| Unit name | Sensing, Actuation, and Energy Technologies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EEMEM0019 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Arab Hassani |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Micro/nano-scale sensing, actuation, and energy systems are essential for advancing modern technology. These devices enable precise monitoring, control, and power generation in compact, energy-efficient systems. Their applications span diverse fields, including biomedical implants that monitor and respond to health conditions, environmental sensors for real-time pollution tracking, and energy harvesters that power remote Internet of Things (IoT) devices without batteries. As technology continues to shrink, these systems facilitate more autonomous devices that can operate sustainably and independently. Their development is essential for future innovations in healthcare, smart infrastructure, robotics, and wearable electronics, driving progress toward a more connected and efficient world.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
With microelectronics evolving toward more compact, energy-efficient, and multifunctional systems, integrating sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting topics in the programme can prepare students for cutting-edge innovations in next-generation electronics. This unit is mandatory for the relevant PGT programmes of study and optional on some undergraduate programmes.
An overview of content
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will gain a deep understanding of the principles, fabrication methods, and applications of micro/nanoscale sensors and actuators bridging concepts from electronics, materials science, and mechanical engineering. This knowledge includes a focus on energy-efficient and sustainable energy technologies to push the boundaries of microelectronic technology by balancing trade-offs like power efficiency, miniaturization, and performance.
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this unit, you will be able to:
The unit will have a blended learning approach incorporating a combination of asynchronous materials and in-person lectures where various aspects of core knowledge are explained, and group study/discussion sessions to evaluate state-of-the-art systems reported in published papers or real-word products related to the core knowledge.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Quizzes on lecture materials and group activities with a focus on state-of-the-art sensing, actuation, and energy technologies. Feedback will be provided on submitted works to help towards understanding the core knowledge that will be assessed via the summative assessment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The unit will be assessed by a single exam that will carry a 100% weight in the unit mark. The exam will assess all ILOs.
When assessment does not go to plan
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EEMEM0019).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
