Guidance for Part Time Study on the M.Sc.

Programmes School of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Modules are taught intensively. The timings of modules below are given for guidance and illustrate a typical pattern. The weeks in which each module runs might change, especially in the Spring Term. Part-time normally means spreading study over 3-4 years but it can be longer. The maximum time is 6 years. The following list identifies the weeks that are most critical for attendance. The particular days and times will be identified on the schedule for each module which should be available 2 weeks before each module. In most cases lectures are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are not normally lectures on a Wednesday afternoon. In week 5 of the Autumn Term lectures and lab classes will be on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday. In week 1 if the Spring term lectures will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The decision about what is taken when is agreed on an individual basis. Submission deadlines can be adjusted to suit each PT student on a personal basis. A schedule of initial PT deadlines is issued at the start of each academic year. Autumn Term Modules need to be taken in the same order as they would on FT study during the Autumn term, i.e. part I of the Introductory module first. Welcome Week and Induction (Wednesday to Friday in the week before the start of term) This is not assessed but provides important information about the pattern of study, an opportunity to meet your personal tutor and to find out about library and other services. Week 1 Introductory Module Part I (e.g. Year 1). This module requires attendance for the majority of the week. Assessed by written examination. Week 2 and 3 Introductory Module Part II (e.g. Year 2) There is a separate set of lectures for the Communications related degrees and the computing related degrees. Both sets of lectures require attendance for 3 days in each of 2 weeks. The computing component is assessed 100% by course work. The communications engineering component is assessed by coursework and written examination. Part I and Part II of these modules may be taken in separate years. Weeks 5 - 7 (e.g. Year 1 or 2) These modules must be taken in one year. Attendance for 3 days in each of 2 weeks. Principles for Communications is takes place in weeks 6 and 7. It is assessed 100% by written examination. Advanced Digital Design takes place in weeks 5 and 7. There are assignments for this module Spring Term In the Spring term 3 modules must be taken, spread over 2 or 3 years. The modules that must be taken are specified in the student handbook and the M.Sc. brochure. Week Module Credits Assessment 1 &2 Electromagnetics, Antennas and Propagation 20 Exam. 1 Advanced Interactive 3D Design for Virtual Reality and Serious Games 20 Assignment 2 Small Embedded Systems 20 Exam. & Ass 3 Image Analysis and Interpretation 20 Assignment 3 & 4 Satellite, Cellular and Optical Communications 20 Exam. 4 Automatic Spoken Language Processing 20 Exam. & Ass. 5 Computer and Communications Networks 20 Exam. & Ass. 7 Embedded Digital Signal Processing 20 Exam. & Ass. 7 RF & Microwave Engineering 20 Exam. & Ass. 9 RF Sensor Systems (unlikely to run in 2011-12) 20 There will be revision lectures in the last week of the Autumn Term and in the first two weeks of the Summer Term. Attendance may be necessary for 1 or 2 days in each revision period. There is also an individual project. Periodic attendance will be needed to meet with your project supervisor. This will typically take 1 year to 18 months to complete. Attendance on a small number of other occasions during the year may be necessary to meet with your personal tutor or module lecturers for tutorials and assignment presentations. When possible these meetings will be arranged when you will be present for other reasons. David Pycock July, 2011