Computer Systems Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

This module aims to provide you with the capability to produce useful practical designs in the technology area of analogue and digital electronics. Technical focus is on the performance characteristics of voltage mode operational amplifiers along with a range of typical applications. Synchronous, sequential digital logic is also included employing a hardware description language for simulation and synthesis of a digital system.

Compulsory

This module builds upon and develops the fundamental computer programming skills. A programming language with direct memory access will be introduced and the syntax for control structures met already will be covered. You will focus on the new concepts of classes, objects, and object-oriented programming. Abstract Data Types and memory management will also be key themes. The module will continue to develop your professional skills by introducing profiling, unit testing, and use of version control.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to fundamental concepts of modern operating systems (OS), networks and associated security. The main topics covered will include basic OS concepts such as processes, memory management, drivers and file systems. It also covers necessary interactions between the OS and the system hardware and devices and those security issues of relevance to the Operating System. It discusses the main types of Operating Systems such as Linux, Windows, Unix and MacOS. The module also covers the different types of networks, protocols, and network layers. The module also focuses on the security aspects in terms of analysing network-based attacks, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

Compulsory

The module aim is to design and develop real-world electronic systems using embedded system principles and techniques. You will work in a group to apply appropriate theoretical and practical project management methods to aid the design, develop, manufacture, construct commission, operate, maintain, decommission and re-cycle embedded products.

Compulsory

This module will be focused on the manufacturing of electronic circuit boards. The module will cover schematic design and printed circuit board (PCB) design. The aim is to enable you to design your own PCBs keeping the EMI regulation into account. The lab sessions will also cover soldering practice for the students.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide a fundamental knowledge of computer communications (mainly in the context of local and wide area networks) and network architecture from the user’s point of view. It aims to give an overall understanding of the issues and constraints involved in wired and wireless communication systems.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In this module you will be introduces to the concepts and practical considerations of creating and evaluating secure computer systems. Systems will be analysed at both the application level and at the level of interconnected devices in architectures suck as client-server and cloud-based, with attention given to security-by-design, security legislation and regulation and the associated products and services.

Compulsory

The aim is to enable you to design a computer system using a hardware description language. Specific focus would be on field programmable gate array implementation, which includes synthesis, testing and verification. An additional aim would be to learn complex system design techniques including architecting for speed and area.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to prepare you to undertake a substantial project. Key parts in this module include; project selection, project allocation, project specification, cognizance of standards relating to project, logbook keeping, supervisor meetings, project management, ethics application, literature review, preliminary analysis and design work, and preparation report. Successful completion of the module will require methodical planning, self-management, effective communication and delivery of report.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to research, design, implement and critically evaluate a functional or simulated system, object or concept and to acquire deeper knowledge of a specialist technical area. To this end, you will undertake a substantial project that will exercise in-depth technical, problem-solving, creative and other skills required of a professional practitioner including working to appropriate ethical codes of practice.

Compulsory

The aim of the module is to introduce how a full FPGA-based system on chip (SoC) is designed and implemented, including both hardware and software development. A modern SoC consists of several different processor subsystems together with memories and I/O interface. Other than full-cycle SoC implementation, this module will also address how the hardware development of an SoC could be done at a high-level programming language.

Compulsory

Choose one from the following two modules:

• Machine Learning and Related Applications – 20 credits
  This module represents an introduction to the wide field of machine learning. It will present fundamental concepts related to supervised and unsupervised learning methods, for example, linear regression, support vector machines, logistic regression, k nearest neighbour, neural networks, k means and hierarchical clustering techniques. You will understand the concepts behind these methods and be able to analyse the outcomes of applying various machine learning algorithms on a set of data, together with techniques of processing such data and tuning machine learning models.
• VLSI Design – 20 credits
  The module aims to present the principles and techniques of integrated circuit design utilizing the CMOS Technology, which is currently the industry mainstream for the vast majority of all analogue and digital integrated circuits. This module covers the fundamentals of both analogue and digital IC design principles and establish a good understanding of the analogue and digital layout and simulation techniques with IC design software tools.

Optional

The module aims to provide you with practical experience in the programming of real-time embedded systems including analysis, design and implementation of appropriate computer programs. Analysis and design will be founded on object-oriented (OO) concepts and the use of the Unified Modelling Language (UML). Programs will be implemented on a microprocessor system in an appropriate programming language. There will be substantial hands-on content involving the programming of a microcontroller and incorporating suitable software tools.

Compulsory

The module aims to provide knowledge and experience of the engineering techniques and processes required for the realisation of embedded hardware systems. It involves a detailed study of advanced contemporary devices and their applications together with an opportunity to develop practical skills in the laboratory. This module covers the full development cycle from initial concept through design and testing to final hardware realisation. Knowledge of microcontrollers, assembly and C programming is desirable and PCB experience will be useful.

Compulsory

The module aims to provide you with a sound knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in cloud and distributed computing. This module provides coverage of the latest developments in cloud computing and related technologies such as service-oriented architecture. The module will introduce the key concepts of cloud computing as an architectural stack for understanding infrastructure as services, platform as services and software as services. It also gives an exposition of other types of distributed computing technology such as grid computing and distributed data stores.

Compulsory

The module aims to provide a capability to apply the HDL language for the simulation and synthesis of digital systems on FPGAs. It covers the essential syntax of HDL and its coding styles for different digital functions and their simulation and implementation. A practical approach is adopted involving the use of contemporary HDL design tools. Assessment requires applying the concepts to small to medium design projects relevant to semiconductor industry.

Compulsory

This module will enable you, working in groups and in conjunction with industry, to produce successful system and sub-system designs, incorporating where necessary the most advanced technical and mathematical concepts from both their past knowledge and that acquired during the course. You will develop a professional working relationship with an industrial or research group client and deliver a solution to professional, industrial standards. Throughout the management aspects of the project work will be stressed to enhance your capability in this area.

Compulsory