MSc-PGDip-PGCert in Information and Business Systems Engineering
ObjectivesThe MSc in Information and Business Systems Engineering is aimed at graduates of traditional engineering (chemical, civil, mechanical, materials, aerospace, environmental), science (physics, chemistry, biochemistry) and related disciplines. It disseminates knowledge from a systems engineering perspective with a focus on the business and decision-making environments that graduates are likely to face in the technology-based industries they aim to serve. There is a wide selection of modules on offer within the programme. All taught modules are delivered by qualified experts in the topics and academic members of the University staff, assisted by specialist external lecturers. The programme aims to provide high quality education with substantial intellectual challenges, commensurate with the financial rewards and job satisfaction for the student when venturing into the real world. It aims to make students aware of current technologies and trends based on rigorous training in matters relating to the fundamentals of the subject. Such skilled persons would be able to help technology-intensive organisations make important decisions in view of vast amounts of information by adopting, combining, implementing and executing the right technologies. Such a person would also be well prepared to keep abreast of the rapid changes which are taking place in information and business systems technologies.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirements Candidates should be graduates with at least a second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an engineering, science or related subject. Practioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Information and Business Systems Engineering
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Information and Business Systems Engineering Module overview
Compulsory Modules
Optimisation and Decision Making
This module seeks to develop students' understanding of the technology available to optimise process systems, business models and operations. Students are provided with state-of-the-art versions of modelling and optimisation approaches in order to understand both the potential and the limitations of available techniques.
Business and Research Seminars
This module consists of a series of seminars delivered by academics and industrial experts from diverse hi-tech industries (including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, oil and gas, information systems, and so on). It presents students with valuable insights into today's challenges faced by technology-intensive industries in terms of their business and information systems activities and also covers general business aspects that will explain how to start up a technology-based company.
Research Methods
This module aims to provide an introduction to the general principles and practices associated with planning, undertaking and reporting research in engineering or physical sciences. At the end of the module students should be in a position to apply the taught material to their own project, in order to produce a strategy for a literature search and an outline experimental plan.
Knowledge-based Systems and Artificial Intelligence
This module presents the current understanding of the development of decision support systems and knowledge management systems. It uses a common thread and examples from the design of chemical processes, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence techniques such as knowledge representation, knowledge-based decision support and agents technology.
Supply Chain Management
This module provides knowledge about the latest trends in the management of product supply chains and enterprise resource planning. Students learn the basic constituents of supply chains followed by the systems engineering aspects of supply chain monitoring, simulation and optimisation.
E-commerce and Emerging Technologies on the Internet
This module gives students an understanding of the role and importance of information management in organisations through the critical analysis of specific case studies. Students learn about the future role of information bases in organisations and gain practical experience in using these prototype technologies to solve business problems.
Dissertation
The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to pursue a single topic in depth and to demonstrate evidence of research potential for the Masters award. Students are encouraged to either research a new concept or apply existing technology in a new field. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry. Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to approach an open-ended topic, to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.
Optional modules include:
-Software Development
-Computational Mathematics
-Process and Energy Integration
-Process Systems Design
-Informatics
-Real Time Systems
-Intelligent Information Systems
-Strategic Information Management