UNIVERSITY OF KENT
1 The title of the module
EL311 The Robotics Project
2 The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Engineering and Digital Arts
3 The start date of the module
September 2004
4 The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable
2004-05
5 The number of students expected to take the module
60
6 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None - revised module.
7 The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
C
8 The number of credits the module represents
15
9 Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn/Spring
10 Pre-requisite and co-requisite modules
None
11 The programme of study to which the module contributes
BEng Electronic and Communications Engineering
BEng Electronic and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry
BEng Computer Systems Engineering
BEng Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry
MEng in Electronic and Communications Engineering
MEng in Electronic and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry
12 The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have:
1. The necessary skills to plan the progress of a small project;
2. An understanding of pcb layout and construction;
3. Integration of component parts & subsystem to realise a complete system;
4. The necessary skills to wire and solder a complete circuit.
These outcomes contribute to the programme learning outcomes in the appropriate curriculum maps as follows:-
ECE/ECEwInd: A7, A8, A10, B2, B4, B6, C2, C4, C5, C7, C8
CSE/CSEwInd: A7, A8, A10, B2, B4, B6, C2, C4, C6, C8, C9

13 The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have developed skills in the following areas:-
Improving own learning and performance: Setting personal targets, developing specialist skills and reviewing complete work
Problem solving: Identifying and defining problems and deciding on course of action.
These outcomes contribute to the programme learning outcomes in the curriculum maps for
ECE/ECEwInd/CSE/CSEwInd as follows: D1, D2, D4, D5, D6, D7
14 A synopsis of the curriculum
Lecture Syllabus
LABORATORY PRACTICE
Introduction to the project and use of log-books. PCB manufacture. Resistor and capacitor components. Robot mechanics.
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY TALK
USE OF INSTRUMENTS AND INTRODUCTION TO FAULT-FINDING
INTRODUCTION TO CAD OF PCBS AND ROBOT CIRCUITRY
CAD tools. Dos/don'ts on CAD package. Robot sensors and circuits.
ROBOTS AND C/C++ PROGRAMMING
Introduction to Robots. Introduction to C/C++ Programming.. Programming of self-built robots using
C/C++ Programming and the Arduino Duemillenova Board.
PANEL Q&A
Coursework
LABORATORIES
LAB PRACTICE IN THE PROJECT LAB AND PCB CONSTRUCTION
This is designed to provide experience in the practical and management aspects of project work and is supported by lectures and weekly small group tutorials. There is a total of 42 laboratory hours over the
Autumn and Spring terms. The main components are: use of the Mechanical Workshop, basic mechanical work, soldering, assembly and testing of a printed circuit board.
CAD TOOLS
A series of weekly exercises (Weeks 14 to 16) aimed at familiarising the students with the Computer
Aided Design (CAD) tools needed to develop the PCB circuit which will later be integrated into the robot. This practical work will be supported by three lectures given at the beginning of term.
ROBOTS
A series of weekly individual exercises, of which two are assessed. The exercises are designed to provide experience with the robot kit, and programming the robots using C/C++ language. During the second Project Week of the term, the developed PCB will be integrated into the robot and the complete design will be assessed by demonstration at the end of the term. This practical work will be supported by five lectures given towards the beginning of term. There will be a competition for the best robot, with the award of a prize.
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENT 1 - THE USE OF INSTRUMENTS
A laboratory exercise using the Project Laboratory facilities.
Assessment is by completing an answer booklet.
ASSIGNMENT 2 - MECHANICAL DESIGN OF THE ROBOT BASEPLATE
Assessment of students' design and built quality of the robot baseplate.

ASSIGNMENT 3 - PCB LAYOUT
Assessment of students' PCB design.
ASSIGNMENT 4 - ROBOT PROGRAMMING EXERCISE 1
Weekly exercises of programming of robots.
ASSIGNMENT 5 - ROBOT PROGRAMMING EXERCISE 2
Weekly exercises of programming of robots.
ASSIGNMENT 6 - PCB FABRICATION
Assessment of students' hardware construction of the PCB.
ASSIGNMENT 7 - DEMONSTRATION OF ROBOT
An assessed demonstration of the robot constructed in the project.
ASSIGNMENT 8 - LOG BOOK
An assessed record of PCB design and construction.
15 Indicative Reading List
Recommended Reading
The Arduino Programming Libraries (http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/Libraries)
The Arduino Programming Language - Based on C/C++
(http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/HomePage)
The Arduino Development Environment (http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/Environment)
Electronic Components and Technology, S.J. Sangwine, Van Nostrand Rheinhold<
16 Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
There will be 57 contact hours consisting of 17 hours of lectures and 40 laboratory hours with supervision. The laboratory hours are used for assignments, exercises and a robotic project and the students are split into three groups where they are assigned to one of three supervisors. The total student workload will be 150 hours.
17 Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Assessment for this module is by means of coursework (100%). The coursework is assessed by assignments on students' knowledge of the Project Laboratory facilities (learning outcome 3) and PCB design (learning outcome 2). In addition, the project is assessed by inspection and working demonstration of a final robot constructed by the student and inspection of their log-book. This addresses all the learning outcomes.
18 Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module is a revision of one currently running. The extra resources required to run it have been included in the annual budget.
19 The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities
will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia
support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.