| Unit name | Robotics Science & Systems (TB-2) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SEMTM0042 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. O'Dowd |
| 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 Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Robotics is a rapidly growing area of research and industry, increasingly with real use cases in our everyday lives. A robot acting within our society is much more than a “mobile computer” - a robot becomes part of a complex system (a robotic system), having consequential interactions with dynamic and unpredictable environments.
It therefore becomes imperative that we understand how robotic systems operate and the causal factors influencing their performance. We must also seek to understand and communicate when they do not work as expected, communicating the limitations and failure modes of robotic systems. Our ability to engage in this scientific way is the heart of research and development of robotics technologies.
This unit introduces core concepts of robotic systems, practical experience in programming software for hardware, and the application of the scientific method to evaluate robotic systems, further developing analytical skills.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit provides core disciplinary competency for MSc Robotics, Bio-Robotics and Aerial Robotics. For all programmes, this unit provides the opportunity to bring your own disciplinary background to bear on the development and evaluation of robotics systems. Robotics systems are by nature inter-disciplinary. This unit provides a subject to exercise and develop analytical and evaluative skills by learning how apply the scientific method to a complex system, and how to communicate scientific findings.
An overview of content
Topics covered in this unit will include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout this unit there is a focus on you developing key postgraduate skills of analysis and evaluation. The unit provides an introduction to robotic systems as complex systems, and will then support you to apply theory, concepts and skills from prior studies. You will develop skills and confidence to approach complex problems or systems, and you will learn how to communicate a well-evidenced argument based on what you have learned.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
This unit is concerned with the understanding and communicating the complexity of a robotic system, and so the best approach is to study a real robotic system. Teaching on this unit is primarily delivered through practical teaching (lab sessions). While students are working on the Individual Coursework Project, the lab sessions provide a forum for technical troubleshooting, problem-solving and discussion. This assessment is also facilitated through a set of lab exercise sheets. While students are working on the Group Coursework Project, the lab sessions are used to support and mentor the development and execution of a scientific experiment and the reasoning applied to the interpretation of results. Lab sessions are supported through a lecture series. The lecture series provides appropriate concepts, theory and context to support the assessments, as well as supporting activities where appropriate, such as discussion of code, lab exercises, group activities and Q&A sessions.
Summary
This unit is assessed in two parts. The first assessment period (associated with the Individual Coursework Project) serves as an introduction to robotics technologies, enabling you to develop familiarity with writing software for hardware and to gain an appreciation for the complexity of a robotic system. The second assessment period (associated with the Group Coursework Project) will then allow you to exercise and develop skills of analysis and evaluation through the design, execution and reporting of a scientific experiment with a robotic system.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
While working on the Individual Coursework Project, you will be supported formatively via troubleshooting and problem-solving within practical laboratory. Through these, you will be able to demonstrate your work in progress and gain expert help. Exercises provided for laboratory sessions will be discussed via a Q&A format within the lecture series.
While working on the Group Coursework Project, you will be provided with formative feedback through regular supervision on your approach to design, execute and discuss a scientific experiment. Extracts from example reports will be used during the lecture series to help you to understand the assessment criteria and their rationale.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan:
Re-assessment of the Individual Coursework Project takes the same form as the original summative assessment. Re-assessment of the Group Coursework Project will take the form of an individual piece of coursework that covers equivalent material to the original Group Coursework Project..
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. SEMTM0042).
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.
