UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
The title of the module
EL875: Advanced Instrumentation Systems
2.
The Department which will be responsible for management of the module
Electronics
3.
The start date of the module
September, 2009
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
20
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
N/A
6.
The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M
7.
The number of credits the module represents
15
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring
9.
Pre-requisite and co-requisite modules
10.
The programme of study to which the module contributes
MSc in Embedded Systems and Instrumentation
11.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will:
1. Have an understanding of the principles of measurement and instrument design;
2. Have an understanding of modern sensors and optical sensing systems;
3. Have an understanding of imaging based instrumentation systems;
4. Have an understanding of intelligent measurement technology;
5. Have the necessary skills to design and implement embedded instrumentation systems;
6. Have the knowledge and skills to design and implement specialised measurement and monitoring
systems.
These contribute to knowledge and understanding of the principles of advanced sensors and
instrumentation systems as specified in the subject specific learning outcomes of the MSc programme in
Embedded Systems and Instrumentation (A1, A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9).
The module will require students to demonstrate the use of mathematical models, scientific principles and
computer methods for design and implementation of advanced measurement and instrumentation systems,
contributing to the Intellectual Skills in the advanced learning outcomes for the MSc and PDip in
Embedded Systems and Instrumentation (B1-B6).
Students will need to use advanced techniques to solve hardware/software problems, contributing to
programme learning outcomes in the category of Professional Practical Skills (C1, C2, C4, C6).
12.
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
Students will need to demonstrate skills in generating, analysing, presenting and interpreting data, will
learn to use ICT, and will develop core key skills, such as learning effectively, critical thinking and time
management, contributing to the Transferable/Key Skills in the generic learning outcomes for the MSc and
PDip programme (D1, D2, D5-D7).
13.
A synopsis of the curriculum
Lecture Syllabus
SENSORS AND SENSING SYSTEMS (6)
Measurement terminology: Input and output, range, accuracy, precision, resolution, sensitivity, linearity,
repeatability, reproducibility, calibration and traceability;
Sensors and transducers: Resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, electromagnetic sensors,
electrostatic sensors, radiological sensors, primary and secondary sensors, integrated and smart sensors,
MEMS, and ‘soft’ sensors;
Optical sensing techniques: Light detectors, optical fibres and fibre optic components, solid state lasers;
IMAGING BASED MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES (10)
Digital imaging technologies: CCD and CMOS camera architectures, digitisation, characterisation of
imaging devices (resolution, modulation transfer function, point spread function, noise, and spectral
sensitivity);
Image processing techniques: Image enhancement and filtering, histogram modification, edge detection
and segmentation, feature extraction, pattern clustering and classification algorithms, Fourier domain
representations and filtering, wavelet compression;
Imaging systems: CCD/CMOS camera based measurement and detection systems, industrial process
tomography (IPT), stereoscopic imaging systems, real-time imaging techniques;
INTELLIGENT MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES (4)
Soft computing techniques for measurement and monitoring.
Advanced analysis: combined time and frequency domain methods, wavelet analysis, and Hilbert-Huang
transforms.
Virtual instruments and systems: hardware and software, fieldbus, internet based systems.
INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDIES (4)
On-line measurement of difficult flows. On-line fuel tracking. Flame detection and flame imaging.
Characterisation of granular materials. Other specialised imaging systems for industrial applications.
EXAMPLES CLASS - SENSORS AND SENSING SYSTEMS
EXAMPLES CLASS - IMAGING-BASED MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES
EXAMPLES CLASS – INTELLIGENT MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEMS
LABORATORY – ADVANCED MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
There are two substantial experiments to be conducted on a half of a day. Students will design, construct
and test advanced measurement systems using low-cost optical/imaging sensors and image processing
software. Formal reports on the experiment are required.
ASSIGNMENT – INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDIES
Real-life industrial measurement and monitoring problems are assigned to students for suitable solutions.
14.
Indicative Reading List
Background Reading
Sensors and Systems, Usher M.J. and Keating, D.A., MacMillan
Principles of Measurement Systems, Bentley, Longman, 2004, ISBN-10: 0130430285
Measurement and Instrumentation Systems, W. Bolton, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996, ISBN-10:
0750631147
A collection of focused research papers on relevant topics.
15.
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
The module is taught mainly through lectures, examples classes, practical laboratory sessions and directed
self-studies. It is estimated that each 1-hour examples class with its associated self-study will require 3
hours of total study, and there are 6 examples classes in total. The material covered in each lecture will
need some extra study to be digested, with extra time for revision/examination, giving a required study
time of 4 hours for each one of the 24 lectures. There are two 4-hour laboratory classes, which require extra
8 hours (4 hours for a 4-hour laboratory class) for students to review and understand properly the work
carried out. Students will also be expected to spend 20 hours to complete the substantial assignment. There
total are thus 38 student contact hours, and 150 total study hours for the module.
16.
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
This module is assessed by exam (60%) and coursework (40%). The assessed elements will test the
learning outcomes 1-6.
17.
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There are two 4-hour laboratory classes to be accommodated in the Project Lab at the Department of
Electronics.
18.
We confirm that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching
methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with
disabilities
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching:
"I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct
procedures and required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning/Teaching
Date
Statement by the Head of Department:
"I confirm that the Department has approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its
resourcing"
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Head of Department
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Date