Robotic Engineering

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BEng) Bachelor of Engineering
Robotic Engineering
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BENGH615
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

This course is currently applying for reaccreditation with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). If you require further information, please contact the University directly.

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Science C/4.
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. To meet the A-level Maths requirement, BTEC qualifications should include Distinction in Further Mathematics for Technicians or Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics, or BTEC qualifications should include Distinction in Further Mathematics for Technicians or Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Level Science grade 4.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Shadan Khan Khattak

Senior Lecturer

Cardiff Metropolitan University

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CE101-4-FY-CO  Team Project Challenge  Core  15  15 
02  CE142-4-AU-CO  Mathematics for Engineers  Core  15  15 
03  CE150-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Programming with C  Core  15  15 
04  CE152-4-SP-CO  Object-Oriented Programming  Core  15  15 
05  CE163-4-AU-CO  Foundations of Electronics I  Core  15  15 
06  CE162-4-SP-CO  Digital Electronic Systems  Core  15  15 
07  CE164-4-SP-CO  Foundations of Electronics II  Core  15  15 
08  CE161-4-AU-CO  Fundamentals of Digital Systems  Core  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CE203-5-AU-CO  Application Programming  Core  15  15 
02  CE204-5-AU-CO  Data Structures and Algorithms  Core  15  15 
03  CE213-5-SP-CO  Introduction to Artificial Intelligence  Core  15  15 
04  CE215-5-SP-CO  Robotics  Core  15  15 
05  CE262-5-AU-CO  Engineering Mathematics  Core  15  15 
06  CE201-5-FY-CO  Team Project Challenge  Core  15  15 
07  CE269-5-SP-CO  Control theory and practice  Core  15  15 
08    Option from list  Core with Options  15  15 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CE301-6-FY-CO  Individual Capstone Project Challenge  Core  45  45 
02  CE315-6-AU-CO  Mobile Robotics  Core  15  15 
03  CE316-6-SP-CO  Computer Vision  Core  15  15 
04    Option from list  Core with Options  15  15 
05    Option(s) from list  Core with Options  30  30 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims


  • To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in high demand in the robotics and related industries

  • To provide students with a foundation for further study and research

  • To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of robotic engineering, whilst providing opportunities for them to develop expertise within particular areas of specialisation

  • To develop the students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity

  • To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development

  • To provide students with an understanding of the industrial context and an appreciation of a range of external factors that affect the work of the professional robotics engineer.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study.

A2: Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.

A3: Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to modelcomplex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.

A4: Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems

A5: Knowledge and understanding and computer and electronic systems as applied to robotics.

Learning methods

Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in the majority of the learning outcomes.

Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line.

Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories, assignments and project work.

Specialist knowledge is further developed during supervision of the final year individual project.

Assessment methods

Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked coursework.

An assessment of the understanding of underlying concepts and principles forms part of the overall assessment of the final year individual project report and oral presentation.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

B2: Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.

B3: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts.

B4: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.

B5: Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.

B6: Apply engineering design principles to the design and operation of robotic systems.

Learning methods

The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.

Assessment methods

Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.

C: Practical skills

C1: Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.

C2: Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.

C3: Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.

C4: Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.

C5: Ability to design, construct and analyse robotic systems.

Learning methods

Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.

Assessment methods

Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.

D: Key skills

D1: Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.

D2: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.

D3: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team.

D4: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences.

D5: Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

Learning methods

Students learn key skills in research, problem solving, communication and team project work in the first year project module, and thereafter the development of key skills forms an integral part of their overall learning activity.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the key skills is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management and the quality of presentations.
An individual's contribution to team projects is determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components.
The assessment of the final year individual project report includes specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.