What Will You Study
Silicon-based electronics and embedded software now pervade the systems and devices we use on a daily basis and is the key enabling technology for Internet-based systems, automation and vehicle systems. Taking silicon-based electronics to the next level by adding microsensors, microactuators, biology and novel materials is now one of the primary goals of engineers and scientists within the international electronics community.
Advances have already been made through, for example, the integration of gyroscopes into mobile phones and the use of silicon micromirrors in high definition displays. However, further advances over the coming years are expected to revolutionise health care, environmental monitoring, and energy by way of handheld devices for rapid detection of cancers, low-cost toxin detection, and miniaturised energy harvesters (to replace batteries).
This course will focus on these miniaturised systems which are able to describe and diagnose a situation, detect critical conditions, and identify and address each other. They may also be energy autonomous and networked. Students will learn how to design microsensors and actuators that are interfaced to physical, biological, chemical, thermal or electromagnetic systems.
Students will also study methods of building control loops and associated software; the design of analogue and digital electronic interfaces; and, the manufacture of novel packaging technologies. Applications in healthcare and medical diagnostics, automotive and aerospace, energy and environment, industrial control and consumer electronics will also be studied.
The dissertation will be on a major industrial project. This will allow you to extend your knowledge by exploring an area that especially interests you, whilst giving you the experience of the way in which a complete product or process requirement in the industry would be addressed.
Modules:
- Smart Systems
- Intelligent Control
- Advanced Embedded Systems
- High-Frequency Electronics
- Linking Group Project*
- Micro-system and System on Chip
*Part-time students substitute the linking project with an optional Engineering module chosen from the Department portfolio.
Fees
Entry Requirements
A second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in a related Engineering discipline which may include Communications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems and Physics. An HND together with appropriate practical experience may also be acceptable. IELTS: 6.5 or equivalent.