Electronics with Professional Internship (MSc)

Program Overview

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Queen's University Belfast

Overview

Queen's University Belfast is a public research university in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Study

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• Queen's University Belfast has a strong research profile, with 75% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

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• International students can apply to Queen's University Belfast through the university's online application portal.
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English Language Requirements

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About

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University Department List

• The university has a range of departments, including the Department of Accounting, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Law.

Rankings and Reputation

• Queen's University Belfast has a strong reputation, with a range of rankings and awards, including:
  • Ranked 173rd in the QS World University Rankings 2022
  • Ranked 201-250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022
  • Ranked 401-500 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022

Electronics with Professional Internship

Overview

The MSc in Electronics with Professional Internship is a postgraduate program that provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and develop specialist expertise in a range of advanced electronics subjects.

Course Structure

• The program is available on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Students take six taught modules and complete an individual research project.

Core Modules

• Microelectronics Devices and Technology
• Project

Optional Modules

• Control and Estimation Theory
• Wireless Sensor Systems
• Wireless Communications
• Intelligent Systems and Control
• Digital Signal Processing

Professional Internship

• The professional internship is a compulsory part of the program.
• Students complete a 9-12 month internship with an industrial partner.

Learning Outcomes

• Comprehensive teaching of natural science and engineering aspects of microelectronics and application to the solution of complex problems.
• Analysis of complex problems using first principles of natural science and engineering aspects of microelectronics.
• Application of appropriate analytical techniques to model complex problems.
• Selection and application of appropriate semiconductor and associated materials and microfabrication processes.

Skills

• Assimilation of lecture material.
• Application to microelectronics device design and fabrication process design.
• Ability to apply general principles and design or analytical techniques to the solution of engineering problems.

Assessment

• Coursework (30%)
• Examination (70%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8084

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core

Project

Overview

• The project involves the application of engineering design techniques to a topic of electrical and electronic engineering.
• Students complete an individual research project and write a dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

• All projects require a solid understanding of the associated engineering context, underlying scientific principles and methodology.
• Most projects require a solid understanding of mathematical methods, including statistics and probability.
• Some projects require a systems approach to solve engineering problems, including following a multi/inter-disciplinary approach.
• Projects are of research nature, involving developing new technologies or discovering/testing the properties or limitation of existing ones.

Skills

• Ability to apply general principles and design or analytical techniques to the solution of engineering problems.
• Ability to design novel engineering systems, proofs of concept, and demonstrate them using prototypes (hardware and/or software).

Assessment

• Coursework (85%)
• Examination (0%)
• Practical (15%)

Credits

• 60

Module Code

• ELE8060

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core

MEMS Devices & Technology

Overview

• The module covers devices and technology for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
• Topics include design of MEMS sensors, sensing methods, MEMS actuators, fabrication technology, and reliability issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the world of microelectromechanical devices and systems (MEMS).
• An awareness of material properties, fabrication technologies, basic device structures, sensing and actuation principles.
• Ability to calculate key process and device performance parameters.
• Ability to design MEMS devices.

Skills

• Ability to design MEMS devices.
• Calculation of key process and device performance parameters.

Assessment

• Coursework (40%)
• Examination (60%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8083

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core

Control and Estimation Theory

Overview

• The module focuses on multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) discrete-time, linear and nonlinear systems with imperfect state information.
• Topics include dynamic programming, Lyapunov's theorem, and Bayesian estimation.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the notions of invariance, controllability, observability, attractivity, and stability.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles of dynamic programming and use dynamic programming to derive the gain and optimal cost associated with the linear-quadratic regulator (LQR).
• Understand the principles underlying model predictive control (MPC) and design and implement stabilising MPC for discrete-time constrained linear and nonlinear systems.

Skills

• In this module, the students will develop the following skills:
  • Reasoning using high-level abstract concepts of systems and control theory to address today's engineering challenges.
  • Development of an analytical and statistical/Bayesian thinking.
  • Problem solving, troubleshooting, debugging (through labs and coursework).
  • Collaboration and project management (group coursework).
  • Programming skills (Python programming).

Assessment

• Coursework (60%)
• Examination (40%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8088

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Optional

Wireless Sensor Systems

Overview

• The module covers key building blocks and essentials in wireless sensor systems.
• Topics include protocols at layer 2 (MAC layer) and layer 3 (routing), power management, synchronization, and sensor technology.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of mathematics for: Throughput and delay calculations, time synchronization, power consumption calculations.
• Apply knowledge of statistics to a broadly defined problem (sensor data sets and time series from pollutant data).
• Analyse the suitability of existing wireless technologies to support Internet of Things.

Skills

• The ability to critically assess and design modern wireless communications systems and in particular wireless sensor networks and systems.
• The ability to understand existing sensors, system architectures, communication protocols, and standards in such a context.
• Use software, statistics, and mathematical techniques for sensor data analysis and forecasting.

Assessment

• Coursework (40%)
• Examination (60%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8096

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Optional

Wireless Communications

Overview

• The module develops the necessary concepts required to understand the technology behind present-day wireless systems and sensors.
• Topics include physical wireless layer technology, transmitter and receiver architectures, antennas, modulation and demodulation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and frequency selective and flat fading channels.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the physical hardware technology for radio wave propagation, including transmitter and receiver architectures, and the associated antenna architectures and modulation techniques forming wireless systems.
• Understand fading and the need for statistical approaches to modelling signal propagation and reception in wireless systems.

Skills

• Assimilation of lecture material, python skills, system model, and problem-solving skills as well as the application of probability, statistics, electromagnetic theory, and time-series forecasting to wireless data sets.

Assessment

• Coursework (20%)
• Examination (80%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8078

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Optional

Intelligent Systems and Control

Overview

• The module develops a robust understanding of the major academic topics which define control methods and intelligent algorithms in dynamic systems.
• Topics include software simulation of dynamical systems, state-space modelling and analysis, control design methods, state observer design, stability analysis, and introduction to advanced control methods.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply analytical methods to derive dynamic models.
• Analyse system properties in state space (e.g., controllability, observability, stability etc).
• Convert from state-space (SS) to linear transfer function (LTF) representation and vice versa.

Skills

• The module will give you experience of how to model, simulate and analyse linear and non-linear systems using software tools (e.g., Matlab), knowledge of linear state-space methods and how to apply them to model, analyse and design control laws for dynamical systems, and knowledge of a range of intelligent systems techniques and how to apply them to solve practical engineering problems.

Assessment

• Coursework (40%)
• Examination (60%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8066

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Optional

Digital Signal Processing

Overview

• The module covers signals and spectral representation, linear systems, Fourier and Laplace transform, convolution, impulse response, transfer function, sampled data, sampling theorem, design of analogue filters, infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, finite impulse response (FIR) filters, truncation and windowing.

Learning Outcomes

• Application of elementary algebra, complex number theory, linear algebra, statistics, and calculus in the derivation and analysis of signal processing systems and algorithms.
• Digital IIR and FIR ideal filter design requires derivation (applying various maths techniques) of coefficients from given filter requirement data, considering application-related constraints on the global filter characteristics.

Skills

• numeric
• problem solving
• design, implement and test digital filter designs in Matlab
• perform spectral analysis on signals

Assessment

• Coursework (40%)
• Examination (60%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 20

Module Code

• ELE8059

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 24 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Optional

Professional Internship

Overview

• The Professional Internship is a compulsory part of the academic program.
• Students complete a 9-12 month internship with an industrial partner.

Learning Outcomes

• The overall aim of the professional internship is to provide the student with experience in industry which complements the academic study in the University and contributes to their development.
• Precise objectives to achieve this aim vary from placement to placement.
• Ideally, the students should:
  • Understand the operation of industrial, commercial or government service organisations.
  • Understand the systems of communication, control and responsibility within the organisation.
  • Acquire experience of working with other people at all levels.
  • Have an appreciation of the organisational and administrative principles of running a business.
  • Further develop their personal communication skills; good use of language, accurate writing and appropriate style and manner are required.
  • Learn how they can best contribute to the organisation and develop their potential and self-management; appropriate application of initiative should be encouraged.
  • Acquire confidence in applying their knowledge to the solution of real problems; in keeping with this, they should be given progressively increasing responsibility.

Skills

• Applicants have the opportunity to complete a professional internship of up to 12 months as part of their studies on this course.
• Using the schools’ links to numerous related companies, many with international connections, students will be encouraged to apply and supported through the process.

Assessment

• Coursework (100%)
• Examination (0%)
• Practical (0%)

Credits

• 0

Module Code

• ELE8087

Teaching Period

• Full Year

Duration

• 36 weeks

Pre-requisite

• No

Core/Optional

• Core

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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The MSc in Electronics with Professional Internship

is designed to be a specialized extension to the study of Electronics at the undergraduate level. This program offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and develop specialist expertise in a range of advanced electronics subjects. These subjects include microelectronics, sensors, signal processing, hardware and software design, communications, and digital systems. The MSc in Electronics learning experience is significantly enhanced by an optional professional development program. This program is designed to expand knowledge application skills and support academic learning. This is done by providing direct access to paid professional internships with industrial companies for periods up to 12 months. The Professional Internship advances postgraduate taught (PGT) study in specialized and state of the art subjects. It does this by developing key engineering skills and offering technical leadership roles. These skills and roles are designed to shape the Master's program and accelerate chartered registration (CEng status) on completion of the program. This program has been followed by many postgraduates who have entered professional engineering careers in many diverse areas. These areas include electric power and renewable energy, micro and nanoelectronics, advanced electrical and electronic engineering design, digital and wireless communications, aerospace, manufacturing, process control, and IT product design. The professional program is designed to support students in their academic and personal development. The goal is for students to graduate as engineers who are forward thinkers, innovators, leaders, and communicators. It is also designed to ensure that graduates have the capacity to solve many diverse and interesting challenges in this broad discipline. Through the professional internship, the students will develop their personal and professional skills. They will also gain valuable experience on interviewing, develop work-related skills that can increase their employability, have the opportunity to put academic theory into practice to solve actual engineering problems, build a network of contacts with the industry, and gain an insight into what it is to work as an electronics engineer.

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Outline:

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Course content

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Full-time

• Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years) basis.
• Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.
• Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.
• Part-time students may take the course over a two or three year period and are required to take at least two modules per year.
• An MSc is awarded to candidates who pass six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the individual research project (60 CATS points).
• An “MSc with Professional Placement” is awarded to those students who meet these requirements and are able to secure a (minimum) 9-month placement in an appropriate industrial sector (to be approved by the school).

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Modules

• MEMS Devices and Technology
• Microelectronics Devices and Technology
• Intelligent Systems and Control
• Wireless Communications
• Wireless Sensor Systems
• Control and Estimation Theory
• Digital Signal Processing
• Professional Internship

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Entry requirements

• Normally a 2:2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, or Physics with significant electronics content.
• Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2024 for courses which commence in late September.
In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

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Assessment

• Coursework
• Written examination
• Project dissertation

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Teaching

• The program is taught by a team of experts in their subject areas and who are active researchers in those subjects.
• Often our students conduct their individual research project within an ongoing research project so they get exposed to the state of the art in electrical and electronics engineering.

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Careers

• Graduates have found that earning a prestigious MSc qualification from the School, one of the UK's top engineering schools, has significantly enhanced their job opportunities and employment prospects.
Graduates typically find employment in a wide range of fields including with semiconductor companies, electronic equipment manufacturers, design and service providers, software houses and in other electronic engineering-based industries.

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Other

• The University offers support on the use of English in academic writing.
• The school is offering additional support on mathematics.
• All modules have a virtual learning environment (using Canvas) where the students can find all relevant material (lecture notes, handouts, video lectures) as well as online quizzes and assignments.

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Reference:

The context for this response was a webpage from Queen's University Belfast.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Northern Ireland (NI):

£7,300

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Republic of Ireland (ROI):

£7,300

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England, Scotland or Wales (GB):

£9,250

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EU Other:

£25,800

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International:

£25,800

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Payment Information:

• The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
• A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas.
Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

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Additional Information:

• All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise.
• Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
• More information on funding options and financial assistance.

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Note:

• This information is based on the provided context and may not be exhaustive.
It is recommended to refer to the official university website for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and payment options.
• The text does not mention the currency for the tuition fees.