EMBEDDED COMPUTING SYSTEMS Degree Programme Profile
Basic Information
Qualification awarded
Master Degree in EMBEDDED COMPUTING SYSTEMS
Qualification Type/Level
EHEA Second cycle, EQF level 7
Number of Years/credits
2 years; 120 ECTS
Mode of Study
Full-Time/Part-Time*
*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed through the course of study at one's own pace. This makes it possible, if necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or obligations.
Name of the Course Director and other contact information
President of the Degree Course Council:
Prof.
Email
Department of INGEGNERIA DELL'INFORMAZIONE
Internationalization Coordinator (CAI):
Prof. Maria Greco
Email maria.greco@iet.unipi.it
Language of Teaching
English
Admission Requirements
Formal Requirements
Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.
Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences
Obligatory selective/competitive entrance exam (numerus clausus).
Required knowledge and competences support programmes
Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.
General Information
Programme Profile
The Master of Science in Embedded Computing Systems is offered jointly by the Institute of Communication, Information and Perception Technologies (TeCIP) of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and the Department of Information Engineering of the University of Pisa. It aims to provide the necessary knowledge for approaching complex software design in embedded computing systems using the most modern design methodologies, and integrating specific knowledge in various research areas, including automatic control, signal acquisition and processing, real-time computing, sensors and actuators interfacing, software engineering, formal methods for software verification, distributed systems, computer architectures, and digital electronics. Courses are held in English language.
Key Learning Outcomes
The Master in Embedded Computing Systems is aimed at providing both theoretical foundations and practical aspects in the following disciplines:
-real-time operating systems;
-sensory acquisition and processing;
-motor control;
-microprocessor, multiprocessor, and multi-core architectures;
-distributed systems and sensor networks;
-optimization methods;
-modeling and timing analysis;
-software verification;
-advanced man-machine interfaces.
Occupational Profile/s of Graduates
Over the last thirty years, embedded computing systems have grown exponentially in areas like industrial automation, avionics, automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and robotics. The Programme has been established and is specifically intended to train specialized professionals able to design, develop and analyze highly complex computer systems. Graduates in Embedded Computing Systems will easily find employment in small, medium and large companies involved in industrial automation, avionics, automotive systems, telecommunications and robotics.
Access to further study
The Laurea Magistrale degree in EMBEDDED COMPUTING SYSTEMS allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.
Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading
Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, commentary of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer based on the performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. The main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of the examination and final grades among students for each degree programme, in order to facilitate the comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on the occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated based on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).
**The exam sessions are organised into sessions (the dates vary according to the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are fixed by the teacher. The students choose which of the appelli they wish to respond to. In most cases, it is obligatory to sign up before the specified date.
Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification
The Final Project requires a work load of 15 ETCS credits.
It leads to a written thesis that is defended against an Evaluation Board.
The thesis subjects are selected on the basis of the input of the students and their mentors. The Thesis work must ref