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Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and at Reading As a professional , you will be at the forefront of technology, working on the latest inventions.

1 Undergraduate Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics

Contents In today’s high technology society, we are dependent upon a great variety of complex systems 4 Course overview for , entertainment, transport, security, 6 Teaching healthcare. These can be intelligent electronic systems, robotic systems, or systems where enhance 6 Facilities humans significantly. 7 Support are the driving force behind such technology. In 7 Campus life ‘Really enjoyed we offer degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics to help train the people who will take these systems to the next Programme structure the sheer scope of level. 8 Artificial Intelligence Future innovation presents a real Because of this, we have a dedicated the course – from the challenge: how do we make different Placements Team who assist students 8 Cybernetics of electrons in technologies work seamlessly as one? in finding placements, and visit every 9 Electronic Engineering For example, a robot is the sum of its placement student in their place of to the ethics parts, requiring power , work. Our Placements Team also helps 9 Robotics , wireless communications, students with writing CVs, interview of bio-mechanics.’ control loops and that skills and the psychometric tests used 10 Projects produces intelligent decision by many employers. Richard Thomas, MEng Finalist 2013 making. We are set up to tackle All courses are available as three- this challenge. Within the School of year, full-time bachelor degrees (BSc 12 Placements Systems Engineering at Reading, we or BEng) and as four-year, full-time bring together artificial intelligence, MEng) degrees. There is the possibility cybernetics, electronic engineering 13 Employability to transfer from a BSc/BEng to an and robotics, allowing you to focus on MEng and vice-versa should you meet your subject in a unique environment the requirements. All our bachelor 15 Student Profile for cross-disciplinary learning and courses also have the option of an research. extra year in industry after the 16 A career in research There is a strong emphasis on practical second year and these courses have and laboratory work in all our courses. specific UCAS codes. Our degrees lead 20 How to apply Every student undertakes at least one to a large variety of jobs in industry major project during their degree that and business as the skills you will 20 Come and visit us provides an exciting opportunity to learn are transferable. put all the theory into practice. All of our degree programmes are Students can choose their own fully accredited by the relevant projects, with advice from academics, professional bodies, including the and often our industrial partners Institution of Engineering and get involved as well. Our MEng Technology (IET), the Institute of programmes include a major Measurement and Control, and/or project in the third year and then the British Society (BCS). a six-month industrial placement or a research project in the fourth year. We recognise the importance of industrial experience to employers.

2 3 Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics

Artificial Intelligence Cybernetics Electronic Engineering Robotics

Have you ever wanted to make intelligent machines Our cybernetics degree is one of only a handful of Electronic engineering is a vast and exciting discipline Robotics is about designing, building, operating and or explore human intelligence? We offer a practical such degrees in the UK. Its unique nature and strong and is behind many modern inventions: from mobile controlling embedded autonomous agents or robots. artificial intelligence course teaching modern techniques focus on systems and their control will enable you to to digital , from active suspension These can be ‘real world’ mechanical devices or virtual and naturally inspired algorithms, such as evolutionary learn a diverse range of skills that are crucial to industry. units in Formula 1 cars to supercomputers, from media entities and can mimic humans or particular tasks. computation, neural networks, swarm intelligence and Cybernetics would suit you if you want to control the players to industrial robots, from virtual reality games Our robotics degrees emphasise the technological aspects artificial life. These are used to solve real world complex future! Its principles can be applied in many contexts to healthcare devices. All of these systems require of cybernetics, and take into consideration the design of problems beneficial to science, business and industry, and have a major impact on life. Cybernetics can help intelligent embedded systems to perform complicated robotic systems, their control, communication, relevant which may be too difficult to accurately express or solve to create autonomous vehicles, to understand brain and often innovative tasks. artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The degrees also analytically. rhythms, to design intelligent control systems, to provide The Electronic Engineering degree programme enables include key topics in , such as programming, The course aims to provide you with valuable skills better interfaces between humans and technology and to you to learn the skills necessary to pursue a successful algorithms, computer vision and networking. Appropriate that can be used in Electronics and Computing industries assess our impact on the environment. career as a professional electronic engineer, whilst also topics from electronic engineering, such as circuit theory, as well as in Robotics, Pattern Recognition and sensors and , are also incorporated. What is particularly useful about studying Cybernetics allowing you the flexibility of branching towards other Processing disciplines. They may also be applicable is that its fundamental principles are applicable to very topics such as or robotics through As with all our degrees, robotics includes substantial to the Biological sciences (e.g. motif identification in many systems, technological, biological, electronic, a wide range of optional modules. At Reading, the practical and project work, where students can design, genomic sequences) and Medicine as well as to model environmental, economic or a mixture of such systems. Electronic Engineering degree programme has a specific build and test practical robotic systems. Environmental processes. Principles used in one system can be readily applied to focus on embedded systems and communications. While Students choose this subject at Reading because of You will also learn to develop -learning systems other systems. learning a broad range of fundamental electronic topics, the unique cross- disciplinary focus we place on robotics for the next generation computer games, and we the exciting research at Reading enables us to deliver Real understanding and innovation often come from as well as the world-renowned nature of our research emphasise the animal side of intelligence, including teaching on the state of the art in embedded electronics. experimentation and so the design, build and test of into the subject and the quality of industrial support psychology and cognition. The programme focuses on wireless communications, practical systems is an essential part of the course. The microprocessors, programmable logic, computer we receive. interdisciplinary nature of the subject suits students with architecture, embedded systems in C/C++ and linux and wide interests. Students choose cybernetics at Reading programming different languages on many types of because of the unique focus we place on the subject, our systems, enabling students to be highly employable. world-renowned research and the wide range of cutting- edge technologies you can learn.

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Teaching Facilities Support Our staff are friendly and passionate The School provides its own dedicated As a research-intensive School, It is important to us that whilst about their subject. We are a centre of computing laboratories, solely for use Systems Engineering has a number studying at Reading, support is educational distinction at the heart of by its students. The workstations run of research platforms which some available for your health, social and the UK’s high-tech and IT industries. both Windows and Linux operating undergraduate students access as part study needs. systems and host a range of software of advanced teaching or project work. Our hands-on approach to teaching All students have a Personal Tutor packages supporting the computing/ These include a virtual reality CAVE, engineering has been internationally and within the School there is a engineering curriculum. These include a haptic laboratory and a sixteen recognised and our graduates have a Student Centre, where tools for software/apps development, node research computing cluster. reputation for excellence. students can get help, support and systems modelling, Computer Assisted There is a long tradition of computing advice. Lecturers in the School are all experts Design, mathematical manipulation and projects making general use of the in their fields; many of them conduct more. Some of these labs are available infrastructure, for example to turn a To help make the transition to world-renowned research in areas in the evenings and at weekends. Access whole computing laboratory into an higher education as smooth as such as alternative energy, mobile to a Windows terminal server is also interactive demonstration or providing possible, each of our Part 1 students , computer vision, provided. Students have free access to a system wide status of the School’s are introduced to two Part 2 artificial intelligence, cybernetics and range of commercial software packages/ computing systems. Many projects, students who have volunteered to robotics. Indeed some of the lecturers servers from the likes of Microsoft, particularly on the Robotics side, build support them, with supervision are also leading consultants to industry, Oracle and VMware. real robots. from a member of academic staff. running educational workshops or The School has two electronics Here at Reading, we have formed We are proud of our long history technical consultancies for companies workshops, including one with a an excellent relationship with our of ensuring the correct measures such as Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, focus on robotics. These labs are industrial neighbours. For example, are in place for our students with Oracle and the BBC. well equipped with electronic test Microchip Technology Inc, a world- disabilities to succeed. Our disability equipment and there are facilities leading provider of representative works closely with ‘Very good and for making printed circuit boards. In and analogue , the University’s Student Disability addition to the general computing labs, has recently sponsored a flagship Office. For more information please passionate staff. Always these labs feature the same computing undergraduate laboratory in our visit: www.reading.ac.uk/disability resources and this allows activities School. In addition to this state-of- at hand and helpful such as development of embedded code the-art laboratory, Microchip supply for a range of robotic or consumer funding, resources and advice on ‘The Student when needed.’ devices. There is a school workshop, the latest microprocessors, creating Maximilian Zangs, 2013 which includes a 3D printer as well as industrially relevant and challenging Information Centre is Campus life more industrial machine tools for the final-year projects. You will become part of an extremely manufacture of parts for projects. exceptionally good.’ We actively encourage and develop School has its own Student Community friendly environment with staff and social networking software that allows on Facebook. Arron Kerai, 2013 you to find your friends with similar students working well together. The University is committed to ensure interests, ask for help with problems, that your time with us will be as Come to our open days and see for or just blog about any topic that enjoyable socially as it will be rewarding yourself! The School has superb links Online courses interests you. with industry. Many large blue chip professionally. If you would like to have a taste IT and engineering companies are The University campus is set in 130 of our teaching style, look at our based in and around Reading and hectares of beautiful parkland and has free open online course at ‘The university is regularly sponsor both us and you – its own nightclub, cinema, and sports www.reading.ac.uk/moocs we get new equipment to support centre, as well as a real community feel. excellent and it your learning and you get placement You will become part of a vibrant and sponsorship opportunities. student community with halls of has a good study You can work closely with companies residence on campus, superb nightlife environment and such as Microsoft and IBM who on and off campus, and a world-class regularly offer events and assistance music festival on your doorstep. The facilities.’ to our students. You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including Herbert Aungon, 2013 examinations, on-line tests, laboratory practicals, individual and group projects.

6 7 Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics Artificial Intelligence programme structure Electronic Engineering programme structure

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (MEng only) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (MEng only) Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Programming System Design and Project Individual Project (BSc/BEng) Swarm intelligence Programming System Design and Project Individual Project (BSc/BEng) Wireless and cellular networking Management and artificial life Management Group Project (MEng) Software Engineering Group Project (MEng) Industrial project or Signal Processing Mind as motion Signal Processing both a research project Computer Applications Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computer Applications Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of and research studies Embedded Microprocessors and Science and Engineering Advanced neural networks Embedded Microprocessors and Science and Engineering Cybernetics and Circuits Engineering Digital Systems Digital Systems Computer Networking Industrial project or USB Integration Optional modules Fundamentals of Computing Cybernetics and Circuits Databases both a research project Control Systems Modern Heuristics Computer Networking Advanced neural networks Students with A-level and research studies Neuroscience Optional modules Programmable Logic and HDL’s Maths grade B or above (or Evolutionary Computation Nonlinear and Optimal Control Neural Networks Fundamentals of Computing Computer Architecture Optional modules equivalent) must take: Optional modules Processing Law and Management Machine Intelligence Optional modules Medical image and Institution Wide Language Sensors and Devices architectures Law and Management signal processing Programme System Identification Otherwise students must Telecommunications Advanced Digital and Control take: Optional modules Machines in Motion Visual intelligence Signal Processing Mathematics for Computer Essential Algorithms State Space and Virtual Reality Signal Processing Optional modules Wireless communications Science Frequency Response Java Neural Networks for the real world Image Analysis Practice of entrepreneurship Robotic Systems Robots and Mechanics Visual intelligence Sustainable Electrical Energy Image Analysis Institution Wide Language Robotic Systems Practice of entrepreneurship Computational Methods Programme Sustainable Electrical Energy for Neuroscience Terahertz Technology Measurement Systems Data Mining Digital Communications Personal and Mobile Communications

Cybernetics programme structure Robotics programme structure

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (MEng only) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 (MEng only) Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Compulsory modules Programming System Design and Project Individual Project (BSc/BEng) Industrial project or Programming System Design and Project Individual Project (BSc/BEng) Swarm intelligence Management both a research and artificial life Software Engineering Group Project (MEng) Software Engineering Group Project (MEng) and research studies Signal Processing Signal Processing Manipulator dynamics Computer Applications Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computer Applications Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects and haptics Embedded Microprocessors and Science and Engineering Optional modules Embedded Microprocessors of Science and Engineering Engineering Mathematics Engineering Mathematics Digital Systems and Digital Systems Biomechanics System Identification Swarm intelligence Mechatronics Cybernetics and Circuits Cybernetics and Circuits Control Systems and Control and artificial life Control Systems Industrial project or Machines in Motion Fundamentals of Computing both a research project Neuroscience State Space and Mind as motion Neural Networks Optional modules Image Analysis and research studies Frequency Response Fundamentals of Computing Sensors and Devices Advanced neural networks Robots and Mechanics Optional modules Optional modules Institution Wide Language Neural Networks Optional modules Manipulator dynamics Robotic Systems Programme and haptics Law and Management Mind as motion Robots and Mechanics Law and Management Biomechanics Optional modules System Identification Advanced neural networks Modern Heuristics Essential Algorithms and Control Optional modules Nonlinear and Optimal Control Nonlinear and Optimal Control Mechatronics Robotic Systems Sensors and Devices State Space and Frequency Medical image and signal Medical image and signal Machines in Motion Response Telecommunications processing Institution Wide Language processing Virtual Reality Programme Modern Heuristics Machine Intelligence Visual intelligence Visual intelligence Image Analysis Virtual Reality Terahertz Technology Practice of entrepreneurship Sustainable Electrical Energy Evolutionary Computation Practice of entrepreneurship Terahertz Technology Measurement Systems Sustainable Electrical Energy

Analogue Electronics Measurement Systems Analogue Electronics Computational Methods for Neuroscience (compulsory Computational Methods for MEng) for Neuroscience 8 9 Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics

Projects Examples of 2012–13 final year projects The final year project will usually be related to current research and Micro Heart Rate Monitor Enter the Cave industrial activities in the School. for Fitness Applications Christopher Relf, BSc Artificial Students will plan their project, Scott Jenkins, BEng in Electronic Intelligence and Cybernetics carry it out, present it orally in a Engineering and Cybernetics A 3D video was created, using the formal setting, and give a practical 3D projectors within the department, demonstration to a panel of academics. This fitness heart rate monitor provides in order to demonstrate the CAVE Students will also submit a CD archive a practical and useful method for (University of Reading’s Immersive of the project. Arrangements for measuring heart rate and tracking Virtual Environment room) to external supervision will normally take the fitness levels. The use of a colour companies and on Open Days. form of a weekly meeting with a display allows the user to see what supervisor and, as part of the formal target zone they are in with a quick progress monitoring process, weekly glance and without having to stop to Alien Life Form log-book sign off. see the display. Anthony Jenkins, BSc Robotics Presently, if humans sent a spaceship Many Robotics, Electronic Engineering to a distant planet the first ‘life’ form and Cybernetics projects require to step on that planet would have extensive hardware and software Musical Instruments for to be either a robot, or at best some design thus forming a self-contained Stroke Rehabilitation biological/technological hybrid. As a . They are designed Michael Slade, BSc Artificial Intelligence potential alien life form, a robot was to consolidate the theoretical material and Cybernetics created to autonomously navigate and the skills gained through lectures The aim of this project was to design around an area while avoiding objects and laboratory work. Students have and implement a piece of software in its path. full access to state-of-the-art circuit to assist stroke patients with their design and , a rehabilitation exercises. Software well-equipped workshop including 3D Facial Recognition was designed to engage patients by 3D printer, well equipped PCB implementing a game that incorporates Using Kinect fabrication facilities and including a the movements of post-stroke Dominic di Furia, MEng Robotics Surface Mount oven, in addition to rehabilitation exercises into the The aim of this project was to extensive microprocessor software game-play, via a touch-screen. implement 3D facial recognition development and debugging tools. using Microsoft’s Kinect . Microsoft’s SDK was used to determine whether or not an object in sight of Kinect was a face and successful recognition was achieved using 3D geometric data and 2D appearance data using Microsoft’s Kinect sensor.

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Employability Choosing to study at Reading is through the Reading Internship investing in your future; we can help Scheme. We also have the UK’s most ‘We have employed you on your way to a rewarding career. successful Knowledge Transfer Centre. University of Reading After graduation, Knowledge Transfer Our degrees aren’t just about Partnerships can help you find a job, teaching you interesting subjects – graduates for many fast-tracking your career through they are designed to prepare you extensive training and management for a rewarding and challenging years, and their careers opportunities. career in the areas and technologies of your choice. We run regular workshops and often progress to high mock interviews in collaboration We offer industrial placements, with companies such as IBM and positions within the with many students securing posts Ernst & Young, who put you through among the world’s foremost companies, their actual assessment centres to company. The School such as Microsoft, Shadow Robotics, help refine your interview skills and Fujitsu. of Systems Engineering and give you experience of their We have a dedicated Placement Team recruitment methods. provides students with in the School to help you find a job. With much of the UK’s technology We have a Careers, Placement and industry on our doorstep, we have the the skills needed for a Placements Experience Centre which helps best possible choice of companies for 85% of our students find summer placements you to select. career in a company During your degree, you can gain work experience with leading companies students in the Reading area as part of a Year in Industry. We have a dedicated Placements such as Thales.’ team to help you find the right position for you. Professor Edward Stansfield, Thales over the last Our active links with many computing, electronics, robotics and research Research Technology Ltd organisations enable us to offer a year of paid professional training and 2 years have experience after the second year of our bachelor degree programmes. found full-time Placement companies include: Goldman Sachs Pepsico Deloitte M&S employment GlaxoSmithKline BT O2 Oracle within 6 months Sony KPMG intel John Lewis Ernst & Young IBM Microsoft Accenture of graduating, BBC HSBC Pwchp 3M Sajeel Ahmed carried out his placement with Aero Engine Controls who are with an average part of the Rolls-Royce Group. The company produces engine control software, electronic engine controls, fuel metering units, fuel pumps and engine actuators salary of for a large number of common commercial and military aircraft. He got involved 100% of our with writing the software that controls the engines for a whole range of systems £25,000 used in the aircraft. He also tested the software through simulations and rigs and graduates from designed the control systems. Tim Sudlow carried out a placement with Ansys, a global leader in engineering 2012-13 in full- simulation software. The team at Milton Park focusses on developing and testing software that can simulate Fluid Dynamics problems. He was able to develop tools using Python, C++ and JavaScript; expand his knowledge to multiple platforms, time work are manage a large web based database and understand how systems work in industry. in professional/ managerial roles

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Career Opportunities Student Profile: Harry Eberle

Why did you choose to study moved. The aim is to reliably separate Cybernetics Electronic Engineering at the University of Reading? the passive, physical stiffness of a joint Our graduates go on to careers in As a graduate Electronic Engineer, I heard about the University from a career from the active reflexive resistance software engineering, programming, there is the option of a career in advisor at college, who recommended of the muscles. This has applications consultancy, systems analysis, control embedded software engineering, that he thought it would be a very good fit in determining how strong a person’s engineering, game development, programming, consultancy, systems for me. When I looked into Reading during nervous response is, such as during robotics, and even prosthetics design. engineering, and electronics design. my week out, I found that the cybernetics recovery from a stroke. A Cybernetics degree at the University An Electronic Engineering degree at courses it offered were an almost perfect of Reading gives you the skills you need the University of Reading gives you the match to what I wanted to study and from How is your degree helping for a highly rewarding professional skills you need for a highly rewarding that point I didn’t really look back. in your chosen career path? career in a diverse range of fields. professional career in a diverse range I would ideally like to go into research, so Recent graduates from the course have of fields. Why did you choose your particular the simplest way my degree helps me is by gone to work in the following roles Recent graduates have gone to work in course and what inspires you about teaching me new things and expanding my within the first year of graduation: the following roles within the first year your chosen subject of study? knowledge. However, I’ve found that some Graduate Engineer, Ultra Electronics of graduation: Artificial intelligence has always fascinated of the most useful skills I have learned are me as a concept, but what attracted me those I learned or taught myself in order to Graduate Programmer Analyst, Woodward Software Test Engineer, Cisco Systems UK to this course over other, similar ones complete coursework and major projects. Associates Callibration Technician, Agilent was that the cybernetics component This includes skills like working in a team, Graduate Software Design Engineer, Technologies incorporates topics I simply would but also the technical skills involved in Imagination Technologies not have learnt about otherwise. Pure making something actually work that can’t Design Engineer, Thales Research & computer science degrees tend to keep really be learned from a piece of paper. Junior Projects Engineer, Pharos Technology UK Ltd physical reality at arm’s length, while communications devision of Evertz I had a really difficult time at school Development Engineer, Sonardyne Ltd Reading’s cybernetics courses include Any advice for students coming (the reasons for which could fill a book). Systems Engineer, Thales Research and elements of and to Reading? Graduate Nuclear Engineer, Babcock I always loved learning, and I was good at Technology UK Ltd control, giving a broader knowledge base. Make sure you get to know the entire it, but it wasn’t really enough to pull me Electrical Engineer, UK Power Networks university! Reading is big enough that it’s Control Systems & , through, so making the grade for Reading I find the study of artificial intelligence possible to go years without knowing that Oxford Technologies University took a fair amount of effort. It stimulating because it is still a very open a particular building or service exists and a Robotics was definitely worth it though – artificial question. There are scores of techniques Electronic Design Engineer, Transico Ltd lot of them are very useful. It also helps to Graduates in Robotics have the option intelligence is my dream subject and I’ve and as many ideological camps over how know your way about when your lecture of a career in software engineering, really enjoyed myself (particularly in the intelligent behaviour can or should be is moved to some obscure room you’ve Artificial Intelligence programming, consultancy, systems debate society!). produced and it still feels like anything never heard of (which will happen at least The programmes aim to provide you analysis, , game could happen. with the skills you need to develop development, robotics, and even once). Machine Learning systems that have prosthetics design. A Robotics degree at What is the best bit about living How would you describe the the intelligence to perform such things the University of Reading gives you the and studying in Reading? as instructing robots or controlling skills you need for a highly rewarding support you have received at the I’m going to be boring here and say that the Artificial Intelligence needed professional career in diverse fields. University of Reading? my favourite part of Reading is probably in the latest computer games. We I feel I’ve been supported well at Reading. Recent graduates have gone to work in the campus. It’s one of the most attractive also emphasise the animal side of I’m the sort of person who finds it very the following roles within the first year I’ve seen and I just like having the space to intelligence, including psychology and hard to ask for help when I need it, so I of graduation: wander about and go for walks. cognition. haven’t taken advantage of the available Project Engineer, Feed4ward Control Ltd support particularly well, but I’ve never Recent graduates have gone to work in Please tell us about your current been in a situation where there was the following roles within the first year Software Engineer, General Dynamics research placement? no-one to turn to. of graduation: Broadband In my current placement, which is run Director, Arblogic Ltd Developer, Import.io through Reading’s UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme), I Design Engineer, Thales Research and Systems Engineer, Ultra Global PRT am working to create an accurate model Technology UK Ltd Oil & Gas Field Engineer, Schulumberger of how a human joint responds to being Sotware Developer. Intercede Ltd Network Engineer, Acturis Junior Software Developer, EZE Software Junior Engineer, Guralp Systems Group

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A Career in Research Student Profile: Maitreyee Wairagkar You may decide that a career in Here are a couple of projects to give Example projects: I am currently in the last year of an MEng Why did you choose to study research is the career for you. you an idea of what you could get in Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics. at the University of Reading? involved with: The nature of strong anticipation Students on these degrees will be I am an international student from India. The University of Reading is probably well prepared to contribute to the System identification of elbow Low Power Body Area Network devices I am an aspiring researcher with aptitude the only university in the world offering School’s Research in areas such as: mechanical parameters in Residential Healthcare and skills in computer programming and a degree in a unique combination of To work towards providing a problem solving. I have specific research • Intelligent Systems Developing accessible technology Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence. mechanical perturbation to a joint interests in Brain Computer Interfaces As a final year student I feel my choice • Neuroscience for people with learning disabilities allowing an assessment of the (BCI) and studying their different of this university was a perfect one. Energy and Control Engineering • condition of the joint. This is important Brain-computer interface control via paradigms along with Bionics and human The academic staff members in the • Wireless Communications not only for understanding human detection of pre-movement activations applications of Artificial Intelligence and university are the lead scientists in their (and embedded systems) movement but also as a possible in the brain machine learning principles. fields undertaking research projects, assessment tool of recovery from a • Big Data Analytics Haptic Navigation System for People with I am a recipient of various awards like of enormous potential and global stroke. (and computational science) Vision Impairment the University of Reading Chancellor’s impact. Research projects, especially summer placements are unique • Computer Vision Awards in 2011 and 2012, the Institute Engaging Students through Ludic Accessible pulse oximeter for users with learning opportunities. Known for its Socio-technical systems (including of Measurement and Control award, • Engagement and Augmented Reality vision impairment. student-friendly academic and research business information systems) the Cybernetics Challenge award for Applications outstanding academic achievement as environment, the most beautiful campus, Haptics and Human Computer • To investigate how concepts of ludic well as the RED award for extracurricular and peaceful cosmopolitan culture, Interaction engagement and augmented reality development. Reading enriches the learning experience. • Terahertz Technology can be combined in order to engage The location of the University in the UK’s I am a student member of the Brain Infrared optical filters and coatings students more fully in the learning Silicon Valley with leading industries • Embodiment Laboratory in the School of for astronomy, space-flight and process of a subject discipline or part of and IT companies nearby, offers good Systems Engineering. I have participated atmospheric sensing the curriculum. future opportunities. in various research projects including Please visit our website to find For more information about these a UROP placement on development of Why did you choose your particular out more about the innovative and other placements, please visit BCI for cursor control. For my third year course and what inspires you about research that is being carried out: www.reading.ac.uk/urop thesis, I worked on signal processing and your chosen subject of study? www.reading.ac.uk/sse Engineering and Physical Sciences classification of EEG for motor I always wished to pursue a unique Research Council (EPSRC) vacation imagery based BCI for controlling mobile course which would satisfy my creative bursaries enable students to complete robots. Currently I am working on reliably Opportunities to get urge, lead me on the research path a research project, over the summer predicting voluntary movement for the involved with research and simultaneously enriching me to vacation, under the supervision of an development of a robust BCI system for Successful candidates receive a bursary better serve humanity. Cybernetics and academic member of staff, to gain first- my MEng thesis. I have also completed to work on research based placements Artificial Intelligence being such a unique hand experience of research in a UK UROP placement in developing software that last six weeks over the summer combination offered only at Reading University. for analyzing and processing Terahertz break or can be part-time into the images. I am a teaching assistant for was an obvious choice. This combination autumn term. They make a significant different modules like Programming has the potential to revolutionise the contribution to your transferable skills, and Fundamentals of Computing. global computer, biomedical and robotic employability and understanding of the technologies. My course gives me all the research environment. opportunities and techno-skills to help humanity, especially ability-challenged people by improving quality of life. Brain computer interface is one such area which has inspired me.I feel this course has the most to offer to fulfil my dreams. Humanity will be better able to face life’s challenges with development in AI and cybernetics.

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What is the best bit about living were hidden behind layers of plaster expert minds are required to carry on this Entry requirements and studying in Reading? and paint. This modern technique could technological progress for the betterment Reading, a small town away from the be used to restore the ancient paintings of humankind which are nurtured and Course UCAS Code A Level Requirement International Baccalaureate digitally, thus preserving the heritage. educated in Reading. Reading has many hassle and bustle of big cities is truly the BSc Cybernetics H651 BBB/ABC at A level including 30 points including 5 points in Since the terahertz images are recorded extracurricular activities to offer along best suited place to study. The positive Mathematics and either both higher level Mathematics in the form of long signals, the main task with the degree course like summer ambience and the beautiful university BEng Electronic Engineering H610 Physics or Electronics and Physics or Electronics campus are very welcoming. The national in this project was developing an efficient research internships, voluntary projects, and international students coming from database system to store the large image teaching assistantships, summer BSc Cybernetics with Industrial Year H690 ABB/AAC at A level including 32 points including 5 points in all over the world have formed a very data and retrieve it for processing in workshops, seminars and many other Mathematics and either both higher level Mathematics BEng Electronic Engineering with Industrial Year H615 healthy community and this gives me real time. activities related to the course which truly Physics or Electronics and Physics or Electronics help in gaining hands on experience in a chance to interact with people from MEng Cybernetics H654 AAB at A level including 35 points including 6 points in How is your degree helping the field of interest which will also help different countries and learn about grade A in Mathematics both higher level Mathematics in your chosen career path? in the future career path and in overall diverse cultures which has enriched me MEng Electronic Engineering H603 and Physics or Electronics and Physics or Electronics as a person. High standard university and Since childhood, I was interested in development as an individual. Hence I accommodation facilities are provided for research for enhancing human abilities would advise the future students to make BSc Artificial Intelligence GH76 BBB/ABC at A level including 30 points including 5 points in students that help us study better and at with the help of modern and intelligent the most out of their time in Reading Mathematics and a science both higher level Mathematics BSc Robotics H671 the same time caring staff make us feel technology. My degree course is helping University by participating in such subject and a science subject me in fulfilling my ambition. The course academic activities. at home. Welfare of the students is given BSc Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Year HG67 ABB/AAC at A level including 32 points including 5 points in is based on the modern advancements in special attention which enables us to have Mathematics and either both higher level Mathematics technology in today’s progressing world. How would you describe the a good time at the most important phase BSc Robotics with Industrial Year H67D Physics or Electronics and a science subject of life that would decide our future. I have been introduced to the various support you have received at novel and innovative fields of research by the University of Reading? MEng Robotics H675 AAB at A level including 35 points including 6 points in Please tell us about your current the researchers in Systems Engineering The University of Reading has been very grade A in Mathematics both higher level Mathematics research placement? working on ground breaking research supportive since my arrival to Reading. MEng Artificial Intelligence GH7P and a science subject and a second science projects. The emphasis on research in our The lecturers are very supportive, helpful I have done a research placement in Notes: All offers exclude Key Skills and General Studies. course is helping me to understand the and willing to answer any questions from the Brain Embodiment Lab (BEL) for If you have BTEC qualification, please [email protected] developing a Brain Computer Interface procedure and methods for conducting students either during the lecture, after (BCI). BCI provides a new mode of formal research and also the current the lecture or by email. All the lecturers communication and interaction for the advancements going on in the field of my are very approachable and I often seek ability challenged people by allowing interest. The UROP summer projects for appointments for meetings for discussing them to interact with the external world two years have given me the opportunity various topics for projects, coursework by their thoughts. In my research project, to work on different innovative topics or a module in general. The personal I was working on development of Motor other than the set academic curriculum tutor system is very helpful as your tutor Imagery based BCI which allows the user under the excellent guidance of knows you personally, especially when you to control a computer very intuitively supervisors, experts in their fields. are new and the lecturers do not know just by imagining the movements of the the students and you receive guidance right and left hand. I had done the BCI Any advice for students coming and mentoring throughout the course. placement in BEL in the last summer and to Reading? The supervision and guidance provided I have been working on a similar project The University of Reading is an ideal place by the supervisors for the research throughout this year. for higher studies. The educational and project is excellent and the weekly supervisor meetings are very useful to I have received an opportunity to multicultural atmosphere in the university decide the future path of the project. do another placement in UROP for gives a different dimension to the degree The administrative staff in the university developing imaging software for viewing course. The School of Systems Engineering including the students’ information centre and processing images scanned using is a hub for innovation in technology. and technical help (TNG) in systems novel Terahertz technology. Terahertz I would like to advise students coming engineering, have also been very helpful technology was used to scan old paintings to Reading to choose the degree course and cooperative. on the walls of churches and caves which of their utmost interest. The world is progressing very rapidly and hence new

1818 18 19 How to apply All applications to our Undergraduate programmes should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Please see www.ucas.com for instructions on how to apply.

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Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Electronic Engineering and Robotics at Reading

For further information on entry requirements and applications, please contact: Admissions Office University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AY [email protected] Tel (0118) 378 8372 www.reading.ac.uk/sse

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