In today's world, embedded systems are everywhere - consumer electronics (cell phones, pagers, digital cameras, camcorders, videocassette recorders, portable video games, calculators, and personal digital assistants), home appliances (microwave ovens, answering machines, thermostats, home security systems, washing machines, and lighting systems), office automation (fax machines, copiers, printers, and scanners), business equipment (cash registers, alarm systems, card readers, product scanners, and automated teller machines), automobiles (transmission control, cruise control, fuel injection, antilock brakes and active suspension), factories, hospitals, planes, etc. Their huge numbers and new complexity call for a new design approach, one that emphasises high-level tools and hardware/software tradeoffs, rather than low-level assembly - language programming and logic design.
The MSc in Embedded System Design, which incorporates intelligent Embedded Systems is a fast-growing and challenging area of computing, and its impact and potential is only beginning to be appreciated as new products arrive in the market place and draw media attention.
The MSc (Master of Science) course in Embedded System Design, consists of 8 modules plus the project (180 points), delivered through intensive, up-to-date, high level, short courses supported by lectures, tutorials, assignments and laboratory exercises.
Core Modules
| Real-Time Embedded Software (20 points) |
| Real-Time Embedded Systems Design (20 points) |
| Advanced Digital Signal Processing (15 points) |
| Wireless LANs (20 points) |
| Project Planning and Management (15 points) |
| Elective Module 1 (15 points) |
| Elective Module 2 (15 points) |
| Research Project (60 points) |
Elective Modules (Choice of 2)
| Technology Management (15 points) |
| Simulating Wireless Networks (15 points) |
| Application development for Mobile platforms 1 (15 points) |
| Application development for Mobile platforms 2 (15 points) |
| Instrument Communication and Networking (15 points) |
| Ethics in Creative Technologies (15 points) |
These short courses are delivered in blocks (Distance Block Format) of one week duration at a Scottish University and 4/8 blocks run per year.
It is envisioned that a student takes at least 4 modules per year. However, due to work/home committments if a student cannot attend one of the blocks, he/she will pick the module up at a later date.
A student who completes only 4 modules may elect to recieve a PgC (Post-graduate Certificate 60 points) in Embedded System Design and a student who completes all 8 modules (no project) may elect to recieve a PgD (Post-graduate Diploma - 120 points) in Embedded System Design.
Entry to the MSc in Embedded System Design programme is based on an honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject. The cost of each module is approximately £450.00 sterling (UK residents). Overseas students may request cost details on application.
As an added service to all prospective students who wish to study for their Masters degree, A-1 Technical Training, Logis-Tech Associates undertakes to provide additional tutoring, if required, for a small minimal fee. On most occasions, at this high level, students requesting assistance are only seeking direction/clarification of some subject matter, and no fee will be attached.
The next in-take is for September 2006 - numbers are limited. For more up to date details on the MSc in Embedded System Design, please complete the request for information form.
Core Modules
Real-Time Embedded Software (20 points)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practise of designing programs which run on Real-Time Operating Systems. it further examines the main characteriatics of Real-Time environments and describes and implements current structured methods for developing safe, secure, time-dependent systems.
Real-Time Embedded Systems Design (20 points)
This course provides an understanding of the key methods and technologies of modern real-time embedded systems development; specifications, system analysis, hardware/software partition, design, integration, validation and maintenance.
Advanced Digital Signal Processing (15 points)
This course covers topics in traditional and statistical DSP including optimal filtering, spectral estimation and adaptive filtering with applications in system analysis, communications and control.
This course encompasses the design, planning, implementation, operation and troubleshooting of Wireless LANs. Particular emphasis is placed on hands-on skills. The material covered will satisfy the CISCO Certified Wireless LANs qualification.
Project Planning and Management (15 points)
This course develops the ability to select, develope, plan and manage an MSc research project; to research and critically analyse the literature associated with the project and to present research findings effectively.
Elective Modules (choice of 2)
Technology Management (15 points)
This course introduces the concepts, methods and applications of technology management. Entrepreneurship is also examined and linkages to models of performance, maintenance, innovation and improvement explained.
Simulating Wireless Networks (15 points)
This course uses simulation tools to design, model, evaluate and investigate the performance of wireless networks.
Application Development for Mobile Platforms 1 (15 points)
This course uses high level software tools to design and develop applications to run on mobile platforms. The topics covered include application coding, development for diskless and handheld operating systems and targeting of stand alone devices.
Application Development for Mobile Platforms 2 (15 points)
This course requires Application Development for Mobile Platforms 1 to be completed. It includes the integration of mobile platform applications into wireless systems. Topics covered include development and integration of Wireless APIs into the wireless protocol stack, client/server function calls and paradigms and server database integration.
Instrument Communication and Networking (15 points)
This course focuses on applications and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of industrial techniques. It includes RS 232 and related standards; IEEE 488.2; Smart sensors and standards; Hart protocol; Network and Fieldbus systems.
Ethics in Creative Technologies (15 points)
This course examines professional, moral and ethical issues related to how people and organisations act. It considers the nature and morality of laws, codes of ethics and institutional norms within a professional context.
The research project is a core module and will be a major piece of industrial/research project work on a suitable current wireless/mobile topic.
