Electronic and Microelectronic Engineering

Description

The world of electronics is evolving so rapidly that the devices and techniques that are new today will be tools you are expected to understand and use by the time you graduate.

Developed to respond to the needs of industry, this degree will give you advanced level knowledge and skills in the design of complex electronic and microelectronic systems.

We aim to produce graduates who are part of a high-tech elite - greatly sought after professionals with specialist understanding and skills in microelectronics, but who also have a solid knowledge of electronic engineering as a whole. This will give you ultimate vision and flexibility in your future career.

Careers

You will have a wide choice of careers in mainstream electronic and microelectronic industries and in other engineering, computing and 'high-tech' fields.
The majority of our graduates move into research, development or manufacturing companies- a choice many make when accepting sponsorship from a company- but opportunities do exist in most other professional spheres such as medicine, finance, management and the media.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline as early as possible Tuition fee

• EUR 3857 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13793 Year (Non-EEA)

Home: Full-time £3,290; Overseas: Full-time £11,765

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 360 ECTS
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

This course aims to give you an advanced level of knowledge and skills in the design of complex electronic and microelectronic systems which are enabling the information revolution.

You will take the same core modules at Level 1 as Electronic and Electrical Engineering students, which will give you a broad understanding together with a high level of analytical and engineering design skills.

You begin to specialise in microelectronics at Level 2 and into Level 3, with a greater emphasis on understanding integrated circuit design, software and system design.

Typical modules

Level 1 Core

• Introduction to Computer Systems
• Internet Technologies and Web Design
• Programming and Software Design
• Digital and Electronic Design
• Maths for Computer Systems Engineering
• Computer Engineering Workshops (Engineering Principles, Engineering Skills, CAD, Group Project Work)

Level 2

• Computer Architecture
• Software and Systems Design
• Interfacing
• Digital System Design
• Quality Engineering
• Management
• Digital Control
• Computer Networks
• Computer Services and Security
• Computer Systems Design Workshops

Level 3Core

• Major Project
• Distributed Systems and Computing
• Software Engineering and Technology
• Advanced Digital Systems

Level 3 Options

• VLSI Systems Design
• Parallel Computing Technology
• Database Technology
• Wireless Data Communication Systems
• Design of Intelligent Systems
• Law, Business and Enterprise for Engineers
• Advanced Electronics
• Databases for Multimedia Applications

Is this degree right for you?

The likelihood is, you are a little better informed than other potential engineers. You know what aspect of electronic engineering you are interested in, or recognise the massive shortage of experts in this area.

You want to be part of the microelectronics revolution and know that we live in a silicon world. You will be a team player who is highly motivated. You must be looking for an intellectual challenge and interested in learning about chip design and specialist design tools.

Teaching and Learning

Staff Expertise

We take pains to maintain our high level of teaching. Lecturers are at the leading edge of their fields and many are internationally and nationally recognised for their work. They act as consultants for major companies, are often widely published and have good links with industry, so they know exactly what is going on in the commercial world.

Hours

In level 1 you will have about 18 taught hours a week. This will fall to aroundeight hours of lectures and seminars in level 3, with one whole day of project work. In addition to this, staff are normally happy to answer queries outside this time.

We operate an open door policy where you can drop in and chat or email lecturers with your questions. Students are expected to carry out a total of 40 hours study a week, including contact hours.

How will I be taught?

Lectures

These provide a broad overview of key concepts and ideas relating to your course and give you a framework from which to carry out in-depth study.

Laboratories

Staff/student ratio of 1:10 - one supervisor and a demonstrator. These are normally stand alone three hour sessions where students can develop, understand and practice using industry standard equipment.

They provide an informal environment in which to explore new ideas and apply what you have learnt in lectures, with the help of a tutor.

Workshops

In a workshop you will work on more complex problems with guidance from a member of staff. This might involve producing an artefact or a design solution. These allow you to develop new intellectual and practical skills and also serve to reinforce material learnt in lectures.

Tutorials

Up to six students. At level 1 this will be an opportunity to look at your academic knowledge and to develop personal skills, such as communication ability and study skills.

One-to-one

You will get one-to-one supervision for all project work, throughout all levels. If you go on a placement you will also be allocated an industrial tutor who will help you set objectives, monitor your progress, and provide further support if you need it.

You will also have a personal tutor who is available to discuss both academic and personal problems.

Other

Guest speakers from prominent organisations, research seminars and external site visits.

Assessment

Level 1 does not count towards your final degree mark but you have to pass this year in order to progress to level 2. Level 2 is worth a third of your final degree classification. Level 3 is worththe rest.

In the final year you will carry out a major individual project worth a third of your final year marks. This is in addition to other project work at level 2. The percentage of coursework to exam varies from course to course and also depends on the modules you select.

Assessment is by a variety of methods and varies depending on your degree programme. In general, the following techniques are used:

• Traditional exam
• Pre-seen exam - a case study to prepare in advance
• Written assignments
• Practical and creative design assignments
• Laboratory work
• Individual and group presentations.

Equal emphasis is put on teamwork and individual contribution in assessed group projects and presentations.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

UCAS Tariff - 300 points, from:

• GCE A and AS-level Tariff points typically from 3 A-levels together with either 1 AS-level or Extended Project Qualification (typical offer BCC, including Grade B in Maths and Grade C in a Science or Engineering subject, plus a C in either an AS or EPQ). General Studies not accepted; Critical Thinking accepted as 4th AS-level only.
• Irish Tariff points from 5 subjects, including Grade B in Maths and Grade C in a Science or Engineering subject.
• Scottish Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers, including Grade B in Maths and Grade C in a Science or Engineering subject, plus 1 Higher.
• Advanced Diploma Tariff points in Engineering, including the Specialist Unit in Maths for Engineers plus 1 AS-level for Additional and Specialist Learning.
• BTEC ND DDM including Distinction in a Maths module and Merit in either Electrical or Electronic Principles. BTECs are welcomed in a variety of related subjects. Please contact the Admissions Tutor for details.
• IB Diploma 31 points, including 5 points in Maths (excluding Maths Studies) at Standard Level and in a Science or Engineering subject at Higher Level.
• Foundations of engineering courses For Brunel Foundations of Engineering progression requirements, see the course page. For external foundation courses, please contact the Admissions Tutor.
• Access Pass in an Engineering, Computing or Science subject, with an average of Merits in all units, including Merit in Maths Level 3. All others considered on an individual basis.

GCSE For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English and Maths.

All applicants are required to attend an interview before a formal offer is made.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.

Funding

Brunel offers bursaries and scholarships to a wide range of students from different backgrounds and with different talents.

Please note that all information on this page is valid for 2010 entry only. 2011 entry information will be added as soon as it is available.

Brunel Bursaries

A Brunel bursary is a non-repayable sum of money awarded by the University to supplement the Government´s Maintenance Grant. It is designed for undergraduate students from lower-income households.

For 2010 entry, Brunel offers:

• £1,000 per year of study to all undergraduate students entitled to receive a full Maintenance Grant;
• £500 a year to undergraduate students eligible for a partial Maintenance Grant and whose annual household income is between £25,001 and £35,000.

Bursaries are paid automatically to eligible students, in termly instalments - you do not need to make a specific application, but you must indicate on your UCAS form that you consent to financial information being shared with the University.

Brunel Academic Scholarships

Four Scholarship schemes are currently available to new full-time undergraduates at Brunel. Applicants cannot receive more than one Scholarship - you will be awarded the most financially beneficial Scholarship for which you are eligible.

Regional Partnership and Alumni Scholarships

Please note that details and rates are subject to change for 2011 entry.

Brunel's Regional Partnership Scholarships are non-repayable cash awards of up to £3,000, paid each year to up to 25 undergraduate students on the basis of high academic achievement. Brunel Alumni Scholarships (funded by alumni donations) are non-repayable* cash awards of £6,000, paid each year on the same basis as Regional Partnership Scholarships to the five applicants who achieve the highest number of UCAS tariff points.

Eligible students for both Scholarships must have attended a maintained school or college (not an independent or private school) in one of the six boroughs with whom the University operates Widening Participation partnerships - Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.

You must also meet one or more of the following under-represented criteria:

• You have a disability, including dyslexia (ie you are eligible to apply for the Disabled Student´s Allowance at the time of scholarship allocation in the August of your year of entry);
• You are a care-leaver (ie you have been in care for a minimum of 13 weeks including at the time of your 16th birthday and have declared this on your UCAS form);
• You come from a low-income or low socio-economic background (ie you are entitled to a full Government Maintenance Grant or Special Support grant).

Students who meet the above criteria and who achieve a minimum of 360 UCAS tariff points will be considered for a Regional Partnership Scholarship of up to £3,000 per year or an Alumni Scholarship of £6,000 per year. All applicants attending a partnership school or college who make Brunel their firm choice will be invited to complete an online application in the spring of their year of entry. Only those students who complete the application will be considered for a scholarship.

Brunel Urban Scholarships

Brunel Urban Scholarships are non-repayable cash awards of up to £3,000 per year for students who have attended the Urban Scholars programme at Brunel University for a minimum of two years, who achieve academic excellence and who meet the criteria for obtaining UK fee and maintenance support. Details are sent directly to eligible students.

Brunel Mathematics Scholarships

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers up to 10 scholarships annually for UK students admitted to one of the undergraduate Mathematics degree programmes (Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Mathematics and Computing, Mathematics with Computer Science, Mathematical and Management Studies or Mathematics and Statistics with Management). To qualify for a scholarship, students must achieve at least grades AAB at A-level, with grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Students who achieve 35 points from the International Baccalaureate Diploma, including grade 7 in Higher Level Mathematics, will also be eligible.

Successful applicants will receive £500 in each year of study (except in a placement year), subject to the recipient maintaining at least an upper second class honours standard of academic performance.

Brunel International Scholarships

Scholarships are available to all full international fee paying students who have an offer for a place in the first year of a full-time course at Brunel.

Extra-curricular scholarships and awards

Music Awards

A number of awards are made each year to singers and instrumentalists from any part of the University who are not studying music performance as part of their academic course. Recipients may have all or part of the cost of their music tuition covered while they are studying at Brunel. The University Arts Centre administers the awards through an annual audition system, and you can apply once you have received an offer from Brunel.

The number of awards made each year will vary according to the standard of the applicants and how many students are currently holding full and partial awards, but there will be no fewer than four new awards made each academic year.

Sports Scholarships

The Brunel Sports Scholarship, supported in part by the Borough Road Scholarship Fund, is designed to benefit elite performance athletes by supporting their academic study and sporting commitments simultaneously. The package includes a financial award, free use of our world-class sports facilities and assistance with competition expenses.

Anyone who has fulfilled the conditions of a course and subsequently been given a confirmed place at Brunel can apply, and all applicants must be able to demonstrate sporting achievement at Junior International level or equivalent in one of the 20 Sport England Priority Sports.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).