Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

Program Overview

This part-time BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering program from Teesside University focuses on embedded electronic systems design and development. It combines on-campus learning with online elements, allowing for flexibility. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills for careers in embedded systems engineering, design, and development, with potential roles including Embedded Systems Engineer, Design Engineer, and Hardware Engineer. The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), ensuring industry recognition and quality.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• 96 points from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications, including mathematics.
• Before starting their Teesside University apprenticeship, learners must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics.

This allows individuals to receive credit for their existing knowledge gained from work, volunteering, and life experiences which can contribute towards the course they want to study.

Outline:

Course Content:

The program comprises a series of modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development. These modules are delivered at different levels throughout the program:

#Level 4 Modules:

• Electrical Principles: Provides a foundation in understanding the physical fundamentals of electrical engineering including analysis of electrical circuits, analogue and digital circuits, and application to engineering problems.
• Electronic Principles: Develops an understanding of digital and analogue electronics, important components, operations, and circuits with a combination of theoretical and practical exercises using expert equipment.
• Engineering Mathematics: Introduces essential mathematical skills relevant to an engineering degree, focusing on algebra, trigonometry, statistics, vectors, matrices, complex numbers, and calculus.
• Engineering Practice: Enhances practical, professional, and electrical engineering skills through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem-solving, and directed learning with a focus on health and safety, equipment selection, component selection, circuit construction, measuring instruments, testing, and fault diagnosis.
• Physics and Instrumentation: Introduces instrumentation principles and characteristics of measurement systems, elements, and underlying physical principles.
Students will gather, record, describe, and evaluate sensor and system data, demonstrate practical ability in carrying out physical measurements, and present written evidence demonstrating understanding of investigation of underlying physical principles of measurement, sensors, and systems.
• PLCs and Embedded Systems: Focuses on the implementation of systems for both programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and embedded systems.
PLCs explain theory, applications, and practical aspects of programmable logic controllers and lead to the design of a control system for an industrial process. Embedded systems are explained by using their industrial applications and practical programming applications using a microcontroller-based system. Students work in teams to solve an industrially-relevant real-time embedded system application.
• #Level 5 Modules:
• Digital Electronics Design: Involves group work to solve an industrially relevant digital electronics design problem, developing employability skills such as project management, work presentation, research, and commercial awareness while becoming more adept at technical problem solving.
• Electrical Engineering: Introduces electrical power systems, including balanced/unbalanced three-phase systems, transformers, and transmission lines.
• Industrial Communications: Covers the theoretical and practical aspects of modern digital and industrial communications systems and protocols, including design, analysis, implementation, industrial use, and information management systems.
• Integral Transforms and Matrices: Deepens mathematical knowledge in key areas to be used in solving problems in engineering domains, developing competence in identifying the most appropriate method to solve a problem and its application through numerical methods using software techniques.
• Machines: Teaches principles and analysis of electrical machines including machine performance and operation with a combination of analytical and experimental methods.
• Multidisciplinary Software and Systems: Introduces C++ programming with an emphasis on learning, development, and application of algorithms and data structures within an engineering context.
• #Level 6 Modules:
• Electric Drives: Aims to provide students with the capability to analyze and design power electronic converters and integrate them into DC and AC electric drive systems through lectures, guided reading, laboratory sessions, and tutorials.
• Industrial Electronics: Introduces the fundamentals of industrial electronics including power electronic devices, power electronic converters, and their application to switched mode power supply and other power electronic applications with a combination of lectures and practical sessions using industry-standard software tools.
• Power Systems: Presents methods of power system analysis with a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions using industry-standard software for the analysis of power flow and fault levels.
• Project: Develops independent learning skills through extended research into an area of engineering or technology, resulting in a report or dissertation and a presentation or poster presentation.
• Sustainable Systems and Industry 4.0: Focuses on the application of Industry 4.0 technologies for sustainable systems and covers topics on energy management, power systems, sustainable water and wastewater systems, sustainable transportation technologies, food systems, and mechanical manufacturing systems.

Assessment:

These include:

• Coursework assignments
• Exams
• Dissertation/report
• Project work
• Presentations
• End-point assessment which looks holistically at the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) developed to determine if the requirements of the Standard have been met.

Teaching:

Careers:

• Potential career opportunities include:
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Development Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Systems Integrator
• Project Manager
• Research Engineer
• Technical Consultant
• Benefits for employers and apprentices:
• Increase future productivity
• Keep the business up-to-date with the latest knowledge and innovative practice
• Deliver on-the-job training to employees tailored to business needs
• Tackle skills shortages by filling higher level skill gaps
• Develop and retain existing staff by offering support and a fresh perspective
• Improve career prospects of employees

Other: