StudyQA — Master: Safety Critical Systems Engineering

Photos of university / #uniofyork

Description Contents Requirements

This modular MSc course is designed to prepare students for work in the demanding field of Safety Systems Engineering (SSE) by exposing them to the latest science and technology within this field. The discipline of SSE has developed over the last half of the twentieth century. It can be viewed as a process of systematically analysing systems to evaluate risks, with the aim of influencing design in order to reduce risks, i.e. to produce safer products. In mature industries, such as aerospace and nuclear power, the discipline has been remarkably successful, although there have been notable exceptions to the generally good safety record, e.g. the Chernobyl and Ariane 5 accidents.

Various trends pose challenges for traditional approaches to SSE. For example, classical hazard and safety analysis techniques deal poorly with computers and software where the dominant failure causes are errors and oversights in requirements or design. Thus these techniques need extending and revising in order to deal effectively with modern systems. Also, in our experience, investigation of issues to do with safety of computer systems have given some useful insights into traditional system safety engineering, e.g. into the meaning of important concepts such as the term hazard. This is the sub-discipline of Safety-Critical Systems Engineering (SCSE) for computer based control systems.

The courses may be used as part of a Continuing Professional Development programme for The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) or British Computer Society (BCS) members.

Learning Outcomes
The course aims to provide participants with a thorough grounding and practical experience in the use of state-of-the-art techniques for development of safety critical systems, emphasising their software; together with an understanding of the principles behind these techniques so that they can make sound engineering judgements during the design and deployment of such a system, particularly when software is involved. Graduates completing the course will be equipped to play leading and professional roles in safety-critical systems engineering related aspects of industry and commerce. New areas of teaching will be developed in response to new advances in the field as well as the requirements of the organisations that employ our graduates.

The programme aims to equip students with knowledge, understanding and practical application of the essential components of Safety Critical Systems Engineering, to complement previously gained knowledge and skills in Computer Science. A York Safety Critical Systems Engineering graduate will have a solid grounding of knowledge and understanding of the core areas, as represented by the mandatory modules. The optional modules give students the opportunity to gain knowledge in other areas which are of interest to them and which are taught by recognized experts in those areas.

Transferable Skills

Information-retrieval skills are an integrated part of many modules; students are expected to independently acquire information from on-line and traditional sources. These skills are required within nearly all modules, are an essential part of project work.

Numeracy is required and developed in most modules, which are often taught using a theoretical, mathematical basis. Time management is an essential skill for any student in the programme. The formal timetable has a substantial load of lectures and labs. Students must fit their private study in around these fixed points. In addition, Open Assessments are set with rigid deadlines which gives students experience of balancing their time between the different commitments.

All students in the University are eligible to take part in the York Award in which they can gain certified transferable skills. This includes the Languages for All programme which allows students to improve their language skills.

Course Content

The MSc Safety Critical Systems Engineering is a part time course comprising:

* Nine assessed modules, six of which are mandatory. The remaining three are chosen from the available optional modules.
* A six person-month individual project carried out either at York or on site in industry.

The modules are taken over two years, in the Autumn and Spring terms of the first two years. The project is completed in the third year (or, exceptionally, in the second year).

Each module is taught full time in York for one week. Its associated assessed exercise, which may be completed on or off site, takes approximately 65 hours in addition. All assessed exercises are open, comprising a report, case study, or documented piece of software. There are no closed examinations. The project is examined by dissertation; the amount of time required to complete it is approximately six person-months.

Each student is allocated a personal supervisor from within the Department who meets the student regularly to discuss progress during both the teaching and project phases. In addition, industrial supervisors will be responsible for the day to day supervision of projects that are undertaken in industry.

Modules:

* Hazard and Risk Management (M)
* Software Testing for Safety Critical Systems(O)
* Safety Critical Project Management (M)
* Electronic System Design(O)
* Computers and Software (O)
* Systems Engineering 2 (O)
* Electrical Systems and EMC (O)
* Foundations of System Safety Engineering (M)
* Systems Engineering 1 (O)
* Software Requirements and Architectures(O)
* Hazard and Risk Assessment (M)
* Sensors and Effectors (O)
* System Safety Assessment (M)
* Software Implementation (O)
* Human Factors for Safety Critical Systems (O)
* Through Life Safety (M)
* Msc SCSE Project (M)

All modules occupy 5 days, starting on Monday
Modules may be cancelled if there are insufficient numbers.
Any cancellations may incur a charge.
Mandatory (M) and Optional (O) modules are assessed.
A choice of three Optional modules are to be taken for the MSc.
One option to be taken on the Certificate course.
SCSE=Safety Critical Systems Engineering; SSE = System Safety Engineering.

Please Note: This is a provisional timetable and may be subject to change.

Entry RequirementsTypically applicants for MSc Safety Critical Systems Engineering will have achieved at least a second class degree in a numerate discipline. Industrial experience is also useful. This part-time course is specifically directed at those with several years of industrial experience. An appropriate degree is desirable, but many applicants will have reached degree-level knowledge through their work experience.English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)