Robotics and Intelligent Systems (MSc)

How will I be taught?

Modules are delivered through a series of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars, as well as design and research-led group activities. These methods vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on subject matter and the method of assessment. Supplementary learning resources are also provided to both aid student learning and provide stretching activities.

Individual modules provide further information on how to study and guidance on learning resources and further support.

As well as having individual activities, learning together is an important aspect of this programme, especially when collaborating across multi-disciplinary groups. Directed support is provided concerning effective team participation, developing group dynamics and reviewing peer contribution.

Experts from industry will also contribute by contextualising taught content with real-world problems, exploring latest engineering innovations and presenting case studies.

How will I be assessed?

Formative and summative assessments are designed to best reflect practical relevance and to be authentic, while evidencing achievement of the learning outcomes.

This gives a measure of performance to inform you, us as staff, and potential employers about your progress and achievement. It can also help the learning process by highlighting areas of success and areas needing more attention.

Assessment involves a blend of methods that are selected to suit the outcomes of each module and the course as a whole including:

• Formal examinations with fixed time-limits
• Class tests
• Written assignments such as reports, essays and posters
• Planning, conduct and reporting of project work
• Essays
• Problem-solving exercises (as workshop assignments)
• Oral presentations
• Peer review
• Reflective practices

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor to assist with both your academic progress and pastoral support in an informal and confidential manner. We take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Your personal tutor will see you regularly during the programme. For the dissertation stage, you will be allocated a supervisor and an industrial mentor if needed in your specialist field, who you will meet with regularly.

In addition to the broad range of support services provided centrally by Cardiff University, our Senior Personal Tutor will be available to help and advise on any personal matters.

You will be given access to a comprehensive handbook appropriate to your programme, containing details of the school’s procedures and policies. We make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) to share information, teaching materials and support your learning.

Feedback is an essential element of your learning experience and will be provided during the duration of your studies. Each module will have feedback mechanisms to aid in your learning and development. Formative assessments will have feedback that assists in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills. Feedback following summative assessments will outline the evidence used to mark your submission against set criteria and provide constructive comments towards developing your knowledge, understanding and skills for the future.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your programme, you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Appraise and evaluate the application of robotics and intelligent system knowledge to provide appropriate solutions for authentic problems encountered in research and industry.
• Develop engineering solutions to real engineering challenges that encompass a wide range of methodologies and resources.
• Show awareness of the role of robotics within industry and emerging fields of research and their potential benefits.
• Independently, critically evaluate familiar and unfamiliar approaches to robotics and artificial intelligence understanding how they are applied and adapted in specific disciplines.

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically analyse and interpret data from scientific and technical resources to solve real world problems.
• Plan, carry out, and evaluate investigative research demonstrating an integrated understanding of techniques for synthesis, analysis and/or computational modelling as applied to robotics and intelligent systems.
• Critique and defend your engineering solutions within a research and industrial context, as well as across wider societal impact.
• Critically review the framework of relevant government and legal requirements to implement ethical problems in artificial intelligence and robotics solutions.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Develop and implement solutions using a range of engineering skills, fundamental principles and processes.
• Collaborate with other engineering and science-based disciplines and related areas to create a holistic approach to tackling robotics and system design challenges.
• Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgment in evaluating sources of information.
• Collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways, identifying means to gain/use new data for artificial intelligence, control and sensory estimation applications.
• Independently research, analyse, and apply primary sources of literature to computational, data-processing, and electronic searching skills relating to robotics and intelligent systems information to develop, critically evaluate and present detailed reasoned arguments, hypotheses, decisions and findings within a dissertation.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Deploy a range of skills, including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, information retrieval, programming skills, self-learning, reflection and career development.
• Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team and be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Conceive, plan, execute and communicate outcomes of significant projects or research work that include originality in applying knowledge and critical engineering judgement.
• Develop awareness of your strengths and weaknesses using guidance/feedback to develop strategies for learning with emerging autonomy.