MODULAR TAUGHT COURSE (KPT/JPS (KA 7735) 10/12)

(with an option to spend one additional semester in France for a second degree)

At Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, the MSc Electronics Systems Engineering Programme is tailored to train young graduates and professionals with advanced design in integrated circuit design and applications and entrepreneurship skills to enable them to perform R&D and commercialization activities and move up the value chain from the manufacturing era to the design era of the electronic industry.

Besides providing in-depth knowledge of specific subject areas, this programme is also intended to expose the graduates and engineers with a range of analytical and research skills that would be of long-term value.

The Programme is designed to meet the capability requirements for

• Embedded Systems
• Microelectronics & IC Design
• Communication Systems
• Smart Instrumentations

This is achieved through 8 technical modules, 2 management electives, a research methodology course and an R&D project. There is a high degree of computer usage for project, teaching and on-line support. The resource materials are professionally prepared in modular form. Extensive use of e-learning methods is an important attribute of the course delivery.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor Degree in the field of Electrical & Electronics Engineering from UTP or other recognized universities with a CGPA of at least 3.0 or equivalent.

Applicants with other qualifications can be considered if they have the necessary research and working experience and could show capabilities to pursue postgraduate studies.

OPTIONAL TRACK: MSC IN COMPUTER VISION FROM UNIVERSITY OF BURGUNDY

This double degree program is offered under the agreement between Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and the University of Burgundy (uB) in France. After spending three semesters at UTP and one semester away at uB, candidates will be awarded two MSc degrees—MSc in Electronic Systems Engineering degree from UTP and MSc in Computer Vision from uB.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The MSc in Electronic Systems Engineering is conducted on a full time basis. The students are based at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS for three semesters, with an option to spend one additional semester at the University of Burgundy, France to obtain the double degrees. The curriculum is constantly being revised and expanded through the introduction of new modules reflecting the technological advances in the discipline.

The programme structure is as follows:

There are 5 core modules, 2 major technical modules, 1 elective module, 1 research methodology course, and 2 management electives to be completed over 3 semesters. The two options of major electives are the Advanced Circuit Design, and Sensors & Intelligent Systems. Students make a selection for a particular major after completing the common core set of modules. An important aspect of the programme is the individual R&D project which runs for one semester. Students normally work with a research group on their project and some projects are industrially based.

FEES

Tuition fees for MSc in Electronic Systems Engineering Program (3-semesters) is RM20,000.

The fees for the third semester study in France is RM26,000. It will cover:

• Transport (return flight tickets between Malaysia and France)
• Tuition & registration fees of the University of Burgundy (1 semester)
• Four-month allowances during the study in France

COURSE CONTENT

Core Modules

ALL the following modules

Advanced Mathematics for Systems Analysis & Design (3 credit hours)

Essential topics in engineering mathematics, including optimization and its application to engineering, discrete-time random processes, estimation theory and modeling of engineering systems and operations using selected techniques from mathematics, statistics, and stochastic processes.

Advanced Digital Systems Design (3 credit hours)

The fundamental concepts of digital design. It introduces the digital systems design flow and includes HDL (Verilog, VHDL or other languages), different level of modeling, simulation, testing, Electronics Design Automation (EDA) tools, and programmable devices.

Modern Communication & Networking Systems (3 credit hours)

A comprehensive coverage of the principles and techniques in the modern communication and networking systems. Students will be guided through a systematic lecture on the technical background, architecture, protocols and new directions in modern communication techniques and networks.

Advanced Embedded Systems (3 credit hours)

An in-depth overview of important topics ranging from microcontrollers and Operating System design to PCB Layout and manufacturing guidelines. The course is also intended for graduate students in Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as the Embedded System professional.

VLSI Systems Design (3 credit hours)

The analysis and design of digital integrated circuits building blocks using CM OS technology. The course emphasizes on design, and requires extensive use of a circuit layout CAD tool, and SPICE for simulations.

Major Electives Modules

OPTION 1: Advanced Circuit Design

Advanced Analogue Integrated Circuit Design (3 credit hours)

The analysis and design of analog integrated circuits building blocks using CM OS technology. The course emphasizes on design, and requires extensive use of a circuit layout CAD tool, and SPICE for simulations.

RF Circuit Design (3 credit hours)

The design and analysis of radio-frequency circuits at the transistor level, with a focus on IC implementations, mainly in CMOS. Narrow band and broadband high-frequency amplifiers including a variety of bandwidth-extension tricks. Design of front-end circuits. Classical control concepts, phase noise, oscillators, phase-locked loops and frequency synthesizers. RF power amplifiers and transceiver design.

OPTION 2: Sensors & Intelligent Systems

Sensors & Systems (3 credit hours)

Advanced techniques for designing of measurement systems. This includes the design of electronics for sensor interfacing and pre-processing of signals for various measurements such as displacement, force, pressure, temperature and flow.

Intelligent Systems (3 credit hours)

The theoretical aspects of neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic techniques and in relation to the systems design and implementation. At the end of the course, students are able to analyse, conceptualise, design and implement an intelligent system using any of the techniques.

Electives Modules

Any ONE of the following modules

Semiconductor & Optoelectronic Devices (3 credit hours)

Basic processes involved in IC fabrication: crystal growth to lithographic process of pattern transfer. The practical aspect would cover the major steps of a planar process used extensively in IC fabrication: oxidation, photolithography, etching, impurity doping by diffusion process, and metallization. Electrical testing of the final product to ensure quality, and conformance of product to specifications.

Communication Systems Design (3 credit hours)

The application of knowledge of communication systems/ subsystems to designing and simulating and translating them for hardware realization.

Image Processing & Computer Vision (3 credit hours)

Theory, principles and techniques of image processing and computer vision, which includes image acquisition and display, image filtering and segmentation, image analysis and transforms. The practical aspects of the course would cover the problem solving using the techniques and in a simulation. The design project would entail implementation of solutions on real-time DSP systems.

Advanced Computer Systems Architecture (3 credit hours)

Issues pertaining to computer system architecture: measuring performance, instruction sets and improving CPU performance - pipelining, memory hierarchies, storage systems and I/O systems.

University Requirements Modules

Research Methodology (2 credit hours)

The necessary knowledge to conduct research, to appreciate research and its contributions, and to develop the right mindset in doing research.

Research & Development Project (12 credit hours)

The module allows each student to work independently on an industry-based project under the supervision of a faculty member and/or a supervisor from the industry. The student is expected to review the subject, propose an experimental / analytical plan and follow that through to feasibility study, investigation, design / simulation, test and implementation. Each student must prepare a comprehensive technical report, present and demonstrate findings and results of the project work.

Management Elective

Any TWO of the following modules

Strategic Management (2 credit hours)

Evaluating complex business problems and formulating policies and strategies for their solution. Developing knowledge of key strategic management concepts as well as some basic skills in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of management strategies. Conceptual framework on domestic and global perspectives. Integration of existing knowledge in all areas of business to the strategic management process.

Engineering Economy (2 credit hours)

Fundamental concept of engineering economics and its principles, methodology and application of the various methods as well as discussion on issues related to the economics of various engineering projects

Engineering Enterpreneurship (2 credit hours)

A project-based course intended to help the students learn how to prepare a good business plan. They will be encouraged to select/and or invent a product/service and prepare the necessary administration, operation, marketing and financial plan. Students are expected to present the business plan convincingly as part of their experiential learning process.

Third Semester Courses (University of Burgundy)

Advanced Image Analysis

The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of advanced and important image processing concepts, to develop a critical understanding of continuous and discrete approaches, and to develop a critical understanding of some applications.

Multi-Sensor Fusion and Tracking

The aim of this course is to enable students to understand advanced concepts in filtering theory, to provide students will a solid foundation in target tracking methods, to design algorithms for multi-camera and multi-sensor fusion, to develop practical implementations of image detectors and tracking concepts applied to robotics and computer vision, to provide students with the knowledge & skills to tackle significant signal processing tasks including their features, terminology and conventions, to use a range of advanced signal processing tools, to enable students to apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to a range of computer vision and robotics problems, to enable students to be apply a range of signal and image processing techniques using MATLAB.

Real Time Imaging and Control

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to modern hardware and software for the implementation of time-critical vision and robotics, to provide practical experience of both parallel and vector processing techniques

To give a critical understanding of robot dynamics and classical/advanced position control methods for a robotic manipulator, to provide an introduction to control methods for closed and open ‘vision in the loop’, and to allow implementation of an integrated vision/robotics system.

Robotics Project

The aim of this course is to develop understanding in systems of systems engineering, to develop a critical understanding of real project management, to develop a critical understanding of integration & teamwork, and to prepare for real multi-disciplinary industrial projects.

Local Culture

The aim of this course is to provide in-depth knowledge about Burgundy and its cultural heritage, to help students grasp basic concepts about French culture, to broaden the scope of their vision by drawing parallels between their own culture and French culture or by underlining their differences, and to improve the students’ command of English and to develop their writing skills.

COURSE DURATION

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

English

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates with an MSc in Electronic Systems Engineering degree will enhance their employment and career prospects in the telecommunication, computer and embedded systems, electronics and semiconductor industry, and instrumentation and control. The degree is also a good starting point for a career in research and academia.

For further information, contact:

Program Manager,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Naufal Bin Mohamad Saad,
MSc in Electronic Systems Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,
Bandar Seri Iskandar,
31750 Tronoh,
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Tel : 605 - 368 7870
Fax: 605-365 7443
Email : naufal_saad@petronas.com.my

For admission, contact:

Tajul Ariffin Shamsuddin
Admission Unit,
Registry Office
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,
Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak
Tel: +605 - 368 8403, Fax: +605 - 365 4082
Email: tajul_ariffin@petronas.com.my