MSC course dedicated to wireless sensor networks

A new full-time master of science degree programme in wireless sensor networks is billed as the first of its kind in the UK.

The School of Engineering, Design and Technology (EDT) at the University of Bradford is launching a new full-time master of science degree programme in wireless sensor networks - the first of its kind in the UK.

The programme, which is recruiting places for September this year, has been developed in response to the ever-increasing importance of sensor technology in today's information society and builds on the Mobile and Satellite Communications Research Centre's world-class expertise in wireless communications.

Professor Fun Hu is the programme leader of the new MSc in wireless sensor networks (WSN) course and the first female professor to work in the University's School of Engineering, Design and Technology.

Professor Hu said: "The new course in wireless sensor networks is motivated and driven by the rapid technological developments and advances in this area and addresses specifically the significant foreseeable demand for chartered engineers in this exciting industry.

"In adopting the tried and tested modular structure of our other MSc courses, WSN offers several unique components including sensor software technology, sensor networking and protocols and security aspects in relation to wireless sensor networks".

Sensors are an intrinsic part of everyday life in the Western world.

Over the past decade, sensors have been used more and more in various sectors, for example: patient health monitoring and diagnosis in the health sector; automatic control and monitoring in machinery and robotics; structural health monitoring in civil engineering; and in home appliances such as radiators, refrigerators and microwave ovens.

Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and wireless network technologies have created low-cost, low-power, multifunctional miniature sensor devices.

When networked together over a wireless medium, these devices provide, through collaborative effort, an overall result of their sensing functionality.

The restrictions on the use of this technology appear to be limited only by imagination and ingenuity.

The MSc course in wireless sensor networks is a welcome addition to the school's existing portfolio of MSc courses, which attracts in the region of 120 students each year.

This new MSc programme is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Eight bursaries worth GBP 3000 each are available to cover the cost of tuition fees for WSN on a competitive basis for suitably qualified applicants for any UK or EU citizen.

Back to top