MSc-PGDip-PGCert in Information and Process Systems Engineering
ObjectivesKey learning outcomes are an understanding of the principles of knowledge management, decision making in technical systems and business information technologies. Such a skilled person will be able to help organisations make important decisions in view of vast amounts of information by adopting and executing the right technologies. 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.
Entry requirementsThe programme is aimed at traditional engineering (chemical, civil, mechanical, materials, aerospace, environmental) and science (physics, chemistry, biochemistry) graduates and those in related disciplines. Graduates from non-IT or related disciplines tend to be ill prepared for the information and knowledge-related challenges and demands of today's business environments.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Information and Process Systems Engineering
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip/PGCert in Information and Process 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.
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.
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.
Systems Analysis and Design
This module provides students with a sense of the diversity of computing systems in today's world; more importantly, it gives an appreciation of the wide range of issues that are related to the development of a computing system. Though the emphasis is on analysis and design skills, students will become familiar with the whole software lifecycle from 'user requirements' through to 'implementation' and 'testing'.
Strategic Information Management
This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to evaluate an organisation's needs in terms of information systems (IS) and to propose how IS can be used to enable an organisation to fulfil its goals.
E-commerce and Emerging Technologies onthe 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
-Process Systems Design
-Process and Energy Integration
-Computational Mathematics
-Bioinformatics
-Intelligent Information Systems
-Informatics
-Real Time Systems
Typical entry requirements
Candidates should be graduates with at least a Second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an engineering, science or related subject. Practitioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply.