Call for Expression of Interest
Full-time MSc by Research
Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
and the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics
1. Graduate students are invited to express their interest for full-time MSc by
Research posts having a duration of 3 semesters and starting in the academic year
2013/2014.
2. Students must be in possession of, at least, a Second Class Honours degree, ideally
in one of the following areas (or any other related area): Electrical & Electronic
Engineering or ICT. The student must have a good background in signal
processing, have an interest in electroencephalography (EEG) signal analysis and
be proficient in the use of MATLAB.
3. The students will be guided for applying for the Malta Government Scholarships
Postgraduate Scheme MASTER it! in order to obtain a scholarship that can support
their studies.
4. Interested students should send an email of an expression of interest, a copy of their
CV and degree transcript record to Professor Kenneth P Camilleri
(kenneth.camilleri@um.edu.mt) by the 24th of May 2013.
Further Information
1. The Department of Systems and Control Engineering has a track record of work in
brain signal analysis, with a special interest in brain-computer interfaces. The
Department, in collaboration with the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics, is
inviting expressions of interest for an MSc by Research in this area. The students
will be working with a range of research-grade EEG acquisition devices available
in the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory of the Department.
Three full-time MSc by Research posts are being proposed intended to develop
non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain-machine interface (BMI)
systems for three application areas that have particular requirements. The research
revolves around the use of visually evoked potentials (VEPs) which may be evoked
by different methods each having specific merits. While the specific title and scope
of each MSc will be determined after discussions with the selected candidates
based on qualifications and motivation, the three areas being targeted for this
research are the following:
• Development of a VEP-based Speller: A BMI may be used to create a
channel of communication for an individual, in particular by providing a
mechanism by which words may be spelled. The main limitation in BMI-based
spellers is the low data rate that may be achieved. This research seeks to
investigate the applicability of VEPs for this purpose and to exploit the various
types of VEPs for a high-speed speller.
• Assistive Environmental Control based on VEPs: Assistive devices may
facilitate everyday tasks for individuals having mobility difficulties as they
provide a means to translate brain activity into commands to operate a
computer or other devices without requiring physical intervention from the
user. These devices enable a level of control permitting individuals to retain a
level of independence and autonomy in their living environment. This research
seeks to develop an assisted-living system incorporating a number of devices
that may be controlled through a BMI and to investigate various engineering
issues, such as those concerning the robustness of the signal detection and
interpretation in a real-life environment.
• Control of a Mobile System Using VEPs: Control of a mobile system such as
a mobile robot through a BMI makes it possible for an individual to interact
more effectively with the environment, and even possibly obtain self-mobility
if the BMI where to be used to drive a wheelchair. Many difficulties need to be
resolved before this technology may be developed to a degree of flexibility and
robustness to make it useful in real environments. This research seeks to
investigate the various challenges required to develop such a system and to
extend the possible control functions that may be provided.
2. The students will form part of the EEG research group working in the Biomedical
Engineering Laboratory and they will be supervised by Professor Kenneth P
Camilleri, Dr Tracey Camilleri and Dr Owen Falzon who have worked and
published in the area of EEG signal analysis and BMI. Through this research
programme, students will obtain training in the use of an EEG device, in acquiring
EEG data, in performing EEG signal analysis and algorithmic programming,
typically using MATLAB.
3. The selection procedure will involve:
a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials
and/or certificates; and
b. an informal interview.
Msida, 13th May 2013