Electronic Product Development - 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
Electronic Product Development provides an advanced theoretical and practical treatment of all aspects relevant to the design, development and production of modern complex electronic systems and sub systems.
Design methodologies and techniques are demonstrated using advanced industrial standard computer aided design software including thermal analysis (Flomerics), electromagnetic field plotting (Comsol), advanced PCB design and simulation (Cadence).
The course will also show how the many legal issues impacting on products are addressed during product development. An overview of regulatory frameworks and requirement is also covered for the EU, USA, Japan and the far East.
The course has been devised for system designers, circuit designers, PCB designers, technical managers, technical sales and technologists as well as mechanical and production engineers operating in an electronics environment. All study takes place over the internet so no attendance is necessary.
There are five strands to the programme:
- Design and Manufacture of Electronic Systems
The issues of engineering design for ease of manufacture and test, compliance with relevant legislation and meeting end user expectations are stressed. Included are environmental issues, PCB design, product fabrication, product assembly, test strategies and design for thermal issues. - Signal Integrity and EMC
These three inter-related areas are critical to the success of high speed digital systems and products. Electronic products must comply with the EMC and LVD directives of the European Union if they are to be marketed in Europe. - Technical Management
An exploration of business and management issues that are particularly relevant to electronic product development, including project management and lead-free implementation. - Optional Modules
A wide range of optional modules including PCB design, custom IC design, embedded applications and microsystems 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Manufacture | ||||
| Design for Product Build (AMI4945) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Engineering Design (AMI4900) | 20 | O | E | E |
| Design for Thermal Issues (AMI4817) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Signal Integrity and EMC | ||||
| Signal Integrity and EMC (AMI4815) | 20 | O | S | S |
| Design for Signal Integrity (AMI4823) | 20 | O | S | S |
| Design for EMC and LVD (AMI4966) | 20 | O | S | S |
| Technical Management | ||||
| Project Management for Electronics (AMI4041) | 20 | O | E | E |
| PCB Design | ||||
| Concepts of PCB Design (AMI4809) | 15 | O | O | O |
| PCB Design (AMI4931) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Custom IC Design | ||||
| Microelectronic Design (AMI4202) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Microelectronic Technologies & Applications (AMI4233) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Advanced Electronic Design Automation (AMI4441) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Systems Design using FPGAs (AMI4460) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Analogue and Mixed Signal IC Design (AMI4409) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Embedded Applications | ||||
| Microcontrollers (AMI4655) | 20 | O | O | O |
| Digital Signal Processing (AMI4622) | 15 | O | O | O |
| Microsystems | ||||
| Microsystems Technologies (AMI4225) | 15 | O | O | O |
| MSc Project | ||||
| MSc Project (AMI5001) | 60 | - | - | E |
| KEY E = essential S = select 1 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 2.2 or above in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering
or equivalent, with experience* of working in an electronic product
development environment for at least 12 months. |
| BSc (Hons) | Grade 2.2 or above in electronics, physics or a related subject | Pass grade or above in Electronic Engineering, Production Engineering or equivalent, with experience* of working in an electronic product development environment for at least 12 months. |
| HND | Distinction grade in electronics, physics or a related subject | Pass grade or above in Electronic Engineering, Production Engineering or equivalent, with experience* of working in an electronic product development environment for at least 2 years. |
| * Some examples of roles that would be expected to carry suitable
experience are: - Electronic systems design engineer - Printed circuit board designer - Electronic test engineer - EMC test engineer - Technical manager (electronics) - Sales engineer (electronics) - Product support engineers (electronics) - Mechanical or Production engineer working in electronics fabrication or assembly |
||
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
updated 12.01.11 GE