BSc (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering (BSc/CSE G601)

The Degree Programme

Computer systems represent the worlds largest and fastest growing industry. Computer engineers working with these technologies are concerned with the application of state of the art solutions to society's problems, to generate change for the benefit of all. To optimise the use of our planet's resources, there is a need for things to be more efficient, reliable and safer. Tomorrow's engineers must continue to innovate and pioneer in a creative way and communicate their knowledge with clarity and understanding. Society has high expectations of professional engineers, our degree courses will help you on your way to meeting these expectations.

At School or College you may have built small control circuits as part of project work, or perhaps "tinkered" with radios as a hobby. You will almost certainly have "hacked" away at the computer. In choosing you degree course you will find a vast, almost bewildering range of titles, some of which will mean more to you than others. The parallel disciplines of Communication, Computer, Electrical, Electronic and Robotic Engineering all share a common core of fundamental knowledge on which the more specialist topics are based. Therefore we have made the first and second years of our BSc (Hons) degree courses common.

Today, Engineering involves close collaboration and communication with Engineers from other disciplines, indeed almost all major projects depend for their success on effective teamwork. Studying with students from parallel pathways will benefit you by broadening your horizons, helping your understanding and increasing your communication skills. In addition to developing existing interests you may acquire new ones and decide that you would like to change pathway. The flexible structure means that you can do this right up to the beginning of your final year of studies. In fact many students change their pathway as a result of a positive experience during their sandwich placement year.

Pathway Descriptor

Computer Systems Engineering

This is a new course and has been designed to meet the increasing demand for graduate engineers with both software and hardware skills. The PC, as we know it, was only introduced about fifteen years ago and now there is hardly anywhere in the world that is not affected by the advance of computers. Many complex engineering systems now have computers "embedded" in them and the demand for engineers to configure these and write the advanced software is growing daily. Communication networks and distributed telemetry systems themselves are controlled by powerful computers running complex realtime software. There is almost a technological revolution happening as the internet provides visual interaction for home shopping, banking, video conferencing, telecommuting etc. Graduates are increasingly being required for both system designers and system managers and opportunities for rapid promotion are common. The specialist final year options in this pathway provide the first step to this growing range of career choices. See our entry under studentprofiles

Course Details

BSc(Hons) courses are three years full time or for most students without previous industrial experience, four years sandwich, the third year being spent in industry. The title of the degree award depends on your choice of final year options.

Academic Year

Small group tutorials support all lectures providing opportunity for interactive feedback between students and tutors. Laboratory work provides "learning by doing" opportunities and there is a "hands on" emphasis throughout the course. Project work, often linked to real industrial problems is a recurring feature of the course. Students are encouraged to acquire communication skills required for effective team work by doing small group projects. Independent learning and creative design skills are developed by individual project work.

Click here for Entry requirement

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering
Stage 1
Autumn Semester
Spring Semester
Module
Exam
Course Work
Module
Exam
Course Work
Analogue Electronics
50
50
Analogue Electronics
50
50
Digital Electronics
50
50
Digital Electronics
50
50
Electrical Principles  
100
Telecommunication System Principles
50
50
Internet, IT and Multimedia Technology  
100
Computer Engineering  
100
Instrumentation and Measurement  
100
Introduction to Business (for Technology Specialists)  
100
Engineering Mathematics
50
50
Engineering Mathematics
50
50
Stage 2
Autumn Semester
Spring Semester
Module
Exam
Course Work
Module
Exam
Course Work
Analogue Electronics and Control Systems
60
40
Analogue Electronics and Control Systems
60
40
Digital Electronic Systems
60
40
Digital Electronic Systems
60
40
Communications and Electrical Engineering Principles
60
40
Communications and Electrical Engineering Principles
60
40
Introduction to Visual Programming/Packaging  
100
Computer Networks
60
40
The Engineer in Business  
100
Computer System Engineering Project Development  
100
Optical Technology  
100
Introduction to High Level Programming
80
20
Stage 3
Autumn Semester
Spring Semester
Module
Exam
Course Work
Module
Exam
Course Work
Computer Systems Engineering
70
30
Computer Systems Engineering
70
30
Software Engineering  
100
Software Engineering  
100
Digital Signal Processing Applications
70
30
EMC and Power Quality Management
70
30
Optical Communications Systems
70
30
Systems Integration
70
30
Product Development  
100
Individual Project  
100
Individual Project  
100
Operating Systems
70
30

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE).

Outstanding Educational Oppurtunities

  • Industrial bursaries are available for suitable students.
  • Industrial placements available across Europe and in Japan.
  • Final year sponsorship from placement company often available.
  • Modern management and business practice integrated into the course.
  • Modern, well equipped laboratories.
  • State of the art equipment and software.

Information

For all admissions enquiries and application information contact:-


Dr Peter White
Senior Admissions Tutor
Department of Communication and Electronic Engineering
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth PL4 8AA

E-mail:P.White@plymouth.ac.uk
Tel: 01752 232594/232607
Fax: 01752 232583
Mobile: 0468 670297(evenings and weekends)