Electronics with Space Science and Technology

Overview

The Electronics with Space Science and Technology degree provides a broad background in Electronic and Electrical Engineering in the first two years, followed by further increasing specialisation. The specialist units cover astronomy, planetary science, orbital mechanics, space vehicles, space propulsion systems, the space environment, space electronics, satellite communications and space-based remote sensing.

Why choose Electronics with Space Science and Technology?

• Advances in space science and technology greatly influence our lives.
• Satellites have revolutionised global communications and our ability to monitor, understand and manage the Earth's resources.
• Manned space flight now permits routine satellite-servicing and repair operations to be performed in orbit.
• Space has also proved to be the ideal vantage point from which to explore the other planets of the solar system and the wider universe of stars and galaxies.
• All these advances are entirely dependent on developments in the electronics, communications and control systems necessary for space hardware. Electronic engineers are thus at the forefront of the use and exploration of space.
• Projects can be taken with research groups in the department's Centre for Space, Atmospheric & Oceanic Science.

Outline Curriculum

Students on this degree programme follow elements of the two-year foundation course which covers the basic principles of electronics, communications and electrical engineering, together with relevant mathematics and associated laboratory and design work. In addition, a number of core modules are available in space science and technology related subjects.

Year 1, Semester 1:

• Circuit theory
• Mathematics 1
• Introduction to programming in MATLAB
• Electronic laboratory techniques
• Engineering physics

Year 1, Semester 2

• Digital electronics & fields and waves
• Signals, systems and communications
• Mathematics 2
• Electrical systems and control
• Space, planetary and atmospheric science

Year 2, Semester 1:

• Electromagnetics
• Operating systems and structured programming
• Electronic devices and circuits
• Signal processing
• Space platforms and vehicles

Year 2, Semester 2:

• Communications principles
• Digital systems design
• Principles of radio and optical transmission
• Electrical systems and power electronics
• Electronic control system design

After progressing through the first two years of the programme, students take a year-long placement in industry.

Year 4, Semester 1:

• Digital networks & protocols
• Space weather & space electronics
• Plus 3 Units from the following:
  • Digital communications
  • Control engineering
  • Microelectronics
  • Power electronics & drives 1
  • RF & microwave circuits
  • Digital audio and signal processing

Year 4, Semester 2:

• Group design and business project 1
• Group design and business project 2

Dedication

4 years, full time with sandwich industrial placement.