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Advances in automotive technology have resulted in a rapid growth in innovative features such as driverless cars and collision avoidance. These features require sophisticated software that can sense and interpret the environment around them. Similarly, high-tech industries are embracing new smart manufacturing technologies whereby industrial systems can communicate and cooperate to improve efficiency.
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive and Automation Systems) is a full-time, four year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing Common Entry Route. This course is designed to equip students with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required for employment in the automotive and automation sector. Both Irish-based and overseas companies seek skilled graduates who are able to create innovative software solutions for the automotive industry.
Through ongoing collaboration with industrial partners, students gain access to state of the art tools, processes and technologies used in this sector, covering a range of topics such as embedded software development, driver assistance systems, industrial automation, and automotive software design. This knowledge and skillset are not only sought after in the automotive and automation industry, but also in aerospace and other embedded software engineering environments.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Programming Fundamentals 1 | Programming Fundamentals 2 |
| Website Development | Web App Development |
| Computer Systems 1 | Computer Systems 2 |
| The Computer Industry | Applied Calculus |
| Discrete Mathematics | Physics 2 |
| Physics 1 | Automotive Software Concepts |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Data Structure & Algorithms 1 | Data Structure & Algorithms 2 |
| Relational Databases | Software Eng. Practice |
| Computer Networks | Applied Cryptology |
| Mathematical Methods | Statistics & Probability |
| Professional Communications | DC/AC Fundamentals |
| Embedded Systems | Programmatic Logic Controllers |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Web App Development 2 | Choose one of the following electives: |
| NoSQL Databases | *Study Abroad |
| Developer Operations | *Professional Certification |
| Professional Practice | *Voluntary Organisation Project |
| Measurement Systems | *Industrial Placement |
| Model-Based Development | * = Elective |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Mobile App Development 2 | Functional Programming |
| Distributed Systems | Data Mining 2 |
| Data Mining 1 | Project 2 |
| Project 1 | The Connected Car |
| Automotive Software Development | Free Elective |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems |
Detailed information on all modules is available in the course handbook:
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O3/H7
The entry route for this programme is from WD001 BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option WD001 AAS (Automotive and Automation Systems) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose WD001 GEN.
At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.
The explosion in advanced infotainment, comfort and safety features in modern cars is generating a huge demand for graduates with the necessary embedded software systems development skills to create these advanced systems. The Electrical and Electronic systems in premium vehicles accounts for almost 50% of the production costs of the car and of that about 20% is the cost of developing vehicle software. The automation industry is also seeing a growth in demand for software-controlled processes and production lines to meet consumer and regulatory demands. There are many exciting roles available to graduates of this programme, such as:
Automotive Software Developer
Embedded Systems Developer in the automation, robotics and medical devices industries
System integration roles with major car manufacturers and suppliers
Control systems development for motor sport. One of our past graduates has worked for Red Bull Racing, Haas F1 and the Ferrari F1 team
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Developer. For example, developing object and pedestrian detection systems for autonomous vehicles
Process control software developer for factory automation and robotic assembly lines.
The Automotive & Automation Programme has many close links with the leading automotive software suppliers in Ireland, the UK and Germany, and these provide unique opportunities for you to interact with leaders in the industry. You will also use the same industry standard automotive software development tools in our laboratory that are used by all of the major car manufacturers. This gives you a distinct advantage on graduation as our unique partnership with the leading industry tool supplier gives us access to all of the latest embedded systems tools and technologies.
We also liaise closely with the leading automotive and automation technical recruitment company in the UK to monitor recruitment trends in the industry and identify employment and placement opportunities.
You will also have the possibility of completing your industrial placement semester as an exchange student with the University of Applied Sciences (FH Technikum) in Vienna, Austria. You will be able to study and complete project work there in their Embedded Systems Department. The Embedded Systems Department in FH Technikum, Vienna specialises in Assisted Living, Smart Homes and automotive embedded systems programmes in addition to their extensive research activities in these areas.
Students who complete the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive & Automation Systems) may avail of a research masters (MSc) in the area with the Automtive Control Group. On completion of an MSc students will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD Course.
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