Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Engineering.
This Second Year Junior Cycle Engineering programme explores the principles, processes, and societal impacts of engineering. Students will investigate how historical engineering achievements have shaped modern society while developing an understanding of ethics, sustainability, and human-centred design.
01The Evolution of Engineering and Materials
An exploration of historical engineering milestones and the socio-economic impacts of material extraction and innovation.
Students explore key historical engineering achievements and their transformative effects on human societies.
An investigation into how the mining and processing of engineering materials affect local communities and global economies.
Examining the development of smart materials and predicting their future impact on healthcare, infrastructure, and daily life.
02Design Application and Human Needs
Focusing on how engineering design can address human needs, promote inclusivity, and ensure environmental sustainability.
Students analyse how engineering design can either exclude or empower individuals with diverse needs in society.
Exploring the role of the engineer in creating sustainable solutions that benefit local communities and reduce environmental harm.
A critical look at planned obsolescence, the right to repair, and the social responsibility of engineers in product design.
03Mechatronics and the Modern World
Tracing the history of mechanisation and evaluating the social implications of modern robotics and automation.
Tracing the history of mechanisation from the Industrial Revolution to modern automated systems and their impact on the workforce.
Investigating the integration of robotics into daily life, focusing on social integration, privacy, and human-robot interaction.
Applying basic programming and control systems to design mechatronic solutions for specific social or environmental problems.
04Engineering Processes and Safe Practice
Understanding the evolution of manufacturing processes, the importance of workers' rights, and the societal need for quality control.
A historical overview of how manufacturing processes have evolved from bespoke craftsmanship to mass production.
Examining the evolution of health and safety legislation in engineering environments and its impact on workers' rights.
Understanding the societal importance of precision and quality control in engineering, from aerospace to medical devices.
Exploring the social dynamics of teamwork and collaboration in modern engineering assembly and production lines.