Leaving Cert engineering: A topical paper focused on sustainability

Engineering students sat an “interesting and topical paper” that had a particular focus on sustainability, teachers have said.

Donal Cremin, ASTI subject representative and a teacher at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, said many of the questions challenged student awareness of their surroundings and the world they live in.

“There were a variety of engineering principles and procedures [covered in questions that addressed] renewable energy, electric scooters, cycling helmets, mobile phone covers and screens, with the iconic Ha’penny Bridge also featuring in a very modern paper,” Mr Cremin said.

Michael Martin, TUI subject representative and a teacher at Castleblayney College in Monaghan, pointed out that higher level students have already completed 50 per cent of their assessment through a practical exam and a project, each of which was worth 25 per cent.

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“Student this year had to answer five out of nine questions, which is one less than in previous years,” Mr Martin said.

“A question on the health benefits of C02 monitors in the classroom was very current because of Covid, and featured a technology that they would be familiar with.

Mr Cremin said that a full question on artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing was current and topical.

“It is an area that many of these students may end up studying and working in.

“The traditional areas such as materials testing, stress-strain diagrams, welding principles and techniques, machining, heat treatment and equilibrium diagrams also featured and students and teachers would have been happy to see these questions.”

Mr Martin said that ordinary level paper was fair and balanced, providing plenty of choice. In particular, he said, question seven made good use of diagrams and measurements.

Mr Cremin agreed, and said that the paper was set in a modern context and made good use of graphics.

Try this one at home:

-Leaving Cert engineering, higher level

(a) Industry 4.0 (4th industrial revolution) is a fusion of leading-edge production techniques and smart systems that integrate with organisations and people. An essential element of industry 4.0 is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Manufacturing.

(i) Describe the term Artificial Intelligence (AI).

(ii) Explain the basic difference between machine learning and deep learning.

(b) Artificial Intelligence can be broadly categorised in two forms. Describe the difference between: • Artificial Narrow Intelligence (weak AI) and, • Artificial General Intelligence (strong AI).

(c) Explain any two of the following terms in relation to artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing: (i) Reactive machines; (ii) Limited memory; (iii) Theory of mind; (iv) Self-awareness.