
Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering with a Year in Industry MEng
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code 2S15
- 5 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
- Study abroad
Course description
This specialist, five-year MEng will develop your engineering skills across key areas of mechatronics and robotics, including mechanical design, electronics, computing and control. You'll work on an in-depth project, study modules in advanced engineering and improve your employability with an industrial placement.
The course is designed with input from our industry partners and our equipment is industry-standard, so you'll be given the best start for your career after university.
Our courses share a common first year. You'll get a foundation in a broad range of mechatronic and robotic areas such as mathematics, computing, control, electronics and embedded systems.
In the first year, you'll learn how to control robotic systems and you will work as part of a team to design, analyse and test robots, autonomous vehicles and other complex electro-mechanical systems.
In your second year, modules cover advanced control theory, programming (C++), mechanical design and other engineering skills. You'll then apply your skills to a practical project, where you'll design a system using 3D CAD tools. You'll then build the system in our iForge makerspace. This innovative facility gives you access to 3D printers, laser cutters and more.
In your third year you'll take specialist modules that cover robotics and artificial intelligence (machine learning), and you can tailor your degree to suit your interests with a choice of optional modules. You'll work in a group on a comprehensive assignment, gaining detailed experience in the lifecycle of engineering projects.
Your fourth year will be spent on your industry placement. This will put your academic study into context, as you gain work experience and improve your employability prospects.
The highlight of your final year is an individual project. You'll develop your expertise in a range of engineering techniques and skills such as project management and communication. You'll also study robotics and autonomous systems while choosing from advanced topics such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), advanced space systems, biomechanics and cybersecurity.
Other options for you:
- You can choose to study a year abroad.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Measurement and Control. Our MEng degrees satisfy the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: 2S15
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits
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This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.
20 credits - Introduction to Systems Engineering & Software
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Engineering applications are typically complex, so students also need to acquire proficiency in analytical problem solving and the ability to apply a systems engineering approach, as a systematic methodology to design and implementation. A group project will develop an understanding of the type of problem solving and systems engineering needed for the design and build of a computer-controlled system. Students will improve skills incommunication, team working and reflective practices as a result of the group project. Engineering applications in manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, finance, healthcare and a host of other areas are predominately computer based or computer controlled.
20 credits - Modelling, Analysis and Control
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This module will introduce principles of modelling of simple continuous dynamical systems. This module also introduces analysis of linear models. It includes a detailed analysis of the dynamical behaviour of 1st and 2nd order systems linking behaviour to physical parameters, e.g. Rise time, settling time, overshoot, steady-state. Damping and damping ratio and resonance. Frequency response is also discussed. We will introduce control and feedback as a topic by providing examples of open-loop and closedloop control, and undertake detailed analysis of linear models with a focus on 1st and 2nd order systems. Students are introduced to simple practical feedback mechanisms, including PID controllers and performance criteria.
20 credits - Physical Systems
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This module will introduce students to the modelling and analysis of dynamic systems. Students will learn about the different types of physical systems based on real-world case-studies. This 20-credit year-long module is to be delivered over two semesters. In the autumn semester mechanical and electrical-mechanical systems will be introduced. In the second semester the mechanical theme will continue with rotational systems, and then introduce thermodynamic systems as well as flow systems. Students will gain an appreciation of the physics laws governing a variety of physical systems, the impact and interaction of various system components, as well as systematic methods for modelling and analysing such systems.
20 credits - Systems Engineering Mathematics I
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This module contains the core mathematical competencies required by students for a systems engineering programme. This covers basic algebra and functions, elementary calculus (differentiation and integration), solution of low order differential equations, Taylor series and iterative methods, matrix algebra and simultaneous equations, vectors and complex numbers. The content is delivered within a systems engineering context. Student learning is encouraged by regular formative assessment and supportive resources.
20 credits - Digital and Embedded Systems
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This module is intended to equip students with the core knowledge of ‘how hardware works’ in digital systems and introduce the concept of embedded systems using examples/case studies. The module covers introduction to embedded systems, number systems, boolean algebra, logic gates, logic expressions, combinational logic, A/D and D/A converters, computer systems and architectures. The content is delivered as a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions that provide students with a fundamental understanding of embedded systems and their applications.
10 credits - Group Control Project and Professional Skills
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This module is intended to bring together core content from various Y1 modules in a substantial group design project. The group project involves controlling a mobile robot to navigate to a destination safely and smoothly. This robot is provided as a take-home kit for students to work on this project in their own time. This module also covers important skills needed in the workplace, such as project management and teamwork, as well as other crucial employability skills.
10 credits - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme, and the project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of six, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, ICT, Waste Management and Energy with scenarios set in a developing country. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Challenge* and other projects have been suggested by an academic at the University of Makerere in Uganda (who is involved in developing solutions using IT systems for health, agriculture and resource problems in developing countries). Students are assessed on a number of aspects of being a professional engineer both by Faculty alumni and a number of local industrial engineers.*The EWB Challenge is a design program coordinated internationally by Engineers Without Borders Australia and delivered in Australian, New Zealand, British and Irish universities. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects. By participating in the EWB Challenge students are presented with a fantastic opportunity to design creative solutions to problems identified by real EWB projects. Each year, the EWB Challenge design brief is based on a set of sustainable development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations. http://www.ewb-uk.org/ewbchallenge
Core modules:
- Control Systems Design and Analysis
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This module gives a solid theoretical foundation for understanding feedback control system analysis, design and application and is suitable for general engineering students. This is supported by hardware laboratories, PC laboratory activities and coursework. Content covers standard analysis tools such as root-loci, Bode diagrams, Nyquist diagrams and z-transforms. The latter part of the course focuses on the design of common feedback strategies using these analysis tools and students will undertake indicative designs and reinforce learning through application to laboratory and hardware systems.
20 credits - Engineering Mechanics
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The course provides the fundamental concepts and techniques used in Engineering Mechanics. Two-dimensional statics is covered including force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, distributed forces in beams and hydrostatics applications, and the application to typical engineering machines. An introduction to the essentials of three-dimensional statics is included. Two-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies are covered. An introduction to the use of the Work-Energy and Impulse-Momentum methods in engineering dynamics is given. Where applicable, Vector Algebra is introduced alongside Scalar and Graphical approaches. No prior knowledge of mechanics is assumed; the treatment concentrates on physical understanding and applications in engineering, rather than using advanced mathematical treatments.
20 credits - Mechatronics
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This unit covers methods to represent, analyse and design mechanical, electrical and computational systems and their integration into mechatronics systems. This module will enable students to design, analyse, develop and integrate mechatronic systems. The unit includes lectures on the principles of mechatronic systems, 2D/3D CAD design, sensors and instrumentation, actuation, digital data acquisition, signal pre-processing, hardware interfaces, microcontroller programming and peripherals; practicals on analysing mechatronic components; and project work on designing, developing and testing a mechatronic system.
20 credits - Signals, Systems, and Communications
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Modern communication systems provide the backbone of the technological development that is driving the information age. The increase of data analytics, machine learning, and networked solutions pushes the trend towards an increasing use of digital communication systems as means of enabling reliable and efficient information exchange. The aim of the unit is to provide the fundamentals of signals, systems and communication systems. The mathematical principles of signal theory and systems theory will be applied within a communication theory context. The unit will provide the students with the tools to analyse and solve complex open-ended communication problems and to evaluate the technological constraints of the proposed solutions.
20 credits - Systems Engineering Mathematics II
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This module provides an introduction to the use of analytical mathematical techniques and numerical methods and algorithms for subsequent higher level module studies and for solving a wide range of engineering problems as well. Students will develop their skills in the theory and application of core mathematics tools required for systems engineering and the application of these in system simulation and data based modelling. A brief summary of topics covered includes: complex variables and Fourier transforms, analysis of matrices and systems represented by matrices, optimisation of functions of many variables, probability, numerical integration techniques and data modelling and analysis. The module is embedded throughout with engineering examples using the mathematical techniques.
20 credits - Systems Engineering and Object Oriented Programming
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Engineering applications in manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, finance, healthcare and a host of other areas are predominantly computer based or computer controlled. In order to be able to create computer based and computer controlled applications, students need to acquire understanding of and proficiency in working across the systems engineering lifecycle. This module builds on the first year undergraduate learning objectives relevant to systems Engineering, to develop further students' skills in the design and development of computer based and software dominated systems. There will be an emphasis on the systems engineering lifecycle.
20 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project.The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
Core modules:
- Group Project
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This module provides students with the opportunity to work as a group on a substantial project of relevance to systems and control engineering. Students will gain practical experience of all aspects of the systems lifecycle, from problem formulation and requirements capture, through design and build activities, and subsequent verification and validation. Each project will have a synthetic customer and students must deliver within time and budget constraints. Students will have the opportunity to develop their communication skills in written and oral forms, including a practical demonstration of the system they have built. Students will also be encouraged to reflect on the individual and group contributions they are making.
30 credits - Digital Signal Processing
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The aim is to introduce students to digital processing techniques, including sampling and analysis of digital signals, design of digital filers, and the introduction of digital image processing. Discrete signals and systems are studied, with an emphasis on the frequency-domain theory necessary for the analysis of discrete signals and design of digital filters. The concepts associated with digital images and some basic digital image processing operations are also covered.
10 credits - Finance and Law for Engineers
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The module is designed to introduce engineering students to some of the key financial and legal issues that engineers are likely to encounter in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students¿ understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, data protection and intellectual property rights. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.
10 credits - Machine Learning
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Machine learning is a component of artificial intelligence that enables a computer to learn how to perform a task from data or simulations rather than being explicitly programmed for every possible scenario. Machine learning is currently being applied in a number of fields including finance, robotics and autonomous systems and bioinformatics and has experienced a huge growth in industry in recent years. This module introduces the key foundational elements of machine learning, including: regression, classification and reinforcement learning. The module is taught by a combination of lectures and labs, where there is an emphasis on practical implementation of different methods.
10 credits - Robotics
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The module aims to explore robotic systems, both historically and as an area of rapid contemporary development. Students will be introduced to the different types and applications of robotic systems. An emphasis is placed on modelling and simulation. Sensing and actuation is also covered, with a focus on control of robot manipulators. Students will be exposed to a wide range of practical applications of robotic systems, and encouraged to discuss and reflect on the implications of using robots (e.g. ethical considerations, safety, social and economic impacts).
10 credits - State-Space Control Design
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The aims are: to introduce state-space methods for the analysis and design of controllers for multivariable systems; to teach the use of analytical tools and methods for state-space control design; to demonstrate similarities between continuous and sampled data systems; and to extend the analysis to non-linear systems. Material to be covered includes: Structural properties (modal decomposition, controllability, observability, stability); design (pole assignment, observer design, separation principle, optimal control, LQG) of continuous systems and equivalents for sampled-data systems.
10 credits
Optional modules:
- Aircraft Dynamics and Control
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Aerospace engineering is a fascinating area where knowledge from different disciplines is needed. The aim of this module is to provide the student with such a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the principles of aircraft performance, flight dynamics and the problems of controlling an aircraft¿s motion. Various aspects of aircraft performance including straight, level flight and manoeuvres are covered. The module introduces the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft and the aerodynamic forces and moments are then determined. Static and dynamic stability and response characteristics are defined. Flying and handling qualities of an aircraft, and disturbances affecting its motion, are analysed.
10 credits - Biomechatronics
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There are a wide range of important healthcare challenges in the 21st Century, such as the aging population, stroke, paralysis and the loss of limbs, which can be treated using biomechatronic devices such as exoskeletons, active prosthetic limbs and brain computer interfaces. 'Biomechatronics' describes the integration of the human body with engineered devices composed of electronic, mechanical and control components (mechatronics) for the purposes of (i) emulating and replacing natural human function lost through disease or accident and/or (ii) augmenting natural human function to generate superhuman abilities. The biomechatronics module will cover the subject of biomechatronics in theory and practical application, and span the main core topics of: neural control, biomedical signals, sensors and actuators.
10 credits - Dynamics of Aerospace Structures and Machines
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The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the fundamental concepts governing the dynamics of aerospace structures and machines.Website Version:The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the fundamental concepts governing the dynamics of structures and machines for aerospace engineering. It covers two principal areas: structural vibration and rigid body mechanics. In structural vibration, the single degree of freedom model is used to study the free response and forced vibration of systems subjected to steady state, impulse and arbitrary loading. Aspects of rigid body mechanics include the analysis of common two-dimensional mechanisms and the dynamics of rigid rotors, including gyroscopic motion.
10 credits - Hardware-in-the-Loop & Rapid Control Prototyping
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This course represents an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience of designing and implementing advanced controllers upon a challenging, real-world control problem. Uniquely, each student will be issued with their own, portable control hardware for the duration of the course. Students will learn how to interface such a system to industry standard software using a data acquisition device, before developing their own simulation models of the hardware. These models will be used to synthesise a feedback controller, and verified in simulation before being implemented upon the hardware. The resultant controller will then be refined in a cycle of rapid control prototyping.
10 credits - Intelligent Systems
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This module will introduce students to the theme of intelligent systems with special applications to modelling, control, and pattern recognition. Although this technological area can be perceived as being broad, the focus will mainly be on Fuzzy Systems and on interesting synergies such as those between Fuzzy Systems and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), including the Neuro-Fuzzy architecture. This module should appeal to all students from engineering as well as from science backgrounds who wish to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and Machine-Learning related paradigms, and mostly, how may the related architectures be applied effectively to solve real-world problems, i.e. non-linear, noisy, and the ones that are characterised by uncertainties. This unit is also timely indeed, since knowledge transfer from human to machine and from machine to human and knowledge extraction from data (Big Data) are seen particularly, as vital components for a successful economy, healthy well-being, and clean environment. Finally, the module strikes the too-often difficult balance between theoretical foundations and examples of applications via weekly interactive lectures, laboratory experiments, video demonstrations, and problem solving.
10 credits - Manufacturing Systems
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The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the concepts and practices used by modern manufacturing organisations.The course starts with lectures on current trends in manufacturing processes (in particular high-speed machining and additive manufacturing). Students are then introduced to ways of designing and evaluating a manufacturing system as well as the relevant theories, concepts and methodologies of controlling and managing a manufacturing shop floor.
10 credits - Renewable Energy
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The module provides an introduction to some alternative energy technologies with emphasis on solar and wind energy. It aims to provide students with a fundamental appreciation of the potential and usable energy obtainable from the sun and wind; a general knowledge of wind turbine aerodynamics, wind turbine systems, photovoltaics and domestic photovoltaic systems.
10 credits - Space Systems Engineering
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The module aims to introduce different mission types including communications, earth observation, weather, navigation, astronomy, scientific, interplanetary missions and space stations. Concepts of orbital motion such as Kepler Laws, Elliptic, Parabolic and Hyperbolic orbits are introduced. Atmospheric drag, luni-solar perturbations are explained. Hohmann orbit transfer, ground station visibility, launch windows are explained. The module provides an understanding of spacecraft sub-systems and control including attitude control and thermal control, as well as providing knowledge of propulsion systems for example chemical rockets, electric propulsion, nuclear rockets, and solar sails. Various concepts related to space environment are explored including, sun, solar wind, solar cycles, heliosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, magnetic storms, substorms and geomagnetic indices. The module explains space weather phenomena and concepts including the effects of ionising radiation, cosmic rays, and solar energetic particle events on spacecraft systems and astronauts. Geomagnetic storms and sub-storms are also discussed. The module considers ground induced current and its effect on the pipelines, power grid and transformers. The effects of space weather on communications and forecasting of space weather are discussed.
10 credits - System Identification
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Modelling dynamical systems from first principles via Newton¿s, Kirchoff¿s or other known physical laws is often challenging and costly, requiring substantial expertise. An alternative is offered through ¿system identification¿ that takes observations of inputs and outputs from physical systems and infers or estimates a dynamical model directly.This module introduces two main ways of thinking about the identification problem, the theoretical framework that underpins them and the algorithms that compute the model estimates. It uses synthetic and real problems to illustrate the process and shows how models can be validated for future use.
10 credits
Core module:
- Year in Industry
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The course enables students to spend, typically, their third year of a BEng or fourth year of an MEng working in a `course relevant¿ role in industry. This provides them with wide ranging experiences and opportunities that put their academic studies into context and improve their skills and employability. Students will also benefit from experiencing the culture in industry, making contacts, and the placement will support them in their preparation for subsequent employment.
120 credits
Core modules:
- Advanced Project
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This module provides the opportunity for students to undertake an advanced piece of project work on an individual basis. The project will enhance knowledge and skills, to an advanced level, in the following areas: critical evaluation of technical literature; project planning and management; deepening knowledge in one or more technical areas; initiative, creativity and stamina in solving problems; and developing the ability to convey technical information in both orally and in written forms.
45 credits - Machine Vision
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The module gives knowledge of machine vision methods for a broad range of applications. It introduces students to image and video processing models and methods and provides them with skills how to embed them in autonomous systems. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to both industrial and research areas.
15 credits - Mobile Robotics and Autonomous Systems
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Robotics and autonomous systems are having an increasing impact on society and the way we live. From advanced manufacturing and surgical robots to unmanned aerial systems and driverless cars this exciting area is presenting increasing technological challenges. This module provides students with the advanced knowledge and understanding to apply control and systems engineering concepts to the closely related disciplines of robotics and autonomous systems.The module covers theoretical and technical analysis and design aspects of mobile and manipulator robots with reference to their applications. The module further covers advanced techniques in autonomous decision making for robots and autonomous vehicles.
15 credits
Optional modules:
- Additive Manufacturing – Principles and Applications
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This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to Additive Manfacturing (3D Printing), providing you with an insight into the technologies themselves, when and how they might be applied, and the broader economic, social and industrial context within which these techniques sit. Our aim is to provide you with an understanding of the underlying principles and considerations relevant to this area, so that you are able to apply this knowledge confidently and effectively during your future career.
15 credits - Advanced Control
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The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to some of the advanced control techniques used in modern control engineering research and industrial applications. The module will cover both theory and practice, involving analysis and design. Different control techniques and applications may be covered in different years. In all cases, the basic principles and concepts of a particular control technique will be introduced, and comparisons and contrasts will be made with other techniques. Subsequently, the design, analysis and implementation of advanced controllers or control laws will be covered, starting from the requirements of the basic control problem for the application at hand (i.e. stability in the presence of constraints; disturbance and noise rejection). Controller design will be illustrated by industrially relevant case studies.
15 credits - Advanced Space Systems and Space Weather
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The module provides students with an understanding of the concept advanced space systems, within the context of Space Weather and processes in the geo-space that can have hazardous effects on modern ground based and space based technological systems. It covers knowledge about susceptibility of services such as power supply, communications, transportation and navigation to space weather events, and introduces methodologies for space weather forecast based on systems engineering approaches from first principles. The module also provides knowledge of the requirements for transferring forecasting models into operational tools for space weather forecasting, before covering how space weather forecasting can assist in mitigating adverse effects of space weather.
15 credits - Agent-Based Modelling and Multi-Agent Systems
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This module introduces multi-agent systems and agent-based modelling. It will motivate the many diverse types of complex adaptive system that can be represented and simulated by these approaches (including engineering applications, artificial intelligence and socio-technical systems). The module introduces a set of key theories, methods and tools in the domain of multi-agent systems and agent-based models. Students will gain experience of implementing agent-based simulations in state-of-the-art software, building on their experience in object-oriented programming and agile software development methods.
15 credits - Automotive Powertrain
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This module considers the performance, design and emissions of automotive powertrain - from the combustion chamber to the driven wheels. Environmental and societal developmental drivers of the attributes required of modern, globally applicable powertrain will be established. It will enable students to apply specialist knowledge (thermofluids, dynamics, materials) to internal combustion engines and their associated driveline components. Students will perform analysis of engine performance and select materials and design features to maximise efficiency before reviewing peers' proposals. The industrial state of the art and future technologies from research will be examined e.g. variable valvetrain, hybridisation and electric drive, modern combustion strategies.
15 credits - Cybersecurity for control systems
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The increase of sensing, computing, and communication technologies on control systems is enabling a host of new applications and services but it also opens the door to cybersecurity threats. Realizing the promise of secure control systems requires the development of analysis tools and design guidelines that integrate security guarantees in the performance characterization of the control system. This module aims to lay the theoretical foundations for secure control system design problems while explicitly teaching students how to account for the operational and practical constraints posed by real control systems.
15 credits - Data Modelling and Machine Intelligence
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All of our lives are affected by machine intelligence and data models - Google is a very visible example. But if you are a victim of identity theft, if you want a loan to buy a house or if you want to pass through immigration at an airport, a model derived from data using some form of machine learning technique will be involved.Engineers increasingly look to machine intelligence techniques such as neural networks and other machine learning methods to solve problems that are not amenable to conventional analysis e.g. by application of Newton's & Kirchhoff's laws, and other physical principles. Instead they use measurements of system variables to compute a model of the process that can then be used in design, analysis and forecasting. System identification is a specific example of data modelling.We will look at the underlying principles of machine learning, the advantages and limitations of the various approaches and effective ways of applying them with the aim of making you a competent practitioner.
15 credits - Deep Learning
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An important field within artificial intelligence is machine learning, which enables systems to learn from data rather than being explicitly programmed to solve a task. Conventional machine learning algorithms tend to rely on a human to carefully engineer and extract features to present to a machine learning algorithm, which can be time-consuming and difficult. A deep learning system, by contrast, takes raw data as input and learns to extract features automatically. This approach has led to significant improvements in processing images, video, speech and audio. Deep learning has also had an impact on the design of intelligent agents, giving rise to the area of deep reinforcement learning, which is where an agent learns in a reward-based framework. An example of deep reinforcement learning is where the Google DeepMind team designed an agent that learned to play Atari computer games to better-than-human-expert level.
15 credits - Human Movement Biomechanics
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Biomechanics of human movement is the science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces. This module will teach the students both the kinematics (the branch of biomechanics of entailing the study of movement from a geometrical point of view) and kinetics (the branch of biomechanics investigating what causes a body to move the way it does) of human movement and leverage on practical laboratory sessions to expose them to the most advanced technologies to measure and model the associated mechanical phenomena of interest.
15 credits - Optimal Control
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The module teaches how to design optimal controllers. It starts by explaining the main ideas of infinite-dimensional optimization. In particular, it introduces the Calculus of Variations, a field of mathematics used to find maxima/minima of mappings defined on functions. E.g., it allows one to find a trajectory corresponding to the minimum energy/fuel waste. This theory is then used to develop tools for designing optimal controllers. Namely, the maximum principle and dynamic programming are introduced. The module is supported by extensive examples and home assignments that help to learn how to apply all the covered techniques.
15 credits - Optimisation: Theory, algorithms and applications
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This unit provides detailed presentations on the use of numerical optimisation and search methods for a wide range of engineering problems. Traditional approaches drawn from Operations Research will be enhanced by topics based on recent developments in heuristic methods, such as evolutionary computing, e.g. genetic algorithms and swarm intelligence.
15 credits - Real-Time Embedded Systems
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Many systems, for example; a control system, fault detection system or health monitoring system are required to work in real-time. Such systems can be developed and implemented using a CPU and external devices in an embedded system application/device to perform the desired tasks in the “real” world. This module covers the hardware associated with building an embedded system and how the desired functionality and thus real-time operation of an embedded system can be realised through software/hardware.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials and independent study. By the end of your first year you'll have learnt the full range of core foundations for control and systems engineering, as well as broader engineering skills. Our teaching is based on a systematic and structured approach to support your learning.
Laboratory and professional skills are strongly integrated within the taught modules, and you'll undertake your laboratory work in our award-winning Diamond building, using the latest equipment and technologies.
Our academics are world leaders in their field. The teaching you will receive is based on the latest thinking and we regularly introduce new modules in response to current developments in research and demands in the careers market.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work. The proportions for each will vary depending on the modules you choose.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths and a science subject
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and a science subject
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB, including Maths and a science + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and a science + A in AS Level or B in A Level Further Maths AAB, including Maths and a Science subject + A in a relevant EPQ
International Baccalaureate | 36, 6 in Higher Level Maths and a science subject 34, with 6, 5, in Higher Level Maths and a science
BTEC | DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A in A Level Maths DD in Engineering or Applied Science + B in A Level Maths
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers | AAAAB + AA, including Maths and a science subject in both AAABB + AB, including Maths and a science subject in both
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA in Maths and a science subject B + AA in Maths and a science subject
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject, including 45 at Level with 39 credits at Distinctions to include Mathematics and Science or Engineering units, and 6 credits at Merit. Applicants are considered individually. 60 credits overall in a relevant subject, including 45 at Level with 36 credits at Distinctions to include Mathematics and Science or Engineering units, and 9 credits at Merit. Applicants are considered individually
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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Physics is preferred as the science subject, but we also accept a range of science related subjects, including Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Electronics, Engineering, Technology and Further Maths
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering

We are the only department in the UK dedicated to Control and Systems Engineering.
We are home to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre and have research contracts with major institutions like the European Space Agency, as well as our many academic and industrial partners. These connections mean our teaching is based on the latest thinking.
Facilities
Our facilities include a robotics, real-time systems, and control and power systems laboratory, as well as a state-of-the-art electronics and control lab in the Diamond.
Department of Automatic Control and Systems EngineeringWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
Research Excellence Framework 2014
The National Student Survey 2019
Student profiles
Graduate careers
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering
Our courses prepare you for a career where you'll apply your creative problem-solving skills and your understanding of engineering principles to the real world, while working in multidisciplinary teams. These transferable skills can be applied in many sectors across the breadth of engineering and beyond.
During your degree you'll have plenty of opportunities to enhance your employability. You can choose to go on a placement in industry, either during the summer or as a year in industry. Or you could consider studying abroad, either for a full year, or as part of a summer school.
We also have extracurricular projects where you can work with other engineering and science students to design and build rockets, submersible robots, autonomous payloads for satellites, rovers and more. You could also take part in a scheme for undergraduates where you work on research projects with academics over the summer period.
Graduates from all of our courses are highly employable and work all over the world for companies such as Arup, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Jaguar Land Rover, Thales and IBM. They go on to become professional engineers in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, power generation and sustainable energy.
You can expect an above-average starting salary of £27,900 per annum (DLHE, 2017).
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Additional funding
Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering scholarships
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 5647
Email: adacse@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.