Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering MEng, BEng

Program Overview

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The curriculum emphasizes fundamental concepts, advanced topics, and practical experience through lab work and projects. The program is accredited by IMechE and IET, and graduates are highly sought after for roles such as Systems Engineer, R&D Manager, and Mechatronics Engineer.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on the integration of electronics, mechanical design, and artificial intelligence to design and manufacture sophisticated intelligent systems.

• To develop students' ability to apply their knowledge to the design, control, and analysis of mechatronic and robotic systems.
• To foster students' critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• To prepare students for a successful career in the field of mechatronics and robotics engineering.

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Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with each year consisting of 120 credits. The curriculum includes a mix of compulsory and optional modules, covering a wide range of topics, including:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Circuit Analysis and Design: Introduces key electronic components, basic concepts of electronic circuit analysis and design, and principles of electronic circuit test and measurement.
• Foundations in Mechatronics and Robotics: Explores various types of robotics and mechatronic systems, from basic principles to applications and different robot types.
• Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers: Covers fundamentals of digital electronics, logic circuits, C++, and microcontrollers, including development, simplification, and simulation of logic circuits.

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Electronic Circuit and Systems Design: Develops skills and knowledge for designing and building electronic circuits and systems, including circuit theory, simulation, and practical implementation.
• Machine Learning: Introduces fundamental machine learning concepts and algorithms, including pattern recognition, data-driven methods, and statistical techniques.
• Power Electronics: Develops analytical skills and knowledge for designing electrical power converters, including DC-DC, AC-DC, and DC-AC conversion techniques.
• Embedded Systems Project: Challenges students to design a prototype product within constrained software and hardware components, emphasizing embedded software techniques and project management skills.
• Mechatronics Integrated Design and Manufacture: Covers structured design processes for mechatronic devices, solid modeling software, design science, and basic manufacturing processes.

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Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Electric Machines: Introduces principles of electromechanical conversion, focusing on DC and AC electric machines, including operation, applications, and machine types.
• Artificial Intelligence: Builds on previous modules, covering advanced topics in artificial intelligence, such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and optimization.
• Control Systems: Covers theory and practice of control systems, including linear systems analysis, transient response, and stability criteria.
• Mechatronics and Robotics Project: Allows students to focus on an engineering problem in depth, applying knowledge gained from core engineering modules.
• Electric Power Systems: Provides basic understanding of power system design and operation, covering generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power.
• Professional Studies: Explores key aspects of working in a professional engineering environment, including engineering ethics, societal and environmental issues, and professional practices.

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Year 4:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Modern Industry Practice: Provides a detailed understanding of the global engineering industry, including different roles, supply chains, legal and contractual issues, and career planning.
• Optional Modules:
• Power Electronics and Drives: Explores applications of power electronics for machines and electrical systems, including analysis, design, simulation, and evaluation of power converters.
• Control Systems Design: Covers analysis and design of control systems, including linear systems, PID controllers, and digital control systems.
• Aerial Robotics: Introduces aerial robotics, covering design, control, operation, ethical, and legal aspects.
• Embedded Microprocessor System Design: Explores the use of microprocessors in a System on Chip (SoC) environment, using C-language and industry-standard software tools.
• Intelligent Systems and Robotics: Covers AI techniques and principles from biological systems applied to robots for controlling behavior and sensing environments.
• Bio-inspired Computing: Considers cooperative phenomena in nature, emergence, self-organization, and the implementation of bio-inspired algorithms.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include:

• Written examinations held at the end of each year.
• In-class and online tests.
• Example sheets.
• Assignments and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations, and posters.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials, and practical lab work.
• Laboratory classes and project work provide hands-on experience applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
• Students are assigned an academic personal tutor to guide them through their studies.
• Peer mentoring is available, with students in higher years providing support to first-year students.
• Teaching staff includes expert academics, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering program are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Construction
• Utilities
• Automotive
• Gaming
• Telecommunications
• Electronics and technology
• Manufacturing

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Potential Job Roles:

• Consultant
• Graduate Systems Engineer
• Operations Area Manager
• System Design Lead
• Instrumentation and Protective System Engineer
• R&D Manager
• Systems Engineer
• Teacher
• Race Engineer
• Senior Software Developer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Principal Engineer
• Vehicle Systems Manager
• Mechatronics Engineer

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Students have the opportunity to undertake a one-year industrial work placement or study abroad for a year.
• The University of Leeds has strong industry links, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and graduate positions.
• The University's Careers Centre offers support and advice to students in finding relevant work experience and career opportunities.