| Unit name | Introduction to Robotics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMT20005 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Lawry |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Matrix Algebra and Linear Models (MATH10016), Computer Programming and Algorithms (SEMT10002) |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
This unit will offer a distinctive perspective on how robotics differ from computers and will provide you with foundational insights into the unique challenges and intricacies of designing, programming, and controlling robotic systems and manipulators. The unit will discuss a variety of components that encompass robotic systems, such as sensors, actuators, their architectures as well as delve into specific domains such as mechanisms and mobile robots. It will give you a start to exploring the cross-disciplinary world of robotics, helping you to navigate it and find your own solutions to challenges. It will also give you a flavour of potential applications, such as human-robot interaction principles.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit will provide you with the foundation required to apply AI techniques in robotic applications, later in the programme. It will give you the prerequisites for the ‘Applications of AI in Robotics and Autonomous Systems’ unit of the 3rd year of the programme as well as any Robotics-related content of ‘Problem Solving with AI’ unit of TB2 of the 2nd year of the programme.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit will include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students on the unit will learn about modelling, programming and controlling robotic systems. They will have gained an appreciation of the challenges and methods that can be used and complimented with AI to develop robotic solutions to challenges.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including pre-recorded video lectures, on-campus lecture/Q&A discussions, and formative quizzes. The unit will be supported by regular computer labs; these will provide student-centred on-campus learning through practical problem solving and will create a supportive environment where students apply for themselves the theory and methods discussed in the unit.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Lectorials, practical laboratories, online quizzes.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
This unit will be assessed by two individual pieces of coursework:
When assessment does not go to plan
If you pass one of the summative assessments, then your mark for this can be carried forward towards your final mark and you will only have to be reassessed on the assessment that you did not pass. Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment in the case of assessment 1. For assessment 2 the re-assessment will be reflective account of a practical activity carried out in simulation.
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. SEMT20005).
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.
