2021 2021 Undergraduate Course Guide Mechatronics and Robotics
Combine the skills of electronic and electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computing. You’ll learn how to create intelligent systems that will benefit a range of industries.Robots and AI are transforming the way we live and work. Automated warehouses like Amazon’s are changing the way businesses now operate. Drones deliver medicines to remote regions of the world. Robots are being used instead of humans in hazardous or inaccessible areas. These are high-tech degrees which blend electronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computing – applying them to the design and manufacture of intelligent systems.
These degrees place great importance on the design, implementation and evaluation of automation and robotic systems, emphasising problem-based learning and ‘learning by doing’.
Our teaching is linked to our research in simulation, visualization, dependable systems, robotics, 3D printing, and mobile and distributed computing. That means you’ll get expert teaching in the most advanced ideas.
You can get hands-on in our brand-new robotics lab, with humanoid Baxter and Nao robots. Facilities also include the FabLab, where you can digitally fabricate models and prototypes with our variety of 3D printers, laser scanners and cutters, and CNC. Meanwhile, the Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE) offers advanced visualisation, motion capture and computer graphics technology.
Courses What we offer ...
Course Typical offer
Example A levels
UCAS code FY
BEng Mechatronics and Robotics 112 BBC H360 H364 § H361
MEng Mechatronics and Robotics 120 BBB H362 H363
§ Entry requirements are different for foundation year and top up; please contact our Admissions Service for guidance.
Your points can be from any qualification on the UCAS tariff, but at least 80 points should be from two or more A levels, or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications. You also need A level Maths at grade C or above or equivalent.
For more information, please visit www.hull.ac.uk/ugmechrobot
Mechatronics and Robotics at the University of Hull
We’re always looking to improve our courses. Which means we do review our modules from time to time, to make sure they’re of a high standard and are relevant to you and to your potential future employers. The information in this guide is correct at the time of going to print, but some of the modules could change before 2021. Please contact our admissions team if you do have any questions or for further information on [email protected].
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Mechatronics and Robotics
How are degrees taught?Most of our undergraduate courses are made up of study units called modules. You’ll be assessed after each module, and the average of all your module assessments for the year is your overall result for that year.
Can I pick and choose modules?Yes, to an extent. Some modules are compulsory, so you have to take them.
Within that compulsory group are some ‘core’ modules, too. They’re essential to the course (to make sure our degrees qualify for relevant accreditation, for example), so they’ll never change and you have to pass them.
That said, some of our modules are optional – so you can pick what you study to suit your interests and career goals.
How many modules will I take?Usually, you’ll take six modules a year: three from the start of term to Christmas, and three more between January and the summer. Later in your course, some modules – like larger-scale projects or a dissertation – might count as two modules and run for the full year.
What extra course options do you offer?We offer two extra options: foundation year and industrial placement. Look out for these icons on our course pages – and here’s what they mean.
Foundation yearIf you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, you can apply to do an extra year of study before starting your course. This foundation year boosts your subject knowledge and helps you gain new academic skills, as well as preparing you to start your full degree.
We look for applicants who can demonstrate an experience of a related subject and an aptitude for academic work – which we establish by asking you to submit an essay and/or come to an interview as part of your application.
Fees for our foundation year are exactly the same as undergraduate years – and you can apply for student finance as with a full degree.
Industrial placementThis means you’ll spend either a full year, one semester or one module working in industry or on a structured work placement. This usually comes between your penultimate year and your final year.
Course structure
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Accounting and Finance
Careers
You’ll find mechatronics and robotics in almost every aspect of modern life, creating a wealth of career opportunities for graduates. You could help to develop the latest technology – from driverless cars to drones, space vehicles to automated production lines and technology-assisted clothing. You’ll also be well placed for leadership roles because you’ll have the skills to integrate several areas of engineering and computer science.
Graduate careers• Design engineer• Research and development specialist• Systems engineer• Programmer
Career advice and supportOur team give you expert career advice and training. We’ll help you explore your options and progress into a career you’ll love. You’ll learn how to apply for jobs, prep for interviews and impress potential employers.
We can also get you into the room with a range of employers at on-campus events. Networking helps you plan your career path and can open doors to internships and job offers.
* UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018.
of engineering students in work or further study six months after graduating*95%
“Robotics is a varied subject, so you learn a wide range of skills – everything from computer science to maths to electronics to mechanics. Even things like moral principles, because when you’re programming a robot it’s got to make decisions based on the morality of human beings. Hull has a great atmosphere, and there are lots of societies you can join. The lectures are very good, and the staff are very helpful. If there’s a problem, it gets sorted straight away. There’s just a general good feeling all round.”
Martin Davies, BEng Mechatronics and Robotics
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Mechatronics and Robotics
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE GUIDE 2021 | 9
BEng Mechatronics and Robotics
Year 1 modules
CompulsoryFundamentals of Mechatronics and Robotics 1 Discover the principles of robotic systems. You’ll learn to program robots to understand sensor inputs and navigate environments, and modify robots to meet new challenges.
Introduction to Programming and Algorithmic Thinking Develop a practical skill that requires both logic and creativity, from understanding language syntax to constructing bigger, more complex systems.
Mathematical Tools and Concepts Gain core mathematics knowledge. You’ll use Matlab to solve mathematically described engineering problems and present and process results from experiments and simulations.
Fundamentals of Mechatronics and Robotics 2Learn how to design a system to achieve a specific task. From anthropomorphic design to the application of gears and drive systems, you’ll build your own robotic system.
Typical offer 112
Example A levels BBC
UCAS code H360
H364
H361
Robots and AI are transforming the way we live and work. Enjoy access to the superb facilities of our new Robotics Lab and FabLab on this practical, hands-on course. Acquire the knowledge and skills to create intelligent systems that will benefit a range of industries.
Object-Oriented Programming and Principles Build on your knowledge of programming, to reinforce fundamental concepts and develop awareness of issues involved in the implementation of larger-scale software.
Mathematics, Programming and Digital Logic Design You’ll be introduced to techniques and tools for the design and simulation of sequential logic circuits together with programming in C. Skills to develop applications.
Year 2 modules
CompulsoryMechatronic Systems Learn about mechanical systems including actuators, drive systems and stress analysis of mechanical systems, through hands-on sessions in the lab.
Mathematics and Control for Engineers Develop the advanced mathematical techniques you’ll need to solve a range of engineering problems. You’ll also be introduced to Laplace and Fourier transform techniques.
Artificial Intelligence Gain an understanding of the theoretical issues of artificial intelligence. Explore knowledge representation issues and their use in designing AI programs.
Microprocessor DesignExplore the internal architectures of microprocessors and microcontrollers, together with the mechanisms for program execution, communication and interfacing.
Networking and User Interface Design An introduction to computer networks and the associated practical problems. Explore technologies and their role in creating the user interface for enterprise web applications.
Mechatronics, Robotics, Sensors and Simulation Learn about sensor systems – understanding how to interpret sensor data and integrate sensor fusion systems. This module also introduces you to simulation tools and systems.
Final-year modules
CoreHonours Stage Project Tackle a substantial piece of computer-related investigation or software design in an area of your interest. This includes practical development and evaluation of your designs and implementation.
CompulsoryRobotics and Automation Develop knowledge of the applications, modelling and analysis of industrial robots and their assembly. You’ll explore key features of design and methods of controlling robotic devices.
Mechanical Engineering Analysis, Stress Analysis and Dynamics of Mechanical SystemsDevelop your understanding of fundamental theories and techniques relevant to the mechanical engineering problems in stress analysis and dynamics.
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Mechatronics and Robotics
Embedded Systems Development Explore the fundamental mechanisms of program execution on a processor and a down-to-assembler level understanding of embedded solutions
Robotics and Automation You’ll develop knowledge of the applications, modelling and analysis of industrial robots and assembly systems and investigate key features of design, configuration and control.
Machine Vision and Sensor Fusion Key methods in image processing and sensory data fusion will be explored through theoretical analysis and computer simulations. Extend and enhance your
knowledge of mechatronics and robotics to Masters level with an extra year of study. There is a high-tech, interdisciplinary degree that exists at the meeting point between electronics, mechanical engineering and computer science – and applies all of them to the design and manufacture of intelligent systems.
Year 1 modules
CompulsoryFundamentals of Mechatronics and Robotics 1 Discover the principles of robotic systems. You’ll learn to program robots to understand sensor inputs and navigate environments, and modify robots to meet new challenges.
Introduction to Programming and Algorithmic Thinking Develop a practical skill that requires both logic and creativity, from understanding language syntax to constructing bigger, more complex systems.
Mathematical Tools and Concepts Gain core mathematics knowledge. You’ll use Matlab to solve mathematically described engineering problems and present and process results from experiments and simulations.
Fundamentals of Mechatronics and Robotics 2Learn how to design a system to achieve a specific task. From anthropomorphic design to the application of gears and drive systems, you’ll build your own robotic system.
MEng Mechatronics and Robotics Typical offer 120
Example A levels BBB
UCAS code H362
H363
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Mechatronics and Robotics
Object-Oriented Programming and Principles Build on your knowledge of programming, to reinforce fundamental concepts and develop awareness of issues involved in the implementation of larger-scale software.
Mathematics, Programming and Digital Logic Design You’ll be introduced to techniques and tools for the design and simulation of sequential logic circuits together with programming in C. Skills to develop applications.
Year 2 modules
CompulsoryMechatronic Systems Learn about mechanical systems including actuators, drive systems and stress analysis of mechanical systems, through hands-on sessions in the lab.
Mathematics and Control for Engineers Develop the advanced mathematical techniques you’ll need to solve a range of engineering problems. You’ll also be introduced to Laplace and Fourier transform techniques.
Artificial Intelligence Gain an understanding of the theoretical issues of artificial intelligence. Explore knowledge representation issues and their use in designing AI programs.
Microprocessor DesignExplore the internal architectures of microprocessors and microcontrollers, together with the mechanisms for program execution, communication and interfacing.
Networking and User Interface Design An introduction to computer networks and the associated practical problems. Explore technologies and their role in creating the user interface for enterprise web applications.
Mechatronics, Robotics, Sensors and Simulation Learn about sensor systems – understanding how to interpret sensor data and integrate sensor fusion systems. This module also introduces you to simulation tools and systems.
Final-year modules
CoreHonours Stage Project Tackle a substantial piece of computer-related investigation or software design in an area of your interest. This includes practical development and evaluation of your designs and implementation.
CompulsoryRobotics and Automation Develop knowledge of the applications, modelling and analysis of industrial robots and their assembly. You’ll explore key features of design and methods of controlling robotic devices.
Mechanical Engineering Analysis, Stress Analysis and Dynamics of Mechanical SystemsDevelop your understanding of fundamental theories and techniques relevant to the mechanical engineering problems in stress analysis and dynamics.
Embedded Systems Development Explore the fundamental mechanisms of program execution on a processor and a down-to-assembler level understanding of embedded solutions
Robotics and Automation You’ll develop knowledge of the applications, modelling and analysis of industrial robots and assembly systems and investigate key features of design, configuration and control.
Machine Vision and Sensor Fusion Key methods in image processing and sensory data fusion will be explored through theoretical analysis and computer simulations.
Masters-year modules
CoreMEng Group Project (Mechatronics and Robotics) Extend your engineering knowledge and professional skills by working on an individual project. Activities include research, engineering design, development and presentation.
OptionalEngineering for Quality and Six Sigma Gain insight into the need for predictable and repeatable manufacturing methods. You’ll investigate the role of engineering quality and the philosophies implemented by industry.
Real-Time Dependable Systems Explore the principles of real-time systems and their need for reliability and dependability. You’ll cover fault-tolerant systems, hazard analysis and how we design such systems for safety.
Advanced Prosthetics, Orthotics and Assistive Technologies (Bionics) Develop an understanding of modern assistive devices. Study the principles behind their design, and the processes and technology used to manufacture the devices.
Autonomous Robots The concepts, tools and techniques of autonomous systems. You’ll study topics such as how autonomous systems navigate and interact with their environment through AI and sensor fusion.
Advanced Computer-Aided Analysis and CADCAM Apply computational problem-solving techniques, relish the functionality of computer-aided design packages, and take your designs from the virtual domain to the physical world.
Robotic Systems and AI Explore the issues faced when creating robotic systems. You’ll be introduced to the tools and techniques used to build solutions for robot platforms.
Advanced Digital Design and System on Chip You’ll explore advanced digital systems with emphasis on Field Programmable Gate Arrays, System on Chip and Integrated Circuit design.
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Mechatronics and Robotics
Be part of somethingextraordinary
Here at Hull, we know extraordinary is in you. And we’re here to help you find it. This is why we’ve partnered with Team GB. Our united belief is that anyone, with the right opportunities ahead and a dedicated team behind, can achieve extraordinary things.
The partnership isn’t the only thing we’ve got going for us either. We also offer you guaranteed accommodation,^ with more than 2,300 rooms on campus. Our students go on to do amazing things too, with 95.9% of our graduates in work or further study with six months.†
We’re in the top 50 universities for research power**Which basically means we’re helping to change the world through the work our people are doing. And you could be part of it. From tackling marine pollution to breaking the chain of modern-day slavery, our research is not only enriching the lives of people across the world, it enriches your university experience. So come and get involved.
Whether you’re into bands or board games, food or film, history or horror, sci-fi or skateboarding, this is a place to do more of what you love – there’s something for everyone here in Hull. It’s your home away from home. And your chance to discover who you really are.
Choose extraordinary. Choose Hull.^ We guarantee you a room in University-owned or partnered accommodation if you apply by 1 October.† Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA June 2018.** Times Higher Education, based on the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2014.
You’ll meet new people who’ll become old friends. More than 15,000 students from around 100 countries live, work and play on our attractive single-site campus.
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This. Is. Hull.A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we’re free thinking, independent and proud of it.
THE DEEP
Learn more about Hull at hull.ac.uk/abouthull
HUMBER STREET
GERMANY
DENMARK
CZECH REPUBLIC
POLAND
o
A1
A15
A1
A1
M8
M1
A42
M1
M62
Dublin
Belfast
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Newcastle
Cardi�
London
York
LeedsLiverpool
Manchester
LincolnShe�ield
Birmingham
Nottingham
Zeebrugge
Rotterdam
Amsterdam
HULL
THE FRUIT MARKET
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Allam Medical BuildingAllam Sport CentreApplied Science 3Asylum NightclubBrynmor Jones Library
CalderCanham TurnerCentral Print ServicesChemistryCohenDay NurseryDearne
Dennison CentreDerwentDonEnergy & Environment InstituteEnterprise CentreEskFennerFerensGulbenkian Centre
Middleton HallMulti Storey CarparkNewlands HouseNewland Science ParkNiddPrayer RoomRaines HouseRobert Blackburn Rye HouseRyton Lecture Theatre SkellSport, Health &Exercise Science Lab
Sports PavilionStudent Central (Students’ Union)Student Wellbeing, Learning & Welfare SupportSwale HouseTaylor CourtThe CourtyardVenn (Reception)WashburnWestfield CourtWharfeWilberforceWiskeWolfson
Accommodation HubAcoustics Research CentreAireAllam Building
HardyHolmeHull University Business School ReceptionLarkinLevenLotenLoten WorkshopsLoxleyMedia Hub
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WESTFIELD COURT WESTFIELD COURT
THE COURTYARD TAYLOR COURT
* If you’re a new, full-time, unaccompanied student, and you apply for accommodation by 1 October, we guarantee you a room in accommodation that’s owned or in partnership with the University.
** Westfield Court and Taylor Court only.
You’ll feel right at home in Hull We have something for everyone here. Whatever you choose, you’ll find a place to live that works best for you. And if you apply by 1 October, we guarantee you a University room.*
From 41, 43 and 51-week contracts, so you don’t pay for more than you need
2,300+ on-campus rooms
Up to 150mbps FREE WiFi** Connect up to 7 devices to the WiFi at once
24/7 security on campus
For further information, please contact the Accommodation Hub 01482 466042
Take a virtual tour of our rooms
Go to hull.ac.uk/accommodation to find out more and take a 360° tour of where you’ll be living.
WESTFIELD COURT
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Your guide to fees and funding
Yes
£9,250 per year* on a full-time degree
No
£14,800 (non-science courses) or £17,550 (science courses) per year
for EU and international students
Are you a UK student?
You’ll pay lower fees while you’re on a year abroad or an industrial placement year.
No, it’s more than that
Household income
Living away from
home
Living at home
£25,000 £9,488 £7,987
£30,000 £8,809 £7,315
£35,000 £8,130 £6,642
£40,000 £7,450 £5,969
£45,000 £6,771 £5,296
£50,000 £6,092 £4,623
£55,000 £5,412 £3,950
£60,000 £4,733 £3,516
£62,286 or above £4,422 £3,516
Yes
When you come to uni, where will you be living?
At homeAway from
home
You’ll be able to borrow
£7,987
You’ll be able to borrow
£9,488
Is your family’s annual household income £25,000
or less?
2021/22 Maintenance Loan figures
Yes No, it’s less than that
You don’t have to make any repayments
Annual income Monthly payment
£27,295 £0
£30,000 £20
£35,000 £58
£40,000 £95
£45,000 £133
£50,000 £170
Is your annual salary above £27,295 a year?
So … time to talk about money. How much does university cost? How are you going to pay for it?
How much does it cost to study an undergraduate degree?
What loans are available? There are two types of loan available to students from England:
How much can I borrow?What you can borrow for your maintenance loan depends on your family’s income and where you’ll be living while you’re at uni.
And how much will I be paying back after I graduate?Just to recap, you don’t have to pay back anything until your salary goes above £27,295 a year. When that happens, the amount you’re earning determines what your loan repayment will be.
Tuition fee loan – Currently £9,250*
Covers the full cost of your course fees
• Paid straight to the University
• You don’t start paying any of it back until you’re earning more than £27,295 a year
• After 30 years, any remaining debt is written off – regardless of what you still owe
Maintenance loan
Helps with the cost of living
Partially means tested
• Paid straight into your bank account at the start of each term
• You won’t have to pay any of it back until you’re earning more than £27,295 a year
• After 30 years, any remaining debt is written off – regardless of what you still owe
* Subject to approval. This fee is subject to an increase in line with inflation. Maximum tuition fees are set by the government.
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Our UCAS institution codes
H72: All Hull courses except Medicine
H75: Medicine (Hull York Medical School)
Dates for your diary
1 September: UCAS applications open
15 October: Medicine UCAS applications deadline
15 January: UCAS applications deadline for all other courses to guarantee equal consideration
Late February: UCAS Extra opens
30 June: Main UCAS application scheme closes
4 July: UCAS Extra closes
When you apply for Hull, you’ll have a team ready to answer your questions every step of the way. From starting your application to the day you win a place to come here.
UCAS For most of our full-time undergraduate courses, you need to register and apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can find the entry requirements on your course page at hull.ac.uk. But as a general guide, we’re happy to consider applications from candidates with predicted grades totalling 112 UCAS points or above.
International student? See hull.ac.uk/international for more information on how to apply.
To find out more, go to hull.ac.uk/admissions
To register and apply, go to ucas.com/students
How to apply to Hull
Useful contacts
The (not so) small print ...
Please note … The information in this guide is provided by the University of Hull, and is for general information purposes only. We do everything possible to keep the information up to date and correct, but we reserve the right to introduce changes to the information given in our publications. For more detail and the latest on our programmes, please go to hull.ac.uk.
Want to know more?Our full 2020 Undergraduate prospectus is available to order or download from hull.ac.uk/prospectus. Or visit hull.ac.uk to find out the latest information.
We use role models, not modelsYou’ll find no models in this publication. The people you see on these pages are our students, and we are proud of them.
Tell us what you think Please write to
Marketing and Communications, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
Admissions01482 466100 [email protected] hull.ac.uk/admissions
Accommodation01482 466042 [email protected] hull.ac.uk/accomm
Student Finance01482 466538 [email protected] hull.ac.uk/money
UCAS0371 468 0468 ucas.com*Our institution code is H72. For Medicine, apply to H75.
International Office 01482 [email protected]/international
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A level UCAS Tariff
BTEC level 3
(QCF) / National Extended Diploma
(QCF) / National Extended Diploma
(QCF) / National Extended Diploma
144 DDD
128 DDM
112 DMM D*D*
104 D*D
96 MMM DD
84
80 MMP DM
78
72
64 MPP MM
60
A* 56 D*
A 48 PPP MP D
B 40
36
C 32 PP M
28
D 24
20
E 16 P
Tariff calculator
Of course, we also consider other qualifications – such as AS levels, Cambridge Technicals and EPQs – and a range of international qualifications.
If you’ve got any questions about what qualifications we accept or our entry requirements in general, just ask. We’re on 01482 466100 or at [email protected].
You can also work out your own UCAS points total at www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator.
There’s also a full tariff points guide for all available qualifications on the UCAS site.
Your notes
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hull.ac.uk/ugmechrobot
University of Hull Cottingham Road Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
hull.ac.uk 01482 346311 [email protected]
© University of Hull_October 2020