BEng (Hons)

Robotics and Automation

Teaching & Learning

The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.

What you'll learn

This module will build the skills and knowledge you'll need to develop and test digital electronics circuits and systems. You'll Identify key building blocks in complex digital systems and begin to analyse their operation. You'll gain an understanding of timing issues in synchronous and asynchronous circuits. Current semiconductor device fabrication technologies will be compared, and you'll appreciate trends in areas such as speed, power-consumption, gate density and cost. By the end of this module, you'll be able to simulate, construct, test and evaluate simple digital electronics systems.
Study fundamental engineering principles, using a top-down approach to analyse a range of engineering systems and sub-systems. This module will help you to become familiar with engineering terminology and literature. You'll develop a scientific understanding of the technologies involved. Furthermore, you'll learn to appreciate the ingenuity of design of widely used sensors and typical system components.
Learn to analyse and develop simple analogue electronic circuits.
Develop the mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year one. You'll study mathematical topics such as matrix algebra, vectors and vector analysis and the fundamentals of calculus. Additionally, you'll cover discipline areas including semiconductors and digital electronics. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and time management and planning.
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering and the software and computer tools available to engineers. You'll boost your problem-solving and technical skills and be able to apply your knowledge to computer-based solutions in relation to operation, maintenance, and reliability.
Combining a series of lectures with practical workshop sessions, this module will introduce you to the basic engineering design process. You'll use electronics and robotics kits as a starting point to design, build and test a working prototype with a range of functionalities.
Study the principles, tools, methods and application of mathematics within the discipline of electrical and electronics engineering. This module will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the scientific principles that support current technologies and their historical evolution. You'll boost your knowledge of mathematics and gain an awareness of the statistical methods required to support the application of key engineering principles. Furthermore, you'll learn to apply mathematical techniques, tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems.
This module will build the skills and knowledge you'll need to develop and test digital electronics circuits and systems. You'll Identify key building blocks in complex digital systems and begin to analyse their operation. You'll gain an understanding of timing issues in synchronous and asynchronous circuits. Current semiconductor device fabrication technologies will be compared, and you'll appreciate trends in areas such as speed, power-consumption, gate density and cost. By the end of this module, you'll be able to simulate, construct, test and evaluate simple digital electronics systems.
Study fundamental engineering principles, using a top-down approach to analyse a range of engineering systems and sub-systems. This module will help you to become familiar with engineering terminology and literature. You'll develop a scientific understanding of the technologies involved. Furthermore, you'll learn to appreciate the ingenuity of design of widely used sensors and typical system components.
Learn to analyse and develop simple analogue electronic circuits.
Develop the mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year one. You'll study mathematical topics such as matrix algebra, vectors and vector analysis and the fundamentals of calculus. Additionally, you'll cover discipline areas including semiconductors and digital electronics. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and time management and planning.
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering and the software and computer tools available to engineers. You'll boost your problem-solving and technical skills and be able to apply your knowledge to computer-based solutions in relation to operation, maintenance, and reliability.
Combining a series of lectures with practical workshop sessions, this module will introduce you to the basic engineering design process. You'll use electronics and robotics kits as a starting point to design, build and test a working prototype with a range of functionalities.
Study the principles, tools, methods and application of mathematics within the discipline of electrical and electronics engineering. This module will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the scientific principles that support current technologies and their historical evolution. You'll boost your knowledge of mathematics and gain an awareness of the statistical methods required to support the application of key engineering principles. Furthermore, you'll learn to apply mathematical techniques, tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems.

What you'll learn

Apply the theory of robotics within the field of an automation or industrial setting. You'll develop strategies to implement a robotic or automation system within a given scenario. During this module, you'll also analyse various industrial processes and determine types of automation most suitable to these processes, from plant layout to engineering costing. Additionally, you'll develop and assess a robotic solution for the successful automation process, including specification, programming, and cell design.
Develop your mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year two. You'll study mathematical topics such as complex numbers and analysis, fourier series and laplace transforms. Additionally, you'll cover discipline abilities including filter design, motors and microcontrollers and microprocessors. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and interpretation of engineering standards.
Building on the knowledge gained in your first year, you'll enhance your ability to analyse and develop electronic and electrical systems. This module will teach you how to use complex numbers in the analysis of series, parallel and series-parallel AC circuits. You'll learn how to apply network analysis techniques to complex AC circuits and use simulation software to examine more complex networks.
This module will introduce you to the principles of operating systems in relation to robotics. You'll use GNU, Linux and other shell and scripting tools, following the Unix principle of composability, to link disparate pieces of code to control robotics systems. You'll also be introduced to dedicated robotics operating systems, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), which you'll have the opportunity to use.
Apply the theory of device control in a variety of systems. You'll investigate the theory, properties and fundamentals of control systems. You'll learn to program devices using control strategies and selected sensors and actuators. In addition, you'll begin to understand the underlying scientific, mathematical, and statistical principles used in system design.
Enhance your proficiency in analysing and developing simple analogue electronic circuits.
Gain an understanding of core mathematical techniques and how these have been used across engineering disciplines over their evolution. You'll apply computer-based tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in specific problem domains.
Apply the theory of robotics within the field of an automation or industrial setting. You'll develop strategies to implement a robotic or automation system within a given scenario. During this module, you'll also analyse various industrial processes and determine types of automation most suitable to these processes, from plant layout to engineering costing. Additionally, you'll develop and assess a robotic solution for the successful automation process, including specification, programming, and cell design.
Develop your mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year two. You'll study mathematical topics such as complex numbers and analysis, fourier series and laplace transforms. Additionally, you'll cover discipline abilities including filter design, motors and microcontrollers and microprocessors. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and interpretation of engineering standards.
Building on the knowledge gained in your first year, you'll enhance your ability to analyse and develop electronic and electrical systems. This module will teach you how to use complex numbers in the analysis of series, parallel and series-parallel AC circuits. You'll learn how to apply network analysis techniques to complex AC circuits and use simulation software to examine more complex networks.
This module will introduce you to the principles of operating systems in relation to robotics. You'll use GNU, Linux and other shell and scripting tools, following the Unix principle of composability, to link disparate pieces of code to control robotics systems. You'll also be introduced to dedicated robotics operating systems, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), which you'll have the opportunity to use.
Apply the theory of device control in a variety of systems. You'll investigate the theory, properties and fundamentals of control systems. You'll learn to program devices using control strategies and selected sensors and actuators. In addition, you'll begin to understand the underlying scientific, mathematical, and statistical principles used in system design.
Enhance your proficiency in analysing and developing simple analogue electronic circuits.
Gain an understanding of core mathematical techniques and how these have been used across engineering disciplines over their evolution. You'll apply computer-based tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in specific problem domains.

What you'll learn

Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering. You'll discover where and how computer simulation can benefit an organisation. You'll also examine its role in the design, planning and control of production systems. By the end of this module, you'll be able to identify the key elements of lean and agile engineering and recommend possible solutions to scenarios.
This module will introduce you to management accounting and information systems theory and techniques. You'll study the support systems for information management and the contribution of the accountant in providing information for decision-making and corporate control. You'll also examine the wider social, legal, ethical and sustainability landscape in which engineering decisions are taken.
This module will provide the opportunity for you to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You'll research, generate ideas, design, create, implement, and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process. By the end of this module, you'll be able to plan, design, build, test and evaluate a significant product to a professional standard.
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering. You'll discover where and how computer simulation can benefit an organisation. You'll also examine its role in the design, planning and control of production systems. By the end of this module, you'll be able to identify the key elements of lean and agile engineering and recommend possible solutions to scenarios.
This module will introduce you to management accounting and information systems theory and techniques. You'll study the support systems for information management and the contribution of the accountant in providing information for decision-making and corporate control. You'll also examine the wider social, legal, ethical and sustainability landscape in which engineering decisions are taken.
This module will provide the opportunity for you to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You'll research, generate ideas, design, create, implement, and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process. By the end of this module, you'll be able to plan, design, build, test and evaluate a significant product to a professional standard.

Option modules may include

Discover the simulation tools available to engineers for building dynamic models of a factory or production system. You'll have the opportunity to test "what if" scenarios to see what works in the real world. You'll analyse data to improve product flow through a production process, investigating time, space, variability, and the complicated relationships within the system. This module will also include access to 3D environments, where you'll represent real-world scenarios and rationalise your results, including the use of financial data and modelling.
This module will empower you to critically engage with the strategic drivers in the design and implementation of DSP solutions. From real-world problem definition through to coding and implementation, you'll compare and contrast the key constraints in designing solutions. Furthermore, you'll learn to evaluate DSP silicon options and associated platforms for simulating, prototyping, and validating DSP designs.
Investigate the theory, design and implementation of computer controlled industrial systems.
Power electronics plays a great role in processing and controlling the flow of electric energy. It supplies voltages and currents that are optimally suitable for user loads. You'll gain a firm understanding of the application of solid-state electronics for the control and conversion of electric power.
Understand the basic principles of modern industrial networks that are built on variations of Ethernet over Transmissions Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This module will introduce you to the historic standards in widespread use, TCP/IP networks using different data links, and physical layer protocols for specialist networks. By the end of this module, you'll be able to critically analyse the design of proposed and actual networks to identify key security threats and areas of weakness.
Discover the simulation tools available to engineers for building dynamic models of a factory or production system. You'll have the opportunity to test "what if" scenarios to see what works in the real world. You'll analyse data to improve product flow through a production process, investigating time, space, variability, and the complicated relationships within the system. This module will also include access to 3D environments, where you'll represent real-world scenarios and rationalise your results, including the use of financial data and modelling.
This module will empower you to critically engage with the strategic drivers in the design and implementation of DSP solutions. From real-world problem definition through to coding and implementation, you'll compare and contrast the key constraints in designing solutions. Furthermore, you'll learn to evaluate DSP silicon options and associated platforms for simulating, prototyping, and validating DSP designs.
Investigate the theory, design and implementation of computer controlled industrial systems.
Power electronics plays a great role in processing and controlling the flow of electric energy. It supplies voltages and currents that are optimally suitable for user loads. You'll gain a firm understanding of the application of solid-state electronics for the control and conversion of electric power.
Understand the basic principles of modern industrial networks that are built on variations of Ethernet over Transmissions Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This module will introduce you to the historic standards in widespread use, TCP/IP networks using different data links, and physical layer protocols for specialist networks. By the end of this module, you'll be able to critically analyse the design of proposed and actual networks to identify key security threats and areas of weakness.

This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.

Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.