Course Overview
The BEng Computer Systems and Electronics will develop knowledge of both the hardware and software systems needed for modern computers. It also concentrates on analogue electronics, digital electronics, microprocessors and the design and simulation of modern communications systems.
Emphasis is put on hands on exercises to reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in the lectures. Heavy use is put on industrial standard software packages such as Matlab, Xilinx, Mentor Graphics and Microsoft's Visual Development Studio
The School is equipped with state of the art digital signal processing and digital synthesis development systems made possible by equipment donations from Xilinx and Texas Instruments, this gives students the chance to gain first-hand experience on the best technology currently in use in industry.
There has been a move away from large scale design and manufacturing companies and small highly skilled SMEs have taken their place. Students in such an environment could benefit from starting their own business.
The overall aim of this programme is to develop students with the skills to work in the computer systems and electronics industries. Through a number of industrial links the school has established a strong industrial demand for this programme. The expertise and skills you develop from creating and managing software and hardware solutions as part of a team is highly regarded by employers.
Key Features
This degree scheme is designed to produce suitably equipped graduates to work in the computer systems and electronics industries within the UK. Through our industrial links we have also developed a program structure to provide students with the latest skills along with an appreciation of the demands of industry. Students will gain a wide exposure to modern technologies including: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, Digital Signal Processors, Advanced Digital Communication Systems, C, C++, Java, Computer Networks, Analogue and Digital Electronics.
Applicants to this programme are numerate and logically-minded, and it is likely that they will have previously studied engineering, science, maths or information and communication technology. Such students will seek more specialised hardware, software and electronics skills. They would seek to become a computer expert who can understand the hardware, software and communications aspect of computer and electronic systems. Graduates would seek positions as computer science teacher, physics teacher, network design engineer, electronics design engineer, communications systems engineer, etc.
Modules
Year 0 modules - Foundation Entry
- Academic Writing (20 credits)
- Integrating Project (20 credits)
- Mathematics (10 credits)
- Further Mathematics (20 credits)
- Science (10 credits)
- Computer Systems (20 credits)
- Introduction to Electronics (20 credits)
Year 1 modules - BEng/Foundation Entry
- Analogue Electronics (20 credits)
- Computer Engineering and Microprocessors (20 credits)
- Computer Programming (20 credits)
- Electrical and Electronic Principles (20 credits)
- Mathematics (20 credits)
- Study and Workshop Skills (20 credits)
Year 2 modules - BEng/Foundation Entry
- Circuit Design and Analysis (20 credits)
- Digital Signal Processing (20 credits)
- Group Project (20 credits)
- Network Operating Systems and Security (20 credits)
- Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)
- Project Management (10 credits)
- Research Methods (10 credits)
Year 3 modules - BEng/Foundation Entry
- Major Project (40 credits)
- Digital Systems Synthesis (20 credits)
- Critical & Real-time Applications Programming (20 credits)
- Electronic Systems Design (20 credits)
- Embedded Microcontrollers (20 credits)
Professional Accreditations
The School will be seeking Chartered Engineering status from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to align it with the existing programmes in the Computing and Electronics portfolio.
Course Tutor(s)
- Tim Bashford
- Dr Peter Charlton
- Gareth Jones
- Dr Gary Jones
- Dr Kevin Palmer
- Gaynor Thomas
- Prof Ian Wells
Assessment
The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of computing and electronics. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of laboratory based practicals, assignments, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of course work set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
Career Opportunities
Applicants for this programme would be technically minded and may have previously studied engineering, computing or the sciences.
They would seek to become a computer expert who can understand the hardware, software and communications aspect of computer and electronic systems. Graduates would seek positions as computer science teacher, physics teacher, network design engineer, electronics design engineer, communications systems engineer, etc.
Here are some profiles of graduates from this programme and where they are now:
- Michael Joseph H. Uy
- Ana Mirsayar
Further Information
These students transferred onto the MEng Computer Systems and Electronics (Applied Environmental Engineering) with Power and Water:
Related Courses
- HND/HNC Electronics Engineering
- BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Additional Costs
It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as major project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.
