Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Extended Research MSc

The module expands students lifelong learning skills by developing their proficiency in self- assessment of their knowledge. This will be achieved by asking students to identify gaps in their knowledge in the core areas of electrical and electronic engineering and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.

The problem/project based learning will be used to reinforce the fundamental skills of an electrical and electronic engineer. These problems will be introduced in student led small group seminars where students will discuss the problem and discuss what background knowledge is required and suitable resources. A member of academic staff will aid the students identify appropriate learning material where students find it difficult to do so. As part of the learning experience, students will keep a weekly online log detailing the learning activities undertaken, what they have learnt and the areas they still need to develop.

Practical skills, both ICT and laboratory based skills will be developed using both individual and group activities.

To provide formative feedback during this learning period, there will be 4 compulsory on-line tests. Although the mark attained is not used in the calculation of the module mark, failure, without good cause to complete 3 of the 4 tests within the given time window, will result in a zero module mark.

ICT technology plays a key role in modern engineering and this module will introduce typical commercial engineering packages used in their area of interest. The software packages are Matlab, Keysight ADS ( Circuit Simulation), ADS (communication systems simulation), Simulink, PLECS

Experience of these packages will be gained from solving exemplar problems.  Students will be required to show competency in 2 packages. A student may elect to experience more ICT packages but will not be assessed on them.

Method and Frequency of Class:

The formative progress tests will be on-line for completion within a 24 hour period.

Method of Assessment:

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

• Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
• Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
• Measurement and error analysis
• Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

• Meshing for computational engineering applications
• Modelling using CAE packages
• Use of CES Selector software
• Specific laboratory familiarisation
• Use of MSVisio software for process flow
• Use of HYSYS process modelling software
• Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module covers the development of advanced engineering software projects, spanning a range of application areas. Generic topics to be discussed include: Large-scale software management, robust design and coding techniques, accurate and efficient numerical computing for technological simulations, parallel computing techniques applicable to several classes of parallel computer e. multicore, distributed and graphics processing unit (GPU) based systems, database design and implementation. You’ll have a two-hour lecture each week to study for this module.

This module covers a range of advanced control techniques used in a wide range of engineering applications.

Typical topics include:

• multivariable state space modelling
• inear and nonlinear systems
• continuous and discrete domains
• observer theory.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module covers the design of power electronic converters for real applications. Both component-level design and the impact of non-idealities on modelling and operation are considered.

Assessment

Exam, 40.0%

Coursework 1, 30.0%

Coursework 2, 30.0%

Coursework:

Power electronic systems design exercise that puts module content into practice using modelling and simulation tools.

Key Module Topics

Advanced modelling and control of power converters

Enabling technologies of power conversion (semiconductor devices, packaging, cooling)

This module introduces the principles, major algorithms, and implementation possibilities, of digital signal processing at an advanced level.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Method of Assessment:

This module covers the control of AC drives, covering drives for a variety of machine types and control strategies, for example, vector control.

This module:

• provides a good understanding of the concepts of field orientation and vector control for induction and non-salient and salient PM AC machines.
• provides information and guidance on the design of control structures and their implementations including parameter dependencies and field weakening
• imparts design skills through the design of a vector controlled drive using manufacturer’s machine and converter data and defined design specifications
• develops critical assessment skills through design evaluation

Delivery

Assessment method

This module introduces advanced electrical machine concepts and applications in the area of more electric transport, renewable generation and industrial automation.

The module will help you to:

• develop a fundamental understanding of the interaction of the electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal engineering disciplines related to electrical machine design.
• develop analytical skills in modelling and design of electrical machines.
• have a clear understanding of the different types and topologies of modern electrical machines.
• develop skills in designing electrical machines
• develop the ability to analyse and characterise an electric motor through its parameters and performance using FEA approach

Delivery

Assessment method

This module will provide you with knowledge of the fundamentals of artificial intelligence technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications. It includes selected topics from the field of artificial intelligence with particular focus on the interface with electronic systems.

Delivery

Assessment method

The module introduces both the syntax and application of HDL for the design of modern electronics. This includes:

• Xilinx
• Mentor Graphics
• combinational and sequential circuits design

You also be introduced to the VHDL syntax and its latest development. The module will use the software tools from both Xilinx and Mentor Graphics to present FPGA based digital system design flow with VHDL.

Delivery

Assessment method

Selected topics from the interface between electronic and optical regimes. Issues regarding component, circuit and system design with applications to communications, material processing, biophotonics and optical imaging.

To introduce fundamentals of optical and photonics technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module aims to develop an understanding of the design and operation of power systems in aerospace, marine and automotive applications.

With the introduction of more electrical technologies in these application areas, the understanding and expected performance of the power system has become a critical platform design issue.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module covers the main concepts in design of high-speed circuits and devices including:

• passive circuits,
• amplifiers
• active devices

Delivery

Assessment method

In this module you will be assigned to an individual supervisor and will carry out a practical or theoretical industrially relevant project. You’ll conduct a literature survey, undertake initial practical or theoretical research and/or development work which could be undertaken within industry and write a report on this work. The module aims to give experience of starting a major research investigation with an industrial context within the topic area of their MSc course, including planning the work to meet a final deadline and reporting on the work both in a report and by an informal oral presentation.

The student will continue the project work started in Part 1 through the spring semester of the second year with the same project supervisor. The student will be expected to complete the research or development project by achieving the research goals and write a draft research paper.  The final output will be in the form of a research paper and the student is expected to defend their work in a viva voce examination attended by supervisor, moderator and (where appropriate) the industrial mentor. This module concentrates on the final delivery of the project objectives and communication of these results.