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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
This multi-disciplinary course develops skills in analogue and digital electronics, signal processing, sensors, control systems and embedded programming. The course emphasises relevant techniques, algorithms, tools and skills that support research and development for real-life applications.
The course is structured in units that will allow you to gain fundamental theoretical knowledge and skills in electronic engineering. You will be able to apply these techniques to solve real-world engineering problems and develop team-working skills.
Career Opportunities:
Completion of this course will open up a wide range of career opportunities as an engineer or researcher in electronics, as well as many other opportunities within the telecommunications and IT industry.
Key features:
Areas of study include:
The assessments are designed to assist students in meeting the required learning outcomes and their own learning needs in relation to each unit.
The assessments provide students with opportunities to diagnose their skills, abilities, academic/occupational background and level to give students an early indication of what specific learning practices may help them more in some particular areas of study, starting from student induction period in conjunction with Fundamentals of Computing unit and throughout the entire in-course period of study. There will be frequent opportunities to get feedback both from tutors, peers and via self assessment, and some assessments will allow for draft submissions to be considered by a tutor or peers to identify aspects in need of development prior to final hand-in.
The assessments are to be inclusive such that a variety of methods will be used in assessing students to ensure that no particular group of students are advantaged or disadvantaged. The methods include portfolios, laboratory practical work, group and individual production projects, individual and group written reports and formal written exams.
Mini-projects and case studies provide students with real-world problems. The students are expected to find solutions to the problems following the process of analysis, technique evaluation, design and syntheses, and solution evaluation.
These min-projects and case studies are designed in both group work and individual work fashions to allow student to practice their communication skills and team working skills, and to develop their capability of working individually. They are also design in the way in which students need to connect together different elements taught within a unit and also across different units with helps from the course team who explain to students how individual units make up of the course.
Written exams focus on theoretical knowledge and the application of the knowledge to engineering problems.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to
LO1: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of and electronic engineering and modern computer principles and have the skills to explore further in the area
LO2: Critically analyse engineering problems
LO3: Critically evaluate computer techniques in relation to electronic engineering problems
LO4: Creatively synthesis solutions to engineering problems with available computer techniques and with software/hardware developing skills
LO5: Critically evaluate the solutions to an array of engineering problems
LO6: Manage solution synthesis processes, including design, implementation, test and documentation
LO7: Demonstrate understanding of economic, social and environment context of engineering processes
LO8: Present arguments in an academic, scientific, professional and logical style, both orally and in writing.
The curriculum structure consists of units that allow students to gain fundamental knowledge and to further explore advanced electronic engineering and computer techniques; to develop skills of applying these knowledge and techniques in order to innovatively resolve real-world engineering problems; to develop communication and team-working skills.
This programme aims to
- develop personal skills so that students have confidence and ability to apply their knowledge both individually and as part of a team
- promote a responsible attitude towards the use of computer techniques in solving engineering problems
- facilitate students' understanding of the fundamentals of electronic engineering and computer technologies
- facilitate students ability to apply the techniques to resolving real-world engineering problems
- promote students awareness of the cultural, social, political, economic and ethical implications in the computer science and electrical/electronic engineering.
A range of support mechanisms are arranged to help students achieve the learning outcomes associated with this degree, including:
- Induction All students will have an introductory session. Its purpose will be to familiarise students with academic and technical staff in the CST Department and the facilities available such as the Department Lab, Learning Resource Centre and Virtual Learning Environment, as well as other student services.
- Course handbook and unit handbooks All students will be provided with course and unit handbooks that include general course information, detail of assessment methods and contact names.
- Personal tutor Each student will have a personal tutor. Tutorial sessions with their tutor will be available to support progression on the course and to assist in solving problems which may not be directly related to the course.
- Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment The results of such diagnostics enable a personalised program to address individual learning requirements, for example, mathematical or language skills. Academic advice will be provided at a Field level and a Corporate level.
- Academic English modules Provided mainly for International students.
Group work will be encouraged in assignments through out the course to develop students skills needed to work with others which will benefit them in preparing for professional life and for work placement. Each team will consist of 2-4 students. Team members will be expected to contribute to team discussions, complete tasks as part of a team and in general, be able to show that they are able to work with others. To ensure individual participation in each group, peer assessment will be used to mark the final artefact.
Completion of this course will open up a wide range of career opportunities as an engineer or researcher in electronics, as well as many other opportunities within the telecommunications and IT industry.
Further study:
MSc taught courses in Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Computer Security and Forensics, Information Management and Mobile Computing, MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD.
Additional:
80 UCAS points are expected from STEM subjects.
A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.
Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.
Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.
We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
The general requirement is one of the following:
Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.
Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.
Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section
APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.
Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `
The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.
We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
The overall teaching and learning methodology employed is a theoretical exposition accompanied by tutor supported practical activities. This is accomplished by a combination of lectures, tutorials, e-conference discussion and support, and tutor-directed practical activities in dedicated laboratories which can be assisted by the use of teaching packs in various multimedia forms.
There are guided research activities which are closely related to tutors research projects and technique development projects associated with local and regional industrial partners.
The particular form of support is unit specific, however, all are characterised by tutor support and practical activity.
All teaching resources are available in a website a Virtual Learning Environment that includes references and links, general course and unit information, discussion groups, tests and assessments. This VLE is available outside of the University to enrolled students.
Our teaching is centred upon students, aiming to build their confidence by providing timely and informative feedback under the guidance of their teacher.
The approach to teaching and learning begins with student centred methods and progresses towards independent learning.
The students will gain foundation knowledge in electronic engineering in their first year of study on this course. They will focus on the application of computer techniques to the engineering domain in detail, broadening their knowledge at Levels 5 and 6 of this course. In addition, during their final year projects, students should be able to demonstrate various in-depth skills including project management and the production of an artefact.
Project supervision involves regular tutorial meetings between groups/individuals and their staff supervisor. The project is a required part of the degree that guarantees the Honours element, and is seen both in the University and outside as an indication of the overall abilities and performance of the student.
Physical impairment in the form of depreciated visual, audio, mobility and neurological cognitive faculties will, where identified and practicable, be ameliorated by the deployment of appropriate hardware, software and individual support. The Department disability tutor is tasked with providing assistance for such students.
Students are encouraged to disclose their disability or learning difficulties in order to receive the required support.
Communication
Students skills in terms of written and verbal communications and in terms of English language and of using technical terminology will be developed through teaching and learning processes of this course. Self-reflection tests will help students to identify their strength and weakness in relation to their communication skills. Those who are weak in English language will be suggested to seek help from Faculty and University levels. All students will have opportunities to learn and practice the correct use of technical terminology in learning and teaching processes throughout all units of this course. This requires students to obtain and read detailed information to complete course work including mini-project reports and the final year project reports. They will be encouraged to participate in discussions that may take place in classes and in labs. They develop their verbal presentation skills in readiness for facilitating groups. Feedback will be available from peers and tutors which allows students to improve their skills.
Information Literacy
Students will be expected to produce presentations and written reports for their assignments, using, for example, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Visio, and to undertake online literature searching or access databases. They will also gain experience with a wide range of system-specific tools and environments, in particular Breo through which they access learning materials and course/unit information, use turn-it-in and digital dropbox to submit their course work, and participate in discussions. Students will receive inductions from the University of Bedfordshire Learning Resources Team. To enhance their information literacy they will also have access to a wide range of Learning Resources courses, including Fundamentals of Computing unit.
Research and Evaluation
Every unit will provide a list of journals and reference books to help students to be aware of resources where they can obtain literatures for doing research. State of the art in the course related areas will be presented to the students in various units. Along with many other units, Research Methodologies and Emerging Technologies unit is specially designed to help students to develop problem-solving and lateral thinking which will allow them to evaluate the obtained literatures. Mini-projects within various units and the final year project will provide the students good opportunities to practise and improve their research and evaluation skills. Students are expected to work independently, and to produce assignments which show their ability to synthesise and evaluate disparate sources in order to come to a successful conclusion.
Creativity and Critical Thinking
Students will be taught how to identify problems and constraints, and how to synthesise solutions via case studies. In-class exercises and assessments in both individual and group mini-projects are designed in the way that students need to devise solutions and generally to be able to develop critical arguments to support their hypotheses.
First year students undertake the Foundations of Computing unit that looks at the learning styles of each participant and seeks to enhance these. In addition they will receive formative feedback on tasks that they undertake. Any assessed piece of work will always receive written comments and students should use these in order to improve their performance (if necessary) at the next available opportunity.
Students will be asked to develop their personal Progress Files when they are assigned with Personal Tutors during student induction. The Progress File serves as a document recording students development as a student. It consists of three parts:
- Formal transcripts
- Personal development plan, which may be amended according to the results of diagnostic assessments
- Personal records of learning and achievements, including those achieved against the personal development plan as well as minutes of meetings with Personal Tutors.
Personal Tutors will guide students to develop The Progress Files.
In order for students to develop an appropriate professional attitude, they are expected to
- Attend lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. If absence is unavoidable, due to illness, for example, the lecturer and students should be notified in advance of the session
- Be strictly punctual at all lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions
- Complete all course work on time and in a thorough manner, and present neatly
- Have a log book for each unit to record their learning activities, including purposes, what has been done, results, what has been learnt, date, time, venue, names of students and tutors/demonstrators and their responsibilities.
- Participate in preparation lab before a practical, including taking out equipment from cabinets and arrange them on lab desks/benches, and tidy up the lab afterwards when required, including putting back equipment back to cabinets, switching off computers, throwing rubbish into bin, etc.
- Be aware of safety and health issues in labs, in particular, when wiring electrical circuits and connecting them with power suppliers and signal generators.
- Be aware of ethic issues, such as the use of personal data.
- Take own responsibility for understanding the term plagiarism.
To ensure that standards are adhered to, the programme has been designed so that students will be educated about the professional standards of their field. Many of academic staff at the University of Bedfordshire possess a PhD degree in computer science and electrical/electronic engineering and related areas and are BCS or IET members. They also undertake research in the field. Therefore, they act as champions and role models in this area.
