Master's Programme in Robotics and Control, 120 Credits

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor's or Bachelor degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS. Specific entry requirements are: a) 15 ECTS in Computing Science, with a minimum of 7,5 ECTS programming, or equivalent. b) 7,5 ECTS digital electronics, logic, system programming, or equivalent. c) 30 ECTS in Mathematics, including analysis, linear algebra, statistics. d) 7,5 ECTS control theory, or signal processing, or numerical methods, or differential equations. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

After a completed study programme, the student can apply for and obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in accordance with local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor.
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is called Teknologie masterexamen. Degree is awarded in one of the main fields of study, Computer Science or Electronics, with specialisation in Robotics and Control.

Description of the education for current education cycle

The education is at an advanced level (second cycle). The aims for second-cycle courses and study programmes are set out in the Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9.
Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent. Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, anddevelop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

National goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding
 
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
 
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
 
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local goals for current degree

Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science

For Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) within the main field of study Computer Science at Umeå University, the student shall, in addition to the national goals, be able to

* demonstrate a good understanding of the subject's general principles,
* account for Computer Science theories and methods,
* understand and use Computer Science abstractions and models,
* independently identify and solve problems by using the technologies, theories and tools of Computer Science,
* identify and acquire additional knowledge needed to solve given problems and apply acquired theoretical knowledge in practice,
* apply a scientific working method and analytical thinking as a starting point for planning and implementation of a major independent project,
* present knowledge, plans and achieved results in speech and writing both in Swedish and in English,
* both independently and in collaboration with others plan and complete different types of projects both in a subordinate and a leading role,
* interact and communicate with both other engineers and individuals without a background in science and technology,
* consider applicable legal, ethical and social frameworks and principles in the work.

For the specialisation in Robotics and Control, the student shall also be able to

* show considerably advanced knowledge in Robotics and Control
* profit by new research results and participate in advanced development work in Robotics and Control
* create abstractions and formal models that describe contexts and phenomena in Robotics and Control
* independently formulate and formalise problems in Robotics and Control and solve them by using the technologies, theories, and tools of the field
* actively and independently assess one's own need for knowledge and be able to develop proficiencies, abilities and knowledge in Robotics and Control.

Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Electronics

Knowledge and understanding

For the specialisation in Robotics and Control, the student shall, in addition to the national goals,

* have advanced knowledge in the fields of intelligent robots and control with a specialisation in process control or regulation of mechanical systems,
* be able to include and understand the special principles that constitute Robotics and Control and its limitations
* be able to independently and with originality contribute to development and realisation of applications in the area of Robotics and Control.

Competence and skills

For Degree of Master (120 credits) in Electronics, the student shall, in addition to the national goals,

* have the particular skills to independently, orally and in writing, describe and communicate important technical information and underlying knowledge to both experts and laymen,
* have the ability to, in development/working groups, solve complex product-oriented problems involving several disciplines.

For the specialisation in Robotics and Control, the student shall also

* have ability to develop and bring new knowledge to the field of Robotics independently with limited information and automatic control.

Judgement and approach

For Degree of Master (120 credits) in Electronics, the student shall, in addition to the national goals,

* be able to evaluate electronic systems from a scientific perspective and its environmental, ethical and social impact on humans,
* have a professional approach to cooperation with people of different nationalities, languages, genders, and ages.

Examination format

Each syllabus sets out the examination formats used in each individual course.

Grades

Each syllabus sets out the grades used in the course.

Transfer of Credits

A student who believes to have gained knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional experience that may be equivalent to a course or part of a course in the programme can apply for transfer of credits. Granting a transfer of credits means that the student will not have to study the parts of the programme included in the decision. Information on transfer of credits is available on Umeå University's website.

General

The programme is interdisciplinary, with the main fields of study Electronics and Computer Science, and covers, in particular, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, Intelligent Systems, and Autonomous Systems, Mechatronics, Mathematical Modelling, Applied Programming and Electronics.
Many courses mainly consist of laboratory work where the student can work with different parts and aspects of intelligent robot systems.

The degree programme includes a total of 120 credits, of which 30 credits comprise an independent degree project. In the programme, it is possible to specialise in Robotics and Control. It is also possible to design an individual study profile. An individual study profile means a personal course of studies in addition to the basic courses.
The programme includes compulsory profile courses, elective courses and free electives. The compulsory courses of the programme are taken during the first term. The introductory courses include components that can be adapted for students with varying backgrounds to more prepared and assimilate to the rest of the education. During term two and, especially, term three, advanced courses for specialisation are studied, also called specialised profile. The programme has two specialisation profiles, one in Electronics, and the other one in Computing Science, both with specialisation Robotics and Control. There can also be room for additional elective courses or free electives. The education is completed with a degree project during term four.

Compulsory courses for both main fields of study (Computer Science and Electronics )
Compulsory courses are courses that all students enrolled in the programme normally study. A student enrolled in the study programme is guaranteed a seat in all compulsory courses, provided that the entry requirements for the course in question are met. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.

These compulsory courses are taken by all students in the programme, as they are necessary to meet several of the qualitative targets according to the previous section. The courses also provide basic knowledge for the specialisation profiles of the programme.

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence  7.5 credits 5DV124 (first cycle)
Artificial Intelligence - Methods and Applications 7.5 credits 5DV181 (second cycle)
Linear Control Systems 7.5 credits 5EL263 (second cycle)
Mechatronics 7.5 credits 5EL252 (second cycle)

Compulsory courses in the specialisation profiles
The program also includes compulsory profile courses for each specialization profile. The compulsory profile courses are listed as prerequisites in the syllabus for the degree project carried out at the end of the education, fourth semester.
For the specialization profile with major in electronics, the course is called, Master Thesis in Electronic Engineering (specialisation in Robotics and Control), 30.0 credits.
For the specialization profile with major in computing science, the course is called, Master Thesis in Computing Science (specialisation in Robotics and Control), 30.0 credits.

Elective courses
Elective courses are a selection of courses that Umeå University offers within the scope of the programme and where the student chooses which courses to enrol in. The student is guaranteed a seat in one of these courses, provided that the entry requirements for the courses in question are met. However, the student is not guaranteed a seat in their first choice courses. Entry requirements are set out in each respective course syllabus.
It is also possible to  choose courses from both study profiles ( Electronics and Computing Science). The courses offered may vary from one year to another. The courses must be selected to meet the requirements in the current qualification descriptor. The entry requirements for certain courses are higher than the admission requirements for the programme. Details are provided in the course syllabi for each respective course (see https://www.umu.se/student/mina-studier/hitta-kurs-och-utbildningsplan/).
The following courses are elective within the programme. The courses are divided by the main fields of study they are linked to.

Elective courses in the main field of study, Computer Science
Advanced Computer Graphics and Applications 7.5 credits 5DV180 (second cycle)
Degree Project: Master of Science (120 credits) in Computer Science (specialisation Robotics and control) ) 30.0 credits 5DV206 (second cycle)
Cognitive Interaction Design 7.5 credits 5DV188 (second cycle)
Machine learning 7.5 credits, (5DV195) (second cycle)
Matrix Computations and Applications 7.5 credits 5DA003 (second cycle)
Human Robot Interaction 7.5 credits 5DV183 (second cycle)
Engineering Optimisation 7.5 credits 5DA004 (second cycle)
Project course in Machine Vision 7.5 credits 5DV190 (second cycle)
Student Conference in Computer Science 7.5 credits 5DV184 (second cycle)
Visual Interactive Simulation 7.5 credits 5DV191 (second cycle)

Elective courses in the main field of study, Electronics
Adaptive Control 7.5 credits 5EL246 (second cycle)
Applications in Sensor Networks, 7.5 credits 5TF069 (second cycle)
Media Signal Processing, 15.0 credits 5EL061 (second cycle)
Image Processing, 7.5 credits 5EL064 (second cycle)
Deep Learning - methods and applications, 7.5 credits 5TF078 (first cycle)
Digital Technology, 7.5 credits 5EL006 (first cycle)
Master Thesis in Electronic Engineering (specialisation Robotics and Control), 30.0 credits 5EL249 (second cycle)
Modelling in Robotics, 7.5 credits 5EL254 (second cycle)
Measurement Systems and Measurement Methods, 7.5 credits 5EL200 (first cycle)
Optimal Control for Linear Systems, 7.5 credits 5EL255 (second cycle)
Electronics Project 3, 15.0 credits 5EL256 (second cycle)
Electronics Project 4, 7.5 credits 5EL121 (second cycle)
Control Methods for Robotics Applications, 7.5 credits 5EL257 (second cycle)
Sensors and Electronics, 7.5 credits 5EL267 (first cycle)
Systems and Algorithms for Autonomous Vehicles, 7.5 credits 5EL272 (second cycle)
Telerobotics and Applied Sensor Fusion, 7.5 credits 5EL259 (second cycle)
Applied Digital Signal Processing, 7.5 credits 5EL262 (second cycle)
Applied medical imaging, 7.5 credits 5RA031 (second cycle)
Wireless Sensor Networks, 7.5 credits 5EL260 (second cycle)

Elective courses from other higher education institutions may be included in a degree.

Free electives
Free electives are courses that not belong to any of the main fields of study, Computer Science or Electronics
Free electives within the programme are applied for in open competition. Free electives can be studied at Umeå University or at other higher education institutions in Sweden or abroad.

Examples of free electives in main field of study Physics
Analytical Mechanics, 7.5 credits 5FY117 (first cycle)
Numerical Methods in Physics, 7.5 credits 5FY187 (second cycle)
Modelling and Simulation, 7.5 credits 5FY176 (second cycle)

Examples of free electives in main field of study Mathematics
Continuous Optimisation, 7.5 credits 5MA171 (first cycle)
Multivariate Data Analysis, 7.5 credits 5MS056 (second cycle)
Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations, 7.5 credits 5MA184 (second cycle)
Partial Differential Equations, 7.5 credits 5MA188 (second cycle
Probability Theory 7.5hp 5MS073 (second cycle)                                             
Stochastic Processes 7.5hp 5MS065 (second cycle)
Stochastic Processes och Simulation 7.5hp 5MS049 (second cycle)
Stochastic Differential Equations, 7.5 credits 5MA180 (second cycle)
Time Series Analysis and Spatial Statistics, 7.5 credits 5MS067 (second cycle)
Transform Methods, 7.5 credits 5MA181 (second cycle)

Examples of free electives in other subjects
Technology for Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits 5EL240 (first cycle)

Study Plan
Each academic year is divided into an autumn and spring term. Each term is divided into two study periods. Usually, two courses are taken in parallel during a period. Teaching is offered in the form of lectures, seminars, group work and supervision in connection with laboratory work and presentation assignments. Laboratory work and presentation assignments are often compulsory and constitute an important part of the programme. Presentation of these usually includes both oral and written parts.
To maintain the rate of study necessary to follow the programme, a working week of 40 hours is usually required. Weekly scheduled instruction, however, is significantly less than 40 hours. Course literature and teaching are mainly in English.
The regular scheduling of the courses is set out below in block schedules. Schedules for both profiles should only be seen as examples, as it is possible to create your own profile through the elective courses. Deviations and variations may, however, occur from one year to another. Links to current course information are available on https://www.umu.se/student/mina-studier/hitta-kurs-och-utbildningsplan/

Study plan for profile studies with major in Electronics,
Specialisation Robotics and Control

Study plan for profile studies with major in Computing Science,
Specialisation Robotics and Control

Degree Project/independent project
The degree project concludes the programme and may be initiated once the entry requirements in the course syllabus are met. In the degree project that includes 30 credits, the student shall apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and present the result orally and in a written report/thesis. The work shall include some form of subject-specific specialisation within the field. The degree project is usually completed individually. However, it is also occasionally permitted for two students to cooperate on a degree project.
The degree project can advantageously be completed in cooperation with the business world. A client supervisor shall be appointed and act as the student's day-to-day contact and support during the course of the work. A thesis supervisor at the university shall always be appointed and be responsible for ensuring that the required subject specialisation is achieved. The report shall be linguistically and stylistically designed to ensure its quality is equivalent to reports published within the university and the industry.
The report shall include an English abstract and an English translation of the title. Alternatively, the entire report may be written in English.

Deferment of studies

Information on deferment of studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Approved leave from studies

Information on approved leave from studies is available on Umeå University's website.

Discontinuation

Information on discontinuation is available on Umeå University's website.

Other

Additional information can be obtained from programme coordinator or programme study counsellor via the University switchboard 090/786 50 00, or via the website.
https://www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/

For more information, see Umeå University's Code of rules and procedures for first-cycle and second-cycle education
https://www.umu.se/en/legal-framework/