Professional Groups
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
The Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) Professional Group is one of four professional groups within the School of Engineering. The group is responsible for organising teaching activities relating to electronics and electrical systems. The group also provides contact with the Electrical and Electronics Industry, and promotes EEE professional activities within the School of Engineering.
What is Electrical & Electronic Engineering?
Engineers are the ultimate trend-setters. High-street retailers may have been the first to tell you about the latest ultra-small mobile phones, the latest TV experience and computerised appliances – but engineers were the driving force that brought these ideas to life. "Engineering affects everyone, everywhere in the world. There's a global shortage of engineers with employers looking for newly qualified workers by the bucket load." - The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Electrical Engineering is…
…mainly about generating, supply, and control of electricity in enormous quantities, using different energy resources such as fossil fuels, nulcear, wind, tide, and solar power. Electrical engineers are involved in design and development of complex machines and drives.
Electronic Engineering is…
…all about designing and developing products and systems that use electricity and handle information. Electronic engineers make electronic products ever smaller, faster or smarter. They research and develop new techniques for communications and digital media to provide ubiquitous access to information. They develop and design complex electronic systems for imaging, monitoring and measuring our environment.
EEE Course and Degree Programmes
There are a wide range of courses and degree programmes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, leading to either a Master of Engineering (MEng) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).
Most undergraduate students undertake a project in their final year, which is designed to meet the challenges of real-world enginering problems. These projects are linked to the research activities of staff in the School and can be undertaken with industry sponsorship or a direct placement with the local electronics industry or at a research centre in another country.
Leading Research in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Research within the school is organised into research institutes, that span the traditional boundaries between the engineering professions. The Electrical & Electronic Professional Group has a strong emphasis on industry-linked projects - with industry involvement in undergraduate honours projects, postgraduate research projects, and consultancy services. Research activities span development of new semiconductor devices and new laser components for applications of holographic cameras and communications systems, including networking, and location-based services; to components for wind turbines; novel circuit design; and a range of applications of electronic and photonic technology. World-leading research in Aberdeen is currently playing a key role in setting new standards for delivery of Internet multimedia, and the development of technologies such as 3D displays, that will lead to a new TV experience.
Links to Industry
The EEE Professional Group has substantial support from industry, local and international, and in turn provides innovative ideas and designs to industry. We work with many local companies on the development of electronic instrumentation for the Oil and Gas industry; we are working with local companies on renewable energy sources, and new applications of electronics, optics, and lasers. Further afield our industrial collaborations have included our staff and students working with Nokia (mobile phone design), Ferrari (engine management electronics based on Artificial Intelligence), Motorola (silicon chip design software), DLR (satellite technology), Astrium (satellite terminal design), Thales-Alenia, (communications systems), Elforlight (laser systems), and more.EEE Professional Institutions
The MEng and BEng degree programmes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering are accredited by the IET, allowing graduates to progress to Chartered Engineering (CEng) status. All EEE students are encouraged to join one of the professional institutions, which offer a range of opportunities for members and others interested in advancing their careers or finding employment. Dr David Hendry is the student contact for the IET, and the IEEE.