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Engineering Programme Information (DN150)
Friday, 4 July, 2025
Stage 1 Engineering
This programme provides access to all the traditional Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degrees offered by UCD, after four years of study. It also allows access to a range of Master of Engineering (ME) programmes. In the latter case, graduates will be awarded both BSc (Engineering Science) or BSc (Structural Engineering with Architecture) and ME degrees, after a total of five years of study. It is also possible to leave after three years with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Engineering Science or Structural Engineering with Architecture.
Further Information
- Stage One Orientation Schedule
- Stage 1 Orientation - College Welcome Presentation (PDF)
- DN150 Stage 1 Orientation - Engineering Programme Briefing (PDF)
- Recommended Specifications for Engineering Student Laptops
- Understanding your Degree Award Calculation
Stage One
The first stage of your degree programme is mostly common, laying the mathematical, scientific and engineering foundations on which you will build your specialised knowledge later. However, you do have some flexibility in the Spring Trimester, where you can choose two modules to suit your interests and your career plans. Your first big decision comes at the end of your first Stage (year) when you will have to decide on one area of specialisation for Stages 2 and 3 of your degree programme. We will provide lots of useful information and advice during this year to help you make an informed decision.
Module Choices
In the Autumn Trimester, you will study a fixed set of six Core modules. The only decisions you have to make are to choose suitable times for your laboratory and tutorial sessions. In the Spring Trimester, you have to choose at least one of the four Option modules, and you also have to choose one Elective module. The Option modules are listed in the table below.
Elective Modules
For the Spring Trimester, you may choose one Elective module from anywhere in UCD, provided you meet any entry requirements, there is space in the modules, and the modules fit your timetable. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS (listed below) instead of an Elective module.
What if I don’t know where I am heading?
That is not a problem. All of these modules are in the Spring Trimester, so you do not have to make a decision now. We will arrange Engineering Discipline Information Sessions during the Autumn Trimester to help you choose. Just register for whichever module seems most interesting, and you can change your registration later. You are entitled to a place on any of these Option modules, so do not worry that the module that you want might be full.
Can I choose more than one Option Module?
Yes, per the above, you can use your Elective choices to choose an ADDITIONAL OPTION module if you wish. This would give you more flexibility next year.
Can I change my mind?
Yes! The Online Registration system will re-open in January 2026 to allow you to change your module registration.
Stage 1 - List of Modules in Autumn and Spring
| Module | Trimester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Core Modules |
|||
| CHEM10030 | Chemistry for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
| CHEN10040 | Intro. to Eng. Computing | Autumn | 5 |
| CVEN10040 | Creativity in Civil Engineering Design | Autumn | 5 |
| EEEN10010 | Electronic and Electrical Engineering I | Autumn | 5 |
| MATH10250 | Introduction to Calculus for Engineers | Autumn | 5 |
| PHYC10150 | Physics for Engineers I | Autumn | 5 |
| MATH10260 | Linear Algebra for Engineers | Spring | 5 |
| MEEN10030 | Mechanics for Engineers | Spring | 5 |
| MEEN10050 | Energy Engineering | Spring | 5 |
| PHYC10160 | Physics for Engineers II | Spring | 5 |
| Option Modules - Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules. Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules. The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester. |
|||
| CHEN10010 | Chemical Engineering Process Principles | Spring | 5 |
| COMP10060 | Computer Science for Engineers I | Spring | 5 |
| CVEN10060 | The Engineering and Architecture of Structures 1 | Spring | 5 |
| EEEN10050 | Introduction to Biomedical Eng | Spring | 5 |
| Elective Modules - Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: |
|||
| BSEN10010 | Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge | Spring | 5 |
| BSEN10020 | How Sustainable is My Food? | Spring | 5 |
| CVEN10050 | Challenges in Civil Engineering | Spring | 5 |
| DSCY10060 | Energy, Climate Change & Policy | Spring | 5 |
| DSCY10070 | Materials in Society | Spring | 5 |
| EEEN10020 | Robotics Design Project | Spring | 5 |
| Stage 1 Option Modules Assistance |
||
|---|---|---|
| Option Module | What will be covered? | Who should take this? |
| EEEN 10050 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering | This module will introduce students to the subject area of biomedical engineering and the basic principles of physiology, biomechanics, medical devices, tissue engineering, biomedical sensors, electrophysiology and clinical engineering. | Strongly recommended for students heading towards Biomedical Engineering. |
| CHEN 10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles | This module introduces the principles and techniques that are used in the analysis of chemical and biochemical engineering processes. | Strongly recommended for students heading towards Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering. |
| COMP 10060 Computer Science for Engineers I | This module provides students with a formal and structured introduction to computer programming using the C programming language, which underpins the Windows, Linux and MacOS operating systems, in addition to a wide range of embedded systems in everyday products. | Strongly recommended for students heading towards Mechanical, Electrical & Electronic Engineering - useful for all Engineering students. |
| CVEN 10060 Engineering and Architecture of Structures | This module provides students with a core understanding of what makes buildings and other structures stand up. Engineering and Architecture students will work together in groups to explore these issues. | Strongly recommended for students heading towards Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering with Architecture. |
Registration Assistance
If you need assistance with your registration, we can help. Here you will find our Student Connector.