Sensor Networks MSc

Duration

One year (MSc)

Overview

The MSc in Sensor Networks will give students the key skills and knowledge required to develop industrial solutions at the cutting edge of this rapidly growing field. This uniquely structured and flexible course is born out of the exclusive partnership between the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde, in conjunction with the universities' industrial partner, iSLI. Graduates receive a joint degree, with the degree certificates bearing the crests of all four universities.

There are two semesters of lecture-based teaching, the first at Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities, the second at the University of Glasgow. In the third semester, students complete an industry-focused project in a group environment.

Programme Rationale

This is an industry-focused programme, designed to support graduates looking to develop skills in sensor networks, data processing and communications that can be used in a range of end applications including renewable energy, smart grid, human health / community healthcare, consumer electronics, smart transport, aerospace, unmanned airborne vehicles, environmental monitoring and control.

The programme provides training in the crucial sensor network technologies including sensing, wireless communications, embedded processing and control. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of sensor-based systems, often wireless, that can be applied to many sectors.

During the MSc project, students will gain experience of industrially structured multi-role research, creating graduates with cross-disciplinary understanding and an ability to operate effectively within mixed hardware/software groups.

Course Content

The programme has a modular structure with the award of credits. A total of 180 credits (120 from taught courses; 60 from the project) are required at a satisfactory level of achievement for the award of the MSc. Core subjects comprise:

• Sensing and Digital Signal Processing
• Communications and Networking
• Sensor Systems Architecture and Software
• Project Planning and Research Methods/Techniques

Core subjects are enhanced by four themed specialisations, offering a flexible, customisable programme:

• Sensor design, e.g., VLSI, microfabrication, micro and nano, biosensors and instrumentation, analogue and DSP, sensing principles (chemical/biochemical/biological/micromechanics)
• Embedded hardware design, e.g., integration of sensors with processors and memory, VLSI, real-time issues, integration of complex algorithms into hardware
• Sensor communication and distributed processing, e.g., RF design, antennas, Zigbee, Bluetooth, 802.11, collection protocols
• Sensor network application design, e.g., integration of sensor networks to the internet – how gateways integrate, HCI, dependability of deployment

Industry-Focused Project
In the third semester, students will normally complete the individual project in a group environment at ISLI; designed to mimic real-world design engineering and with a genuine relevance to future employment goals.

ISLI uses its extensive commercial networks to foster direct engagement between staff of UK companies and the student cohort to source appropriate projects. Industrially experienced engineering staff from ISLI will support and supervise projects, giving students a realistic experience of small-team commercial R&D.

A collaborative group model bringing together students from different programme threads to collaborate on a single project theme is used as appropriate to further broaden and strengthen academic learning. By structuring projects in this way, students learn how to interface between disciplines and to apply their new skills efficiently and effectively to demanding multi-domain development tasks.

Career Opportunities

On completion of this programme, students graduate with domain-appropriate skills suitable for a broad range of high quality careers including aerospace, consumer electronics, health, industrial automation, energy, defence, space and environmental monitoring.

Four Leading Universities: One Exciting New Degree

The partner universities and ISLI have delivered joint postgraduate programmes since 1999. The universities are extremely popular choices for taught postgraduate study, not only because of the world class reputations, but also because of the quality of the student experience outside academic life.

Contact:

Siân Williams, ISLI
education@isli.ac.uk / 00 44 (0)131 510 0672

If you would like information sent to you about the new-look MSc programme, please register for updates education@isli.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

A First or Upper Second Class Honours degree, or recognised international equivalent. The programme covers hardware and software disciplines and is aimed at graduates in electronic engineering and/or computer science. Graduates with other suitable numerate backgrounds may also be considered.

The lead university for the programme is Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, to which all applications to the course should be made.