PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION. MEng Electronic Engineering PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

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School of Engineering 1

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

MEng Electronic Engineering

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

COURSE TITLE: MEng Electronic Engineering with DPP ( 6238)

MEng Electronic Engineering + German Masters Degree with DPP (6693)

BEng(Hons) Electronic Engineering (Exit Award)

AB Electronic Engineering with or without DPP (Exit Award) CertHE (Exit Award)

PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary on the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. The accuracy of the information is reviewed by the University. It may also be checked within the independent review process undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency. Some of the details presented may change subject to formal approval by the University through its programme update and quality enhancement procedure. 1. AWARDING INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster

2. TEACHING INSTITUTION University of Ulster

3. LOCATION Jordanstown

4. ACCREDITED BY IET

5. FINAL AWARD MEng with DPP, BEng Hons with DPP

AB Degree with/without DPP,

CertHE (Exit Award)

6. MODE OF ATTENDANCE Full Time

7. SPECIALISMS Electronic Engineering 8. COURSE / UCAS CODE H600

9. DATE WRITTEN/REVISED Effective from 2011 10. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

To educate electronic engineering graduates to become competent professsional engineers and to completely fulfill the educational requirements for becoming chartered at the CEng level .

To provide an ehanced quality education which prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the electronic engineering industry, and for further study and research in electronic engineering .

To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the core of the electronic engineering discipline , and closely related subjects and applications such as communications, signal processing, embedded systems and software engineering.

To enable the student to analyse, design and evaluate a wide range of analogue and digital electronic circuits and systems.

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School of Engineering 2 To enable the student to analyse, design and program small-computer embedded systems for a variety of applications.

To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the underpinning science and mathematics associated with electronic engineering, and to provide an awareness of emerging technologies.

To enable graduates to apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of electronic engineering

systems, processes and products.

To provide a wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes to enable the student to be innovative in the design, evaluation and adaptation of electronic systems, processes and products to fulfil new needs.

To provide the necessary practical engineering skills of a professional electronic engineer.

To provide practical applications and experience of electronic engineering, combining theory, laboratory practice, and industrial experience, and the use of other relevant knowledge and skills.

To enhance the student’s undergraduate education in electronic engineering, both in terms of subject breadth and technical depth of study in the areas of communications, digital signal Processing, embedded Systems, and nanotechnology.

To provide the opportunity to enhance awareness of the role of electronic engineering in a wider European context and the opportunity to learn a foreign language and to study for the degree of a foreign country (Germany).

To provide a thorough understanding of current electronic engineering practice, its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments.

To provide a sound knowledge and understanding of management and business practices.

To cultivate an attitude of professionalism and an openness to continuous professional development, self-learning and performance improvement .

To provide an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

To provide an appreciation of the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting the exercise of engineering judgement.

To develop transferable skills, especially in the areas of problem solving, project planning, communication and IT skills, and working with others and to enhance these skills in terms of project planning, goal setting and updating, independent learning, group working, exercising leadership skills, and working in unfamiliar situations.

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School of Engineering 3 To develop the student’s awareness ofthe economic, social, and environmental

context of engineering in terms of materials and energy usage, health and safety, ethical and legal issues, and general cost implications in design and manufacture.

11. LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes.

11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

K1 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of electronic engineering and the related disciplines of mechanical and software engineering.

K2 Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to underpin their education in electronic engineering and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

K3 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of concepts from electronic mechanical and software engineering, as well as business and management studies, and apply them effectively in engineering projects.

K4 Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately.

K5 Demonstrate an awareness of developing technologies in electronic engineering and embedded systems.

K6 Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to electronic engineering, and an appreciation of their limitations.

Teaching And Learning Methods

Subject related qualities are acquired mainly through lectures, seminars, directed reading, videos, IT based resources, case studies and experiential learning. Exposure to the engineering environment is an important aspect of the teaching and learning methods, as are projects.

Assessment Methods

Testing of the knowledge base is principally through examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory reports, project dissertation and oral presentations. 11I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES

I1 Demonstrate understanding of engineering principles and apply them to analyse key electronic engineering processes.

I2 Identify, classify and describe the performance of electronic systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques.

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School of Engineering 4 I3 Apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems in

electronic engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

I4 Demonstrate understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to electronic engineering problems.

I5 Demonstrate a wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of

engineering design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.

I6 Generate innovative designs for electronic products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs, and, where appropriate, make general

evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

I7 Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging electronic technologies.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Intellectual qualities are developed mainly through coursework assignments, experimental work and projects.

Assessment focuses on the coursework assignments, experimental write-ups and project reports. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. 11P PROFESSIONAL /PRACTICAL SKILLS

P1 Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components

P2 Plan and conduct laboratory and workshop tasks using a variety of equipment P3 Demonstrate understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be

applied (e.g. operations and management, technology development, etc). P4 Source, integrate and use effectively technical literature and other engineering

information and data.

P5 Demonstrate an awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues, appropriate codes of practice and industry standards, and quality issues. P6 Work with technical uncertainty.

P7 Demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P8 Apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.

The teaching and learning methods place emphasis on engineering workshop practice, visits to local engineering companies and the supervised industrial placement year. Experimental work, team projects and design assignments also contribute.

The supervised work experience is assessed with visits, reports and an oral presentation. Coursework assignments, workshop exercises, laboratory reports, project dissertations and student peer assessment also contribute to the assessment methods.

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School of Engineering 5 11T TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS

T1 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills.

T2 Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.

T3 Able to function effectively as a member of a team and use management skills to plan, organise and provide leadership in work groups and projects.

T4 Exercise planning, organisational, problem-solving, and time-management skills and effectively use available resources.

Transferable and key skills are delivered throughout the programme, i.e. lectures, coursework assignments, laboratory work, industrial placement year and project dissertations. The IT skills are taught within the programme structure.

Assessment is principally through coursework assignments, laboratory reports and project dissertations. Assessment of teamwork is through submission of teamwork tasks, student peer and self-assessment, and oral presentations.

BENG (HONS) ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING DEGREE EXIT AWARD

Students who do not complete the final year (Year 5) of the MEng course may be considered for the award of BEng Hons provided that Year 4 has been completed and a final project is satisfactorily completed in accordance with the assessment criteria for BEng Hons project module EE516 . Please refer to separate BEng Hons Programme Specification for programme outcomes and award classification criteria.

AB DEGREE EXIT AWARD

The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to:

11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

K1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies in electronic engineering, and their evolution.

K2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematics necessary to support application of key electronic engineering principles.

K3 Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibility of the engineer in society including an awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, eg personnel, health and safety, and risk, ethical and sustainability issues.

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School of Engineering 6 Teaching and Learning Methods

Subject related qualities are acquired mainly through lectures, seminars, directed reading, videos, IT based resources, case studies and experiential learning. Exposure to the engineering environment is an important aspect of the teaching and learning methods as are projects.

Testing of the knowledge base is principally through examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory reports, project dissertation and oral presentations. 11I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES

I1 Use the results of analysis to solve engineering problems, apply technology and implement engineering processes.

I2 Monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and modelling in order to bring about continuous improvement.

I3 Apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering.

I4 Apply a systems approach to engineering problems through know-how of the application of the relevant technologies.

I5 Use creativity and innovation in a practical context.

Intellectual qualities are developed mainly through coursework assignments, experimental work and projects.

Assessment focuses on the coursework assignments, experimental write-ups and project reports. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS

P1 Demonstrate understanding of and ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes or products.

P2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of workshop and laboratory practice.

P3 Use and apply information from technical literature.

P4 Use appropriate codes of practice and industry standards, and demonstrate awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement.

The teaching and learning methods place emphasis on engineering workshop practice, visits to local engineering companies and the supervised industrial placement year. Experimental work, team projects and design assignments also contribute.

The supervised work experience is assessed with visits, reports and an oral presentation. Coursework assignments, workshop exercises, laboratory reports, project dissertations and student peer assessment also contribute to the assessment methods.

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School of Engineering 7 11T TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS

T1 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools.

T2 Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms. T3 Function effectively as a member of a team.

T4 Exercise planning, organisational, problem-solving, and time-management skills and effectively use available resources.

Transferable and key skills are delivered throughout the programme, i.e. lectures, coursework assignments, laboratory work, industrial placement year and project dissertations. The IT skills are taught within the programme structure.

Assessment is principally through coursework assignments, laboratory reports and project dissertations. Assessment of teamwork is through submission of teamwork tasks, student peer and self assessment, and oral presentations.

CertHE (EXIT AWARD)

This course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. Successful students will be able to:

11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT

K1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental scientific principles and methodology in engineering.

K2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of elementary mathematical principles in engineering.

K3 Demonstrate an awareness of current technologies related to own specialisation.

Lectures will be used present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principles. Tutorials will be used to elaborate lecture content, provide problem solving

opportunities and examine problem solutions in greater detail. Laboratory classes will enable hands-on experience of the practical application of theoretical concepts. Class work will supplemented by directed private study and may include access to online tutorial and study material.

A wide variety of assessment methods will be used including class tests, lab work, coursework assignments and online assessments. Assessment of the knowledge base is principally through written examinations and submitted coursework assignments.

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School of Engineering 8 I1 Apply quantitative methods and computer software to solve engineering

problems.

I2 Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.

I3 Apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems in engineering.

Intellectual qualities will be developed mainly through application of theory in laboratory practical classes, individual and collaborative coursework assignments, directed private study.

Class tests, coursework assignments and written examinations. 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS

P1 Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products.

P2 Plan and conduct laboratory and workshop tasks using a variety of equipment. P3 Apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and

industrial constraints.

Skills will be developed through tutorials, laboratory practical classes, coursework, directed private study.

Skills will be assessed by class-tests, coursework assignments. 11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

T1 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills.

T2 Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form. Teaching and Learning Methods

Development of transferable skills operates across the programme in lectures and tutorials, laboratory practical classes, directed private study and coursework. Assessment Methods

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School of Engineering August 2010 9

MODULES OUTCOMES

TITLES LEVEL CODE

K 1 K 2 K 3 K 4 K 5 K 6 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 P 6 P 7 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 Year 1

Engineering Maths 4 MAT125 × × × × × ×

Design & CAD 4 MEC106 × × × × × × × × × ×

Materials 4 MEC103 × × × × × × × ×

Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 × × × × × ×

Statics & Strength of Materials 1 4 MEC110 × × × × × × × × × × ×

Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 1 4 MEC122 × × × × × × × × × × ×

Manufacturing Processes 4 MEC104 × × × × × × × ×

Electrical Science & Circuits 4 EEE107 × × × × × × × × ×

Year 2

Microcontroller Systems 5 EEE305 × × × × × × × × × ×

Engineering Analysis 5 EEE347 × × × × × ×

Analogue Electronics 5 EEE319 × × × × × × × × × × ×

Digital Electronics 5 EEE324 × × × × × × × × ×

Engineering Computing 5 EEE318

Professional Studies 2 5 MEC323 × × × × ×

Signals & Communications 8 EEE310 × × × × ×

Electronic Engineering 5 EEE307 × × × × × ×

Year 3

Industrial Placement 5 MEC319 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

PROGRAMMING LEARNING OUTCOME MAP for: MEng Electronic Engineering

MEng Electronic Engineering + German Master’s Degree

Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme.

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TITLES LEVEL CODE

K 1 K 2 K3 K 4 K 5 K 6 I 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 P 1 P 2 P 3 P 4 P 5 P 6 P 7 T 1 T 2 T 3 T 4 Year 4

Industrial Management 6 EEE529 × × × × × × × ×

Embedded Systems 6 EEE527 × × × × × × × × ×

Nanotechnology 6 EEE505 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Mech. Behaviour of Metallic Materials 6 MEC514 × × × × × × × × × × ×

ASICs & Digital Design 6 EEE515 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Object Oriented Programming 6 EEE507 × × × × × × × × × ×

Analogue Circuit Design 6 EEE508 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Signal Processing 6 BME501 × × × × × × × × × × ×

German 1 4 GER121

German 2 5 GER318

Academic Placement – Kempten 6 EEE524 × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Advanced Control Systems 6 EEE513 × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Microelectronics 6 EEE517 × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Power Electronics 6 EEE518 × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Project & Seminar 6 EEE519 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Microwave Engineering 6 EEE520 × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Electrical Drive Systems 6 EEE525 × × × × × × × × × × × ×

VLSI Design 6 EEE535 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Control and Automation 6 EEE536 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Mechatronics 6 EEE545 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Communications 6 EEE538 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Power Electronics & Drives 6 EEE534 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Renewable Energy & Smart Grids 6 EEE533 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

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Year 5

Embedded Systems 7 EEE803 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

RF Design 7 EEE824 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Digital Signal Processing 7 EEE826 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Micro & Nanoscale Devices 7 EEE830 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

Product Innovation 7 EEE828 × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

MEng Final Project 7 EEE802 × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×

MODULE OUTCOME MAP for: AB Electronic Engineering with or without DPP (Exit Award)

Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme.

MODULE OUTCOMES

TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I 2 I3 I 4 I 5 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 Year 1

Engineering Maths 4 MAT125 × × × × × ×

Design & CAD 4 MEC106 × × × × × ×

Materials 4 MEC103 × × × × × × ×

Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 × × × × × ×

Statics & Strength of Materials 1 4 MEC122 × × × × × × × × ×

Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 1 4 MEC122

Manufacturing Processes 4 MEC104 × × × × × × ×

Electrical Science & Circuits 4 EEE107 × × × × × × × × × Year 2

Microcontroller Systems 5 EEE305 × × × × × × × ×

Engineering Analysis 5 EEE347 × × × × × ×

Analogue Electronics 5 EEE319 × × × × × × × × × × ×

Digital Electronics 5 EEE324 × × × × × × × × × ×

Engineering Computing 5 EEE318 × × × × × × × ×

Professional Studies 2 5 MEC323 × × × × ×

Signals & Communications 5 EEE310 × × × × × × × × × × ×

Electronic Engineering 5 EEE307 × × × × × × × × × × ×

AB Degree with DPP Year 3

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PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES MAP for: CertHE (Exit Award)

Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. There may be other outcomes detailed in the module descriptions (eg attitudes and behaviours) which are not assessed.

MODULES OUTCOMES

TITLE LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 T1 T2

Year 1 4

Design & CAD 4 MEC106 * * * * *

Materials 4 MEC103 * * *

Engineering Maths 4 MAT125 * *

Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 * * * * *

Manufacturing Processes 4 MEC104 * * * * * Statics & Strength of Materials 1 4 MEC110 * * * * * Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 1 4 MEC122 * * * * Electrical Science & Circuits 4 EEE107 * * * * * *

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School of Engineering 13 12. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS

The programme offers a study programmes leading to the degree of MEng. The programme is full-time and conforms to the University’s modular

requirements. The MEng consists of 4 years of academic study and an

industrial placement year. An accumulation of 120 credit points is necessary to complete each year of the programme, with the exception of the industrial placement year. Exceptionally, students may apply for exemption from the Industrial Placement year on the basis of previous industrial experience. Modules in Years 1 and 2 are common with the BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering degree programme. Progression, transfer and award criteria are outlined in section 16.

The MEng programme is conducted in co-operation with a Partner Institution in Kempten, Germany. It builds upon the first three years of study at the

University of Ulster and the Universities of Applied Sciences in Kempten. The study programmes have been developed to permit full bi-directional credit transfer such that selected students from the MEng degree can optionally achieve the German Masters degree and selected German students from the German Masters degree course can achieve the MEng. The former requires that the student studies Semester 8 of the MEng course at the University of Applied Sciences Kempten, Germany.

Details of the modules, and their corresponding credit level, for the programme are listed below.

*C = Compulsory O = Optional Year 1 - All modules at Level 4

Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status

MAT125 Engineering Maths 20 C

MEC106 Design & CAD 20 C MEC103 Materials 10 C MEC101 Professional Studies 1 20 C MEC104 Manufacturing Processes 10 C EEE107 Electrical Science & Circuits 20 C MEC110 Statics & Strength of Materials 1 10 C MEC122 Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 1 10 C Year 2 - All modules at Level 5

Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status Award

AB(Exit Award)

EEE305 Microcontroller Systems 20 C EEE347 Engineering Analysis 20 C EEE319 Analogue Electronics 10 C EEE324 Digital Electronics 10 C EEE310 Signals & Communications 20 C EEE307 Electronic Engineering 20 C

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School of Engineering 14 EEE318 Engineering Computing 10 C

MEC323 Professional Studies 2 10 C Year 3 - Industrial Placement Year (Level 5)

Module No. Module Credit Point *Module Status Award

MEC319 Industrial Placement 60 C DPP

(on award

of degree) Year 4 - All modules at Level 6

MEng Electronic Engineering

Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status

Award

BEng (Exiit Award)

EEE529 Industrial Management 10 C GER121 German 10 C (or GER318)

BME501 Signal Processing 20 C EEE527 Embedded Systems 20 C plus 3 from

EEE505 Nanotechnology 20 O EEE507 Object Oriented Prog. 20 O EEE508 Analogue Circuit Design 20 O EEE515 ASICs & Digital Design 20 O

+ Students who do not complete the final year (Year 5) of the MEng course may be considered for the awar of BEng Hons provided that Year 4 has been completed and a final project is satisfactorily completed in accordance with the assessment criteria for BEng Hons project module EEE516 (30 credits). Modules GER121 and GER318 will not count towards the BEng Hons classification. The two best option marks (40 credits) will be selected from the three options taken by the student in order to make up the 120 credits at level 6 on which the honours classification will be based. Please refer to separate BEng Hons Programme Specification for programme outcomes and award classification criteria.

Dual Award - MEng Electronic Engineering plus German Masters Degree Semester 1

EEE524 Academic Placement – Kempten 60 O OR

EEE532 Academic Placement – Augsburg 60 O OR

EEE529 Industrial Management 10 O GER121 German 10 O (or GER318)

BME501 Signal Processing 20 O

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School of Engineering 15 Semester 2

EEE513 Advanced Control Systems 10 O EEE517 Microelectronics 10 O EEE518 Power Electronics 10 O EEE519 Project & Seminar 10 O EEE520 Microwave Engineering 10 O EEE525 Electrical Drive Systems 10 O OR

4 from

EEE535 VLSI Design 15 O EEE536 Control and Automation 15 O

EEE545 Mechatronics 15 O

EEE538 Communications 15 O

EEE534 Power Electronics & Drives 15 O EEE533 Renewable Energy & Smart Grids 15 O

Year 5 - All modules at Level 7

Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status

Award

MEng EEE802 MEng Final Project 60 C

EEE828 Product Innovation 15 C plus 3 from

EEE803 Embedded Systems 15 O

EEE824 Radio Frequency Design 15 O EEE826 Digital Signal Processing 15 O EEE830 Micro and Nanoscale Devices 15 O

*C = Compulsory O = Optional

13. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways.

• An Induction Meeting is held to give students resources that are noted

below, and give an overview of the vital information they need for the first weeks of study. For first year students, further information is delivered throughout the year as necessary within the module delivery, and particularly within the Professional Studies module. Other students are encouraged to review other materials made available online or to contact their studies advisor for more information. Within the context of professional studies, delivered at several levels students are advised of the importance of eventual CPD, and PDP as a preparation for that, and as an aid for their learning.

• A Programme Handbook provides all the necessary information about

the programme. It welcomes students to the School of Engineering and to the programme. It provides information on modules to be studied,

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School of Engineering 16 programme calendar, course director, teaching staff, health and safety issues, student support services and a guide to life as a student. It also contains the programme specification and the current programme regulations.

• Module Handbooks describe the content of each module delivered in a

particular year. These provide students with the module content, teaching and assessment schedules and a list of the recommended texts.

• A Study Advisor is allocated to each student. The advisor is a member

of staff who provides assistance to the student in their personal and career development.

• A centralised Counselling Service is available to students who are

experiencing problems with aspects of their lives other than the strictly academic. However, if these problems are affecting their studies or academic progress the course director, study advisor and appropriate members of the

• programme team co-operate to provide recommended help and advice

to the student concerned.

• A centralised Careers Service is available to help students determine

their future career and support their applications for employment. Direct advice is provided through a series of lectures during the first semester of the students’ final year. This provides advice and direction to students and enables them to make meaningful use of the careers service during the remainder of the year.

• A student/staff consultative committee is established for each year of

the programme, which provides a means of addressing general

programme concerns. Students also have direct access to the Course Director/ Studies Advisor.

• Other support is provided in the areas of accommodation, special needs,

heath, childcare, library and computer usage.

14. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME

Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry.

15. EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, and the curriculum and outcome standards include:

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• The Course Committee. This committee oversees all changes to the

Programme and has overall responsibility for its design and effective delivery.

• The Staff-Student Consultative Committee. Class representatives are

appointed for each year of the programme. They are expected to bring forward any issues raised by the student group they represent.

• Module Questionnaires. The students complete a questionnaire for

each of the modules being studied. The results of the survey help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of the modules. The University collates the results for each School and individual staff members discuss the results with their Head of School.

• Module Evaluation. Each member of the teaching staff takes

responsibility for evaluating the content and delivery of each module they present. The evaluation is informed by student feedback, and the Programme Committee reviews the evaluations.

• Peer Supported Review. Each year, each member of teaching staff is

expected to undertake some initiative to improve some aspect of their teaching and learning performance, supported by another colleague from within the university.

• Staff Teaching Performance. This is monitored annually through

online student questionnaires. The results of the survey help staff identify their own strengths/weaknesses and to take appropriate action where necessary.

• Staff Appraisal. This exercise is carried out on a 2-year cycle with

attention given to the development needs of the individual staff member.

• Staff Development. The University has an active Staff Development

Unit, which works closely with Educational Development and, in addition provides specific training/development for staff. Specifically, all new staff (opportunity is also provided for existing staff) have to pursue a formal teaching qualification (Postgraduate Certificate) and are encouraged to apply for membership of the Higher Education Academy.

• Annual Subject Monitoring. Each year, all programmes within the

Faculty are reviewed to ensure their effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Industrial Advisory Board. The school maintains an industrial advisory

board which it consults on changes to its provision to ensure excellent industrial relevance.

• Professional Accreditation. The programme is accredited by the

Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) and is subject to re-accreditation every 5 years.

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School of Engineering 18 16. REGULATION OF STANDARDS

General Requirements

General programme regulations are in accordance with the current University of Ulster “Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations”.

Specific Requirements

The following outlines those regulations specific to the programme: Pass Mark

In Years 1, 2 3 and 4 the pass mark for individual assessments = 40%. In Year 5 of the programmes the pass mark for individual assessments = 50%.

Transfer between MEng, German Masters Degree and BEng Hons

Students on the MEng progamme failing to attain an overall weighted average of 60% at the end of the second year (Level-5 modules) will be transferred to the linked BEng Hons programme.

Candidates may transfer from the MEng Electronic Engineering programme to the BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering programme.

In Year 5 candidates on the MEng programme who fail to satisfy the examiners may be assessed for the aware of BEng Hons.

Candidates from a German Masters programme offered by Partner Institution University of Applied Sciences Kempten, Germany, may also apply for entry onto the MEng programme, provided that six semesters of study have been completed to the satisfaction of the MEng Course Committee.

MEng candidates may also optionally study for the German Masters degree by studying Semester 8 at the University of Applied Sciences in either Augsburg or Kempten

Final Year Assessment

The award of the degree is based on the assessment of student performance in the final year of the programme. An aggregate of the final year module marks, weighted in proportion to the credit point value of each module, will be used to classify the degree.

Performance levels for MEng Classification

The following will be the minimum percentages normally acceptable in determining the overall grade of the degree.

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School of Engineering 19 At least 50% and less than 70% Pass

Less than 50% Fail Role of the External Examiner

One External Examiners are appointed for the MEng programme with a term of office normally of 4 years. They are appointed by the University Council on the recommendation of Senate, after consideration of nominations from the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee.

The full duties of an external examiner are set out in the University’s “Code of Practice for External Examiners”. They include:

• Approval and moderation of examination papers and other forms of

assessment.

• Consideration and revision of the standard of marking.

• Ensuring that academic standards are maintained and that individual

students are treated fairly.

• Comparability of these standards with those of similar programmes. • Submitting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor a report on standards of the

Programme.

17. INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING

• Teaching staff within the faculty are encouraged to become accredited

members of the Higher Education Academy. To date 9 members have fulfilled the requirements through completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice or its predecessor awards. A further 4 staff

members are in process of gaining fellowship by completing the PGCHEP award or by direct application.

• Several staff within the school have wide past and current experience of

external examining other similar provision at other institutions.

• As well as teaching, most staff are actively engaged in research that

informs their teaching. In addition, most have substantial industrial experience prior to joining the University. A significant number are full members, or fellows, of appropriate professional bodies (e.g. CEng, MIMechE, MIEE, MIED, CMath etc.).

• Staff from the school engage in high quality research in areas such as

Materials, Nanotechnology, Composites and Metal forming, with the growing strength in materials research now achieving 11th in UK in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). The school is also, in its collaborative provision with other schools well matched by excellent research in the areas of Sports Science and Design.

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• Aspects of teaching and learning within the school have been

demonstrated and published internationally; in particular our pioneering developments in the areas of managing placement are now used by several other universities across the globe.

• Several members of the team have been awarded Distinguished

Fellowships in Teaching and Learning Support.

• All honours degree students obtain a suitable one year industrial

placement for their DPP year either locally or internationally.

• It is envisaged that, similar to other engineering/technology graduates,

employment prospects will be substantially better for graduates from the course when compared to students coming from other subject