About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: H67A1
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Engineering, Design and Mathematics
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Twelve to eighteen months full-time. Up to five years part-time.
- Delivery: Full-time and part-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Sanja Dogramadzi
- Key fact: This course aims to produce specialists with the tools and techniques needed to develop robotic products and systems for the fast paced service robotics market.
Introduction
This course is for you if you have a keen interest in doing a Master's degree which will enable you to apply your creativity and knowledge to create intelligent robots. This course will provide you both the critical insight and practical skills to do so.
Practical research training and supervision will be provided through UWE research centres, including the internationally-renowned Bristol Robotics Laboratory. This course is the ideal preparation for you if you are thinking about going on to study a PhD in Robotics.
Robotics is a rapidly developing discipline that combines long-established areas of electronic and mechanical engineering with novel approaches in computing and the life sciences. It is also driving a revolution in industry where robotic devices are starting to penetrate most sectors - from its widespread use in defence and manufacturing, through to emerging applications in personal care, medical intervention and entertainment.
UWE is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for our teaching and research covering robotics, artificial intelligence and embedded systems. We offer a BSc(Hons) Robotics at undergraduate level.
Structure
Content
The course is structured as follows:
- A substantial research project or dissertation (120 credits at level M)
- Four taught modules (60 credits at level M)
There is only one core taught module called Industrial and Operational Case Studies. The other three modules may be chosen from across the range of modules available in the Faculty, or potentially more widely across the University, according to your project topic and to fill in any gaps in your own background knowledge.
The research project is the crux of your course and comprises a significant piece of supervised research work. Your choice of modules builds up your knowledge to this point. You will have submitted a project proposal as part of the application process which will have been agreed as being suitable and practical for the duration and level of the degree.
Part-time study
The flexible nature of this course is ideal for those who wish to study part-time whilst remaining in full-time employment. We would expect your project proposal to be supported by your employer and that your research will be of direct benefit to them. Furthermore, your employer will benefit from your developing knowledge and critical insight into modern robotic applications, as well as expertise brought to your research by your project supervisor.
Teaching and learning
You will be a graduate from an engineering, product design, computer science or other science related degree. You will therefore have some knowledge and experience of design tools, simulation techniques, electro-mechanical devices, software development, research methods, the role of design in a business context and the contribution made by IT, and computer-based systems for intelligent product design, development and optimisation. You will be focusing your existing knowledge, understanding and creativity towards the context of your project.
In addition to your module choices, you will also need to undertake a considerable amount of independent learning through reading and use of appropriate software to supplement and consolidate your knowledge.
Through the module Industrial and Operational Case Studies, you will gain understanding of the various applications of robots and robotic technologies including into manufacturing, assistive, medical, warfare and entertainment environments.
Through the learning, knowledge and skills you will acquire, you will determine new ways of working. As you progress, the need to synthesis ever-greater volumes of information and approaches into a coherent approach is developed, along with critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and problem solving skills. The research project will consolidate the development of these skills and promote your intellectual independence and self-confidence.
You will gain the following practical and professional skills during your studies:
- Develop robotic designs to meet application requirements
- Understand and design electronic circuits and systems
- Develop software, particularly for embedded processors and mobile robots
- Use real and virtual methods to develop and optimise design concepts
- Develop initial design concepts into functional product descriptions
- Understand the engineering applications of design specifications
- Generate and evaluate alternative design solutions
- Search for and evaluate information and solutions using a wide range of information sources, including online sources
- Manage multi-disciplinary projects
- Specify appropriate sensor and actuator systems for incorporation into design solutions
- Use existing components to build new behavioural and robotic systems
- Communicate alternative design proposals using visual mediums
Assessment
Assessment of the taught component of the course will normally be by project work, assignments and examination.
The research project will be assessed through a written report, through delivery of a bevavioural system or robot and through a viva where you will be required to defend your work to a panel of experts.
Special Features
Study facilities
Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL)
The BRL has strong research activity in the field of mobile robotics. A multi-million pound partnership between UWE and the University of Bristol, the BRL strives to understand and develop robotic devices that can behave intelligently without human supervision and intervention. Devices such as these could be used for a wide range of applications to assist humans to perform dangerous or unpleasant tasks.
For instance, robots that 'refuel' themselves can be deployed to rid an area of landmines, to clear blocked pipes, to gather data from the very depths of the oceans - the possibilities are endless. Much of BRL's work is inspired by evolutionary biology, studies in animal behaviour, artificial intelligence and artificial life. For information on BRL's latest projects. For more information on the BRL's latest projects visit their website.
As a student on this course, you will have access to developments at the cutting edge of contemporary research in robotics and intelligent systems. Project supervisors will come from the academic expertise which exists within BRL. The Lab, its facilities and expertise will be available to you for your research project. You will also be invited to attend BRL seminars given by invited speakers, many of whom are experts in their fields. You can also expect BRL doctoral students and research staff to contribute to your teaching.
Additionally, we conduct complimentary research covering the broad areas of intelligent systems, complex co-operative systems, machine vision and unconventional computing.
News
Bristol Robotics Laboratory Receives Grand Challenges Explorations Funding
The BRL will receive funding through Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that enables researchers worldwide to test unorthodox ideas that address persistent health and development challenges.
Could 'wee-power' be the future of electricity generation?
Scientists at UWE Bristol have published the world's first research paper on work that tested the viability of urine as a potential fuel for Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) in order to directly produce electricity.
Entry
Fees
Please note that we accept applications to start this course in either September or January of each year.
Information on fees, bursaries and other sources of funding for postgraduate students.
How to apply
We welcome applications from high calibre applicants from disciplines including Electronics and Electronic Engineering, other engineering disciplines including Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics or similar. Those with first degrees in disciplines other than given above may be considered if they have relevant professional experience of sufficient depth.
You will be expected to submit a draft project proposal along with your application. You can expect to be invited to informal interview, where your proposal will be discussed and appropriate optional modules selected. Your aptitude and commitment to innovation and learning will also be judged at interview.
International students who are not able to attend an informal interview will be interviewed electronically and through telephone calls.
Applications can be made online by following the links on this page, or may also be submitted as a hard copy, along with all supporting references, copies of educational qualifications and the project proposal.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011