UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Department of Computing
Programme/course title: Intelligent Systems and Robotics
Awarding and teaching institution:
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University of Bradford
BSc (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Intelligent Systems and Robotics
not applicable
3 years full time; 4 years sandwich; 6 years parttime
H6GR BSc/RobWAI, H6G7 BSc/RobAI4
Computing, Engineering
May 2004,
July 2010
Programme Aims
The world of robotics is changing at a rapid pace. What was once thought fanciful or science
fiction is now a reality. We are now starting to see semi-intelligent robots appear as
departmental store guides; servitor robots are now available to guard your home or complete
simple tasks. The BSc (Hons) Robotics with Artificial Intelligence course gives you the
opportunity to join in the development of the next generation of robots.
Within the course you will gain knowledge and experience in the design of robotic structures,
their sensory capability, and their programming within an artificial intelligence environment,
which will enable you to contribute at a high level in such project constructs.
In accordance with the University’s mission, “Making Knowledge Work”, the Department of
Computing aims to;
 deliver a flexible programme of study that reflects the requirements of the modern robotic
and artificial intelligence industries, as well as areas of staff expertise and research;
 provide a supportive, structured learning environment in which students are encouraged
to develop independent learning skills;
 develop subject knowledge and understanding, and provide training in discipline skills to
enable graduates to pursue further programmes of study or to move directly into
responsible careers in artificial intelligence, robotics or related practices;
 develop personal transferable skills to enable graduates to pursue further programmes of
study or careers in non-cognate fields;
 promote educational opportunities for ethnic minorities, women, mature and alternatively
qualified students, as well as school leavers and traditionally qualified students.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme you will have a highly developed range of
knowledge-based and transferable skills. As such you will have achieved:
 Knowledge and Understanding in the fields of computation and computer
programming, computer networks, robotics and robotic design, programming and control;
electronic and mechanical systems, to allow you to design autonomous robotic structures
capable of performing various tasks without direct intervention.
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

Discipline Specific Skills in the conceptualisation, design and operation of robotic
structures together with their programming within basic control and artificial intelligence
environments, using either networked computer or microprocessor control systems.
Personal and Transferable Skills in critical thinking; numerical techniques; independent
learning and research; team working; IT and communication skills; creative and problem
based resolution; life-long learning skills, and personal management.
The Curriculum
The map of your studies is detailed below showing core(C) and optional (O) modules. Each
year, or stage, of an Honours course comprises two semesters with 60 credits being studied
in each semester. For 10 credit modules and 20 credit double modules (last character in
module code is a ‘D’) all of the teaching and assessment is undertaken in the same
semester. For 20 credit linked modules (last character in the module code is an ‘L’) and the
30 credit project there is teaching and assessment in both semesters.
Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is available to
students for whom a less intense course of study is appropriate. Ordinary degrees comprise
100 credits in stage 1 and 80 credits in stages 2 and 3.
Diploma of Industrial Studies
Diploma of International Studies
You have the option to undertake an industrial placement, or of studying or working abroad
for a year between stages 2 and 3; this option is strongly encouraged. SCIM has an
industrial training tutor who has contacts with a large number of outside organizations and
who assists in helping you find a placement. Successful completion of the industrial year
qualifies you for the award of the Diploma of Industrial Studies in addition to your degree.
The university’s International Office provides a wide range of opportunities and support for
students to gain international experience. Successful completion of the international year
qualifies you for the award of the Diploma of International Studies in addition to your
degree. Both options provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and are viewed
favourably by prospective employers.
Unit Code
CM0113L
CM0107L
Level
1
1
Credits
20
20
Sem
1&2
1&2
CM0111L
ENG1065L
CM0116D
CY0123M
ENG1030M
CM0218L
CM0318L
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
20
20
20
10
10
20
20
1&2
1&2
1
2
2
1&2
1&2
CM0315L
2
20
1&2
CM0415L
2
20
1&2
ENG2075M
ENG2018M
CY0205M
CY0203M
CY0212M
ENG3084M
ENG2019M
CM0347K
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
40
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1&2
Unit Title
Developing Professional Skills
Computer Architecture and Systems
Software
Formal Foundations
Robotics
Software Development (Part 1)
Introduction to Signals
Electronics Applications Project
Automation and Control
Symbolic and Declarative
Computing/Artificial Intelligence
Computer Communications and
Networks
Computer Architecture and Systems
Software 2
Robotics Applications
Digital Electronics Design
Sensors & Actuators
Morphing Signals
How to Run an SME
Robotic Systems
Embedded Systems
Final Year Project
2
Hons
C
C
Ord
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
O
O
C
C
C
O
O
C
O
C
C
C
O
O
C
O
CM0340D
CM0518D
EM0359D
CY0330D
CM0506D
OR
ENG3018M
CY0317M
CM0328D
3
3
3
3
3
20
20
20
20
20
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
10
10
20
2
2
2
Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems
Concurrent and Distributed Systems
Design for Mobile Content
Intelligent Robotics
Real Time Systems OR
Real Time Computing &
Instrumentation
Digital Image Processing
AI for Games
C
O
O
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Please note that, while every effort will be made to accommodate your choices, it may not be
possible to permit every possible combination of optional modules, due to timetabling
constraints.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and
review procedures.
Assessment Regulations: a summary
Comprehensive information on the University’s Regulation Governing Undergraduate
Awards can be found at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html
and the full set of Ordinances and Regulations for taught courses at
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/taught_courses.html).
To pass and proceed from each Stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified
Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20
credits at each Stage of the course.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall
weighted marks that you receive for each Stage. Stage 2 contributes 30% and Stage 3 70%
to the award. The classes and divisions of the Honours degree are awarded on the basis of
the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
otherwise:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if
you complete Stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The
learning outcomes for these awards and the final award are consistent with those of the
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England.
The progression and award regulations for Ordinary courses are similar to those for the
Honours courses, except 40% must be achieved in 80 credits at Stage 1 and in 60 credits at
the subsequent Stages.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The course is designed to give you a wide experience of teaching, learning and assessment
strategies. Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures,
practised in associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes.
Practical skills are developed in laboratory sessions. The course is designed to allow you to
develop and enhance your practical and inter-personal skills through working in small groups
engaging in problem solving scenarios. Project work is included to allow you to demonstrate
your ability to solve problems using the knowledge, understanding and skills you have
gained during your course.
Each 10-credit module on the course requires you to commit an average 100 hours of study.
Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars and
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tutorials – while others involve private study. The balance between these forms of study
changes as you pass through the three years of the course. There are more “contact hours”
(time spent with tutors) in the earlier stages of the course; by the final year you are expected
to manage your own learning, under the general guidance of your tutors.
An optional placement year, normally taken between Stages Two and Three, will enable you
to extend and apply your learning in an appropriate industrial/commercial context, and gain
first-hand experience of how your skills might be applied in the workplace.
The Assessment methods you will encounter are varied and your progress will be reviewed
using a mix of formal examinations, reports, laboratory portfolios, essays, oral presentations
(either individual or team) and the final year dissertation. Your performance in each module
will be assessed using a mix of these assessment systems to allow you to demonstrate the
particular module learning outcomes.
Admission Requirements
Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most
important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to
benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular course. Entrance
requirements will vary but are set after consideration of each applicant’s academic
background and achievements and all other relevant experience. A typical offer to someone
seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be the attainment of a total of 240 UCAS
tariff points. Applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard qualifications or
who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience.
Applicants whose first language is not English will also be expected to possess an English
Language qualification approved by the University, such as IELTS at 6.0 or TOEFL at 550.
Student Support and Guidance
All students admitted to the School of Computing, Informatics and Media (SCIM) undertake a
process of induction led by a senior member of staff. Thereafter, ongoing support for
students is provided in the form of one-stop facilities located at the SCIM Student Support
Office (SSO) in Horton A2.09, which is open throughout the day during term, restricted hours
outside term. Also support for registered students is provided 24/7 via the intranets of SCIM,
Department of Computing and the School’s Technical Support. The School uses the
University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support students on their individual
modules.
As a student on the BSc (Hons) Robotics with Artificial Intelligence, you will be allocated a
personal tutor who provides support and guidance on matters relating to your learning,
teaching and academic progress. There are specialist tutors in the School who deal with
issues where other social factors (relating to gender or disability, for example) may have an
impact on your academic performance. The Student Staff Liaison Committee gives the
opportunity for you to give formal feedback to the Course Team and Department about
curricular issues and the general running of the programme.
The University of Bradford provides important facilities such as extended access to library
and computing services, the Learner Development Unit, counselling and welfare services,
and careers advice. The Disability Office provided targeted support for all students with
known disabilities and routinely arranges dyslexia assessments and appropriate support (i.e.
reasonable adjustment) for disabled students.
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Recruitment and Marketing Office
4
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
School of Computing, Informatics and Media
The University of Bradford
Horton Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 235963
ugadmissions@scim.brad.ac.uk
http://scim.brad.ac.uk/courses/ug/
Disclaimer
The details of this Programme Specification and information contained therein are subject to
change in accordance with the University of Bradford’s course approval, monitoring and
review procedures.
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