Syllabus - Master's Programme in Intelligent Embedded Systems

Outcomes

An overriding objective for the programme is to edicate students, with spearhead competence in Intelligent and Embedded Systems, who have a holistic view of system construction, and who have a mastery of project management in groups of people with different competencies.

Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, Computer Science with Specialization in Embedded Systems, including both broad knowledge of the field Computer Science and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in Embedded System as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in Computer Science.

Aptitudes and Accomplishments

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal wih complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his och her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in som other qualified capacity.

Ability to Evaluate and Assess

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant diciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to deonstrate the awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning

Language of instruction

The main language of instruction is English, which means that all teaching, course literature, documentation, reporting etc. shall be in English.

Contents

There are two clear parts of the programme: project-oriented learning in cooperation with companies, and the range of theoretical courses required respectively. A large part of the programme will be carried out in the form of problem-based learning within the framework of a number of cutting-edge projects in cooperation with industry and the community. The project component's link to industry and the community is very strong, and is intended to prepare the students for a working life outside the University. Participation from companies and organisations within the project component can be more or less extensive, and can cover everything from the formulation of relevant problems, mentorship, placement, degree project places, through being a host company for one or more of the cutting-edge projects which will be conducted within the programme, to "adopting" one of the programme students as its own.

To attain the required depth, however, a good deal of theoretical knowledge is required to solve the problems facing the students. The programme contains courses within four areas:
1) Methodology - aims to give the students the necessary tools to carry out projects satisfactorily, e.g. project work methodology, report methodology, along with knowledge of methodology within the areas of measuring, testing or verification.
2) Embedded systems - gives specialised knowledge of embedded systems, such as for example the development of time critical real-time applications, energy efficiency, testing and debugging of embedded systems, asynchronous communication, and synchronisation in distributed embedded systems.
3) Intelligent systems - gives basic knowledge of advanced sensor systems as well as advanced decision-making and adaptivity in systems. The learning objectives in intelligent systems include knowledge of metrology, signal processing, learning systems and adaptive systems for dynamic environments.
4) Hardware gives basic knowledge of how hardware aspects set limits on, or open possibilities for, realisation of embedded systems. The learning objectives in hardware include understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of hardware solutions along with the opportunities to make design decisions based on limited resources, resource efficiency and considerations of price and performance.

Year 1
Computer Science:
Research Methods in Computer Science, 7.5 credits
Embedded Systems I, 7.5 credits
Embedded Systems II, 7.5 credits
Intelligent Systems, 7.5 credits
Programming of Reliable Embedded Systems, 7.5 credits

Mathematics/Applied Mathematics:
Applied Matrix Analysis, 7.5 credits

Elective, 15 credits:
Computer Science:
Project in Intelligent Embedded Systems, 15 credits
Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science in Computer Science (60 credits) with Specialization in Embedded Systems, 15 credits

Year 2
Computer Science:
Thesis for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Embedded Systems, 30 credits
Project in Advanced Embedded Systems, 30 credits

Choices within the program

The programme consists of recommended courses. It is possible to end the programme after one year, in which case a degree project (15 credits) is selected in semester two instead of the project course. If other courses than those presented above are selected, this shall be done in consultation with the programme coordinator to ensure the fulfilment of requirements for a degree. The students are given the opportunity to read parts of the programme abroad (for a maximum of one academic year), at one of the University's partner universities which have corresponding programmes in embedded systems. The courses are selected in consultation with the programme coordinator and will be able to be counted towards a degree at Mälardalen University, in the same way as corresponding courses at Mälardalen University.

University degree

The degree programme is so designed that the studies will lead towards fulfilment of the requirements for the following degree(s):

• Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Embedded Systems
• Master of Science (60 credits) in Computer Science with Specialization in Embedded Systems

If a student does not select courses in consultation with the programme coordinator, or if a student chooses not to complete a certain course, the choices made can affect the possibility of fulfilling the degree requirements. For more information about degrees and degree requirements, consult the local degree regulations which are published on the University website.