Programme Specification for Digital and Embedded Systems Engineering BEng
|
Final award |
BEng(Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
CertHE, DipHE |
|
UCAS code |
G456 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
To be considered for accreditation by the IET after 3 years of outputs. |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
|
|
Date specification last up-dated |
June 2012 |
BANNER BOX:
Supported by World leading companies on the cutting edge of technology, this programme ascertains that students are exposed from the outset to the tools, technology and requirements essential for a successful and rewarding career in industry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applications to this programme will need to conform to the standard university admissions procedures. Applicants will require a minimum of 240 UCAS points, including Mathematics (C grade or better) and Physics (or equivalent scientific subject); applications from candidates with non-standard qualifications but strong mathematical, analytical and scientific abilities will be considered, subject to discussion and, where appropriate a formal interview, with the Admission Tutor.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Digital & Embedded Systems Engineering?
Digital and Embedded Systems Engineering is a specialist field which focuses on electronic design associated with digital logic circuits, microprocessors and microcontrollers, usually embedded into an application. Such embedded systems can be found all around us in Mobile phones, Wi-Fi systems, Bluetooth head-sets,GPS/SatNav devices, TVs, tablets, E-Book Readers, computers and almost every electronic system. Even in applications that are not thought of as Hi-Tec such as fridges, toys and even some toasters, contain an embedded processor to control their functionality.
Embedded systems design, is now a major part of electronic engineering and is seen as the driving force behind most future developments.
Digital & Embedded Systems Engineering at UEL
Here at UEL, we recognise that new technology is no longer defined by distinct rigid boundaries and that engineers currently required in industry as specialists in this field, must also have the ability to apply their design capability to products requiring multi-technological interfacing. Our key staff on this programme have extensive academic and industrial experience to deliver both the essential knowledge and the practical skills required for a successful career in this fascinating and popular field of electronic engineering.
This programme aims to fulfil all of the criteria required by industry by providing a solid general electronic engineering knowledge in addition to the highly specialist training scheme in Digital and Embedded Systems.
Programme structure
Due to its specialist nature, this proceeds from a September start without any optional subjects. This allows students to acquire the necessary knowledge in a methodical and structured manner.
Learning environment
Wherever possible, teaching is based on interactive lectures, tutorials and practical problem-solving classroom and laboratory sessions. The interactive nature of lectures and the problem solving tutorials aim to present learning in such a way that enables students to acquire knowledge as a result of solving a problem. Most learning sessions provide for a good dialogue between students and teacher, further allowing the students to get involved with the planning and evaluation of their instruction.
The extensive practical skills taught in our modern and fully equipped laboratories, allow students to experiment beyond the set tasks in order to discover by exploring and actively engaging in the analysis of a problem. These sessions also provide the necessary practical familiarity with laboratory bench instruments and introduce students to the intricacies of dealing with hardware design, assembly, test and cost considerations, which is essential knowledge for successful industrial placement.
Some laboratory work and assignments are based on team work, with each member acting as consultant in the team offering specific expert advice. This increases the essential communication and interpersonal skills of the students, places them in an environment which mimics industry and creates an appropriate social environment to aid learning.
Industry sponsors provide specialist lectures and equipment for projects and research as necessary in order to enhance learning and prepare students for a career in industry.
Assessment
Each module is individually assessed throughout the programme, each semester. Assessment of modules is conducted via a mix of formal examinations, practical assignments and coursework.
Some modules are 100% coursework and are laboratory assessed due to their practical nature, whilst others require formal examination.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Some summer placements may be offered subject to availability.
Project work
Although project-work is scheduled for the final year, students are encouraged to work on their topics of interest from year 2 where they are asked to design and create an electronic device as part of a group and exhibit it.
Other than projects suggested in areas of research within the school and/or with industrial organisations, students are encouraged to use their imagination and suggest a final year project in line with their interests.
Typical projects include; intelligent robot grippers, seismic sensor data acquisition circuits, six legged robots, sun-tracking solar panels, robot vision, remote sensor networks, GPS Guided robots, intelligent motor control circuits, FPGA and ASIC based Processor designs and many others.
The project occupies a year-long module in the final year of study and is a vital part of the syllabus for a successful graduation. It can be viewed as a statement to the university and to industrial organisations of the level of competence of students to practically apply their theoretical knowledge. Albeit much work, students generally enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction of seeing their own creation realised.
Added value
This programme aims to fulfil a market need for Embedded and specialist Digital/IC design Engineers. There is a large number of well paid jobs on the market with many of these being directly related to the knowledge acquired through this programme.
Several technological companies – most notably in the Cambridge Science Park and immediate area - have shown a keen interest to recruit in the field of Embedded Systems and I.C. Design
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Digital circuits,
- Microcontrollers,
- Microprocessors,
- Computer interfacing,
- Robotics,
- Imaging,
- IC Design,
- Programming embedded processors
If you enjoy...
- Creative thinking
- Constructing intelligent devices
- Pushing technology to its limits
- Problem solving
- Experimenting with technology
- Learning and applying the knowledge
If you want to…
- Learn how ICs are made
- Be able to design your own ICs
- Programme in Assembler and C
- Design logic in programmable devices
- Learn Verilog/VHDL
- Learn how to use the latest most popular devices in industry
- Learn how to make a computer
Your future career
There is a large demand for embedded systems design engineers and IC design specialists. Although on graduation you will be a specialist in this area, you will have a solid general electronic engineering knowledge to be able to diversify into other areas of work should you wish to.
Following your first couple of years of industrial work, you will find yourself with many more opportunities available to you due to this experience. These will only improve as you acquire more knowledge and experience in industry not only within the UK but also in the European and global market.
How we support you
When you enrol, we like to think that you are undertaking a journey of knowledge and discovery with us. We will be guiding you from your first day here to your graduation showing you the way and helping you with any matters that may arise during your time with us.
The programme is made out of specialist units of study called modules. Each module has an appointed member of staff to act as Module Leader. The Module Leaders are there to provide you with academic support and you are encouraged to seek help and assistance from them on lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. In addition, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will remain unchanged throughout the duration of the programme. Your personal tutor will provide help and support in academic and personal matters and indeed try to resolve any problems you might encounter.
The Programme Leader is responsible of the academic content and delivery of the programme and is there to ensure that you have a very positive and meaningful learning experience whilst studying at UEL.
In addition to the tutoring system, information and assistance is also available from other sources such as notice-boards, the Student Handbooks, online university resources, student help desk and our highly skilled Laboratory technicians.
Our Student Counselling Services can help you with accommodation, welfare, healthcare and medical matters.
Bonus factors
This programme builds your academic knowledge to a high specialist standard through industrial collaboration with highly regarded companies in the UK.
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Acquire the tools to enable you to engage in a competitive and rewarding career
- Enhance your thinking and analytical abilities
- Acquire very specialist knowledge
- Develop your creativity and your appreciation for the sciences.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
You will be able to…
- Utilise the unique advantages of ASIC, CPLD and FPGA technologies
- Use microcontrollers, microprocessors andSBCarchitecture knowledge to design Embedded System.
- Use Assembly language to design time critical embedded applications
- Design, Model and analyse complex electronic circuits.
- Use C language to design applications in an embedded environment
- Use and explain the principles of operation and limitations of sensors and transducers for the measurement of physical quantities
- Identify and apply appropriate research methodologies
- UseHDL& Schematic entry to design integrated solutions using programmable and ASIC devices.
- Describe and explain the techniques and methodologies for system modelling.
Thinking skills
You will be able to…
- Implement solutions to basic problems using analogue, discrete and programmable logic components.
- Implement solutions to basic problems using appropriate Embedded System solutions.
- Implement solutions to more complex problems using appropriate Embedded System and programmable logic solutions.
- Understand the properties of modern sensors/transducers and apply them to the requirements analysis and design specifications of modern instrumentation and monitoring systems.
- Interpret published, as well as suitable internet based, information about current use of sensors/transducers for the measurement and monitoring of physical quantities
- Implement integrated solutions to complex problems using appropriate technologies.
- Understand the design requirements and implementation issues relating to system modelling, validation, simulation and testing.
Subject-Based Practical skills
You will be able to…
- Develop hardware solutions and analyse the results in a laboratory environment using the appropriate instruments and IDE tools as necessary.
- Use laboratory equipment to evaluate electronic circuits and compare the results with expectations.
- Use ECAD tools for simulation of electronic circuits.
- Use a CASE tool for development of software packages
- Design and build working hardware and software solutions to given problems
- Evaluate the construction and operation of modern sensors/transducer systems
- Apply digital signal processing algorithms to solve a given problem
- Develop practical solutions and analyse the results in a laboratory environment using the appropriate instruments and IDE tools as necessary.
- Evaluate the implementation and simulated operation of modern systems under different conditions
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Read texts critically and be able to précis, paraphrase, reference and quote correctly
- Work effectively in groups
- Reflect on and record own learning and skills in a Personal Development Plan
- Select, implement and evaluate appropriate interview and presentation techniques.
- Constructively critique professional practice in a chosen field, identifying relevant personal strengths and weaknesses
- Construct a literature review/referencing
- Construct and implement a realistic research timetable
- Deliver a presentation on a chosen research topic
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study)
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
This programme is modular in structure.
Successful completion of the programme requires students to pass a total of 18 modules of 20 credits each.
Full time students study 3 modules (60 credits) per semester and therefore the expected duration for the completion of the programme is 3 years.
Part-time students can study up to 2 modules (40 credits) per semester; the length of the programme for part-time students will thus depend on how many modules they take in each semester in order to pass the required 18 modules (360 UEL credits).
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June.
A typical student will register for 120 credits in an academic year
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
|
LEVEL |
UEL Module Code |
TITLE |
SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropriate) |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
MAJOR |
|
1 |
EE1008 |
Digital Electronics |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
EE1001 |
Skills for Academic Learning |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
EE1003 |
Engineering Computing |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
EE1002 |
Circuit Theory |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
EE1005 |
Mathematics 1 |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
EE1009 |
Principles of Embedded Systems |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
2 |
EE2001 |
Mathematics 2 |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
EE2009 |
Analogue Electronics |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
EE2010 |
Digital and Embedded Systems Design |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
EE2004 |
Employability Skills & Group Design |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
EE2011 |
Instrumentation and Signal Processing |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
EE2003 |
Software Engineering & Microprocessors |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
3 |
EE3008 |
Project and Research Skills - 40 CREDITS YEAR LONG MODULE - |
Y |
40 |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
EE3012 |
Integrated Systems Design - 40 CREDITS YEAR LONG MODULE - |
|
40 |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
EE3002 |
Digital Signal Processing |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
3 |
EE3013 |
System Modelling & Simulation |
|
20 |
Core |
|
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified module within the field
- University Wide Option - Select from a wide range of university wide options
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain anhonoursdegree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
x |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the remaining credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
x |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
The key teaching and learning methods used are listed below:
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures and tutorials
- Assignments
- Projects
- Use of IT and VLE
Thinking skills are developed through
- Analytical assessment of data
- Critical assessment of information
- Problem-solving practical applications
Practical skills are developed through
- Laboratories and experimental work
- Computer-based modelling, simulation and analysis
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Interactive communication exercises
- Individual and group activities
Assessment
The following assessment methods are used:
Knowledge is assessed by
- Time constrained examinations or online tests
- Laboratory exercises
- Assignments
- Project work which includes a viva
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Approach to solving problems
- Analysis of alternative solutions
- Practical solutions to complex tasks
Practical skills are assessed by
- Laboratory Reports and Experimental assessment
- Group work
- Application to practical problem-solving
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Oral Presentations
- Written communication exercises
- Problem solving and design work
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times/ year)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- a newsletter published two times a year
- providing details on the programme notice board
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
- Industrial liaison committee
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The programme handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
