Programme Specifications

Robotics and Embedded Systems Engineering


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Integrated Year in Industry available



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Master in Engineering

5 : Programme title
Robotics and Embedded Systems Engineering

6 : UCAS code
132C

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

Computing



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

​​​The aim of this degree scheme is to produce good quality graduates with strong robotics and embedded systems engineering skills who are highly sought after by industry. The scheme has a well-defined set of core modules that must be studied to ensure that graduates have a wide range of experiences with a good grounding in the major relevant fields of Engineering - including Computing, Mathematics and Physics.

​This degree scheme focuses on practical application of engineering principles to the design and building of physical systems involving computerised sensing and control.

​The scheme has the following fundamental aims:

  • ​to enable students to develop the skills to be expected of any graduate, including the following skills: to reason logically and creatively; to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; and to be able to obtain and interpret information from a wide range of sources

  • ​to equip students with the skills necessary to program in high-level computing languages

  • ​to enable students to understand and apply the range of principles and tools available to the software engineer

  • ​ to give students a good grounding in the major fields of Robotics and Embedded Systems Engineering through a wide range of experiences

  • ​to give students an appreciation of the political, economic, legal and social issues surrounding computer controlled systems.

  • ​to instil the professional and ethical responsibilities required of engineering practitioners · to produce graduates who have the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing industry

  • ​to produce graduates with competence in subject-specific skills of computational methods and problem solving.

  • ​to produce graduates with: an excellent preparation for building 'industrial strength' robotics and embedded systems applications, a variety of experience with all aspects of the software lifecycle, instrumentation and the basics of control theory giving enhanced employment prospects with a wide range of employers

Additionally for Integrated Masters Students this scheme aims to provide a Masters level depth of Knowledge of specific areas of computing



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

The scheme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

  • A1 Knowledge of fundamental mathematical concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra and classical dynamics, and an understanding of more advanced concepts in engineering mathematics (vectors, differential equations, Fourier theory, line and volume integrals, Stokes', Green's and divergence theorems).

  • A2 Knowledge of a selection of specialist topics in the physical sciences (instrumentation, forces, electricity and magnetism).

  • A3 An understanding of algorithm design and use of efficient data structures.

  • A4 Knowledge of systems engineering, the management of complex system projects, and their legal, social, ethical and professional aspects

  • A5 Knowledge of instrumentation systems, sensors and signals.

  • A6 An understanding of the concepts of robotics, relevant sensors, and control

  • A7 Knowledge of Programming languages and software design techniques

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (A1-A7)

  • ​Problem classes (A1)

  • ​Seminars (A2, A4)

  • ​Laboratory work (A2 A3 A5 A6, A7)

  • ​Group and individual projects (A4, A5, A6, A7)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (A2, A4)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (A1-A7)

  • ​Problem sheets (A1, A2, A3)

  • ​Project diaries (A4, A5)

  • ​Project reports (A3, A4, A7)

  • ​Oral presentations (A4)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (A3, A4, A6, A7)

  • ​Capstone project (A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7)​​



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • B1 Calculation and manipulation of data obtained from, or related to, the bodies of knowledge studied.

  • B2 Application of a range of concepts and principles in well-defined mathematical or physical contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.

  • B3 The ability to develop and evaluate logical arguments

  • B4 The skill of abstracting the essential elements of problems, formulating them in a mathematical context and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods.

  • B5 Application of engineering principles and knowledge to develop complex software controlled mechanical systems.

  • B6 Implement computer programs in a modern object-oriented language.

  • B7 The capability of evaluating systems in terms of general quality attributes, possible trade-offs and risk within the given problem space

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (B1-B7)

  • ​Problem classes (B1, B2, B4, B5)

  • ​Seminars (B3, B4, B7)

  • ​Laboratory work (B5, B6, B7)

  • ​Group and individual projects (B1-B7)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (B3, B5, B7)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (B1-B7)

  • ​Problem sheets (B1, B2, B4)

  • ​Project diaries (B3, B6, B7)

  • ​Project reports (B1-B7)

  • ​Oral presentations (B1, B3, B7)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (B1, B4, B5,B6)

  • ​Capstone project (B1-B7)​​

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • C1 Present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately.

  • C2 Use computer software to control physical, reactive systems.

  • C3 Build sensing and control systems using electronic and electrical components.

  • C4 Use computer software to support presentations and produce reports.

  • C5 Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems.

  • C6 Recognise any risks, safety or security aspects that may be involved with a computer system within a given context.

  • C7 Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical problems

  • C8 Address typical robotics and embedded systems engineering challenges effectively.

    Additional Learning Outcomes for Integrated Year in Industry Students:

  • C9 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills in employment including employability, initiative, independence and commercial awareness.

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​​Lectures (C1-C8)

  • ​Problem classes (C1,C7)

  • ​Seminars (C1, C5, C6, C8)

  • ​Laboratory work (C2, C3, C5, C8)

  • ​Group and individual projects (C1-C8)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (C1, C7, C8)​​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (C1, C4, C5, C6, C8)

  • ​Problem sheets (C1,C3, C5, C7,C8)

  • ​Project diaries (C2, C3, C5)

  • ​Project reports (C1, C2, C4, C6, C7)​​



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Computer Science:

10.3 Transferable/key skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • D1 Apply general mathematical skills to a range of problems

  • D2 Work independently

  • D3 Use information technology confidently

  • D4 Manage time and resources effectively

  • D5 Develop effective learning skills

  • D6 Be aware of the need to plan for employment and to develop various skills for such employment

  • D7 Work cooperatively as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.

Learning and Teaching

  • ​​Lectures (D1-D7)

  • ​Problem classes (D1,D5)

  • ​Seminars (D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Laboratory work (D3, D4, D7)

  • ​Group and individual projects (D2, D3, D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Visiting lecturer series (D6, D7)​

Assessment Strategies and Methods

  • ​​​Time-constrained examinations (D1)

  • ​Problem sheets (D1,D5)

  • ​Project diaries (D3, D4, D7)

  • ​Project reports (D5,D6, D7)

  • ​Oral presentations (D7)

  • ​Computer programs and assignments (D2, D3, D4, D5, D7)

  • ​Capstone project (D2, D3, D4, D5)​​



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



MENG Robotics and Embedded Systems Engineering [132C]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Integrated Masters scheme - available from 2017/2018

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (110 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS12020

Introduction to Programming

CS18120

Study Skills for Computer Science

MP10610

Calculus

PH16210

Algebra and Differential Equations

Semester 2
CS10720

Problems and Solutions

CS11110

Information security

CS12320

Programming Using an Object-Oriented Language

Year 1 Electives

Choose 10 credits as advised by the department

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS21120

Algorithm Design and Data Structures

PH24520

Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation

PM26020

Mathematical Physics

Semester 2
CS22120

Software Engineering

CS26020

Robotics and Embedded Systems

CS26520

Artificial Intelligence

Year 3 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CS33020

Systems Engineering

CS36510

Space Robotics

PH33310

Engineering Control Theory

Semester 2
CS38220

Professional Issues in the Computing Industry

CS39440

Major Project

Year 3 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
CS34110

Computer Vision

CS36010

Robotic Applications

CS36110

Fundamentals of Machine Learning

Semester 2
PH33610

Semiconductor Technology

Final Year Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
CSM6120

Fundamentals of Intelligent Systems

SEM5640

Developing Advanced Internet-Based Applications

Semester 2
CSM6420

Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems

Final Year Options

Choose 40 credits

Semester 2
CSM6520

Computational Intelligence

PHM7020

Advanced Research Topics

SEM1020

Research Topics in Computing


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.