MEng/BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering

Program Overview

Coventry University's Computer Systems Engineer program equips students with the skills to design and build hardware and software for computer systems. The program emphasizes the professional skills necessary for today's competitive job market and incorporates real-world applications and projects throughout the coursework. Students will gain a deep understanding of hardware and network security, as well as IoT, smart cities, autonomous cars, and green tech. The program offers both BEng and MEng degrees, with the MEng degree providing an additional year of study and research or design study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview (Extracted from the Text):

Computer Systems Engineer (BEng - 3 or 4 years; MEng - 4 or 5 years) - Coventry University

Objective:

• This course equips students with knowledge and skills to design and build hardware and software for computer systems.
• Encourages critical thinking and independence to prepare students for a rapidly changing tech environment.
• Specializes in bridging the gap between electronics/hardware and computer science/software engineering.
• Covers hardware and network security, as well as IoT, smart cities, autonomous cars, and green tech.

Overview:

• Focuses specifically on the design aspects of hardware and firmware, bridging the gap between electronic engineering and computer science.
• Incorporates real-world applications and projects throughout the coursework, including the Industrial Group Project.
• Emphasizes the professional skills necessary for today's competitive job market.

Outline (Extracted information):

Year 1: Common First Year

• Shared curriculum with related courses to gain a broader understanding of the discipline.
• Collaborative environment to learn from and exchange insights with students from different backgrounds.
• Opportunity to swap degrees with related courses upon successful completion of year 1 (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Modules:

• Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles (20 credits) - Introduces concepts and principles through simulation and circuit design.
• Engineering Design (20Credits) - Structured approach to design, management, and creative problem solving.
• Analogue and Digital Devices (20 credit)
• Electronic Systems in Action (20 credits) - Hands-on experience with electronic projects.
• Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
# Year 2
• Advanced electronics and system design covered in the electronic modules.

Modules:

• Analogue and Digital Systems ( 20 credits ) Covers performance characteristics of voltage mode operational amplifiers along with applications. Focus on synchronous, sequential digital logic through simulation and synthesis.
• Object Oriented Programming (20 credits ) Builds on fundamental programming skills using object-oriented techniques.
• Operating Systems, Security and Networks ( 2Credits )
• Embedded System Design & Development( 20 credits ) Applies design, development, management methods to real-world electronic systems.
  > Manufacture of Electronic Systems ( 2 credits )

• Manufacture of electronic circuit boards through design and simulation.

• Communication and Networking ( 2 credits ) Introduces network architecture and protocols from a user's perspective.

  Focuses security issues, network attacks, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

Years 3 (BEng only) and 3 & 4 (for MEng)

• Focus on advanced hardware and software design with individual/group projects.
• Research or design study with supervisor guidance on a technical aspect of the course.

Modules (B) Eng:

Security ( 2 credits )
> Introduces concepts of secure computer systems design, development, and evaluation.
> Hardware Realisation of a Computer System (

• credits )
• Individual/Group-based Project Preparation ( 20 credits
  = Individual/Group-based Project Realisation credits )
  System on Chip Design ( credits )

Optional Modules (Year 4) Choose one :

• Machine Learning and Related Applications ( credits )
• Introduces supervised and unsupervised learning methods.
• Students will analyse and apply machine learning algorithms.
• VLSI Design (credits )
• Covers design principles and techniques for Integrated Circuits using CMOS technology.
• Covers analogue and digital layout and simulation techniques.
Optional Modules (BEng & MEng):
• Individual/Group-based Project

Group-oriented project in conjunction with industry.
• Deliver a solution to professional, industrial standards.

Assessment (Information Retrieved):

• Methods:
• Formal examinations
• Phase tests
• Essays
  - Group work >
  - Presentations
  Reports
  - Projects
  Coursework

  ---

  Exams
  >- Individual assignments < br > - Laboratories >
  >- Posters < br > - Further study (Msc, PhD)
• Criteria:
• Assessed against learning outcomes set for each module
• Varies based on the module and learning objectives.
• Assesssment criteria is made transparent to students at the beginning of each module

Teaching:

• Learning methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars - Lab
  Workshops > Online activities > Group work

  ---

  - Self-directed learning
  

Unique approaches and features:

• Focus on employability with real-world case studies and projects.
• Industrial Group Project in year 5 provides hands-
on industry experience.
• Encourages critical thinking and creativity.

> Emphasis on innovation and emerging technologies. >
= Regular course support sessions for additional guidance

Careers and Opportunities

Potential career paths:

• Software Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Systems Analyst

  ---


Network Engineer
• IT Consultant
• Data Scientist

Researcher
• Opportunities:
• UK and worldwide employment options.
• Previous graduates work at companies like JLR, GE, National
Grid,Jaguar Land Rover, IBM, etc.
• Opportunities for further study at Coventry University (MSc, PhD).
• The school is located in a modern building with extensive social
learning facilities, labs, lecture halls, and classrooms.
• Offers an 'international field trip' opportunity for an additional
cost.
• Part-time options available.
• UK students eligible for tuition fee loans.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland , Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £9,250 per year
• £19,850 per year without EU support bursary
• International: £19,850 per year
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.