Electronic and Communication Engineering MSc

Core modules

The module compares the design of asynchronous and synchronous controllers, error correction codes and error detection strategies for high reliability systems using Hardware Description Language (HDL) tools. It then develops an understanding of electronic testing and Design For Testability (DFT), covering both Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and board test. It develops abilities in the design of test strategies and in the application of DFT techniques to enhance testability.

The module is concerned with the design and performance of communications systems. It begins with a basic discussion of communications techniques and noise. It then develops an understanding of selected systems, for example, optical fibre, cable, terrestrial radio, satellite, broadcast, mobile and WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks - ZigBee). Practical examples are used wherever possible. Cellular mobile radio communications are covered: classical 2G (GSM systems), 3G (UMTS), 4G (LTE), and future 5G systems are introduced. New generation digital TV broadcasting is covered: first generation Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T) and second generation DVB-T2, OFDM systems for HD and Ultra High Definition 4K TV. Other topics include: satellite communications, wireless LANs (WiFi), WiMAX, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communications, and Software Defined Radio (SDR).

The project provides the opportunity to undertake a major programme of advanced independent work. It requires you to investigate a chosen topic and achieve specified technical goals through good planning and the application of analytical, problem-solving and design skills. The project is developed in collaboration with either an industrial company or within one of the research groups in the School. Your supervising tutor will monitor progress and provide guidance in various aspects of the project including preparation of the final report.

The module is concerned with the principles of modern communication systems and their application in wireless communication networks, in particular the Internet of Things. It begins with a basic overview of communications techniques as used in wireless applications. It then reviews existing wireless sensor, and related, technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, WirelessHart and LoRaWAN comparing their performance metrics and application areas. The role of wireless communication technologies in the Internet of Things and similar application areas will be discussed.

This module aims to raise your understanding of the strategic, leadership and technical aspects of project management and their role in adding competitive advantage to any enterprise. Concepts and techniques for programme and project management are introduced, developed and applied, with the aid of industrially relevant case material. Focus is placed upon the need for competence of project planning and control, together with contemporary methodologies such as Prince2 and Agile techniques. Through the module you will gain a firm grounding in the principles, processes, tools and techniques that underpin project management, but also be encouraged to challenge traditional thinking in the field. Team-working and communication skills are developed by means of group activity. Extensive use is made of software for project management with assessment undertaken through an equally weighted group project and examination.

Optional modules

Computers are extensively used in monitoring and controlling process plants. Many of the modern instruments contain a small computer chip called microcontroller. These computer chips are normally hidden in instruments and many other products such as mobile phones, cars, cameras, printers, toys etc. This module introduces the principle of computer chips and demonstrates how they can sense their surrounding environment by receiving signals from a variety of transducers and control the attached actuators such as lights and motors according to a specified control strategy. You will design and develop efficient ‘C’ programs in practical sessions and download them onto development boards containing many sensors and actuators. This will allow you to see your programs in action. The module is assessed by one assignment.

This module has been designed to build on your skills in modelling, designing, processing and simulating a range of analogue and digital systems. To support you in this the module reviews the hardware and software aspects of virtual instrumentation (VI). You’ll have the opportunity to use graphical and C/C++ programming languages using PC’s and interface cards as the hardware platform. Industry standard software tools (such as LabVIEW) will also be explored to help design and simulate real systems.

The module is structured to give students (i) an appreciation of the issues encompassing the move to lower emission road transportation, (ii) an understanding of the technical and economic aspects of new vehicle drive-train technologies and (iii) the ability to make informed design decisions associated with the integration of more-electric systems for road vehicle traction and control.

Every effort is made to obtain an industrial based project, but all projects are real and relevant.

Teaching and Assessment

You will be taught through structured lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory-based sessions. For the practical sessions, you will work in our modern laboratories equipped with the latest development tools and software design packages.

You will be able to take control of your learning through access to on-line learning material, the Internet and by interactive demonstrations.

20.2% of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

You will be assessed through a mix of examinations, reports on laboratory experiments, laboratory-based assignments and project work.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.