1 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Department of Electronics : Programme Specification MSc : Autonomous Robotics Engineering UNIVERSITY OF YORK POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION This document applies to students who commence the programme(s) in: October 2014 Awarding institution Teaching institution University of York University of York Department(s) Computer Science and Electronics (joint programme) Award(s) and programme title(s) Level of qualification
2 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 MSc In Autonomous Robotics Engineering Level 7 (Masters) Award(s) available only as interim awards PGCert in Autonomous Robotics Engineering Diploma in Autonomous Robotics Engineering Admissions criteria In addition to the University requirements, an upper second class, or higher, degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or related subject. Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study Programme Length (years) and status (fulltime/part-time) Start dates/months (if applicable for programmes that have multiple intakes or start dates that differ from the usual academic year) Mode Face-to-face, campus-based Distance learning Other MSc in Autonomous Robotics Engineering PMCOMSARE1 Diploma in Autonomous Robotics Engineering PDCOMSARE1 PGCert in Autonomous 1 year (full-time) 1 year (full-time) 1 year (part-time) Yes Yes Yes No No No N/A N/A N/A
3 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Robotics Engineering PCCOMSARE1 Language of study English Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (if applicable) N/A Educational aims of the programme(s) For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: The MSc in Autonomous Robotics Engineering is a full time, one year taught course that is intended for students either seeking a route into a PhD and then research in this rapidly expanding field or people wishing to train in area of autonomous robotic systems for specialisation in their work. The course is intended for students who already have a good first degree in Computer Science, Computer Science/Mathematics joint honors, Electronic Engineering or have equivalent industrial experience. The broad aims of the course are to provide: A thorough grounding in the use of scientific and engineering techniques as applied to autonomous robotic systems A detailed knowledge of systems engineering approach to the development of autonomous robotic systems A practical approach to the development and deployment of autonomous robotic systems A detailed understanding of the issues surrounding the development of engineering large scale systems Additionally for the Diploma (if applicable): They will also have developed research skills and will be well-prepared to enter academic or industrial research, with communication ability developed to allow engagement with specialists and the general public. To provide experience of undertaking substantial literature review and the development of a report detailing issues related to autonomous robotics engineering. Additionally for the Masters: To provide experience of undertaking a sizeable group project, on a subject related to research in autonomous robotic systems. To prepare students for entry into research degrees or research projects. To expose the students to the issues and challenges of a group project.
4 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Intended learning outcomes for the programme and how the programme enables students to achieve and demonstrate the intended learning outcomes This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas: The following teaching, learning and assessment methods enable students to achieve and to demonstrate the programme learning outcomes: A: Knowledge and understanding Knowledge and understanding of: For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Fundamental control systems that inform the development of intelligent robotic systems Sensors and signal processing and their application to robotic systems Constraints of applying nature inspired system in a variety of application areas The role of an engineering approach to the development of autonomous robotic systems Operational restrictions of embedded real-time systems 1-5: taught using a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises, practical classes, and individual study. Additionally for the Diploma: Individual ISM: students will be able to a) demonstrate that they have acquired specialisation in a particular part of the autonomous robotics subject area, including enhanced or new technical skills that build on taught theory and principles; b) can prepare a written report on the work carried out, according to the defined criteria, which should be of a standard acceptable for wider publication. Additionally for the Masters: Group project: Students will be able a) Demonstrate that they have acquired specialisation in a particular area of autonomous robotics, including enhanced or new technical skills that build on taught theory, b) Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Core taught modules in 1 are examined by a combination of open and closed assessment An ISM project report is used for 6 A combination of peer assessment, individual and group report is used for 7
5 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Formulate a moderate sized problem, to select and justify an appropriate approach, and to follow the approach systematically, c) prepare a written report on the work done, according to the defined criteria, and of a standard that would be acceptable for wider publication. d) Work as part of a team to deliver a large piece of engineering focused work e) Develop effective team working skills to equip students for future work B: (i) Skills discipline related Able to: For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: Implement a variety of control, vision and intelligent algorithms on robotic systems Understand appropriate processing techniques for a variety of sensors Additionally for the Diploma: Undertake a substantial independent literature review. Additionally for the Masters: 4. Undertake a large research project in the area of autonomous robotic systems and apply individual critical thinking within a wider research context Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Practical sessions: 1 Self-study : 1-4 Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Open and closed assessments for 1-2 Individual report: 3 Group research project: 4 B: (ii) Skills - transferable Able to: For the Masters, Diploma and Certificate: Undertake principled, experimental work and analyse results Discuss technical matters with peers Critically evaluate other peoples work Display numeracy: required and developed in most Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Lectures and Practicals: outcome 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Seminars: outcomes 2, 3 Group work: 9-11
6 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 modules. Manage competing demands on their time: a substantial load of lectures and labs, and open assessment. Acquire, analyse and summarise information: masters level modules students are expected to independently acquire information from on-line and traditional sources. Additionally for the Diploma: Understand the research process, and how work actually gets published. Scope, plan, execute and manage a literature review. Additionally for the Masters: Develop communication skills via single and group presentations. Write a scientific report that is of potential publication standard Undertake effective group work and be able to reflect on their own performance within a wider group setting Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Open assessments: 1-6 ISM literature review 7-8 Group research project: 9-11 C: Experience and other attributes Able to: Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development Develop skills necessary for self-managed life-long learning Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes): Practicals 1, 2 Self study 3 Group work 4 Additionally for the Diploma: Work on a project involving independent research. Additionally for the Masters: Work on a substantial project involving research, development and critical and reflective evaluation of their own individual contribution Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes) Not assessed
7 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Diagrammatic representation of the programme structure by stage, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules
8 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term Summer Vacation Critical Systems [COM00069M] Adaptive and Learning Agents [COM00066M] Critical Evaluation of Robotic Systems Engineering [COM00101M] 30 CU, Level 7 Group Robotics Project [COM00102M] 60 CU, Level 7 Control Systems Engineering for Robotics [ELE00033H] 10 CU, Level 6 P/F Systems Architecture [COM00087M] Sensors and Instrumentation [ELE00059M] Data Communication Techniques [ELE00040M] Systems Programming for Embedded Devices [ELE00063M] Practical Robotics [ELE00069M] Swarm Intelligence [ELE00068M] Postgraduate Diploma (if applicable) (120 credits) Students take 90 credits of core taught material, plus a 30 credit ISM.
9 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Critical Systems (CS - core) Practical Robotics (CS - core) Critical Evaluation of Robotic Systems Engineering ISM (CS - core) Sensors and Instrumentation Data Communication Techniques Control Systems Engineering for Robotics Adaptive and Learning Agents ALAS (CS - core) Systems Programming for Embedded Devices Systems Architecture (CS core) Swarm Intelligence (CS core) Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) Students take the best 60 credits from core modules. There are no options. Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Critical Systems (CS - core) Practical Robotics (CS - core) Sensors and Instrumentation Data Communication Techniques
10 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 Control Systems Engineering for Robotics Adaptive and Learning Agents ALAS (CS - core) Systems Programming for Embedded Devices Systems Architecture (CS core) Swarm Intelligence (CS core) Diagrammatic representation of the timing of module assessments and reassessments, and the timing of departmental examination/progression boards Autumn term Spring term Summer term Summer vacation Date of final award board Open assessments Open assessments Open and closed assessments (Summer 1) Group project ISM (Sum 8-Vac 11) Early November Closed assessments (spring 1) Critical Evaluation ISM (Sum 2-8) Progression board (Summer 5) Reassessments where necessary (Summer 5-8) Resit BoE
11 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 (Sum 10)* *Note the Summer 10 Resit BoE will also be in receipt of marks for Critical Evaluation ISM. Overview of modules by stage Core module table Module Title Module Code Credit Credit Terms Level 1 Value 2 Taught Adaptive and Learning Agents COM00066M 7/M 10 SpT Pre-requisites Assessment Rules 3 Timing and format of main assessment 4 Control Systems Engineering for ELE00033H 6/H 10 AuT P/F SpT week 1 Examinations Robotics Critical Evaluation of Robotic Systems Engineering COM00101M 7/M 30 SuT Critical Systems COM00069M 7/M 10 AuT Data Communication Techniques Group Robotics Project COM00102M 7/M 60 SuV Practical Robotics ELE00069M 7/M 10 SpT ELE00040M 7/M 10 SpT N/A SuT week 1 Examinations Critical Systems, Swarm Intelligence, Systems Architecture, Control Engineering for Robotics, Sensors and Instrumentation SpT Coursework + SuT week 8 Examinations Sensors and Instrumentation ELE00059M 7/M 10 AuT None SpT Coursework Swarm Intelligence ELE00068M 7/M 10 AuT None AuT Coursework Systems Architecture COM00087M 7/M 10 SpT Systems Programming for Embedded Devices ELE00063M 7/M 10 AuT Core for UG Computing students and optional for all other UG students except Communications students. Core for MSc DSE, IWC & Autonomous Robotics. UG students: Digital Electronics, Introduction to Electronic Systems, Further Digital Electronics. MSc students: None. SpT Coursework
12 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 1 The Credit Level is an indication of the module's relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy (Level 4/Certificate, Level 5/Intermediate, Level 6/Honours, Level 7/Masters). 2 The Credit Value gives the notional workload for the module, where 1 credit corresponds to a notional workload of 10 hours (including contact hours, private study and assessment). 3 Assessment rules P/F = the module marked on a pass/fail basis (NB pass/fail modules cannot be compensated). NC = the module cannot be compensated. NR = there is no reassessment opportunity for this module. It must be passed at the first attempt. 4 Timing and format of main assessment AuT = Autumn Term. SpT = Spring Term. SuT = Summer Term. SuV = Summer Vacation. Transfers out of or into the programme None. Exceptions to University Award Regulations approved by University Teaching Committee Exception Date approved Quality and Standards The University has a framework in place to ensure that the standards of its programmes are maintained, and the quality of the learning experience is enhanced. Quality assurance and enhancement processes include: The academic oversight of programmes within departments by a Board of Studies, which includes student representation The oversight of programmes by external examiners, who ensure that standards at the University of York are comparable with those elsewhere in the sector Annual monitoring and periodic review of programmes The acquisition of feedback from students by departments.
13 of 13 12/09/2014 08:33 More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Office: http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/academic-support/ Date on which this programme information was updated: 12 February 2014 Departmental web page: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk http://www.elec.york.ac.uk Please note The information above provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and learning outcomes that a typical students might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the leaning opportunities that are provided. Detailed information on learning outcomes, content, delivery and assessment of modules can be found in module descriptions. The University reserves the right to modify this overview in unforeseen circumstances, or where processes of academic development, based on feedback from staff, students, external examiners or professional bodies, requires a change to be made. Students will be notified of any substantive changes at the first available opportunity. Output Generated : Thu Sep 11 11:05:57 2014