Exploring Electro-Mechanical Engineering at CBU: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Electromechanical engineering is a hybrid engineering discipline that refers to the analysis, design, manufacture and maintenance of equipment and products based on combination of electrical/electronic circuits and mechanical systems. The Copperbelt University is the only learning institution in Zambia that is currently offering a field of study that combines electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.In this blog, we will delve into the details of electromechanical engineering at CBU, including the program structure, career prospects, and why CBU is an excellent choice for aspiring electromechanical engineers.
Electromechanical Engineering Program at CBU
The Copperbelt University offers a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electro-Mechanical program that spans over four years. This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both mechanical,electrical and electronic engineering, preparing them for a wide range of careers in various industries.
Key Program Features:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The electromechanical engineering program at CBU combines coursework from mechanical engineering, electronics, and electrical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach helps students develop a holistic understanding of electromechanical systems.
- Hands-On Learning: Students gain practical experience through hands-on projects, lab work, and design projects. These experiences enable them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
- Experienced Faculty: CBU's electromechanical program is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They provide guidance and mentorship to students, ensuring they receive a high-quality education.
- Small Class Sizes: With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.
- Co-op Opportunities: CBU partners with local industries to provide co-op and internship opportunities. These experiences allow students to gain valuable work experience and establish professional connections.
Academic requirements
Minimum requirements for students aiming to major in Electromechanical engineering are as follows:
- A full academic year in Bachelor of Science (non quota)
- A clear pass in first year and meeting of minimum requirements for Bachelor of Engineering (non quota).
Career Prospects in Electromechanical Engineering
Electro-Mechanical engineering graduates are in high demand due to their unique skill set.Electromechanical graduates have an advantage of following a career path in both electrical and mechanical engineering. Students are equipped with the right training and information from both engineering disciplines in order for them to excell in their careers. The following are industries that are always in need of electromechanical engineers. They can work in a variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing industries: Electromechanical engineers are required to study material science which is the primary requirement for any manufacturing process. More courses such as Manufacturing technology and Mechanics of materials support them to play a role under the manufacturing industry
- Robotics: Electromechanical engineers work on the design and controls of robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, and even space exploration.
- Automotive: The automotive industry relies on mechatronics engineers for designing advanced driver-assistance systems, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles.
- Energy Industry: ZESCO, Copperbelt Energy Corporation, Energy Regulations Board and other energy providing entities are always open to hire electromechanical engineers. They have the right skills to operate under under the electrical energy generation with the help of courses such as Electrical machines and Turbo Machinery. Additionally, electrical energy systems and power systems analysis enable them to play a role at every stage of the power grid.
- Healthcare: Medical devices, such as prosthetic limbs and automated diagnostic equipment, often involve mechatronics engineering.
- Research and Development: Mechatronics engineers are in demand in research institutions and laboratories, pushing the boundaries of technology.
- Construction industries: analysis of metal strength which is vital for sophisticated structures.
- Auto-mobility industry: The help of courses such as Electrical machines, electrical drives, manufacturing technology, statics and dynamics,fluid power systems and machine design enables electromechanical engineers to design and manufacture vehicles.
- .Water utility industries and many more
Why Choose CBU for Electro-Mechanical Engineering?
- Strong Industry Connections: CBU maintains strong relationships with local industries, providing students with co-op and internship opportunities that enhance their employability.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: CBU invests in modern laboratories and equipment, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge technology.
- Community Engagement: CBU encourages students to get involved in community projects and competitions, further enriching their educational experience.
- Supportive Environment: The small class sizes and approachable faculty at CBU create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Beautiful Location: Located in Kitwe Riverside, CBU offers students a picturesque campus with opportunities for outdoor activities and a high quality of life.
Featured Projects
The projects give you a hands on experience below are some of the projects that are done by mechatronics engineers
Robotic arm
Robotic arm which is a sophiscated but yet feasible project for Electromechanical Engineering students that are passionate about industrial automation and control. Students design the control system ,path planning and programming the system
Electric bikes
This project aims at reducing the running costs of bikes by using a cheaper and cleaner source of energy. e-bikes popularity is increasing world. The all the challenges involve in this project are solved using the principals that are in the course Electromechanical Engineering students learn. The design of power trains, dc motor drives and controllers and Battey park design.
Bottle Cooler
Cooling system projects which aims at investigating efficient technologies in achieving a reliable cooling system. This year, a group of Electromechanical Engineering students worked on thermoelectric cooling to demonstrate how refrigeration systems can be implemented without the need of connecting the system to the main national grid's power. The cooling system did not involve the use of refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons which have greenhouse effects and a fractional impact on the environment.
Courses in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
Students are required to undergo Bachelor of Engineering (non quota) in their second year of study
Second year course
i. Engineering Mathematics I (MA 210) - this focuses on advanced differential calculus and integral calculus..
ii. Principles of Electrical and Electronics (EE220) - Analysis of direct current circuits, single phase alternating current circuits and magnetic circuits. Additionally, the course extends to the study, analysis and design of electronic circuits.
iii. Engineering measurement systems and instrumentation (EG 232) - This is a course that introduces students to engineering measurement systems and the study of instruments used to the analysis of Electrical and mechanical systems.
v. Statics and Dynamics (EG 231) - Statics refers to the study of bodies at rest. This includes the analysis of structures such as trusses, beams etc. On the other hand, dynamics refers to the study of bodies in motion.
vi. Material science (EG 242) - This course is important for all engineering fields. It deals with the study of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers etc. It is an essential discipline that plays a pivotal role in manufacturing engineering, construction etc.
vii. Applied computing (CS 211) - Introduction to computer programming creates a good foundation for every engineer because it enhances logical decision making. There are different programming languages adapted by engineering students.
viii. Engineering drawing (ED 240) - Principles of graphical design plays a very important role in product development. Students with good engineering design skills extend their challenges to using Computer Aided Design software such as Solidworks etc.
Third Year Courses
i. Principles of Electrical and Electronics II (EE 320) - This involves the study, analysis of three-phase electrical circuits, magnetic coupling, Frequency and time domain analysis of electrical circuits. In electronics, the study of operational amplifier circuits, transistors and other electronic components and devices.
ii. Electrical machines I (EE 321) - This is a very important course for engineering students because electrical machines are used widely. The course includes the study of magnetic circuits which are the fundamentals of all electrical machines. Additionally, it involves the study, analysis and design of Direct Current (DC) generators and motors and single phase transformers. In conclusion, the course helps engineers understand the principles of power energy from one form to another.
iii. Digital systems and microprocessors (MC 341)- Digital systems are used in the electrical engineering and computer Engineering world. It helps students understand the functionality of systems that creates communication between human beings and computers.
iv. Fluid mechanics (EM 321) - gives an introduction to fluid power systems and hydraulics which are widely used principles in real world. It involves the study of fluids at rest, fluids in motion and effects of pressure on fluid performances.
v. Thermodynamics (EM 341) - Thermodynamics is a branch of physical science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy such as mechanical, chemical, electrical etc.
vi. Mechanics of materials (EM 330) - This course involves the study, analysis and designs of solids. This includes the analysis of beams, shafts etc. This also covers the analysis of materials with different strength under different conditions.
vii. Engineering mathematics II - Advanced mathematics that includes the study of signal behavior and vector theories. Topics include Laplace transformation, Fourier series and Vector calculus.
Fourth Year Courses
i. Electrical Machines II (EE 421) - The study, analysis and design of three phase Alternating Current (AC) electrical machines. The course scope covers the basic fundamentals of three phase power, power transformers, induction machines and synchronous machines.
ii. Electrical Energy Systems (EE 460) - Electrical energy is the most versatile form of energy because of its ability to be easy converted from one form to another, ease in in transportation and it been controlled from one level to another. Electrical energy systems helps in understanding the most important principles in electrical power. It involves the study, analysis and design of electrical machinery, power system equipment, Power grid and power converters. Additionally, it educates on the power generation method.
iii. Fluid Power Systems (MC 451) - Applied fluid mechanics that involves the study and design of hydraulic circuits and equipment, for example pumps, accumulators, hydraulic cylinders etc.
iv. Design and manufacturing technology (EM 471) - Mechanical Engineering course that explains the processes and technologies involved in modern manufacturing. This course prepares students to be responsible and economically literate engineers.
v. Machine design(EM 411) - Industrial, agricultural and domestic machinery require the principles of the course to function. Priminarily, the course involves the study, analysis and design of efficient power train systems. The course outline covers the study and design of shafts, gears, belt drives and chain drives.
vi.Control Systems (MC 450) - Engineers are responsible to implement and manage control system mechanisms to critical processes. Therefore, the course is important for both electrical and mechanical engineers. The course outline covers the design and modelling of electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic and thermal systems in both their time and frequency domains. The principles of this course are further utilized in domestic and industrial automation to achieve efficient and smooth operations.
vii. Numerical Computing and Statistics (MA 411) - advanced mathematics that improves the the analytical skills of engineering students.
Third Year Courses
i. Principles of Electrical and Electronics II (EE 320) - This involves the study, analysis of three-phase electrical circuits, magnetic coupling, Frequency and time domain analysis of electrical circuits. In electronics, the study of operational amplifier circuits, transistors and other electronic components and devices.
ii. Electrical machines I (EE 321) - This is a very important course for engineering students because electrical machines are used widely. The course includes the study of magnetic circuits which are the fundamentals of all electrical machines. Additionally, it involves the study, analysis and design of Direct Current (DC) generators and motors and single phase transformers. In conclusion, the course helps engineers understand the principles of power energy from one form to another.
iii. Digital systems and microprocessors (MC 341)- Digital systems are used in the electrical engineering and computer Engineering world. It helps students understand the functionality of systems that creates communication between human beings and computers.
iv. Fluid mechanics (EM 321) - gives an introduction to fluid power systems and hydraulics which are widely used principles in real world. It involves the study of fluids at rest, fluids in motion and effects of pressure on fluid performances.
v. Thermodynamics (EM 341) - Thermodynamics is a branch of physical science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy such as mechanical, chemical, electrical etc.
vi. Mechanics of materials (EM 330) - This course involves the study, analysis and designs of solids. This includes the analysis of beams, shafts etc. This also covers the analysis of materials with different strength under different conditions.
vii. Engineering mathematics II - Advanced mathematics that includes the study of signal behavior and vector theories. Topics include Laplace transformation, Fourier series and Vector calculus.
Fifth Year Courses
i. Electrical Power Systems Analysis (EE521) - Study, Analysis and design of the electrical power grid; Power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization. This is a very important course for Electromechanical engineering students that aim to become power systems engineers.
ii. Energy conservation and utilisation (EE - 570) - Uses the law of conservation of energy and helps students to design efficient energy conversion systems. Additionally, it educates on how energy can be properly utilized and conserved.
iv. Electrical drives - Involves the study, analysis and design of systems that are used to control electrical machines. Today, electrical drives are extensively used to carryout industrial processes. Examples of these systems include Variable frequency drives, brushless dc motor drives etc.
v. Tribology - This involves the study of friction and lubrication between two contacting surfaces. Instrial processes operate under the principles of tribology in order for power trains to operate smoothly and efficiently.
vi. Electromechanical design (EM 511) - This course deals with the study of equipment that involves electrical and electronics circuits merged with mechanical systems. Electromechanical equipment includes motors, generators, electrical contactors, relays etc.
vii. Refrigeration and air conditioning - Involves the study of cooling systems. It challenges electromechanical engineers to work on refrigeration designs that has less negative impact on the environment and efficient operation.
viii. Turbo Machinery - Study of fluid energy conversation which leads to the design and analysis of turbines, pumps, fans etc.
ix. Management studies - The course enhances entrepreneurial skills in engineering students.
Renewable energy 571 - The course involves the study of energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind and solar energy.
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In Conclusion
Electro-Mechanical engineering at The Copperbelt University offers a comprehensive education in an interdisciplinary field with immense career potential. Students can expect a well-rounded education, hands-on experience, and a supportive environment. With strong industry connections and a beautiful location, CBU is an excellent choice for aspiring mechatronics engineers looking to embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career.
