PENG9590 Advanced Topics in Robotics and Control Course description

The course covers topics selected for their particular relevance to the students' intended doctoral thesis. The material for the course is composed in collaboration with the thesis supervisor, and the course proceeds as a self-study under expert supervision. The course is completed by student giving a seminar on a particular topic within the scope of the course material.

Recommended previous experience: Master’s degree in robotics and control, or related field. Basic mathematical knowledge in calculus, mechanics, linear algebra, statistics, probability theory, and programming.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

None.

Students who complete the course are expected to have the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• has in-depth knowledge within specific topics in robotics and control that supplement the specialisation syllabus.
• is at the forefront of knowledge within the topic of his/her doctoral thesis project.
• has a profound understanding of the state-of-the-art and the latest developments in the field relevant to his/her doctoral thesis.

Skills

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• apply theoretical knowledge, scientific methods and simulation tools suitable for solving complex robotics and control problems.
• plan and conduct scholarly work within the topic of his/her the doctoral thesis project.
• analyse existing theories, methods and standardised solutions on practical and theoretical engineering problems.

General competence

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• is competent in literature study, self-study and research-based learning
• can apply his/her knowledge and skills to carrying out advanced tasks and projects.
• can communicate issues, analyses and solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.
• can assess the need for, and initiate innovation in his/her field of expertise.

The course is carried out by research-based learning and a major study based on individual work, and is supervised by one or more supervisors (internal/external).

This course covers two central areas of scientific research: the construction and justification of a research plan, and the subsequent analysis and interpretation of its implementation and of the resulting data.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

None.

The student is expected to have the following outcomes on completion of the course:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• has advanced knowledge of the research process.
• has advanced knowledge of data collection techniques relative to his/her field of study within engineering sciences
• can critically assess the usefulness of using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in the engineering sciences.
• has a high-level command of qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis relative to his/her field of study.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• construct a problem statement or research question and evaluate its soundness.
• create technically and scientifically sound research proposals.
• select a methodology to address a research problem.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• distinguish and formulate research problems.
• develop and critically assess the components of a research proposal.
• critically reflect on the nature of research, scientific practice and knowledge

This course will feature lectures and practical work to provide both theoretical and hands-on content. The students will work in groups and complete various assignments related to the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. The students will supplement the lectures and group work with their own reading.