s
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
MSc Automotive Electronic Engineering
Intermediate award
PgCert, PgDip - Automotive Electronic Engineering
Course status
Validated
Awarding body
University of Brighton
Faculty
Science and Engineering
School
School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics
Location of study/ campus
Moulsecoomb
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
Host department
1. Not Applicable
SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
Course status
Direct to School
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Entry requirements
Include any progression opportunities
into the course.
The minimum requirement is normally a 2.2 UK Honours degree (or
equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Relevant disciplines – Recent undergraduate studies (or equivalent)
in either an electronic engineering or mechanical engineering
discipline.
Other Qualifications and Experience – These will be considered on
an individual basis by the Course Leader and Admissions Tutor
Accreditation of prior achievement (APA) – It is possible for APA to
be granted against certain taught modules depending on previous
experience. Evidence for this will need to be discussed with the
Admissions Tutor on an individual basis.
English language (all programmes): either
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
•
Minimum 6.0 overall AND minimum of 6 for Writing.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Paper-Based test (PBT):*
•
Minimum 550 overall AND minimum of 4 for the Test of
Written English (TWE).
Computer-Based test (CBT):*
•
Minimum 213 in total AND 4 in the Essay Rating.
Internet-Based test (IBT):*
•
Minimum 80 in total AND 23 in the Writing Score
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE):
•
Grades A-C
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE):
•
Grades A-B
International Baccalaureate (IB):
•
Language B at Higher level grade 4, or
•
Language B at Standard level grade 5
Hong Kong Advanced Level (HKAL)
•
Grades A-C
University of Michigan Certificate in English Language Proficiency
•
Pass with 70% across all assessments.
Successful study of relevant English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
module, or Pre-Masters year, as determined by pre-existing IELTS
score on entry, at University of Brighton School of Languages
These are the minimum course requirements for non-native
speakers; graduates of Universities in English-speaking countries are
deemed to have the necessary English Language requirements to
join the course.
*Note that TOEFL scores must have been obtained within the
preceding 2 years – otherwise they are inadmissible, according to
TOEFL.
Start date (mmm-yy)
Sep-10
Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study (standard)
Maximum registration period
Full-time
Other: 1 Calendar year
6 years
Part-time
Other: 2 Calendar years
6 years
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Sandwich
Other: Not Applicable
Select
Distance
Other: Not Applicable
Select
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
Not Applicable
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Dr C. Garrett
Admissions Tutor
Dr C. Garrett
Examination and Assessment
External Examiner(s)
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Name
Place of work
Date tenure expires
Prof David Smith
Northumbria
University
31st December
2014
Engineering and Product Design MSc Examination Board
Approval and review
Approval date
20091
Validation
24th June
Programme Specification
September 20113
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
Not Applicable
Review date
10th December 20142
September 20124
5
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
1
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is
applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
2
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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course are:
To provide students with technical depth, knowledge, relevant skills and critical appreciation of the
current and developing automotive electronics domain.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by
students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6.
Knowledge and theory
On successful completion of the course, students will possess:
1. Extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of electronic
devices, software technology and systems.
2. Comprehensive understanding of synthesis and analysis techniques
applicable to the automotive electronics domain.
3. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant mathematical
and computer models and an appreciation of their limitations.
4. Systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of
current problems within the automotive electronics domain.
Awareness of sustainability, legislative, social and industrial drivers and
developing technologies within the automotive electronics domain.
Skills
On successful completion of the course, students will possess:
5. Ability to apply mathematical, computer-based models, tools and
computer programming to solving problems in the context of automotive
electronic hardware and software systems.
6. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of
constraints.
7. Critical evaluation skills in the context of current technologies and
research within automotive engineering.
8. Ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively,
make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and
communicate conclusions clearly to specialist audiences.
9. Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
Skills to operate effectively within a small team.
Includes intellectual skills (i.e.
generic skills relating to
academic study, problem
solving, evaluation, research
etc.) and professional/
practical skills.
QAA subject benchmark
statement (where
applicable)7
Not Applicable
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements,
and what students are required to undertake, are included.
6
7
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
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LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any
specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and
teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and
details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.
to the normal lectures and tutorials, demonstrations, project assignments, programming and laboratory
exercises will also be used to build knowledge, skills and critical appreciation as well as transferable
skills of self management, communication, team management etc. The proportion of these methods will
vary from module to module. The list below gives an indication of what students can expect within the
weekly contact time for taught modules:
XEM44 – 50% lecture, 50% computer-based assignments/tutorials
XEM48 – 80% lecture, 20% tutorials, case studies
XEM72– 80% lecture, 20% tutorials, case studies
XEM73 - 70% lecture, 30% coursework and computer-based assignments
XEM74 – 50% lecture, 50% computer-based assignments/tutorials
XEM75 – 50% lecture, 50% computer-based assignments/tutorials
XEM78 – 80% lecture, 20% tutorials, case studies, laboratory exercises
XEM79 – 80% lecture, 20% tutorials, case studies, laboratory exercises
Studentcentral is used to provide a framework for guiding students in their independent learning periods.
The project module (XEM76) will start in April and finish in September and will be largely independent
study with regular facilitation from an academic on the teaching team. This phase will be managed by
the student.
Course specific: in addition, students on this course benefit from:
Due to the large amount of laboratory-based assignment work it is important to note that there are
considerable specialised facilities including:
Engine teaching facilities.
Electronics and software laboratories.
The location of the Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories within the school providing state of the art research
facilities and access to research expertise. Students will have access to these laboratories provided the
commercial sensitivities of some research programmes is protected.
Industrial lectures by Ricardo staff and other invited speakers.
Research informed teaching
Provide a short statement on how their course meets some/all of the four approaches identified within
the research informed teaching policy
The staff delivering this course are involved in research through interaction with the Centre for
Automotive Research, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, individual consultancy and pedagogic
research. In addition Ricardo Consulting Engineers contribute occasional industrial lectures on state-ofthe-art issues affecting the industry.
The Centre for Automotive Research, led by Professor Heikal, is one of the strongest groups within the
University and has a good reputation both nationally and internationally. It has built strong relationships
with many world leading automotive manufacturers and, in particular, Ricardo Consulting Engineers.
Some of the teaching staff are part of this group, others interact in a more peripheral manner but the
module delivery (and hence students) benefits from input in terms of expertise or infrastructure.
One member of staff is leading pedagogic research in blended learning though enhancing the capability
of studentcentral based materials such as video and blogs.
Education for sustainable development
The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. Automotive
electronics is central to identifying and providing sound scientific solutions to current and future problems
within personal transport and its infrastructure. Much of the international “green” debate has focused on
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transport and legislation continues to force the development agenda of car manufacturers. The
division’s automotive research is focussed on combustion efficiency through modelling and
experimentation as well as engine management though electronic and software control. Thus the course
provides a focus on specific high-technology challenges of contributing to ecological sustainability as
well as inculcating potential automotive engineers with appropriate technical ability and awareness of
environmental issues.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where
to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.
All modules are assessed using the assessment criteria detailed on the individual modules descriptions,
which are linked to the learning outcomes for that module. Additional details on assessment timing,
required deliverables and criteria are included in the module briefs. The following list gives an indicative
plan of coursework balance. All modules contain formative feedback mechanisms.
XEM44 – 100% Coursework
XEM48 – 50% Coursework, 50% Examination
XEM72 – 100% Coursework
XEM73 – 50% Coursework, 50% Examination
XEM74 – 100% Coursework
XEM75 – 60% Coursework, 40% Examination
XEM76 – 100% Coursework
XEM78 – 30% Coursework, 70% Examination
XEM79 – 50% Coursework, 50% Examination
Learning Outcome
Assessment method
Module
1) Extensive knowledge and
understanding of a wide range
of electronic devices, software
technology and systems.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM44, XEM48,
XEM72, XEM73,
XEM74, XEM75,
XEM76, XEM78,
XEM79
2) Comprehensive
understanding of synthesis and
analysis techniques applicable
to the automotive electronics
domain.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM44, XEM48,
XEM72, XEM73,
XEM74, XEM75,
XEM76, XEM78,
XEM79
3) Comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of relevant
mathematical and computer
models and an appreciation of
their limitations.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM44, XEM48,
XEM72, XEM73,
XEM76
4) Systematic understanding of
knowledge, and a critical
awareness of current problems
within the automotive
electronics domain.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM44, XEM48,
XEM72, XEM73,
XEM74, XEM75,
XEM76, XEM78,
XEM79
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Number of
credits
180
180
120
180
5) Awareness of legislative,
social and industrial drivers and
developing technologies within
the automotive electronics
domain.
6) Ability to apply mathematical,
computer-based models, tools
and computer programming to
solving problems in the context
of automotive electronic
hardware and software
systems.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM48, XEM72,
XEM76, XEM79
105
XEM44, XEM48,
XEM72, XEM73,
XEM74, XEM75,
XEM76, XEM78,
XEM79
7) Ability to apply engineering
techniques taking account of a
range of constraints.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM44, XEM72,
XEM73, XEM74,
XEM75, XEM76
8) Critical evaluation skills in the
context of current technologies
and research within automotive
engineering.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM48, XEM72,
XEM73, XEM75,
XEM76
9) Ability to deal with complex
issues both systematically and
creatively, make sound
judgements in the absence of
complete data, and
communicate conclusions
clearly to specialist audiences.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
180
135
120
XEM48, XEM76
95
10) Self-direction and originality
in tackling and solving
problems.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM73, XEM74,
XEM75, XEM76
105
11) Skills to operate effectively
within a small team.
Lectures, tutorials, reports,
laboratory exercises, oral
presentations, programming
exercises, computer simulation
exercises, research exercises,
examinations
XEM73, XEM74
30
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/ University
All students benefit from:
University induction week
Student Handbook: the University and you
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities
Computer pool rooms (indicate number of workstations by site)
E-mail address
Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
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Course-specific
Additional support, specifically
where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery
(e.g. distance learning and
work-based learning) include:
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
Please refer to information held in studentcentral.
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PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and
progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
This programme provides graduates who normally possess first degrees in electronics or mechanical
engineering with deepening technical knowledge and skills in the application area of automotive
electronics. Successful completion of the course will aid students careers within the automotive industry.
Full-time students would normally join the course in October and complete the autumn and spring terms
and summer period in sequence over one calendar year. Part-time students will normally proceed with a
subset of the taught modules over two academic years. Depending on their situation they may embark
on the project module after successfully completing four taught modules with agreement from the Course
Leader. This may allow some part-time students to align their project with relevant activities they are
undertaking in employment.
Autumn Term
•Power Train Engineering
•Automotive Communication Systems
•Embedded Processor Systems
•Sensors and Interfacing
Spring Term
•Automotive Control Systems
•Sustainable Automotive Power Technology
•Engine Control Unit Design
•Power Electronics and Actuators
Summer Period
•Individual Project Investigation and Dissertation
The first two periods are ten week terms followed by vacations, revision weeks and examinations
periods. The summer period runs from April to September and is dedicated to the dissertation and
project phase. Taught modules will provide approximately four hours contact per module each week
during the taught phase. There is an expectation that students will carry out substantial independent
learning during these periods.
Power Train Engineering (XEM48) provides a broad technical overview of modern vehicles within the
context of consumer, legislative and social requirements giving students a context which frames and
integrates the specialist automotive electronic module content.
The individual dissertation stage has a practical project emphasis allowing students to specialise in an
area of personal interest and/or contribute to the School’s research programme or those of an industrial
sponsor. This enables a student to integrate taught material, practice engineering and transferrable
skills and research specialist topics in a meaningful context.
Occasional lectures by Ricardo staff will provide broadening industrial context, awareness of the state-ofthe-art, legislation and trends (for example in module XEM48). In addition students will benefit from
provision of external events such as the annual IMechE sponsored automotive electronics and control
seminar hosted by Ricardo.
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Modules
Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional,
statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)
Level8
Module
code
Status
Module title
Credit
M
XEM44
C
Automotive Control Systems
15
M
XEM48
C
Power Train Engineering
15
M
XEM72
C
Sustainable Automotive Power Technology
15
M
XEM73
C
Automotive Communication Systems
15
M
XEM74
C
Embedded Processor Systems
15
M
XEM75
C
Engine Control Unit Design
15
M
XEM76
C
Individual Project Investigation and Dissertation
60
M
XEM78
C
Sensors and Interfacing
15
M
XEM79
C
Power Electronics and Actuators
15
8
All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which
corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.
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AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type
Final
Award* Title
MSc
Level
Eligibility for award
Classification of award
Total credits9
Minimum credits10
Ratio of marks11:
Class of award
Automotive Electronic
Engineering
7
Total credit 180
Minimum credit at level
of award 150
Level 7 marks
Postgraduate degree
Intermediate PgDip
Automotive Electronic
Engineering
7
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at level
of award 90
Level 7 marks
Postgraduate (taught) degree
Select
Automotive Electronic
Engineering
7
Total credit 60
Minimum credit at level
of award 40
Level 7 marks
Postgraduate (taught) degree
Select
Select
Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level
of award Select
Select
Select
Select
Select
Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level
of award Select
Select
Select
PgCert
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
Postgraduate12 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
70% - 100%
Distinction
First (1)
Distinction
60% - 69.99%
Merit
Upper second (2:1)
Merit
Lower second (2:2)
Pass
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Pass
Third (3)
9
Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
11
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding
class of award.
12
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
10
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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the
University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available
from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations
which materially affect
assessment,
progression and award
on the course
e.g. Where referrals or repeat
of modules are not permitted
in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
Students who withdraw (rather than intermit) from the course, either because
of module failure or personal reasons, will be awarded a PgCert in
Automotive Electronic Engineering if they have acquired at least 60 credits
from the taught modules ie they cannot be awarded a PgCert by just passing
the Individual Project Investigation and Dissertation module XEM76.
Not Applicable
These require the approval of
the Chair of the Academic
Board
Document template revised: 2010
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