Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics, MEng

Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics, MEng

Introduction

Robotics engineers design, build and develop machines and systems for sectors as diverse as manufacturing, energy, aerospace, transport and healthcare. This programme combines electrical and electronic engineering with robotics and artificial intelligence to equip you with the knowledge and skills for a career in the booming robotics and automation sector.

Ranked 12th UK, 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2024)

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MEng
Duration
60 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
Location of Study
Aberdeen
UCAS Code
H6H7
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

As the worldwide manufacturing industry enters its fourth revolution, (Industry 4.0), innovations in robotics, AI and automation are set to revolutionise almost every sector, from manufacturing and energy, to transport, logistics and healthcare.

The MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics allows you to gain an advanced understanding of the core electrical and electronic engineering principles and then apply this knowledge to the design and creation of cutting-edge autonomous intelligent systems.

You will use your imagination and creativity to design and build robotic systems and gain hands-on experience via our labs and research groups, including, our state-of-the-art robotics laboratory, laser laboratory facilities and the Aberdeen HVDC Research Centre.

You will learn the key skills increasingly in demand by industry today, including kinematics, dynamics and control of robotic arms, as well as the key techniques for enabling mobile robots to localise themselves, map their environments or do both simultaneously.

What You'll Study

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Principles of Electronics (EG1008)

15 Credit Points

The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.

CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)

15 Credit Points

The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.

Electronics Design (EE1501)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an introduction to the design and analysis techniques used within electronic engineering, and to the major active components (diodes and transistors). The course opens with a description of charges, the forces between charges and the concept of electric fields. The second part of the course deals with semiconductor devices, opening with fundamental properties of doped semiconductors.

Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)

15 Credit Points

The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.

Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)

15 Credit Points

Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.

Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)

15 Credit Points

Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Optional Courses

Select 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)

15 Credit Points

The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.

The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.

Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.

Process Engineering (EG2011)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.

Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:

  • Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
  • Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
  • Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)

15 Credit Points

This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .

Electronic Systems (EE2504)

15 Credit Points

Electronics systems are discussed from basic concepts of digital logic to highlights of embedded microcontrollers. The journey begins with the elementary building blocks of Boolean algebra (logic gates and flip-flops) that are used to design combinatorial/sequential logic circuits, e.g. implementing a simple calculator or a temperature control circuit. The design of complex system is addressed introducing embedded microcontrollers, discussing their core components (e.g. timers, memory) and required programming operations.

Hands-on lab sessions (and relative assignments) include software-based simulations and hardware implementation of systems that allow students to test and deepen their understanding of the subject.

Optional Courses

Select 30 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 1 or 2.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Control Systems (EE3043)

15 Credit Points

The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding and concepts of control systems. The course starts by introducing basic concepts of feedback control systems using a number of practical examples. Mathematical modelling of physical systems and representing them in block diagrams with transfer functions are presented. Basic control system response characteristics (stability, transient response, steady state response) and analysis and design procedures are introduced using first and second order systems. Analysis of control systems using Routh-Hurwitz criterion, root locus, and Bode plot methods are considered.

Electrical Power Engineering (EE3557)

15 Credit Points

The course studies the systems for the generation, transmission and use of electrical energy. The per-unit notation system is introduced. Basic approaches in the three phase AC systems analysis are introduced. Three-phase induction and synchronous machines are studied, and a simple equivalent circuit for the machine is derived and used to explore the operating limitations of each type of the machine. Modern power conversion methods are discussed for conversion between AC and DC. This discussion includes power electronic switches and the basic topology of rectifiers, DC-DC converters and inverters. The advantages of switching conversion techniques over traditional circuits are highlighted.

Signals, Systems & Signal Processing (EE3053)

15 Credit Points

How can the dynamic behaviour of a mechanical mass-spring-damper system be similar to an electrical resistance-capacitance-inductance circuit? Motivated by this question, this course introduces the signals – systems framework that helps in describing the dynamic behaviour of systems for a variety of inputs (signals). Useful analysis tools both in the frequency- and the time-domain are also introduced. In the later part of the course, these concepts will be used to understand basic signal processing in the form of both analogue and digital filter design.

C / C++ Programming (EE3093)

15 Credit Points

C programming is presented with an introduction to methods for the design of well-structured and maintainable computer programs. The course begins by introducing the syntax and semantics of the C programming language. This includes the use of structures and of pointers with a view to a later introduction to the C++ language. Techniques for producing easily maintained and modifiable code are emphasised. An introduction to elementary data structures (lists, stacks and queues) is included. Practical activity includes the use of basic software development tools (debugging techniques, version control). The course concludes with an introduction to the C++ programming language.

Communications Engineering 1 (EE3576)

10 Credit Points

A short course teaching fundamentals of digital communications engineering. The course focuses on remote control of equipment. It starts with asynchronous data, and use with a GPS device (to identify location and time), then studies the Digital Multiplex (DMX) control bus (a standard in the live entertainment industry) followed by the bi-directional Remote Device Management (RDM) protocol. It concludes with the synchronous the Controller Area Network (CAN) for industrial/transport applications.

Teaching will be supported by demonstrations of equipment and practical laboratory exercises. Accessible to students of computer science and electrical/electronic engineering.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Design (EE3579)

10 Credit Points

This course provides design, analysis and control of digital systems (hardware/Software) through practical implementation. This course involves three practical design projects. Each project relates with practical applications encounters in our daily life. The course begins with a discussion of different sensors commonly employed by the industry. The hardware aspects are explained with specific reference to the task of interfacing sensors to a microcontroller; the operation and programming of integrated systems is implemented using C++ code. The elements of writing well-structured software are introduced. Sustainability, environmental issue and ethics considerations are studied for embedded system design.

Project and Safety Management (EG3599)

10 Credit Points

To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.

Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)

15 Credit Points

Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.

Digital Systems (EE3580)

15 Credit Points

Digital systems design principles;HW implementation of Combinational logic;Clocked sequential systems and Finite State Machines;Design, implementation and testing of a synchronous system;Applications of Digital Systems in communications and robotics.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

MEng Individual Project (EG4013)

45 Credit Points

To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic research project in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.

Sensing and Instrumentation (EE4017)

10 Credit Points

The course introduces sensing and instrumentation for various engineering applications. Major part of the course will consider case studies of sensing and instrumentation for various engineering applications and is suitable for all engineering and non-engineering students to learn about sensing and instrumentation.

Electrical Machines and Drives (EE40FE)

10 Credit Points

This course examines the performance and control of electrical machines and drives. Transient performance of various electrical machines (induction, synchronous and DC) is discussed using two-axis-machine theory. Steady state performance is also considered. Simulation techniques are used as appropriate in studying both transient and steady state performance of the electrical machines and drives. Medium and high-performance AC drives are considered, including V/f and vector control drives. Modern AC machine control in rotating DQ co-ordinate frame is studied in some detail. DC machine drives (thyristor-controlled and transistor-controlled drives) are discussed and analysed.

Computer and Software Engineering (EE40GA)

10 Credit Points

Course studies the interplay between computer architecture and software design, with the aim to devise efficient systems for a broad range of applications. Processor architecture features (pipeline and cache) are discussed in parallel with the software techniques (for high-level programming or compilation) required to fully exploit the potential of modern hardware.

Hands-on activities include design and execution of small software projects. Alternative software implementations of a target algorithm are compared to understand differences in performance (e.g. execution speed) resulting from the different interactions with the hardware architecture. This allows students to test and deepen their understanding of the subject.

Communications Engineering 2 (EE4546)

15 Credit Points

This course explores the techniques for packet data communication using Internet technologies. It starts by understanding Ethernet local network standards and how this developed from a cable bus to a switched high-speed network. It then proceeds to describe the operation of the network and transport layers, using examples from Internet Engineering to explain how a packet switched network can provide services that can be used by applications. The course is accessible to students of computer science and electronic engineering.

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 5

Compulsory Courses

  • EG505P Intelligent Robotics for Energy Infrastructure
Introduction to Mobile Robotics and Bioinspiration (EG504M)

15 Credit Points

Mobile robots can be used in a range of applications, including warehouses, agriculture, and other real-world environments. One of the main challenges for robots operating in the real world is that this is an unstructured environment. Nature has found clever solutions for the design of intelligent and effective systems operating in the unstructured environment hence biology is an obvious source of inspiration for robotics. In this course we take inspiration from nature to engineer intelligent systems for real-world applications as, for example, locomotion.

Advanced Control Engineering (EE501T)

15 Credit Points

This is the second course in control engineering which looks at the state-space representation of systems as well as state-space based control design techniques. The course also introduces basic concepts in System Identification and Nonlinear Control. Traditional continuous-time as well as sampled-data (digital) systems are covered.

The Engineer in Society (EG501W)

15 Credit Points

Students will examine the societal grand challenges of water, food, medicine and energy (electricity and heat) to thread together the themes of environment, sustainability and ethics.

The course also aims to provide graduates with a versatile framework for evaluating and developing business models which should prove invaluable for both potential entrepreneurs and future senior executives.

Kinematics and Dynamics of Industrial Robot Arms (EG554V)

15 Credit Points

Robotics is an essential component of Industry 4.0. The adoption of robots in industries worldwide is on the rise and robotic arms are the most successful robotic platform.

The course introduces students to the analysis and use of robot arms, by exposing them to the theoretical basis of robotics as well as their practical implementation. This course focuses on the kinematics, dynamics and control of robotic arms.

Mathematical Optimisation (EG551T)

15 Credit Points

Ever wondered how Excel is able to draw an optimal line through a set of points? This course looks at how typical engineering problems that cannot be described mathematically (or are difficult to do so) can be solved so that the optimal solution is found. The course contains a range of examples to show how the techniques are applied to real world problems in different engineering disciplines. The course will show how to develop computational algorithms from scratch, with a fundamental understanding of how the algorithms function, both mathematically and then in real time on a computer.

MEng Group Design (EG5565)

30 Credit Points

Real-life contemporary engineering projects and challenges invariably require inputs from, and collaboration amongst, multiple disciplines. Furthermore, legal and economic aspects, as well as safety, team work and project management must also be successfully navigated through. This course enables students to immerse themselves in a realistic, multidisciplinary, multifaceted and complex team design project that will draw on their previous specialist learning and also enable gaining and practicing new skills of direct relevance to their professional career.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • E-learning
  • Lab Work
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics?

  • Ranked 12th UK, 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2022)
  • Ranked 12th UK, 2nd in Scotland for General Engineering (Guardian 2022)
  • Electrical and electronic engineering is a varied and exciting discipline which provides core enabling technologies for the modern world.
  • The results of the diverse work of electrical and electronic engineers ranges from the power systems that harness the sun’s energy to tweezers so small they can manipulate individual atoms.
  • We deliver teaching in world-class facilities, including laboratories dedicated to areas of work such as satellite communications, computer-aided design, electrical machines, materials testing, laser welding, hydraulics and fluids, large structures and geotechnics.
  • The Institute of Energy and Technology and the AUSA EEE Society are highly active, offering you the chance to network and grow your skills.
  • We are well connected with local, national and international industry, where you get the chance to experience real-life industry challenges and projects, through guest lectures, company visits and networking events.
  • We are an Academic Partner of The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), thereby facilitating direct exchange of knowledge between the industry and students. Through this partnership, the university sponsors IET Student Membership for students registered in UG EEE degree programmes.
  • Here at Aberdeen, you will be taught by leading international experts in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The EEE team at Aberdeen consists of 6 Chartered Engineers (CEng), 2 Fellows of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and 3 Senior Members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
  • In line with our research-led teaching strategy, the EEE has well-funded research labs in HVDC Power Systems, Electronic and Communications Research, Laser technology and Robotics.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.

International Baccalaureate:

Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

2025 Entry

SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.

International Baccalaureate:

Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)

Irish Leaving Certificate:

Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £24,800
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
RUK £9,250
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

Scholarships and Funding

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Our Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

Electrical and electronic engineering careers span many different roles and industry sectors, including power stations, offshore wind farms, computer components, specialised computers for industrial tasks, internet engineering, the design of instrumentation and much more.

Recent graduate job roles have included:

  • ROV Project Manager
  • Subsea Controls Engineer
  • Automation Control Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Telecoms Software Engineer
  • Engineering Project Coordinator

Recent graduates work at companies such as:

  • Cisco Systems
  • Huawei
  • SMT
  • Lufthansa
  • Railways Network

Accreditation

Our Electrical and Electronic Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

This degree holds accreditation from

Engineering Work Experience

The Engineering Work Experience course develops students’ work readiness. Hear what our students and partner organisations have to say about their experience.

Focus on employability

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100 Years of Engineering

The School of Engineering is celebrating 100 years of engineering at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.

Our Experts

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Features

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TAU Formula Racing

TAU Formula Racing

TAU (Team Aberdeen University) Racing is a student-run Formula Student team that competes annually at Silverstone. It is made up of students from a variety of disciplines and helps develop excellent and highly-relevant career skills.

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Student Societies

Student Societies

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Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX