Module Master of Engineering Project for Embedded Systems Engineering 13 March 2009

Embedded Systems Project

Module Details

Short Title: Embedded Systems Project DRAFT

Full Title: Master of Engineering Project for Embedded Systems Engineering
Module Id: 4720

Official Code: NFQ Level: 9 ECTS 30

Credits:

Coordinator: JOSEPH CONNELL

Description: This project takes place in semester 11 of a 90-credit 5th year. Its focus is on embedded
systems incorporating physical layer devices, on chip intelligence, e.g. cores and RTOS,
self-organising, distributed sensor networks, wireless comms protocols and high level control.
The project can take place within industry or within an existing research group in the dept.

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
1. develop a project plan that specifies breath and depth of the project and identifies learning gaps that
must be bridged
2. propose a number of solutions to a complex problem based on current state of the art
3. apply a range of current and developing networking and embedded technologies to the design,
development and analysis of the proposed project solution
4. undertake research and project development with due regard to professional practice, health and safety
in the workplace including health & safety, efficient practice, and in accordance with the projects
reporting structures and responsibilities.
5. demonstrate the potential impact of technical decisions/judgements in matters social, ethical,
environmental, commercial and organisational and of the guidelines available, e.g. through
representative bodies such as Engineers Ireland (EI), for promoting the highest standards of behaviour
6. prepare a conference publication that synthesises key findings and analytical developments

Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You
may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable
difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is
expressed as named CIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is
equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this
module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this
module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Module Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You
may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed

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Module Master of Engineering Project for Embedded Systems Engineering 13 March 2009

Embedded Systems Project

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content

Project Selection
During semesters 1 and 2, students will discuss possible project proposals initiated by themselves or by
academic staff involved in project supervision. Student proposals are encouraged particularly in the case of
those working in industry. All project proposals will be reviewed by a panel of staff and assessed for
suitability in terms of programme intent and programme outcomes. Projects not deemed to be of sufficient
standard will be returned to the proposer with comments designed to assist the proposer in improving the
content. Further review cycles will tune a final list of acceptable projects. Those projects taking place in
industry will require input from site-based technical management as part of the tuning process. Supervisors
and assessors will then be appointed.
Literature Review
All projects will initially involve a literature review to assess the current thinking in the area and to help
identify the context for the specific problem to be addressed. Students will present results of their review
along with a project workplan to their peers and a panel of supervisors in week 4 of the project term.
Suggested changes to the focus of the project may result from this process. These will be discussed with
the supervisor and the assessor and a final plan approved.
Project Operation
Students will then implement the plan in an industrial or research setting. Regular meetings with the project
supervisor will ensure that the project remains focussed and that early detection of any problems can occur
along with the identification of any remedial action required. Access to complaints and appeals procedures
will be available to all parties through the programme board and through the dept. postgraduate studies
board. All students will need to be aware of IP issues irrespective of where the work is being done and
particularly in relation to publications. If required, an agreement on IP and confidentiality can be concluded
before the commencement of the project.
Project Assessment
Students will write a journal paper at the end of the project period and present it under conference-type
conditions to peers and a panel of academics and industrial experts. The project work will also be
demonstrated and put on display. Students' work journals will also be assessed for accuracy as a
chronological account of the time spent and as a reflection on their thoughts and their processes of
analyses, judgement and conclusions.

Assessment Breakdown %
Course Work 100%
End of Semester Formal Examination 0%

Coursework Breakdown
Type Description Outcome % of Assessment
addressed total Date
Presentation project management 1,4,5 20 Week 4
Presentation conference type 2,3 10 Sem End
Written Report journal paper 10-12 pages 2,3,6 30 Sem End
Reflective Journal thoughts and analysis 1,2,3,4,5,6 40 Sem End

The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

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Module Master of Engineering Project for Embedded Systems Engineering 13 March 2009

Embedded Systems Project

Module Workload & Resources

Workload Full-time mode

Type Description Hours Frequency Average
Weekly
Learner
Workload
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Review of Progress 2 Every 2.00
Week
Independent & Directed Learning Project Work and Independent 40 Every 40.00
(Non-contact) Learning Week
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00

Workload Part-time mode

Type Description Hours Frequency Average
Weekly
Learner
Workload
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Review of Progress 1 Every 1.00
Week
Independent & Directed Learning Project Work and Independent 20 Every 20.00
(Non-contact) Learning Week
Total Weekly Learner Workload 21.00

Resources
Supplementary Book Resources

Richard Zurawski 2005, Embedded Systems Handbook, 1st Ed., CRC Press [ISBN:
9780849328244]
Renata Phelps, Kath Fisher, Allan H Ellis 2007, Organizing and Managing Your Research: A
Practical Guide for Postgraduates, Sage Publications Ltd [ISBN: 978-1412920643]
Cryer 2000, The research students guide to success, 2nd Ed., Open University Press [ISBN:
978-0335206865]
Frank Vahid, Tony D. Givargis 2001, Embedded System Design: A Unified Hardware/Software
Introduction, Wiley [ISBN: 978-0-471-38678-0]
Marwedel 2005, Embedded System Design, Springer [ISBN: 978-0387292373]

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