The Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden

Phone: +46 90 786 0000

www.umu.se

Ref. no.

Date

Page 1 (11)

Master’s Programme in Robotics and Control Masterprogrammet i robotik och reglerteknik

Scope: 120 higher education credits

Degree: Technology Master's Degree in Computer Science or Electronics depending on choice of

courses in programme. The description of the degree can be found at:

http://www.umu.se/studentcentrum/verksamhet/examina/examensbeskrivningar.html

Level affiliation: Advanced level

Programme code: TAROM

Confirmation: The programme syllabus was established by the Faculty of Science and Technology Board on 21-03-2007.

Enters into force: 2007-07-01

Responsible authority: The Faculty of Science and Technology (The Science Committee)

The study programme’s goal

Description of the study programme at the current level

Chapter 1 , Section 9 of the Higher Education Act: Advanced university education shall be

based principally on the knowledge the students have acquired during their basic university education

or on equivalent knowledge.

Advanced university education shall further develop a student’s knowledge, skills and abilities

acquired at the basic university education level and shall also,

- further develop the students’ ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,

- develop the students’ ability to handle complex phenomena, problems and situations, and

- develop students’ abilities for professional activity which makes great demands on independence, or

for research and development work.

National goals for the current degree

Knowledge and understanding

To be granted a Master’s degree, the student must

exhibit the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, evaluate and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even when limited information is available, exhibit the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate questions, to plan and with adequate methods carry out qualified tasks within given time frames and thereby contribute to the development of knowledge and to evaluate this work

Page 2 (11)

exhibit the ability to account clearly for and discuss conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that form the basis of these in dialogue form with different groups in both a national and international context, verbally and in writing, and exhibit such skills that are required to participate in research and development work or to independently work in other qualified areas.

Ability to assess and approach

To be granted a Master’s degree, the student must

within the main field of study for the education, exhibit the ability to make assessments by taking into consideration relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects and exhibit an awareness of ethical aspects with regard to research and development work, exhibit insight as to the opportunities and the limitations that science has, its role in society and man’s responsibility as to how it is used, and exhibit the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and to assume responsibility for the development of personal knowledge.

Local goals for the current degree

Master of Technology Degree in Computer Science

To obtain a Master of Technology Degree in Computer Science at Umeå University, in

addition to the national goals, the student shall

exhibit a good understanding of the general principles the subject is based on,

account for computer scientific theories and methods,

understand and use computer scientific abstracts and the models,

independently identify and solve problems by using computer scientific techniques, theories and tools,

identify and procure further knowledge required to solve specific problems, and apply in a practical sense the acquired theoretical knowledge,

apply a scientific approach and analytical thought as a basis for planning and implementation of a major independent project,

account for knowledge, plans and achieve results verbally and in writing, in Swedish as well as English,

independently and in cooperation with others, plan and complete different types of projects in both a subordinate and a leading role,

cooperate and communicate with people who have a scientific background and those who lack a scientific background,

observe prevailing legal, ethical and social frameworks and principles during the course of the work.

To focus on computer science, the student should also be able to

how considerable in-depth knowledge in computer science,

follow developments within the field of study and utilise new research results,

Page 3 (11)

create abstractions and formal models which describe computer scientific contexts and phenomenon,

independently formalise computer scientific problems and solve them by using computer scientific techniques, theories and tools,

actively and independently evaluate own knowledge requirements and be able to further develop all the skills, abilities and knowledge in computer science.

To focus on robotics, the student should also be able to

display considerable in-depth knowledge in robotics and control techniques,

assimilate new research results and participate in advanced development work in robotics and control techniques,

create abstractions and formal models which describe contexts and phenomenon in robotics and control techniques,

independently formulated formalise problems in robotics and control techniques and solve them by using the techniques, theories and tools used in the field of study,

actively and independently evaluate own knowledge requirements and be able to further develop own skills, abilities and knowledge in robotics and control techniques.

Technology Master's degree in electronics Knowledge and understanding To focus on interactive technical systems, the student shall in addition to the national goals have an in-depth knowledge of areas such as wireless technology and networks, intelligent mobile portable systems, electronic systems and perception as well as the treatment of media signals. be able to cover and understand the special principles which constitute interactive technical systems, and its limitations, be able to, independently and with originality, contribute to the analysis and realisation of interactive, mobile, wireless, systems. To focus on robotics and control techniques, the student shall in addition to the national goals possess in-depth knowledge of the field of study intelligent robots and control techniques focusing on process regulation or the regulation of mechanical systems. be able to cover and understand the special principles which constitute robotics and control techniques and its limitations, be able to, independently and with originality, contribute to the development and realisation of applications within the field of robotics and control techniques.

Proficiency and aptitude To be granted a Master's Degree in Electronics, the student, in addition to the national goals shall

possess a particular ability to independently, verbally and in writing, describe and related important technical information and underlying knowledge to specialists as well non-specialists. possess the ability to solve product-oriented problems which are of a high degree of complexity where many disciplines are represented in development/workgroups.

Page 4 (11)

To focus on interactive technical systems, the student in addition shall possess the ability to, independently with limited information, develop and furnish new knowledge to the area interactive technical systems. To focus on robotics and control techniques, the student shall in addition possess the ability to, independently with limited information, develop and furnish new knowledge to the area robotics and control techniques.

Ability to assess and approach To be granted a Master's Degree in Electronics, the student, in addition to the national goals shall be able to evaluate electronic systems in a scientific perspective and their impact on man from an environmental, ethical and societal point of view. possess a professional approach to cooperation with people of different nationalities, who speak different languages, gender and age.

Content and organisation

General

The programme is multidisciplinary and will address in particular the areas programming, artificial

intelligence, mathematical models and electronics. Many courses consist of a great deal of laboratory

work whereby the students are able to work at controlling different types of robots.

The educational programme comprises a total of 120 university credits, of which 30 university credits

are a degree project. The programme also offers the opportunity for deeper studies in control

techniques and robotics. It is also possible to design an individual profile.

The programme includes racing courses, elective courses and optional courses. During the first term,

the programme's basic courses of study. The initial courses include elements which may be adapted so

that students with different backgrounds will easily be able to assimilate the rest of the course. During

the second term and in particular during the third term, advanced courses are studied in control

techniques and robotics. Time may also be available for further elective or optional courses. The

education finishes with a degree project during the fourth term.

Basic courses

These courses are studied by all students on the programme, because they are required in order to

comply with the degree goals as described in the previous section. The courses also provide basic

knowledge in the programme’s advanced profiles. For the basic courses, the student that follows the

programme has guaranteed admission.

Page 5 (11)

The Challenges of Robotics 7.5 university credits 5DV029

Artificial Intelligence 7.5 university credits 5DV019

Linear Systems 7.5 university credits 5EL080

The Basics of Robotics and Control Techniques 7.5 university credits 5EL096

Elective courses The remaining 60 university credits are general to the programme or associated to the two profiles,

robotics and control techniques, which are recommended study paths. It is also possible to choose

freely from courses in both profiles. .

The programme is being developed, the selection therefore of elective courses may change. In addition,

there may occur variations in the courses offered from year to year. The courses must be chosen so

that the requirements in the prevailing qualification descriptor are fulfilled. The entry requirements

for certain courses are higher than the admission requirements for the programme. Details are

available in the syllabus for each course (see http://www.cs.umu.se/kurser, and

www.tfe.umu.se/utbildning/Utbildning). The courses listed below are elective in the programme. The

courses have been divided up based on the profiles they are primarily associated with.

Specialisation: Robotics and Control Techniques

Profile robotics

Intelligent Robots 7.5 university credits 5DV053

Pattern Recognition 7.5 university credits 5DV025

Intelligent Robots 2 7.5 university credits not

developed yet

Image Analysis 7.5 university credits 5DV015

Emergent Systems 7.5 university credits 5DV017

Profile control techniques

Page 6 (11)

The basics repeated 7.5 university credits, not developed yet

and adaptive controls

Optimal controls 7.5 university credits, not developed yet

Control methods for robot applications 15 university credits not

developed yet

Numeric methods for control techniques 7.5 university credits, not developed yet

Other courses

Degree project 30 university credits 5DV047

Technical and scientific calculations 7.5 university credits 5DV034

Advanced programming with Java 7.5 university credits TDBA73

Systems programming 7.5 university credits 5DV006

Object-oriented 7.5 university credits 5DV039

programming in Java for engineers

Data communication and data networks 7.5 university credits 5DV013

Geometric image analysis 7.5 university credits 5DV055

Non-linear optimisation 7.5 university credits 5DA001

with applications

Vehicle engineering A 7.5 university credits 5MT004

Vehicle electronics B 7.5 university credits 5EL042

Digital technology A 7.5 university credits 5EL006

Sensors and electronics 7.5 university credits 5EL051

The treatment of media signals D 15 university credits 5EL061

Page 7 (11)

Programming of built-in systems C 7.5 university credits 5EL020

Digital vision C 7.5 university credits 5EL071

Image processing C 7.5 university credits 4EL064

On an elective course, the student has a guaranteed place from a selection of courses which are the equivalent of full-time studies, but there is no guarantee of first choice. Elective courses from other seats of learning may qualify to be included in the examination.

Optional courses Optional courses are applied for in open competition. Optional courses from other seats of learning may qualify to be included in the degree.

Programme overview

Each academic year is divided up into an autumn and spring term. Each term is divided up into two

study periods. Usually, to courses are studied at the same time during one period. The teaching is

provided in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises and supervision in connection with

laboratory experiments and written assignments. Laboratory experiments and written assignments are

usually compulsory, and make up an important part of the education. The reporting of these usually

includes verbal and written parts.

In order to maintain the pace of studies necessary to follow the programme, normally a 40 hour

working week is required. The proportion of scheduled teaching each week, is however considerably

less than 40 hours. Course literature and teaching is mainly in English.

The normal arrangement of courses from a time aspect is shown in the block diagram below. The

schedules for both profiles should only be regarded as examples, this is because it is possible to create

your own profile via the elective courses. Deviations and variations can however occur from year to

year. Links to current information is available at www.cs.umu.se/kurser, and

www.tfe.umu.se/utbildning/Utbildning.

General block diagram

Autumn Robotic challenges Artificial intelligence

Linear systems The basics of robotics and control

techniques

Page 8 (11)

Spring Elective course Elective course

Elective course Elective course

Autumn Elective course Elective course

Elective course Elective course

Spring Degree project

Block diagram for profile robotics

Autumn Robotic challenges Artificial intelligence

Linear systems The basics of robotics and control

techniques

Spring Image analysis Elective course

Intelligent robots Elective course

Autumn Intelligent robots 2 Elective course

Pattern recognition Emergent systems

Spring Degree project

Block diagram for profile control techniques

Autumn Robotic challenges Artificial intelligence

Linear systems The basics of robotics and control

techniques

Page 9 (11)

Spring The basics of Iterative and adaptive

control

Elective course

Optimal controls Elective course

Autumn Numeric methods for control techniques Elective course

Control methods for robot applications

Spring Degree project

Degree project/Independent project

The degree project concludes the education and maybe started when the entry requirements for the course syllabus are met. The degree project comprises 30 university credit in which the student applies the knowledge acquired during the study period and verbally and also via a written report/paper expresses the results of his/her work. The work should include some form of subject-related in-depth study within the area. The degree project is normally carried out on an individual basis, but in certain circumstances it is permitted for two students to cooperate. The degree project may be carried out at a company. The work carried out on the degree project does however form a part of university studies. A supervisor at the university will always be appointed, he/she will be responsible for ensuring that the requisite advanced studies are achieved. The report will be linguistically and stylistically designed so that it will correspond qualitatively with reports produced at universities and in industry. The report must include an English summary, and an English translation of the title. Alternatively, the entire report may be written in English.

Eligibility and selection

Eligibility requirement For admission to the educational programme, in addition to a Bachelor's degree, Bachelor of Arts degree or a vocational qualifications amounting to a minimum of 180 university credits (or the equivalent foreign degree), the following are also required:

a) 15 university credit in the subject computer science

b) 7.5 university credit in the subject electronics

c) 30 university credit in the subject mathematics

d) 7.5 university credit in the subject mathematical statistics

Page 10

(11)

Selection See the university’s admission regulations on selection: http://www.umu.se/planering/Bologna/arkiv/AntagningUS.12dec05.pdf

Examination and Assessment

Examination modes

Examination normally takes place at the end of each course, is verbal and/or written. It can totally or partly be replaced by continuous knowledge assessment within the context of the education, for example in the form of discussion seminars, oral and/or written reports etc.

Students that have been failed in an examination will be given the opportunity to participate in further examinations in accordance with the regulations specified in the course syllabus. Students that have failed twice in an examination have the right to take the examination once again via the department board requesting that another teacher is selected to determine the grade in a new examination.

Grades

Grades are given for each course and if the course is divided up into various stages, grades are also

given for these. Grading takes place when all examinations and all compulsory elements, for example

field trips, project reports and written assignments have been approved.

Unless otherwise specified in the course syllabus, the grades 3, 4, 5 are awarded. If you have already

achieved a Pass grade, it is not permitted to resit an examination to acquire a higher grade.

Academic credit transfer The student has the right of assessment to find out whether a previous education or activity can be accepted in the form of an academic credit transfer. For more information, see the Higher Education Ordinance and: www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/index.html

A negative decision regarding academic credit transfer is possible to appeal against to the Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision must also be motivated in writing.

Other regulations

Temporary postponement of studies in conjunction with the beginning of studies

Deferral of commencement of study may be granted if there are special reasons for doing so:

Examples of special reasons are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other

responsibility for nursing etc. Your application should be sent in writing to StudentCentrum (the

Student Centre).

A negative decision on deferral of commencement of study may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Page 11

(11)

Interruption of studies Students who leave the study programme must notify the programme study guidance officer of the interruption of studies.

Discontinuation A negative decision on being allowed to resume studies after a break in study may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Advisement against (optional information)

Further information can be obtained from programme coordinator or the programme study advisor

via the University switchboard 090/786 50 00, or via the website

www.teknat.umu.se/UmTH/utbildningsinfo.

See also the Code of Undergraduate Studies at Umeå University:

www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen.