Intelligent Systems MComp

First year

Core modules:

• Law, Ethics and Cybersecurity Management - You will be introduced to critical reflection on norms and learn the ethical aspects of doing independent research
• Programming C++ - You will learn basic programming structures, the C++ syntax, and the basics of object oriented programming
• Elements of Computing - You will learn the basics of hardware and software engineering, including logics, number representation, Turing machine, hardware architectures, operating systems, and networks
• Computational Modelling - You will be are introduced to the roles of computers within society and to the types of problems that can be solved using a computer. Discrete mathematics is introduced as the foundational science underlying computing.

Second year

Core modules:

• Object Oriented Design and Development with C++ - You will learn advanced Object Oriented programming in C++
• Mechanics and Artificial Intelligence for Simulation - Students learn to apply and implement mathematical techniques to simulate physical environments
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics - You will be introduced to basic robotics (including robot programming) and general Artificial Intelligent concepts such as Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, and Metaheuristic Optimisation.

Optional modules:

• Agile Methods and Development - You will develop the skills of producing an application that delivers required features in the context of on-going negotiation between business clients and the development team

Third year

Core modules:

• Fuzzy logic and Knowledge Based Systems - You will study Fuzzy Logic in depth and understand how to use it in the context of decision making
• Mobile Robotics - You will study autonomous mobile robotics and learn how to remotely control a robot
• Computing Project - The project provides you with the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of work, under the supervision of an academic tutor, to provide an effective solution to a given technical and/or research-based problem.

Optional modules:

• Systems Building: Methods and Management –You will learn two important aspects of Information Systems Development (ISD): the selection and evaluation of methodologies and the management of the Systems Development process
• Data Mining –You will learn the basics of Data Mining: the science that studies how to store, organize and search within a large volume of data
• Multi-service Networks – This module will give you an understanding of the functioning and the fault management in protocol connections and errors
• Telematics –You will learn the basics of telemetry, that is the use of a transmission system to monitor and control remote and distributed systems
• Privacy and Data Protection –During this module you will study legal, social and technological aspects of privacy
• Rigorous Systems –This module looks at formal systems in rigorous software development
• Systems Integration -Learn how to analyse, design and implement embedded microprocessor based control within mechatronics design
• Computer Games Programming -Students learn how to program computer games. Topics such as 3D graphics and realistic simulation of physical phenomena are covered within this module
• Secure Web Application Development -Students learn how to implement secure and reliable web applications that may run on different platforms.

Fourth year (MComp) – first term

Core modules:

• Research Methods – You will learn how to write and discuss a PhD proposal, study how the research is carried out, how to search the literature, and how an article can be used for future research

Plus two optional modules from:

• Artificial Intelligence Programming – You will learn logical programming that is a basic instrument for implementing Artificial Intelligence Techniques
• Fuzzy Logic – In this module several aspects of fuzzy logic are studied in depth, and theoretical and application aspects are discussed in details
• Mobile Robotics – You will study hardware and software aspects of mobile robotics; a big emphasis is on the low level programming of autonomous robots.

Fourth year (MComp) – second term

Three optional modules from:

• Computational intelligence Optimisation – You will learn about optimisation and optimisation algorithms. After an initial theoretical survey, the module explains how to use and implement the most popular and efficient metaheuristic optimisation techniques
• Intelligent Mobile Robotics – This module looks at advanced autonomous navigation systems learn how such systems can be integrated within robots
• Artificial Neural Networks – You willlearn about neural network architectures implementation and usability for solving several computational problems
• Data Mining Techniques and Applications – You will study advanced data mining and big data science, the modelling of entity and relationships of big data as well as modern application in commerce and industries.

The course is taught by experienced researchers in artificial intelligence and computer sciences from our Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI), an internationally recognised research centre that conducts industry relevant research into intelligent systems, and provides high-quality solutions to real-world issues. Due to the nature of robotics, in particular, and intelligent systems, you will meet with researchers with a diverse background ranging from theoretical computer science, to computational mathematics, and electronics. This will give you a versatile background which will allow you to appreciate the complexity of intelligent systems and find 'your way' in a professional career.

Furthermore, the wide selection of optional modules will allow you to realise, while you are studying, you subject preferences and inclinations and follow them. You will be able to choose the study plan and shape your professional background by emphasising the focus of your studies on programming, or on theoretical artificial intelligence, or applied robotics.

At the end of the third year of study, you can choose to graduate with a BSc (Hons), or continue your study with the integrated master’s MComp in Intelligent Systems, which takes an additional year (subject to successful completion of the BSc at 2:2 or above).

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. You will also experience collaborative and group-based learning, supervised project work and independent study.

You will normally attend around 12-16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and can expect to undertake at least 24 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Assessment has been designed to match specific modules and will include timed tests, portfolios of work, laboratory exercises, written and oral examinations, individual and group work, project work, reports and presentations.