MSc/PGDip Programme Structure (Broadband)

(1)

MSc/PGDip in Broadband and Mobile Communication Networks MSc/PGDip in Wireless Communications and Signal Processing Introductory meeting

21st_{September 2012}

Dr Nathan Gomes MSc/PGDip Chairman

(2)

MSc/PGDip Programme Structure (WCSP)

Study for the “taught” modules (1)

•

Two terms:

 Four modules in the first term

 Two modules in the second term (run in parallel with “research methods and project design”)

•

Typically lectures are followed by some directed study (e.g., problem sheets). Examples classes review material. Workshops to give practical insights.

•

Labs, various assignments

•

Note:

(3)

Study for the “taught” modules (2)

•

“Taught” modules are examined through written

examinations (typically weighted at around 80%, but varies) AND continuous assessment.

•

Check individual module specifications for weightings, and weightings for continuous assessment.

•

Note: exams are in May – even for first term modules

 Make sure you plan your revision time well

•

Assignments (continuous assessments) vary:

 Lab based (Matlab/Simulink, OPNET)

 Case study based

•

Will provide examination rubrics next term.

Research Methods and Project Design module

•

Runs in the second term

•

First main part: Teaching and assessments based generally on Research Methods

 Literature survey on general topic

 Research ethics, publishing, presentation

 Project management

 Data analysis, other general issues

•

Second main part, and major component: individual MSc project design

 Masters project literature review

 Masters project proposal (design and specification)

(4)

MSc project

•

Project Lists, Industrial Projects – you will be notified of these late in the first term – make selection by end of term

•

Assignment of project, based on your selections primarily (but taking into account other constraints)

•

First part of project is in “Research Methods and Project Design” module

•

Main part commences immediately after your examinations finish – culminates with a final presentation and dissertation next September

Broadband & Wireless Communications –

Research Group

•

The research activities of the group are directed towards components, technologies and

techniques and subsystems for high-frequency, high bit-rate wireless systems operating from RF to THz frequencies. The main areas are in:

•

Mobile Communications

•

Antennas and Microwave

Systems

•

Photonics

(5)

Broadband and Wireless Communications –

Research Group

•

Mobile communications

 MIMO systems for increasing data rate

 3G long term evolution (LTE) – to provide 100 Mbps and low latency services

 4G mobile communications – to provide 1 Gbps or greater with novel coding

 Ultra-wideband (UWB) communications for low-power, short distances

 Broadband Wireless LAN/WiMAX – higher data rates over greater coverage areas

•

Links with (funding from) NTT DoCoMo

•

EU FP7 project ULOOP

Broadband and Wireless Communications –

Research Group

•

Antennas and Microwave Systems

 Development and Integration of micro/millimetre wave modules, electromagnetic bandgap and antenna components

 Frequency selective surfaces

• EM architecture of buildings

 Components and technologies for wireless and mobile systems.

• Multiband antennas for mobile systems including • Integrated antennas/circuits

• Ultra-wideband (UWB) body-worn antennas (House of Lords recognition)

(6)

Broadband and Wireless Communications –

Research Group

•

Photonics

 RF, microwave, and mm-wave radio-over-fibre technologies, systems and networks; high-speed modulator and photonic crystal device modelling; glass based integrated optics

 EU funded

• Particularly FUTON large-scale integrating project on distributed wireless systems using radio over fibre technology

Industry sponsored MSc projects

•

Project placements in industry

 Duration does not have to exactly match project duration, but deliverables (proposal, presentation, dissertation) must be at the required times

 Industry supervisor will provide day-to-day technical supervision, and write report on student

•

Sponsored projects run at the University

 Run by a suitable member of academic staff as an internal project, but on a brief specified by the company

•

Projects split between industry and the University

(7)

Example internal project areas

Dr Batchelor having a wearable antenna measured

MSc student working within the research team in the Photonics lab

Example sponsored projects

•

Project placements in industry:

 Recent examples: BT, Lucent, Orange, Remec, Tekmar Sistemi (now Andrew Corporation), Intracom, Demokritos

 Companies pay student salary; closely supervise project

•

Credits, MSc and PDip

•

All teaching at the University of Kent is based on a credit framework: each credit is based on 10 workload hours, modules are based on multiples of 15 credits.

•

“Taught” MSc modules are each worth 15 credits (total 90 credits)

•

MSc Research Methods and Project Design is worth 30 credits

•

MSc Project is worth 60 credits

•

To pass the MSc you need 180 credits; to pass the PGDip at least 120 credits.

•

Progression to the MSc project is based on passing everything else first! (Trailing of 2 modules possible, but not EL849.)

•

Pass mark for all modules is 40%

•

MSc with Distinction: overall mark of 70% or above

•

MSc with Merit: overall mark of 60% or above

Some key people in the School

•

Professor Sarah Spurgeon – Head of School

•

Professor J Wang – Director of Graduate Studies

•

Dr F Deravi – Student Welfare Officer/EDASS

•

Mr Mark Ellis - Technical Support, incl. IT ([email protected])

•

Mr Chris Barron, School Administration Manager

Mrs Relly Bowman, Academic Assistant ([email protected])

(also Women’s Officer)

(9)

Careers Advisory Service

•

Use the Web: See http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/

•

Please browse the website. There is a wealth of information on jobs, placements, funding and on making applications, interviews etc…

Thank you and

Welcome!

-- to the University

--to the School

-- and to the MSc programmes in

Broadband and Mobile Communication Networks

Wireless Communications and Signal Processing