Computer Engineering for Robotics - BEng (Hons) draft
Program Overview
The program emphasizes practical skills, hands-on experience through an industrial placement, and prepares graduates for careers in diverse industries such as robotics manufacturing, automation, and AI.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for students interested in the intersection of robotics and software engineering. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential concepts and techniques in both fields, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of robotic systems and their software integration. The program emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle industry challenges and contribute meaningfully to technological innovation.
Key Objectives:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential concepts and techniques in both robotics and software engineering.
- Practical Skills: Emphasizes hands-on experience and real-world applications.
- Industry Preparation: Equips students to tackle industry challenges and contribute to technological innovation.
- Industrial Placement: Provides hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and gain valuable industry insights.
Outline:
Year 1:
Semester 1:
- Mathematics 1.1: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for electronics, computer networks, and computer engineering.
- Software Development 1.1: Introduces writing computer programs using the Java programming language.
- Electronic Systems 1.1: Introduces electronics, covering principles and practical skills like component identification, soldering, circuit debugging, and testing.
- Computer Systems 1: Introduces technical skills needed for entry-level ICT professionals, covering computer hardware and software fundamentals, security, networking, and ICT professional responsibilities.
- Communication for University 1: Develops oral and written communication skills and equips students with key IT skills for the third-level academic environment.
Semester 2:
- Mathematics 1.2: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for electronics, computer networks, and computer engineering.
- Software Development 1.2: Introduces writing computer programs using the Java programming language.
- Electronic Systems 1.2: Follows on from Electronic Systems 1.1, covering principles of electronics as used in the interface between computers and real-world applications.
- Telecommunications 1: Covers basic principles of telecommunications through lectures and practical labs.
Year 2:
Semester 1:
- Linear Algebra and Probability 2: Introduces matrix algebra, numerical methods, the laws of probability, and probability density functions.
- Engineering Economics 2: Helps students interpret simple financial statements, appraise projects, understand cost reduction, and be aware of ethical issues associated with financial management.
- Computer Systems Administration 2.1: Introduces students to the administration of computer systems, including installation, configuration, and maintenance, focusing on the UNIX family of operating systems, with particular emphasis on GNU/Linux.
- Software Development 2.1: Introduces students to object-oriented programming using the Java language.
- Electronic Systems 2.1: Provides knowledge and understanding of electronics techniques, components, and systems, covering op-amp circuits, 555 timer integrated circuit, oscillators circuits, and transistor circuits.
Semester 2:
- Advanced Calculus 2: Covers Fourier series, Differential equations, Laplace transforms, and Partial differentiation of functions of several variables.
- Wireless LAN’s 2: Covers the principles of operation, theory, and technology used in Wireless Local Area Networks, exploring the IEEE 802.11 suit of standards.
- Computer Systems Administration 2.2: Focuses on the administration of network services, including their installation, configuration, maintenance, and security.
- Software Development 2.2: Enables students to design and build software applications on a Windows platform, developing Java applications using Object-Oriented techniques, building GUI applications using Java Swing, and employing UML to design applications.
- Electronic Systems 2.2: Provides knowledge and understanding of digital electronics techniques, components, and systems, covering digital computer systems.
- Computer Engineering Project 2: Allows students to gain experience in developing a hardware and software integrated project, based on a microcontroller embedded system environment.
Year 3:
Semester 1:
- Discrete Mathematics 3: Introduces students to problem-solving using Linear Programming, Markov processes, Queueing theory, Fuzzy logic, and algorithms for network analysis.
- Software Development 3: Builds on the fundamentals learned in second year and introduces higher levels of abstraction using the Java programming language.
- Embedded Systems 3: Develops practical design skills in the application of theoretical knowledge to real problems in the field of electronic/software engineering.
- Data Communications and Networks 3: Introduces the principles of real-time IP communication networks and Quality of Service requirements for applications using the Internet.
- Agile Software Design 3: Introduces students to the concept of agile methodologies by focusing on the key processes of Requirements, Pair Programming, Test Driven Development, and Version Control.
- Data Analysis and Visualisation 3: Provides students with the knowledge and skills to source, integrate, and evaluate real-time data sets from a range of innovative connected devices.
Year 4:
Semester 1:
- Computer Engineering Project 4: Develops skills in the application of theoretical knowledge to real problems in the field of computer engineering.
- Digital Signal Processing 4: Introduces students to the basic principles of Digital Signal Processing.
- Software Design 4.1: Enables students to develop and test medium-sized Object Oriented and Windows based Java applications.
- Database Architecture and Design 4.1: Covers database design and implementation for Relational Databases, including advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) statements.
- Agile Methodologies 4.1: Introduces students to different types of agile methodologies: Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban.
- Enhanced Networks 4: Focuses on Converging Networks, Internet of Things – Applications, Software Defined Networking (SDN), and Security.
Semester 2:
- Software Design 4.2: Enables students to develop Java applications using advanced algorithms and data structures, Generics, and the Collections Framework.
- Database Architecture and Design 4.2: Covers data storage and retrieval for large data sets, implementing NoSQL databases, Object Relational Mapping (ORM), and transaction management.
- Agile Methodologies 4.2: Provides in-depth coverage of Agile Planning, Tracking, and Reporting within Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban.
- Security 4: Provides a grounding in Computer Security issues, examining Cryptography, malware, and best coding practices for secure software systems.
Teaching:
The context mentions that lectures and practical labs are used as teaching methods. It also highlights the availability of specialized tutorials in Mathematics and Software Engineering, as well as the PASS (Peer Assisted Learning Support) program.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: Lectures and practical labs.
- Specialized Tutorials: Available in Mathematics and Software Engineering.
- PASS (Peer Assisted Learning Support): A program designed to help first-year students adjust to university life, understand course expectations, develop independent study skills, engage in collaborative learning, and prepare for assessments.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in industries such as robotics manufacturing, automation, artificial intelligence, software development, autonomous vehicles, and more. Potential roles include robotics engineer, software developer, embedded systems architect, and automation specialist.
Careers:
- Industries: Robotics manufacturing, automation, artificial intelligence, software development, autonomous vehicles.
- Potential Roles: Robotics engineer, software developer, embedded systems architect, automation specialist.
Other:
The context mentions that the program includes an industrial placement in the third year, providing students with hands-on experience in a professional setting. It also highlights the availability of PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) and subject-specific tutoring, providing practical assistance in one-on-one or group settings.
Other:
- Industrial Placement: A mandatory component of the program, providing hands-on experience in a professional setting.
- PAL (Peer Assisted Learning): Offers comprehensive support for students, including subject-specific tutoring.