Dr. C. Spiteri Staines
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC1201 - Electrical Circuit Theory II and
ESE1201 - Analogue Electronics I
Leads to EPC3103 - Power Electronics II
Objectives Through analytical approach, to provide theoretical
background of power electronic circuits and devices widely
used in industrial drive systems. To experimentally verify
some of the important characteristics of power electronic
switches and circuits.
Syllabus • Power semiconductor devices, their switching and
heat control.
o Mosfets, IGBTs, Thyristors
o Heatsink Calculations
• Basic Power electronic circuit topologies
o Introduction to circuit theory applied to power
electronics
• Controlled and Uncontrolled Rectifiers
o Single Phase and Three Phase uncontrolled
(diode) rectifiers
o Single Phase and Three Phase uncontrolled
(thyristors) rectifiers
• DC / DC converters
o Buck/Boost
o H-Bridge
o Inductor Design
Laboratory work • Practical Project
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources Mohan, Undeland, Robins, Power Electronics Converters,
Application, and Design
- 12 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Level 3 units
- 13 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 3101 - Electrical Energy Utilisation
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 18 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC2102 - Electrical Power I
Leads to n/a
Objectives
Syllabus
This course covers illumination design considerations for indoor
and out-door situations. Electrical installation in domestic,
commercial and industrial premises. Industrial process heating.
The course covers the calculations and technologies required for
the design of electrical building services.
Electric Illumination - Analysis of lighting problems, units used in
illumination calculations and measurements. Choice of lighting
system: general, localised, local lighting, choices of lighting
sources: incandescent filament lamp, fluorescent tube, low and
high pressure discharge lamps e.g. radium, mercury and halogen
type. Lighting design calculations: The lumen method and the
Point-by-Point method.
Electrical Installations - General requirements for the design of an
electrical installation in domestic, commercial and industrial
premises. Calculations in the preparation of a lighting and power
installation. Details and layout drawings, drafting of electrical
specifications. IEE wiring regulations and other important
regulations. British and other standard specifications, codes of
practice and general procedures. Earthing and Electrical Safety -
Testing.
Space Heating/Air Conditioning - Definition of air conditioning
terms and requirements for human comforts. General review of
space heating methods, specifically those suitable for industrial and
commercial buildings. Description of a typical system including
servicing devices, temperature and humidity control. Design of a
straight forward heating system by calculation of heat losses.
Plant Economics - Costs and tariffs, plant load factor, diversity
factor, maximum demand, economic choice of plant, Power-factor
improvement, local and bulk improvement, relative applications of
static capacitors and synchronous machines.
Building Management Systems for Industrial and commercial
installations
Introduction to Energy Audits Basics
Laboratory work
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources
- 14 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 3102 - Electrical Power II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 26 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 4 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC2102 - Electrical Power I
Leads to n/a
Objectives
To further enhance the understanding of Electric Power
Systems: Analysis of plant, transmission and distribution
Systems under unbalanced and transient conditions.
Syllabus • Symmetrical Components and Unbalanced Faults:
Definition of Symmetrical Components; Derivation of
Sequence Circuits for Plant Components; Unbalanced
faults.
• Power System Stability: Synchronous Generator Control
Loops; Steady State Stability; Transient Stability
• Current and Voltage Transformers: Construction;
Applications; Equivalent Circuit; Operation; Errors;
Operation under Fault currents; Effect of core saturation
on behaviour; Operation with open circuited secondary,
Terminology and specifications. (might change)
• Circuit Breakers: Theory of Circuit Breaking; Ratings;
Effect of Network Parameters on CB Operation; Practical
Circuit Breakers.
• Power System Voltage Surges: Over-voltages experienced
by the power system; Over-voltage tests; Protection
against over-voltages; Insulation Coordination;
Propagation of surges; Bewley Lattice Diagram.
Laboratory work • Transient stability of synchronous generator.
• Power System Simulation (proposed)
Assessment
Text books and resources •
90% written examination, 10% practical
- 15 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 3103 - Power Electronics II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 25 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Dr. M. Apap and Dr. C. Spiteri Staines
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC2201 - Power Electronics I
Leads to
Objectives To learn about modern industrial power electronics converters
and their control. An introduction to Power Quality Factors
and standards and the effect of Non-Linear Power electronic
loads on electrical distribution harmonics.
Syllabus Inverters
Laboratory work • Practical Project
• Single phase and three phase
• Half bridge and full bridge
• Sinusoidal PWM voltage output
• Switching harmonics
• PWM generation logic
Resonant Converters
• Basic Resonant Circuits
• DC to AC Resonant Circuits
• DC to DC Resonant Circuits
• Switch Resonant Circuits (ZCS,ZVS,ZVS-CV)
• Resonant dc link Inverters with ZVS
Power Quality and EMC
• Power Quality Factors and Harmonics
• Regulations
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources Mohan, Undeland, Robins, Power Electronics Converters,
Application, and Design.
- 16 -

Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion Engineering
Unit Name EPC 3104 - Electromechanical Drives
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 19 hours lectures, 3 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer Dr. J. Cilia
Prerequisites and exclusions EPC2101 - Electrical Machines
Leads to
Objectives
To consolidate the theoretical knowledge of electrical
machines, the development of system approach in application
of electrical machines in industrial electric drive systems.
Syllabus Electric drive system and characteristics:
Concept and classification of Electric drive systems (EDS).
Differences in mechanical characteristics of electric motors.
Mechanical characteristics of loads and load diagrams.
Steady-state and steady-state stability of EDS. Dynamics
and dynamic stability of EDS. Mechanical transient in EDS.
Laboratory work • Project work
Assessment
Four-quadrant operation of DC machines:
Theoretical background of four-quadrant operation of
separately excited dc machine (SEDCM). Starting, stopping,
reversing, braking and design of speed control for SEDCM.
Single-phase machines and their operational characteristics:
Induction, Universal, Repulsion Motors
Selection and rating of electric motors:
Working and environmental conditions. Torque
consideration. Thermal considerations. Thermal transients
under continuous duty, intermittent duty and short-time
duty. Overload and rating of electric motors under variable
loads.
80% written examination, 20% practical
Text books and resources • Hindmarsh J., Electrical Machines and their Applications.
• Bose B.K., Power Electronics and Drives, Prentice-Hall.
- 17 -

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Department of Electronic Systems
Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
-1-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Level 1 units
-2-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE1101 – Fundamentals of Electronics
Credits 10
Lectures/tutorial hours 40 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 30 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to ESE1201 – Electrical Circuit Theory II and ESE1202 -
Digital Electronics I
Objectives This module introduces semiconductor devices, modelling
concepts and semiconductor circuits to enable students to design
and analyse basic electronic circuits. The module also provides
familiarisation with laboratory equipment and practices.
Syllabus • Semiconductors:
physical and electrical properties. Manufacturing
processes.
• The p-n junction:
physical and electrical properties.
• Diodes:
types, families, physical construction, electrical and
physical properties and characteristics, manufacturing
processes and device performance. Device modelling.
Diode performance in the circuit.
• Rectification:
half wave, full wave, addition of smoothing. Circuit
theory and performance.
• Transistor families:
The BJT, JFET and MOSFET. Selection and operating
point. Biasing circuits and applications, including the
amplifer and the switch. Circuit DC transfer
characteristics. Transistor switch circuits with analysis of
performance.
• Introduction to computer aided design and analysis tools
for electronic circuits:
Transistor and diode circuit analysis and simulation.
• Introduction to electronic bench test and measurement
equipment:
Familiarisation with bench instruments and use in the
laboratory. Laboratory safety considerations.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
various electronic circuits.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall.
-3-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE1201 – Analogue Electronics I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE1101 – Fundamentals of Electrnics
Leads to ESE2101 – Analogue Electronics II
Objectives This module introduces small signal ac analysis of circuits,
focusing on the design and analysis of transistor amplifers and
covers the design of power amplifiers.
Syllabus • AC small signal device modelling:
AC small signal modelling of BJT, JFET and MOSFET
defices. Device performance modelling.
• Design and AC small signal analysis of transistor
amplifiers:
BJT, JFET and MOSFET single and cascaded
configurations. Circuit performance analysis for each
configuration.
• Power amplifiers:
Different configurations and classes. Design,
performance analysis and comparison. Distortion. Power
handling and heat sink selection.
• Introduction to printed-circuit-board design and
manufacture:
PCB construction and manufacture fundamentals. PCB
design tools.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
various electronic circuits.
• Design and physical construction of pcb-based circuits.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall.
-4-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE1202 – Digital Electronics I
Credits 6
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 20 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE1101 – Fundamentals of Electronics
Leads to ESE2102 – Digital Electronics II
Objectives This module introduces digital electronics and covers
combinational and sequential logic.
Syllabus • Logic functions and algebra:
Digital logic. Logic function design, analysis and
minimisation techniques. Number representations.
• Logic Families:
BJT and MOS technologies. Gate and logic function
implementation in BJT and MOS technologies.
Characteristics and performance comparisons.
• Latches and flip-flops:
Different types and characteristics. Multivibrators and
multivibrator circuits.
• Synchronous sequential circuits:
Sequential logic function and circuit design and analysis.
Moore and Mealey models. Implementation and
evaluation using standard logic families. Performance
considerations.
• Asynchronous sequential circuits:
Fundamentals of asynchronous digital circuit design.
Comparison of performance between synchronous and
asynchronous circuit implementation.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
various digital electronic circuits.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Digital Fundamentals. Prentice Hall.
-5-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
This unit is offered to the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Streams
Unit Name ESE1231 – Fundamentals of Electronics
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours
6 hours
Lecturer
TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to
Prerequisites: Mathematics and Physics at A level standard
Objectives This module introduces mechanical engineers to the
fundamentals of electronics to enable them later in their
careers to analyse and design simple circuits and to select the
most appropriate equipment for particular applications.
Syllabus • Semiconductor devices and circuits
Diodes, thyristors, transistors and opto-couplers. Diodes
in circuit. The transistor as a switch. Typical switching
circuits. Transistor amplifiers. Power amplifers –
classes, topology and use.
Semiconductor device and heat sink selection criteria.
Laboratory work Various
• Op-amp circuits
The operational amplifier. Basic op-amp building blocks
– the summer, integrator and differentiator. Op-amp
performance characteristics and device selection.
• Filters
Filter types – low pass, high pass, band pass. Passive
(RC and LC) realisation. Use of filters.
• Digital Electronics
Combinational logic, Boolean expressions and truth
tables, Minimisation using Karnaugh maps. Flip-flops
and latches. The 74 series family - gates, flip-flops,
adders, counters and timers. A/D and D/A converters –
technologies and performance comparisons.
• Power supplies
Fixed low voltage power supply, half wave & full wave
rectification, smoothing capacitor. 78xx and 79xx voltage
regulators. DC/DC converters.
Assessment 80% written examination 20% practical assessment
Text books and resources
-6-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
This unit is offered to the Faculty of ICT
Unit Name ESE1281 – Electronics
Credits 5
Lectures hours 28 hours lectures
Laboratory/tutorial hours 14 hours
Lecturer Marc Anthony Azzopardi
Prerequisites and exclusions PCE1005 – Electric Circuit Theory
Leads to CCE2011 – Microcontrollers
Objectives The objective of this module is to introduce basic concepts in
electronics. In conjunction with a subsequent module in
Microcontrollers (CCE2011) this will provide the baseline
skills and an exposure to the concepts which will enable the
analysis and design of simple interfacing circuits to
microprocessors and other digital systems.
Syllabus • The Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) – junctions,
operation mode- the BJT as a switch
• MOS and CMOS – operation mode as a switch.
• The op-amp as an ideal amplifier – use for amplification,
level shifting, buffering, and filtering. Use for adding,
subtracting, multiplying and dividing.
• Simple ideas on frequency response and cut off.
• A/D and D/A converters, types and operation, issues of
stability, sensitivity, accuracy
• Sample and hold circuits
• Power Supplies – zener diode, simple ideas of linear
power supply regulation; Comparison with switched
mode power supplies and efficiency
• The 555 device as a timer, and multi-vibrator
Laboratory work 4 Lab Sessions
- Diodes and Rectification
- Op-Amp Circuits
- Operation of A/D Converters
- 555 Timer Astables
Assessment 80% written examination, 20% practical assessment
Text books and resources Electronic Devices 8/E (Conventional Current) Thomas Floyd
ISBN-13: 978 0132 4297 33
-7-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
This unit is offered to the Faculty of ICT
Unit Name ESE1282 – Electronics
Credits 6
Lectures hours 28 hours lectures
Laboratory/tutorial hours 20 hours
Lecturer Marc Anthony Azzopardi
Prerequisites and exclusions PCE1005 – Electric Circuit Theory
Leads to CCE2011 – Microcontrollers
Objectives The objective of this module is to introduce basic concepts in
electronics. In conjunction with a subsequent module in
Microcontrollers (CCE2011) this will provide the baseline
skills and an exposure to the concepts which will enable the
analysis and design of simple interfacing circuits to
microprocessors and other digital systems.
Syllabus • The Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) – junctions,
operation mode- the BJT as a switch
• MOS and CMOS – operation mode as a switch.
• The op-amp as an ideal amplifier – use for amplification,
level shifting, buffering, and filtering. Use for adding,
subtracting, multiplying and dividing.
• Simple ideas on frequency response and cut off.
• A/D and D/A converters, types and operation, issues of
stability, sensitivity, accuracy
• Sample and hold circuits
• Power Supplies – zener diode, simple ideas of linear
power supply regulation; Comparison with switched
mode power supplies and efficiency
• The 555 device as a timer, and multi-vibrator
• Electronic Circuit Simulation
Laboratory work 5 Lab Sessions:
- Diodes and Rectification
- Op-Amp Circuits
- Operation of A/D Converters
- 555 Timer Astables
- Electronic Simulation
Assessment 80% written examination,
20% practical assessment
Text books and resources Electronic Devices 8/E (Conventional Current) Thomas Floyd
ISBN-13: 978 0132 4297 33
-8-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Level 2 units
-9-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE2101 – Analogue Electronics II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE1202 – Digital Electronics I
Leads to ESE2201 – Analogue Electronics III
Objectives This module introduces the concepts of frequency response
and feedback concepts in electronic circuit design. The opamp
is also introduced.
Syllabus • Frequency response:
Frequency response of the BJT, FET and MOSFET
devices. Frequency response of transistor amplifier
circuits – single and cascaded configurations.
Performance analysis and design.
• Feedback:
Feedback in transistor circuits. Use of classical control
theory for the analysis of the different types of amplifier.
Performance and the effects of non-ideal characterisitcs.
• The transistor differential amplifier:
Amplifier topology, transfer function and performance
considerations.
• The operational amplifier:
The op-amp concept. Implementation technologies,
design, construction and manufacture. Ideal and practical
op-amp characteristics.
• Op-amp circuits:
The op-amp in circuit with negative feedback. Adder,
subtractor, integrator and differentiator circuits. Positive
feedback and the Schmitt trigger.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
various transistor amplifer and op-amp circuits.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall.
Horrowitz, P. And Hill, W., The Art of Electronics.
Cambridge University Press.
-10-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE2102 – Digital Electronics II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE1202 – Digital Electronics I
Leads to --
Objectives This module builds on ESE1202 to address the broader
aspects of digital electronics .
Syllabus • MSI and LSI digital circuits and their use:
Counters, timers, registers, shift registers, half and full
adders, multivibrators, etc.
• Design of digital oscillators:
Various topologies using standard integrated circuits.
Crystal oscillators.
• Memories:
Technologies, types and interfacing considerations.
• Logic arrays:
PALs, GALs, PLDs, CPLDs, PLAs and FPGAs. Device
selection. Combinational and sequential circuit design
using logic arrays. Timing considerations. Setup and
hold times. Timing diagrams. CPLD design and design
tools using schematic entry.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
various digital circuits. Programming and use of CPLDs.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Digital Fundamentals. Prentice Hall.
-11-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE2201 – Analogue Electronics III
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2101 – Analogue Electronics II
Leads to ESE3101 – Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement
Objectives This module covers the design of sinusoidal oscillators and
active filters and addresses the frequency response of op-amp
and op-amp circuits.
Syllabus • Resonance and Sinusoidal oscillation:
Resonance and resonant tanks using passive components.
Feedback and stability using control theory. Oscillation.
The Barkhaussen criterion. Use of negative resistance.
• Sinusoidal oscillators:
Different topologies. Modelling the crystal. Crystal and
crystal oscillator circuit design and performance.
• Active filters:
Design and analysis of active filter circuits. Different
topologies. Performance and stability considerations and
comparison.
• Op-amp frequency response:
Op-amp frequency response and modelling. Performance
limitation considerations and compensation. Op-amp
circuit stability.
• Current feedback op-amps:
Performance and comparison with voltage feedback opamps.
Current feedback circuits – inverting and noninverting
amplifiers. Stability.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of
oscillators, filters and op-amp circuits.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment.
Text books and resources Floyd, T. , Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall.
Horrowitz, P. And Hill, W., The Art of Electronics.
Cambridge University Press.
-12-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE2202 – Digital Processors and Interfacing I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 14 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 22 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE1201 – Analogue Electronics I and
CCE 2012 – Introduction to Computer Architecture
Leads to ESE3102 – Digital Processors and Interfacing II and
ESE3103 – Advanced Digital Design
Objectives This module introduces the digital processor and interfacing
concepts by focussing on simple interfacing applications
using a standard microcontroller.
Syllabus • Microcontroller familiarisation:
Internal architecture, functionality and performance.
Initialisation and introduction to device programming.
• Hardware interfacing and design of microcontroller
circuits:
Interfacing to digital circuits – counters, timers, buffers,
LCD and LED displays, etc. Simple motor control.
• Software development for applications:
Programming of applications developed in this module.
Laboratory work • Design, simulation, physical contruction and analyis of a
processor application.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% practical assessment
Text books and resources TBA
-13-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE2203 – Electromagnetic Theory
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions none
Leads to ESE3104 - RF Electronics and ESE3105 – Radio
Electronic Systems
Objectives This module introduces electromagnetic theory and covers
basic antennas and waveguides.
Syllabus • Electrostatics:
Coulomb’s law, superposition, flux, Gauss’s law,
potential, electric field equipotentials, electric dipole,
conductors in electric fields, capacitance, dielectrics,
energy in electric fields.
• Magnetostatics:
Magnitic field, Lorenz force, flux, force on a conductor in
a magnetic field.
• Magnetic fields:
Biot-Savart law and its application to a dipole and a long,
straight wire. Ampere’s law.
• Time-varying fields:
Faraday’s and Lentz’s laws, self and mutual inductance,
energy in magnetic fields, Maxwell’s displacement
current, Maxwell’s electromagnetic field equations.
• Antennae:
The isotrope, herzian dipole, quater wave dipole,
monopole, loop antenna, YAGI and phased array. Dish
antennae.
• Waveguides:
Rectangular waveguides. Transmission modes.
Laboratory work • Demonstration of the properties of different antennae.
• Simulation and visualisation of antennae radiation
patterns using Matlab.
Assessment 100% written examination
Text books and resources Grant, I.S. and Philips, W.R., Electromagnetism, John Wiley
and Sons.
-14-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Level 3 units
-15-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE3101 – Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 16 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2201 – Analogue Electronics III
Leads to --
Objectives This module introduces the fundamentals of electronic
instrumentation and measurement, covering sensors,
instrumentation building blocks and linear regulators. The
module also introduces Labview.
Syllabus • Sensors and transducers:
Sensing properties and characteristics of various types of
sensors – pressure, temperature, humidity, displacement,
linear and angular velocity, acceleration, force magnetic
field, etc.
• The instrumentation amplifier:
Different topologies – transfer functions and performance
comparisons.
• Signal conditioning:
Application of op-amp building blocks for the synthesis of
measurement circuitry.
• Linear regulators:
Shunt and series types. Different topologies. Circuit
performance and comparison.
• Introduction to Labview.
Laboratory work • Design and evaluation of electronic measurement circuits.
Labview classes.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment.
Text books and resources Horrowitz, P. And Hill, W., The Art of Electronics.
Cambridge University Press.
Northon, H., Handbook of Transducers, Prentice Hall.
-16-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE3102 – Digital Processors and Interfacing II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 14 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 24 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2202 – Digital Processors and Interfacing I
Leads to --
Objectives This module builds on ESE2103 to cover ADC and DAC
technologies and interfacing with digital processors.
Syllabus • Analogue-to-digital converters:
Types and technologies. ADC performance,
characteristics and comparison.
• Digital-to-analogue converters:
Types and technologies. DAC performance,
characteristics and comparison.
• Peripheral interfacing:
Interfacing ADCs and DACs to digital processors and
application.
• Advanced processor applications:
Interrupt handling, real-time applications, etc.
Programming in C.
Laboratory work • Construction and programming of a digital processor
board with peripheral application.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% practical assessment
Text books and resources TBA.
-17-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE3103 – Advanced Digital Design
Credits 10
Lectures/tutorial hours 28 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 48 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2202 – Digital Processors and Interfacing I
Leads to --
Objectives This module builds on ESE2103 to teach students how to use
FPGAs in digital electronic system design.
Syllabus • Introduction to FPGAs:
Classification of PLDs. FPGA manufacturing
technologies. FPGA Architecture – routing and cell
architectures. Dedicated blocks – description and use.
I/O technologies – description and use.
• FPGA selection:
Performance considerations – power and clock speed
constraints.
• FPGA application design:
Introduction to CAD tools for FPGA design flow,
schematic entry, floor planning and timing.
Interfacing FPGAs with external devices. Design and
construction of an application.
Laboratory work • Construction and programming of an FPGA board with
peripheral application.
Assessment 50% written examination, 50% practical assessment
Text books and resources TBA.
-18-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE3104 – RF Electronics
Credits 10
Lectures/tutorial hours 40 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 30 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2203 – Electromagnetic Theory
Leads to --
Objectives This module introduces the fundamentals of RF electronics,
covering devices, basic building blocks and microstrip circuit
design.
Syllabus • RF circuit theory:
Transmission line theory and the smith chart. Power
transfer and impedance matching.
• RF and microwave devices:
Diodes and transistors. Physical and electrical
charactersitics and performance. Manufacturing
processes. Device modelling, including use of S
parameters. Noise modelling.
• RF basic building blocks:
Low noise amplifers, power amplifiers, fliters and
oscillators. Performance requirements and
implementation.
• Microstrip circuit design:
Theory of the microstrip circuit. Implementation of L and
C components. Microstrip implementation of amplifiers,
filters and oscillators.
Laboratory work • Use of RF devices. Construction and performance
analysis of RF building blocks.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources Ludwig, R. And Bretchko, P., RF Circuit Design. Pearson
Education.
-19-

Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Unit Name ESE3105 – Radio Electronic Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 24 hours lectures, 4 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 12 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions ESE2203 – Electromagnetic Theory
Leads to --
Objectives This module introduces the fundamentals of radio electronic
systems.
Syllabus • The Phase locked loop:
The PLL concept, design and performance considerations.
PLL circuits.
• The Synthesiser:
The basic concept of frequency synthesis.
Implementation using the PLL.
• Transmitters and receivers:
AM, FM and PM transmitters and receivers.
Architectures, topologies and performance considerations.
Performance comparison.
Laboratory work • Construction and performance analysis of transmitters and
receivers.
Assessment 75% written examination, 25% practical assessment
Text books and resources TBA.
-20-

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Study-units offered by the
Department of Systems and Control
Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Malta
- 1 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Level 1 units
- 2 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE1101 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems and Signals I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Ms. A. Bartolo
Prerequisites and exclusions
Leads to SCE1202 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems and Signals II
Objectives To develop the ability for representing, modeling and
analyzing continuous-time systems and signals using linear
systems theory. To introduce the practical use of MATLAB
for signal analysis and simulation of dynamic systems.
Syllabus • Introduction to signals and dynamic systems:
Definitions, classification, signal representation,
fundamental signal functions, system models in time
domain, zero-input and zero-state system response,
impulse response, convolution.
• The Laplace Transform:
Definition and motivation, properties, inverse Laplace
Transform, use for solving differential equations.
• Transfer function representation of linear systems:
Definition of transfer function, relation with impulse
response, block diagrams, system order, poles and zeros.
• Transfer function models of dynamic systems:
Deriving system models - electrical, mechanical,
electromechanical, thermal and fluid – and obtaining the
time domain response in transient and steady-state.
Laboratory work • System modeling and time-domain responses.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Edward W. Kamen, Bonnie S. Heck, “Fundamentals of
Signals and Systems Using the Web and Matlab”, 3 rd Edition,
2006.
- 3 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE1202 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems & Signals II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer Ms. T. Cassar
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE1101 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems
and Signals I
Leads to SCE2111 – Automatic Control Systems I and
SCE2102 – Discrete-time Dynamic Systems and Signals I
Objectives To develop further the ability for representing, modeling and
analyzing continuous-time systems and signals using linear
systems theory in the time and frequency domains. To
introduce the practical use of MATLAB for signal analysis
and simulation of dynamic systems.
Syllabus • Analysis of dynamic systems in the time domain:
Time domain analysis, transient and steady-state response,
significance of poles and zeros on transient response,
stability concept, 1 st and 2 nd order system responses,
damping ratio, over/under/critical damping.
• Frequency domain analysis of signals:
Definitions, the Fourier Series representation of periodic
signals and its properties, the Fourier Transform and its
properties.
• Analysis of systems in the frequency domain:
The frequency response of a system, the Frequency
Response Function, graphical representation of frequency
response using polar and Bode diagrams, asymptotic
approximation of Bode diagrams.
Laboratory work • Fourier analysis of signals.
• System frequency response.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Edward W. Kamen, Bonnie S. Heck, “Fundamentals of
Signals and Systems Using the Web and Matlab”, 3 rd Edition,
2006.
- 4 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Level 2 units
- 5 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE2102 - Discrete-time Dynamic Systems and Signals I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE1202 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems
and Signals II
Leads to SCE3105 - Discrete-time Dynamic Systems and Signals II
and SCE3113 – Digital Control Systems
Objectives To develop the ability for representing, modeling and
analyzing discrete-time systems and signals using linear
systems theory.
Syllabus • Introduction to discrete-time signals and systems:
Definitions; concept of sampling, quantization and
coding; elementary discrete-time signals; discrete-time
signal and system representations; concept of digital
filtering.
• Sampling:
Signal sampling and reconstruction; aliasing, Nyquist
Theorem; zero-order hold sampling.
• Frequency Domain Analysis of discrete-time signals:
Discrete-time Fourier Transform of signals and its
properties; spectral content of discrete-time signals;
Digital Fourier Transform and overview of its
implementation efficiency.
• The z-Transform:
Definition, motivation and properties; relation to Digital
Fourier Transform; Region of Convergence; inverse z-
Transforms; z-transform analysis of linear-time invariant
systems.
• Transfer function representation of linear systems:
Definition of transfer function, relation with impulse
response, block diagrams, system order, poles and zeros.
Laboratory work • Signal sampling and reconstruction
• Spectral analysis of discrete-time signals
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Edward W. Kamen, Bonnie S Heck, “Fundamentals of
Signals and Systems Using the Web and Matlab”, 3 rd
Edition, 2006.
- 6 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE2111 – Automatic Control Systems I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE1202 - Continuous-time Dynamic Systems
and Signals II.
Exclusions: SCE2210 - Introduction to Control Systems
Leads to SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of automatic control
systems covering theory of modelling and analysis of linear
time-invariant feedback control systems.
Syllabus • Introduction to Control Systems Engineering
Examples of practical automatic control systems.
Concepts of open loop and closed loop control, negative
feedback, stability, response, accuracy.
• Closed Loop System Modelling
Open and closed loop transfer functions, the closed loop
characteristic equation, unity feedback equivalent
models, block diagram algebra, Signal-flow graphs.
• Linear Control System Characteristics in Time
Domain
The servomechanism as a practical control system:
Speed control, position control, derivative feedback.
Closed-loop system performance: Transient response
specifications. Steady state response: system types,
steady state errors, error constants. Basic introduction to
concepts of PD and PI control for improving transient
and steady state performance. Sensitivity functions and
disturbance rejection.
• State Variable Models of Dynamic Systems
State variables, state space models and derivation of state
space equations, solution of state space equations, the
state transition matrix, significance of state matrix
eigenvalues.
Laboratory work • System Modelling using Matlab
• D.C. Servomechanisms
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Ogata K., Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall.
- 7 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
This unit is offered only to the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Streams:
Unit Name
SCE2210 - Introduction to Control Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II
Objectives This unit introduces the basic concepts of automatic control
systems covering theory on modelling and analysis of linear
time-invariant feedback control systems.
Syllabus • Introduction to Control Systems Engineering
Open and closed loop systems, examples of practical
automatic control systems, concept of system order,
stability, response and accuracy.
• The Laplace Transform
The Laplace Transform, the inverse Laplace Transform,
properties of the Laplace Transform, use for solving
differential equations.
• Linear Systems Modelling
The transfer function approach to modelling: poles and
zeroes, relation between time and s-domain, block diagram
representation of systems, open and closed-loop
relationships, unity feedback systems.
Modelling of linear system elements: electrical, mechanical,
electro-mechanical, thermal, fluid, electro-mechanical
analogy.
The state variable approach to modeling: state space models
and derivation of state space equations.
• Linear Control Systems Analysis
Time domain response of 1st and 2nd order systems:
System response dependence on poles, damping,
natural/damped frequency of oscillations, response to a step
input.
The servomechanism as a practical control system:
Position control, speed control, derivative feedback and
introduction to concepts of integral and PID control.
Closed-loop system performance: System types, steady
state errors, error constants, time domain specifications.
Laboratory work • System Modelling using Matlab
• D.C. Servomechanisms
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Ogata K., Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall.
- 8 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 9 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2111 – Automatic Control Systems I or
SCE2210 - Introduction to Control Systems
Leads to SCE3111 - Control System Design or SCE3110 - Feedback
Control Systems.
SCE3112 - Control Systems Technology and Automation
and SCE3113 – Digital Control Systems
Objectives This unit presents a further treatment of linear time-invariant
feedback control systems, with particular emphasis on
stability analysis using the root-locus and frequency response
methodologies. Destabilizing effects of time delays are also
considered and computer-aided control system design tools
are introduced.
Syllabus • Stability of Closed Loop Systems
Definition of stability, the characteristic equation and link
between CLTF poles and stability. The Routh stability
criterion, Root-locus techniques.
• Frequency Domain Analysis of Stability
The Nyquist Stability Criterion, the Nyquist Plot, Phase
and Gain Margins, degree of stablity
• Linear Control System Characteristics in the
Frequency Domain
Relation between closed loop and open loop frequency
response with time domain, Nichols Plots, System
identification from Bode Plots, Effects of time delays.
• Computer-aided Control System Design and Simulation
Computer simulation of dynamic systems, computer-aided
control system design (CACSD), use of MATLAB and
SIMULINK for CACSD.
Laboratory work • Stability Analysis using Matlab (I)
• Stability Analysis using Matlab (II)
• System Identification Using Bode Plots
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Ogata K., Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall.
- 9 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Level 3 units
- 10 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3105 - Discrete-time Dynamic Systems and Signals II
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2102 - Discrete-time Dynamic Systems
and Signals I
Leads to
Objectives To develop further the ability for representing, modeling and
analyzing discrete-time systems and signals using linear
systems theory in the time and frequency domains.
Syllabus • Discrete-time system representation:
Discrete convolution; difference equations and discretetime
Fourier Transform transfer functions; system block
structures; properties of discrete-time systems, system
representations and relationship between representations.
• Frequency domain analysis and design of discrete-time
systems:
Classification of frequency response functions; causality;
FIR filter design; IIR filter design.
• Power spectral estimation:
Issues in estimating spectra from finite-duration
observations.
Laboratory work • Discrete-time system modelling
• Digital filter design
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • Edward W. Kamen, Bonnie S Heck, “Fundamentals of
Signals and Systems Using the Web and Matlab”, 3 rd
Edition, 2006.
- 11 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3106 - Computational Intelligence I
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 20 hours lectures, 8 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to
Objectives To introduce the concepts and relevant algorithms for
intelligent systems and develop the ability to select
appropriate methods and computational techniques.
Syllabus • Scope and methods for computational intelligence:
Concept of intelligence; overview of intelligent systems
and typical application domains; overview of generic
methods for computational intelligence.
• Statistical Pattern Recognition:
Feature extraction and feature selection: source and
importance of discriminant features; overview of methods
for feature extraction: principal components analysis;
curse of dimensionality and methods of feature selection:
sub-optimal sequential methods, dendrogram; parametric
and non-parametric classifiers.
• Artificial Neural Networks:
Neural architecture; model of a neuron; geometrical
interpretations; neuron learning; multi-layer perceptrons,
supervised training algorithms, designing multi-layer
perceptrons; self-organising maps; radial basis function
networks; performance issues.
• Evolutionary Computation:
Problem representation; design of fitness function; initial
population; evolutionary selection and reproduction
methods; genetic algorithms: crossover, mutation.
• Fuzzy Systems:
Fuzzy sets; fuzzy logic; rough sets; fuzzy system
implementation; overview of application to fuzzy pattern
recognition and to fuzzy controllers.
Laboratory work
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • A. Engelbrecht, Computational Intelligence: An
Introduction, Wiley&Sons, 2007.
• R. C. Eberhart, Y. Shi, Computational Intellgence:
Concepts to Implementations, Morgan Kaufmann, 2007.
- 12 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
This unit is offered only to the Electronic Systems and Electrical streams
Unit Name SCE3110 - Feedback Control Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II.
Exclusions: SCE3111 - Control System Design and SCE3113
– Digital Control Systems
Leads to
Objectives This unit introduces the basic approaches for designing linear
feedback control systems in continuous and discrete-time
domains.
Syllabus • Continuous-time Control Systems:
Laboratory work
Introduction to System Compensation: Need for
dynamic compensation, passive compensation
networks: lag, lead and lag-lead circuits.
Root-locus compensation design: Transient
characteristics from root-locus diagrams. 2nd order
dominant systems. Lag and lead compensator design
based on time domain specs.
• Digital Control Systems:
Introduction: Discrete-time systems, the Sampling
Theorem, aliasing, interpolation and signal
reconstruction.
Analysis of discrete-time systems: The z-transform,
modeling of discrete-time systems, discrete-time
transfer functions, difference equations, stability,
transient response.
Digital controller design by emulation: Selection of
sampling rate, design by emulation.
• Series compensation.
• Dynamics of discrete-time systems.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical.
Text books and resources • Ogata. K., Modern Control Engineering.
• Franklin G.F. et al., Digital Control of Dynamic Systems.
- 13 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3111 - Control Systems Design
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II.
Exclusions: SCE3110 - Feedback Control Systems.
Leads to
Objectives This unit covers the classical tools for designing linear
feedback control systems by dynamic compensation networks
and PID controllers using frequency response and root-locus
methodologies.
Syllabus • Linear Control System Design
Introduction to System Compensation: Need for dynamic
compensation, passive compensation networks: lag, lead
and lag-lead circuits.
Frequency domain compensation design: Transient
characteristics from open and closed loop frequency
response plots. Lag and lead compensator design based
on open and closed loop frequency response
specifications.
Root-locus compensation design: Transient
characteristics from root-locus diagrams. 2nd order
dominant systems. Lag and lead compensator design
based on time domain specs.
PID compensation design: The PID controller. Ziegler-
Nichols tuning methods, root-locus tuning methods.
Laboratory work • Dynamics of closed-loop systems
• Series compensation
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical.
Text books and resources Ogata. K., Modern Control Engineering.
- 14 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3112 - Control Systems Technology and Automation
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 9 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II
Leads to
Objectives This unit covers control system components and
implementation techniques that are used in the practice of
modern automation and control engineering. These include
industrial automation technology, sensors and actuators.
Syllabus • Introduction:
Regulatory, sequence and supervisory control.
Laboratory work
• Regulatory (process) Control:
On-off control, PID control, auto-tuning PID control.
• Sequence (logic) Control:
Sequential logic control: relay logic, safety issues,
hard-wired logic control.
Programmable Logic Control (PLC): features,
programming languages, the IEC61131-3
programming standard, ladder programming,
Sequential Function Chart. Fieldbus technologies,
SCADA, HMI.
• Automation components:
Relays, valves, sensors, pneumatic/hydraulic
cylinders, actuators, electric motors, industrial
component interface standards.
• Introduction to Robotics:
Use of robots, geometrical arrangements, drive
systems, components, kinematics, dynamics, control.
• Use of PLCs for sequence control of physical
systems.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Parr E.A., Programmable Controllers: An engineers guide.
Bateson R. M., Introduction to Control System Technology.
- 15 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3113 - Digital Control Systems
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions Prerequisites: SCE2213 – Automatic Control Systems II and
SCE2102 – Discrete-time Dynamic Systems and Signals I.
Exclusions: SCE3110 - Feedback Control Systems.
Leads to
Objectives This unit covers analysis and design techniques for
controlling dynamic systems by digital computer technology.
Syllabus
• Introduction to digital control systems:
Computer control, digital control technology, practical
examples.
• Modeling and analysis of discrete-time systems:
Discrete-time transfer functions, zero-order hold, block
diagram algebra, closed loop transfer functions in the zdomain,
state variable models, stability, transient
response.
• Digital controller design:
Selection of sampling rate, deadbeat control, digital poleplacement
design techniques, root-locus design, digital
PID algorithm, design by emulation.
Laboratory work • Dynamics of discrete-time systems.
• Digital control system design.
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources Franklin G.F. et al., Digital Control of Dynamic Systems.
- 16 -

Department of Systems and Control Engineering
Unit Name SCE3114 - Systems Engineering
Credits 5
Lectures/tutorial hours 22 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials
Laboratory hours 6 hours
Lecturer TBA
Prerequisites and exclusions None
Leads to
Objectives To develop concepts, tools and skills required for the
engineering of systems under constraints of complexity,
efficiency, reliability, safety and effectiveness.
Syllabus • Motivation and systems methodologies.
• Systems engineering processes and life cycles.
• Systems modelling.
• Systems engineering management.
• Quality assurance and management.
• Testing and validation.
• Cost and operational analysis.
• Legislation and quality standards.
Laboratory work • Case studies of Systems Engineering methodologies
Assessment 90% written examination, 10% practical
Text books and resources • A.P. Sage, J.E. Armstrong, Introduction to Systems
Engineering, Wiley.
- 17 -