Electronics and Computer Engin - University of L

The program emphasizes in-demand skills like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in industries like energy, healthcare, and technology. It includes practical lab work, a research project, and opportunities for industrial placement and study abroad.

Program Outline

Objectives:

To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of electronics and computing.
To develop in-depth knowledge in key underpinning topics such as electronic circuit principles, computer algorithms and programming, data communications, and embedded systems.
To equip students with in-demand skills in specialized areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet-of-things, and cybersecurity.
To prepare students for a range of potential careers in various sectors.
To develop essential skills for industry success, including design, problem-solving, numeracy, analysis, communication, and teamwork.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years of full-time study. The first two years lay the foundation for the program, providing a thorough understanding of key topics in electronics and computing. Years 3 and 4 build upon this foundation, introducing more specialized modules and culminating in a substantial research project.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules:

Circuit Analysis and Design: Introduces key electronic components, basic concepts of electronic circuit analysis and design, and fundamental principles of electronic circuit test and measurement.
Computational Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Provides a hands-on approach to core aspects of computing essential for modern engineering and applied artificial intelligence practice.
Introduction to Communication Systems: Introduces the fundamentals of communication systems and how the internet works.
Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers: Introduces the fundamentals of digital electronics, logic circuits, C++, and microcontrollers.
Algorithms and Numerical Mathematics: Explores concepts of logical algorithm design and numerical mathematics, and the application of logical algorithms to solve numerical mathematics problems in engineering.
Electronic Design Project: A lab-based module that extends understanding of electronic components and their application in circuit design.

Year 2 Compulsory Modules:

Electronic Circuit and Systems Design: Develops skills and knowledge for designing and building various electronic circuits and systems.
Machine Learning: Introduces the fundamentals of machine learning, covering basic concepts and algorithms.
Communications Theory: Covers fundamental concepts, models, and principles related to the field of communication, using analytical tools for the design of modern communications systems.
Embedded Systems Project: Challenges students to design a prototype product within a constrained set of software tools and hardware components.
Microprocessors and Programmable Logic: Builds upon digital electronics covered in Year 1, teaching students how to implement digital designs onto programmable hardware using industry-standard tools.
IoT and Edge Computing: Introduces the fundamentals of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies.

Year 3 Compulsory Modules:

Control Systems: Provides an understanding of the theory and practice of control systems, including linear systems analysis using Laplace transforms and transfer functions.
Artificial Intelligence: Builds upon knowledge and skills in specialized topics in artificial intelligence.
Audio Signal Processing: Covers foundational aspects of signals, exploring time and frequency domain representations.
Individual Engineering Project: A simulation/hands-on experience that allows students to apply their engineering knowledge to a real-world problem.
Digital Media Engineering: Provides proficiency in the principles underlying the compression and distribution of digital audio and video, as well as the intricacies of the DVB-T system within the digital television domain.
Professional Studies: Explores key aspects of working in a professional engineering environment and managing engineering activity.

Year 4 Compulsory Modules:

Modern Industry Practice: Provides a sound knowledge of how the engineering industry operates, including different roles within companies, the operation of supply chains, legal and contractual issues, and more.
Team Engineering Project: Students work as a team to investigate and define a problem, split work into parts, and work on each part individually within the team.
Integrated Circuit Design: Explores VLSI design, covering principles, combinational and sequential logic representations, and circuit implementation.
Digital Signal Processing: Covers the fundamental principles of digital signal processing, building the skills to apply DSP techniques to a broad range of signal processing problems.
Embedded Microprocessor System Design: Explores the use of microprocessors in a System on Chip (SoC) environment and uses the C-language and industry-standard software tools for implementation on an advanced Arm A9 Processor.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include:

Written examinations held at the end of each year
In-class and online tests
Example sheets
Assignments and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations, and posters

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials, and practical lab work.
Laboratory classes and project work provide hands-on experience applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.
Students are assigned an academic personal tutor to guide them through their studies.
Peer mentoring is available, with students in years 2 or 3 providing support to first-year students.
Teaching staff includes expert academics, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers.

Careers:

Graduates of the Electronics and Computer Engineering MEng, BEng program are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries, including:

Energy
Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare
Transport
Construction
Utilities
Automotive
Gaming
Telecommunications
Electronics and technology
Manufacturing

Potential Job Roles:

EMC Design Engineer
Electrical Power Engineer
Software Engineer
Senior Smart Grid Development Engineer
Systems Engineer
Research Engineer
Engineer
Principal Engineer
Technologist
Senior Radio Optimisation Engineer
Senior Software Developer
Senior IT Project Manager
Validation Engineer

Other:

The program includes a focus on engineering ethics, taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a one-year industrial work placement or study abroad for a year.
The University of Leeds has close industry links, providing students with opportunities to work with major organizations like Amazon, Rolls-Royce, and Sony.
Students can join the ShockSoc student society, which offers technical visits, social events, and the opportunity to participate in the Robot Fighting League (RFL).
The program is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering by the Guardian University Guide 2024 and in the top 100 in the world for Engineering and Technology by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.