Engineering (Electronic and Software), BEng

Engineering (Electronic and Software), BEng

Introduction

Software Engineering at Aberdeen encompasses both the theory as well as the practice of computing, with special emphasis given to Distributed Information Systems and Knowledge Technologies.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
BEng
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
H6H4
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Electronic Engineering is at the core of the modern world, from computers, to digital circuits, photonics and a wealth of electronic devices. This exciting new programme delivers the ideal marriage between Electronic engineering and Software engineering, allowing graduates to pursue a wide range of engineering interests and career choices. You will use your imagination, creativity and knowledge to provide society with the complex electronic systems it needs as well as the software required to operate these systems optimally. In your future career you may design the machines that supply our energy needs, digital control systems for aircrafts, internet-enabled sensors, design complete computer systems on a silicon chip, photonics to instrument the ocean depths, create stunning electronic displays, or design the latest communications satellite or mobile phone.

Students will learn how to design, analyse and implement large-scale software solutions, factoring in hardware and electronics specifics. The courses will cover core computing topics such as computer architecture, programming, programming languages, algorithms, databases, software project management, and software engineering tools and techniques. Advanced computing topics include distributed (autonomous) systems, knowledge technologies, Internet-of-Things, sensor networks, robotics, and security.

What You'll Study

The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.

It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Principles of Electronics (EG1008)

15 Credit Points

The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.

CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)

15 Credit Points

The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.

Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)

15 Credit Points

Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.

Computer Systems and Architecture (CS1533)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an introduction to computer systems. It includes an introduction to computer architecture and organization, and an introduction to operating systems.

The course is taught without prerequisites; students are taught with plenty of exercises from lectures, tutorials, practical and tests every week.

Electronics Design (EE1501)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an introduction to the design and analysis techniques used within electronic engineering, and to the major active components (diodes and transistors). The course opens with a description of charges, the forces between charges and the concept of electric fields. The second part of the course deals with semiconductor devices, opening with fundamental properties of doped semiconductors.

Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)

15 Credit Points

The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.

Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)

15 Credit Points

Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Programming 1 (CS1032)

15 Credit Points

This course will be delivered in two halves. The first half will provide a self-contained introduction to computer programming. It will be accessible to all undergraduates. Students will be exposed to the basic principles of computer programming, e.g. fundamental programming techniques, concepts, algorithms and data structures. The course contains lectures where the principles are systematically developed. As the course does not presuppose knowledge of these principles, we start from basic intuitions. The second half will be particularly of use to those studying Science and Engineering subjects, broadly interpreted, as well as Computing and IT specialists. It will include a gentle introduction to professional issues and security concepts.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS1029)

15 Credit Points

This course will introduce students to techniques that support problem solving and modelling with computers, and concepts and methods that are fundamental to computing science. The techniques and concepts will be illustrated with numerous computing examples.

Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:

  • Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
  • Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
  • Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
Mathematics for Computing Science (CS2513)

15 Credit Points

This course provides an introduction to areas of Discrete Mathematics that are used extensively in Computing. The course covers three topics: (1) formal languages and machines; (2) formal logic; (3) probability and statistics. Applications of these in Computing are indicated throughout.

Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)

15 Credit Points

This course provides the knowledge needed to understand, design and compare algorithms. By the end of the course, a student should be able to create or adapt algorithms to solve problems, determine an algorithm's efficiency, and be able to implement it. The course also introduces the student to a variety of widely used algorithms and algorithm creation techniques, applicable to a range of domains. The course will introduce students to concepts such as pseudo-code and computational complexity, and make use of proof techniques. The practical component of the course will build on and enhance students' programming skills.

Electronic Systems (EE2504)

15 Credit Points

Electronics systems are discussed from basic concepts of digital logic to highlights of embedded microcontrollers. The journey begins with the elementary building blocks of Boolean algebra (logic gates and flip-flops) that are used to design combinatorial/sequential logic circuits, e.g. implementing a simple calculator or a temperature control circuit. The design of complex system is addressed introducing embedded microcontrollers, discussing their core components (e.g. timers, memory) and required programming operations.

Hands-on lab sessions (and relative assignments) include software-based simulations and hardware implementation of systems that allow students to test and deepen their understanding of the subject.

Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)

15 Credit Points

A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.

Databases and Data Management (CS2019)

15 Credit Points

Databases are an important part of traditional information systems (offline /online) as well as modern data science pipelines. This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases using major database technologies. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications, both in lectures and lab classes.

In addition, the course covers topics including management of different kinds of data such as spatial data and data warehousing. The course provides more hands-on training that develops skills useful in practice.

Software Programming (CS2020)

15 Credit Points

This course is concerned with tools and techniques for scalable and dependable software programming. It focusses primarily on the Java programming language and related technologies. The course gives extensive programming practice in Java. It covers in depth features of the language and how best to use them, the execution model of the language, memory management, design principles underpinning the language, and comparisons with other languages. Tools for collaboration, productivity, and versioning will also be discussed.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)

15 Credit Points

Students will develop large commercial and industrial software systems as a team-based effort that puts technical quality at centre stage. The module will focus on the early stage of software development, encompassing team building, requirements specification, architectural and detailed design, and software construction. Group work (where each team of students will develop a system selected using a business planning exercise) will guide the software engineering learning process. Teams will be encouraged to have an active, agile approach to problem solving through the guided study, evaluation and integration of practically relevant software engineering concepts, methods, and tools.

C / C++ Programming (EE3093)

15 Credit Points

C programming is presented with an introduction to methods for the design of well-structured and maintainable computer programs. The course begins by introducing the syntax and semantics of the C programming language. This includes the use of structures and of pointers with a view to a later introduction to the C++ language. Techniques for producing easily maintained and modifiable code are emphasised. An introduction to elementary data structures (lists, stacks and queues) is included. Practical activity includes the use of basic software development tools (debugging techniques, version control). The course concludes with an introduction to the C++ programming language.

Signals, Systems & Signal Processing (EE3053)

15 Credit Points

How can the dynamic behaviour of a mechanical mass-spring-damper system be similar to an electrical resistance-capacitance-inductance circuit? Motivated by this question, this course introduces the signals – systems framework that helps in describing the dynamic behaviour of systems for a variety of inputs (signals). Useful analysis tools both in the frequency- and the time-domain are also introduced. In the later part of the course, these concepts will be used to understand basic signal processing in the form of both analogue and digital filter design.

Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)

15 Credit Points

Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.

Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)

15 Credit Points

In this module, which is the follow-up of CS3028, students will focus on the team-based development of a previously specified, designed, and concept-proofed software system. Each team will build their product to industrial-strength quality standards following an agile process and applying the software engineering concepts, methods, and tools introduced in CS3028. The course includes a series of mandatory participatory seminars on professional and management issues in IT and IT projects. Students will be expected to relate their engineering work to these issues.

Digital Systems (EE3580)

15 Credit Points

Digital systems design principles;HW implementation of Combinational logic;Clocked sequential systems and Finite State Machines;Design, implementation and testing of a synchronous system;Applications of Digital Systems in communications and robotics.

Communications Engineering 1 (EE3576)

10 Credit Points

A short course teaching fundamentals of digital communications engineering. The course focuses on remote control of equipment. It starts with asynchronous data, and use with a GPS device (to identify location and time), then studies the Digital Multiplex (DMX) control bus (a standard in the live entertainment industry) followed by the bi-directional Remote Device Management (RDM) protocol. It concludes with the synchronous the Controller Area Network (CAN) for industrial/transport applications.

Teaching will be supported by demonstrations of equipment and practical laboratory exercises. Accessible to students of computer science and electrical/electronic engineering.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Design (EE3579)

10 Credit Points

This course provides design, analysis and control of digital systems (hardware/Software) through practical implementation. This course involves three practical design projects. Each project relates with practical applications encounters in our daily life. The course begins with a discussion of different sensors commonly employed by the industry. The hardware aspects are explained with specific reference to the task of interfacing sensors to a microcontroller; the operation and programming of integrated systems is implemented using C++ code. The elements of writing well-structured software are introduced. Sustainability, environmental issue and ethics considerations are studied for embedded system design.

Project and Safety Management (EG3599)

10 Credit Points

To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

Distributed Systems and Security (CS4595)

BEng Individual Project (EG4014)

30 Credit Points

To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.

Operating Systems (CS4096)

15 Credit Points

Security (CS4097)

10 Credit Points

Sensing and Instrumentation (EE4017)

10 Credit Points

The course introduces sensing and instrumentation for various engineering applications. Major part of the course will consider case studies of sensing and instrumentation for various engineering applications and is suitable for all engineering and non-engineering students to learn about sensing and instrumentation.

Communications Engineering 2 (EE4546)

15 Credit Points

This course explores the techniques for packet data communication using Internet technologies. It starts by understanding Ethernet local network standards and how this developed from a cable bus to a switched high-speed network. It then proceeds to describe the operation of the network and transport layers, using examples from Internet Engineering to explain how a packet switched network can provide services that can be used by applications. The course is accessible to students of computer science and electronic engineering.

Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)

15 Credit Points

This course is a concentrated design and reporting exercise which requires application of project management and team liaison skills in addition to technical design ability. Specific exercises will include interdisciplinary aspects and will relate to design requirements arising from the professional activities of the School of Engineering or its industrial contacts. Written and oral presentations form part of the course.

Computer and Software Engineering (EE40GA)

10 Credit Points

Course studies the interplay between computer architecture and software design, with the aim to devise efficient systems for a broad range of applications. Processor architecture features (pipeline and cache) are discussed in parallel with the software techniques (for high-level programming or compilation) required to fully exploit the potential of modern hardware.

Hands-on activities include design and execution of small software projects. Alternative software implementations of a target algorithm are compared to understand differences in performance (e.g. execution speed) resulting from the different interactions with the hardware architecture. This allows students to test and deepen their understanding of the subject.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Engineering (Electronic and Software)?

Why Electrical and Electronic Engineering

  • We rely on electrical and electronic engineers for almost everything we do – from small electrical devices to high-voltage electrical power generation systems.
  • Electrical and electronic engineering is at the cutting edge of technology innovation, in areas including driverless vehicles, automation, robotics, medical equipment and the next generation of mobile data transmission.
  • Our EEE degree programmes are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
  • The University of Aberdeen's student-run EEE Society hosts regular events, including a Robotics League competition, incorporating CAD and programming skills, as well as regular social events.
  • Our teaching is supported by our excellent workshop and laboratories dedicated to satellite communications, robotics, lasers and computer-aided design, as well as many others.
  • Our interdisciplinary approach means students gain experience in each engineering discipline, making them highly sought-after by employers. This flexibility also means you choose your specialisation once you have experienced all five disciplines.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.

Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.

* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.

Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.

Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureat

Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).

Irish Leaving Certificate

Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

2025 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: BBBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.

Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers will be required.

* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.

Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBC*. Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.

Minimum: BCC* Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.

  • *NOTE: Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry.

Adjusted: CCC (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureat

Minimum of 32 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above).

Irish Leaving Certificate

Five subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.

FOR CHEMICAL & PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,250
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
EU / International students £24,800
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year

Scholarships and Funding

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Our Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Accreditation

Our Electrical and Electronic Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

This degree holds accreditation from

Engineering Work Experience

The Engineering Work Experience course develops students’ work readiness. Hear what our students and partner organisations have to say about their experience.

Focus on employability

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100 Years of Engineering

The School of Engineering is celebrating 100 years of engineering at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.

Our Experts

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Features

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Student Societies

Student Societies

The University is home to a broad range of student societies including professional teams, extra-curricular and subject-focused organisations and purely recreational groups based on a shared interest.

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TAU Formula Racing

TAU Formula Racing

TAU (Team Aberdeen University) Racing is a student-run Formula Student team that competes annually at Silverstone. It is made up of students from a variety of disciplines and helps develop excellent and highly-relevant career skills.

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Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX