MSc in Electronics: Analogue System Design
A taught postgraduate degree, offering a broad and flexible approach to the study of analogue VLSI and CMOS IC design.
Introduction
The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most distinguished teaching and research institutions in the world. The University is located in Scotland's historic and beautiful capital city which offers a wide range of cultural events and recreational facilities, together with easy access to Scotland's unspoilt wilderness.
The course will be offered by the Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems which is part of the School of Engineering and Electronics at the University of Edinburgh. The Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems research activities cover integrated circuit and system-on-chip design through to neural computation, microfabrication and micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). This ranges from industrially-focused process development to more blue sky related research involving novel structures on silicon. |
View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill |
The MSc in Analogue System Design is intended to equip graduates and working professionals with expertise in these techniques. A particular feature of this course will be the focus on a practical implementation of CMOS IC design.
Students will gain an understanding of the full design flow through
to chip fabrication and will undertake a design project on a current
IC process.
The School of Engineering and Electronics has a long track record in innovative IC design, with many examples of these technologies used in spin-out companies e.g. Wolfson Microelectronics, ST Microelectronics, Microemissive Displays [etc], and we continue to have a close working relationship with these companies offering project places and employing our graduates. |
Scottish Microelectronics Centre |
A further benefit of the course is the close relationship with the Scottish Microelectronics Center, a purpose built facility at the University's Science and Engineering campus, which consists of approximately 300m2 of class 10 cleanrooms and 1000m2 of office and laboratory space. The course is engineering-based but offers a multidisciplinary approach to developing technologies in this key area. The SMC is also an incubator and hosts a number of start-up companies providing a rich environment for both research and commercial technology developments. |
Course Objectives
The course objective is to provide students with a knowledge of analogue circuit design together with hands-on experience of a standard CMOS IC design flow. Graduates will be equipped for a career in industry and/or research in this highly active field.
Course Structure and Assessment
The MSc will be provided as a full-time course taught over one year starting in mid-September (Exact semester dates can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus or from the main University website). The course will be taught in modules to provide essential background material as well as advanced specialist topics in the field, and will include an extended research project selected by the student.
The programme will have a modular structure with the award of credits for successful completion of each module and the project. A total of 180 credits (120 from taught modules plus 60 from the project) are required at a satisfactory level of achievement in all modules for the award of the Master's degree. The modules offered* will comprise :
Semester 1
- Analogue IC Design (10 credits)
- Analogue VLSI A (20 credits)
- Principles of Microelectronic Devices (10 credits)
- Discrete-Time Signal Analysis (10 credits)
- Power Electronics (10 credits)
Semester 2
- Analogue VLSI B (20 credits)
- Analogue Circuit Design (10 credits)
- CMOS IC Testing (10 credits)
- Research Project Preparation (10 credits)
- Microfabrication Techniques(10 credits)
While studying these modules students will also undertake preparatory work for their project. However, the majority of the project work is carried out in the summer semester, after completion of the taught modules.
Prerequisites
To enrol for the MSc/Diploma in Electronics: Analogue System Design, you will need a degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, or similar, at a level at least equivalent to a 2:1 Honours classification in the UK. Any appropriate professional experience will also be considered.
Course Delivery
The course takes 12 months, full-time, starting in mid-September. [Exact semester dates can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus or from the main university web site.] The course is delivered by expert staff from the University of Edinburgh and, where appropriate, from other industrial or educational bodies. Staff-student discussion on progress and problems will take place twice a semester.
Application Deadlines
We accept applications throughout the year and will also consider applications from final year Undergraduate students with pending degree exam results. We will process applications very quickly to ensure that offers can be made for the nearest possible start date (each year in September).
English Language Requirements
MSc students must meet the standards shown below:
IELTS - with an overall score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in all four sections.
TOEFL - with an overall score of 630 (237 on the Computer Based TOEFL) with a score of at least 60 in all three sections (22 on CBT), and a score of at least 4.5 in the Test of Written English (or writing section of the CBT).
|
Quick Links
Graduate School's Web Page
Online Application
Funding Sources
|
