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11th June 2012
The Final Taught Module of the AMI Course AMI4041 Project Management for Electronics Starting Thur. 14/6/12
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Advanced Microelectronics - Overview
Master of Science, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Career Development (CPD)
100% distance learning over the internet
- Introduction
- Distinctive features
- Modules and awards
- Assessment
- Entry requirements
- Fees
- How to apply
- Further information
Introduction
The MSc Advanced Microelectronics provides professional development in the implementation of integrated circuit design and development techniques relevant to industry. It covers the techniques, technologies and methodologies associated with the engineering of electronic systems on silicon. The complete range of available technologies is included, from programmable devices through to full custom, synthesised in digital, analogue and mixed signal design styles. Design techniques, flows and methodologies are demonstrated by extensive use of industry standard computer aided design software. Associated business issues are comprehensively covered and appropriate application areas are included for further specialist study.
The programme provides the opportunity for electronics design engineers and technologists to continue their professional development and gain a postgraduate qualification without interrupting their careers. Technical managers, commercial managers and board layout designers who want to broaden their knowledge will find the initial modules within the category "Custom IC Design" and those within "Technical Management" particularly relevant.
There are four strands to the programme:
- Custom IC Design
The first two modules provide a review of the current range of microelectronic technologies and related business issues. A series of four modules then follow the design process for digital, analogue and mixed signal ASICs. Design skills are built up over a sequence of modules by walkthroughs and practical exercises using the industry-standard design suite from Cadence.
- Technical Management
An exploration of business and management issues that are particularly relevant to designers working in the area of microelectronics.
- Optional Modules
A wide range of optional modules on applications and technologies provides a choice of specialisms which may be explored further in the project element of the MSc.
- MSc Project
The MSc project provides the opportunity to pull together the themes of investigation, project management and technological advances developed through the taught modules.
Distinctive Features
- Flexible study regime designed for people who are in full time employment and likely to travel. Modules can be studied without disrupting everyday work commitments.
- Also especially suitable for people for whom mobility is a problem and people who are temporarily out of work, or who are employed on a contract basis.
- Delegates use powerful industry standard software remotely from home
just as if they were working in an industrial design lab.
Modules and Awards
Modules are studied over a period of 14 weeks and it is possible to start in February, June or October each year. To check when a module is next scheduled to run, please refer to the module availability chart. The syllabus of each module is to be found in the relevant module specification, linked from the right-hand column of the courses home page. Each credit is expected to involve 10 hours of study.
All the modules can be studied on their own for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) is made when 60 credits have been gained. The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) follows at 120 credits. Finally the work of the Msc Project takes the total to 180 credits and the MSc is awarded.
| Modules (code) | Credits | CPD | PgDip | MSc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom IC Design | ||||
| Microelectronic Design (AMI4202) | 15 | O | A | A |
| Microelectronic Technologies & Applications (AMI4233) | 15 | O | A | A |
| Advanced Electronic Design Automation (AMI4441) | 20 | O | E | E |
| Digital Integrated Circuit Design (AMI4407) | 15 | O | A | A |
| Systems Design using FPGAs (AMI4460) | 20 | O | A | A |
| Analogue and Mixed Signal IC Design (AMI4409) | 15 | O | A | A |
| Layout for Analogue and Mixed Signal Design (4420) Under Development | 15 | O | A | A |
| Technical Management | ||||
| Project Management for Electronics (AMI4041) | 20 | O | E | E |
| Embedded Applications | ||||
| Microcontrollers (AMI4655) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Digital Signal Processing (AMI4622) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Microsystems | ||||
| Microsystems Technologies(AMI4255) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Signal Integrity and EMC | ||||
| Signal Integrity and EMC (AMI4815) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Design for Signal Integrity (AMI4823) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Design for EMC and LVD (AMI4966) | 20 | O | O | O |
| PCB Design | ||||
| Concepts of PCB Design (AMI4809) | 15 | O | O | O |
| PCB Design (AMI4931) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Design and Manufacture of Electronic Systems | ||||
| Design for Product Build (AMI4945) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Engineering Design (AMI4900) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Design for Thermal Issues (AMI4917) | 20 | O | O | O |
| MSc Project | ||||
| MSc Project (AMI5001) | 60 | - | - | E |
| KEY E = essential A = select 3 or more O = optional |
||||
Assessment
There are no formal written examinations. Modules are assessed by written assignments, often incorporating practical elements involving CAD packages hosted at the university. Tutors provide feedback for assessed work. You can check your progress through self-assessment questions (SAQs) and practical problems for which worked solutions are available. You will be encouraged to discuss any difficulties with the module tutor.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements for those involved in CPD but a level of prior knowledge and understanding equivalent to a first degree will be required. Registration for a postgraduate award can take experience into account as well as academic qualifications, as shown in the table below.
| Existing Qualification |
Admission based on academic qualification only; no practical experience necessary | Admission based on experience* as well as academic qualification |
|---|---|---|
| BEng (Hons) | Grade 2.2 or above in electronics, physics or a related subject | Grade 3 in Electronics or equivalent, with experience* of working
in an electronics design environment for at least 12 months. |
| BSc (Hons) | Grade 2.2 or above in electronics, physics or a related subject | Grade 3 in Electronics or equivalent and 12 months experience as above Or Grade 2.2 or above in computer science or equivalent and 12 months experience as above. |
| HND | Distinction grade in electronics, physics or a related subject | Pass grade or above in Electronics or equivalent, with experience* of working in an electronics design environment for at least two years. |
| * Some examples of roles that would be expected to carry suitable
experience are: - Electronic design engineer - Electronic systems design engineer - Electronic test engineer - Technical manager (electronics) |
||
Fees
Fees are invoiced at the beginning of each term and reflect the choice of module(s) being studied in that term. Please refer to the page on fees for the current rates.
How to Apply
Simply complete the online application form or the paper form included in the information pack. The same form applies for enrolling for CPD or for a postgraduate award.
Further Information
For an informal discussion about how this programme can help to fulfil your career aspirations or address training needs in your company, please contact:
Postgraduate Programmes Office
School of Built Environment and Engineering
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 (0)1204 903020
Fax. +44 (0)1204 903088
Email: ami@bolton.ac.uk
Web: www.ami.ac.uk
Support from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for the initial development of the electronics modules is acknowledged.
updated 12.1.2011 GE