BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Communications Engineering is essential across various industries, facilitating seamless data transmission, networking, and real-time communication. In Telecommunications, it serves as the foundation for mobile networks, fibre-optic communication, satellite communication, and broadband infrastructure, enabling global voice, video, and data transmission. In Healthcare, it supports telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records (EHRs) by ensuring secure and efficient communication between healthcare providers and patients.

This module introduces fundamental concepts in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), providing students with a clear understanding of its principles and real-world applications. It explores how ICT is integrated into everyday life and examines its impact across various sectors. Additionally, the module addresses key ethical, social, economic, and environmental issues related to the ICT field, encouraging critical thinking about its broader implications. 

Electronic systems are essential across various industries, enabling automation, communication, and efficient data processing. In Consumer Electronics, they drive smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and gaming consoles, ensuring seamless connectivity and fast processing. In Healthcare, electronic systems power medical imaging devices, pacemakers, robotic surgical systems, and patient monitoring tools. 

This module introduces students to the most-used electronic devices and their applications in small-scale electronic systems. It is divided into two main sections: Analogue and Digital Electronics.

The module combines formal lectures and seminars with hands-on practical sessions, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a laboratory setting. Through these sessions, students will gain experience in using test and measurement equipment and simulators, developing essential skills in electronics testing and application. 

The aims of the module are as follows: 

•  To familiarise students with commonly used electronic components, standard laboratory test and measurement equipment, and their usage in designing/analysing, building, and testing simple electronic circuits/systems. 
• To introduce students to circuit simulation software and develop an awareness of its strengths and limitations 
• To introduce students to the electronics and measurement techniques through practical approach and provide scope for putting theory into practice and develop investigation/analysis skills that exemplify core electrical and measuring principles relevant to the course. 
• To develop the ability to write a well-structured, concise and thoughtful logbook / report / poster. 
• To develop the ability to work independently as well as in team. 

This module develops a range of mathematical techniques including set theory, logic, relations and functions, algebra, differentiation, and integration. The techniques provide the foundation for further study of mathematics and related applications in Computer Science, Computer Games Programming, Computer Systems Engineering and Robotics, and Electronics and Internet of Things. 

This is an introductory Programming module, designed to develop interest, ability, and confidence in using a programming language. Students will gain the basic knowledge and experience to solve simple programming problems using established techniques in program design, development, and documentation. It is expected that on completion of this module, students will be able to design, implement and test object-oriented programs. 

The student is also expected to develop their confidence needed to program solutions to problems through a series of practical programming exercises. 

This module aims to provide students with the technical background and skills necessary to design and construct robotic devices. It reviews a selection of sensors and actuators that are commonly used in robotic products and provides students with practical experience in the design, construction, and evaluation of relatively simple fixed and mobile robots.

It also helps students develop an awareness of legal requirements governing robotics, including personnel, health & safety, intellectual property rights, product safety, and liability issues.

The module covers the necessary background through formal lectures/seminars followed by comprehensive hands-on practical workshops.

Computer Vision is widely used across industries to automate processes, enhance efficiency, and improve decision-making. In Healthcare, it plays a crucial role in medical imaging diagnostics, while in the Automotive industry, it powers self-driving cars by enabling object detection and navigation. Manufacturing relies on computer vision for quality control, ensuring consistency and defect detection in production lines, while Retail leverages it for cashier-less stores and customer analytics. Additionally, Robotics heavily depends on computer vision for navigation, object recognition, and task automation in warehouses, factories, and even space exploration. By enabling intelligent automation and real-time analysis, Computer Vision continues to transform various industries. 

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyse, design, and develop image processing algorithms commonly used in commercial computer vision systems. It covers fundamental principles, mathematical foundations, algorithmic implementations, and practical configurations of computer vision technology. Upon successful completion, students will be able to professionally evaluate the key components of computer vision systems and apply their knowledge to real-world applications.

The multidisciplinary intersection of biology and embedded digital security, the ‘Bio-inspired AI and Security’ module offers an immersive exploration of cutting-edge security algorithms inspired by the complexity and adaptability of biological systems. This module is designed to address the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity through the lens of genetic algorithms, artificial immune systems, swarm intelligence, neural networks, biometric security, and memetic algorithms. 

Students will engage with the foundational principles of natural science and engineering to devise solutions for complex cybersecurity problems with content that remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Through a dynamic blend of formal lectures/seminars and hands-on workshops, the curriculum not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also fosters practical skills in designing security solutions that harmonise societal, user, business, and customer needs, integrating considerations of health and safety, diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. 

Crucially, the module emphasises evaluating these bio-inspired solutions’ environmental and societal impacts, aiming to minimise adverse consequences and promote sustainability. It adopts an inclusive approach to engineering practice, underlining the paramount importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in fostering innovative solutions and advancing the field of bio-inspired AI and security. 

IoT Systems and Security play a crucial role in various industries, enhancing efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making while ensuring protection against cyber threats. In Healthcare, IoT is widely used for remote patient monitoring, RFID tracking, and connected medical devices, requiring strong security measures to safeguard sensitive patient data. The Retail and Supply Chain sectors relies on IoT for RFID tracking, inventory management, and logistics, where robust security helps prevent theft and fraud. In Finance and Banking, IoT enhances security through biometric authentication and fraud detection, ensuring the safety of financial transactions. 

The module is designed to provide students with technical knowledge and skills on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Theoretical material delivered in the lectures is supported by practical lab work to ensure students have a sound grasp of the technical content where students are expected to develop IoT systems. A number of devices, platforms and software tools will be introduced during the course from different vendors. The module is assessed through lab reports and final examination. 

This module extends the digital design techniques learnt at intermediate level to the use of Application Specific Integrated Circuits. It provides an extensive treatment of the use of Virtual Hardware Description Language (VHDL) using the industry’s standard (Xilinx/Altera and its associated hardware). 

Broadband systems are essential for enabling high-speed communication, data exchange, and automation across a wide range of sectors. In Telecommunications, they underpin high-speed internet, mobile networks, and satellite communications, facilitating seamless global connectivity. In Healthcare, broadband technology supports telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and the rapid transmission of medical imaging data, contributing to improved patient care and diagnostics.

This module introduces students to the principles and applications of broadband systems and technologies. It covers system operations, design requirements, and analytical approaches, equipping students with both theoretical understanding and practical design skills. The module also develops teamwork and collaboration abilities through a group-based project.

Satellite and optical systems are essential components of broadband technology, supporting various industries. Telecommunications rely on satellite communications for global connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while optical fibre networks form the backbone of high-speed internet, enabling broadband services, cloud computing, and 5G/6G networks. In Healthcare, satellite broadband facilitates telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and emergency communication in remote locations, while optical fibre ensures fast and secure transmission of medical imaging, electronic health records, and real-time patient monitoring, enhancing efficiency in hospitals and research institutions. 

The module provides students with an understanding and knowledge in the principles and applications of satellite and optical systems broadband systems. It covers the key features of these systems, their operations and design requirements. The module develops analytical and design knowledge and provides experience of team working through a group work. 

This module aims to provide students with the technical background and skills necessary to design and configure and maintain wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks). Knowledge of LANs and WANs is essential across various industries, enabling secure communication, data management, and operational efficiency. In Healthcare, LANs connect medical devices and records within hospitals, while WANs enable secure data exchange, telemedicine, and compliance with regulations. The Education sector uses LANs for campus networking and WANs for remote learning and institutional collaboration. In Finance and Banking, LANs manage transactions and cybersecurity, while WANs link branches and support online banking. Retail and E-Commerce rely on LANs for inventory and POS systems, while WANs connect stores, warehouses, and online platforms. Similarly, Manufacturing and Supply Chains use LANs for automation and real-time tracking, while WANs coordinate global logistics. 

This module focuses on the design of these networks, the devices used and their operation, the planning prior to installation and best practices, the implementation of the network design, security provisions, and troubleshooting of Wireless LAN issues. The module covers the necessary background through formal lectures/seminars followed by comprehensive hands-on practical workshops. 

This module provides an introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence, from its historical context to its current state. Students will research an aspect of AI and work in teams to design an intelligent system and develop a simple prototype. 

The module aims to: 

• build students’ knowledge and understanding of AI and its range of applications;
• enable students to use their skills and knowledge to design a contemporary intelligent system;
• develop students’ critical faculties with respect to the ethics and the issues surrounding AI;
•  to build skills in software engineering and prototype development.

The module enables students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through a systematic and creative investigation of a project work, either individually or as part of a group, in accordance with their course requirements. The topic of investigation will cover a broad spectrum of various analysis and techniques and will lead to a comprehensive and concise academic/industry-related report. Students will be assisted in exploring areas that may be unfamiliar to them and encouraged to develop innovative ideas and techniques. Students will be able to choose a project that may require the solution to a specific problem, creation of an artefact in a real-world environment or an investigation of innovative ideas and techniques related to an area within their field of study. Collaboration with outside agencies and projects with industrial, business or research partners/ sponsors will be encouraged.