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Engineering (Smart Instrumentation)

Postgraduate Coursework in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) - Mid-year entry only (Closing date 25th July 2008)

  • Graduate Certificate in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) 
  • Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation)
  • Master of Engineering (Smart Instrumentation)

Smart instrumentation is the way of the future. It applies ‘intelligence’ to an array of consumer goods, medical devices and environmental instrumentation, and new applications arrive on the scene every day. If you want to focus your electronic engineering ‘smarts’ to smart instrumentation, then read on.

 

Fast Facts
Course Level: Postgraduate  
Course Length: Graduate Certificate - 6 months full-time or part-time equivalent (18 units)

Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time or part-time equivalent (36 units)

Master - 2 years full time or part-time equivalent (72 units)
Location: Taught on-campus at Flinders
Available To: Australian (Commonwealth Supported) and international students
Entry Requirements: Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) normally must hold an approved undergraduate Engineering degree with appropriate electronic content, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry will be assumed. An applicant who has not previously studied electronics may be required to undertake appropriate bridging studies
Course Program Details: A program of study is available for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) in the University's Course Information Handbook

About the Course

Why Study Engineering (Smart Instrumentation)?

A continually increasing array of devices display some form of ‘intelligence’: they self-monitor, initiate responses and moderate behaviour. Wireless capability is a given in a laptop or handheld device. Embedded computer systems run our cars, mobile phones and cameras, even toys and educational tools.

 

Smart Instrumentation Engineering focuses on the design of advanced instrumentation for measuring and controlling systems, and these are of particular relevance to developments in intelligent robotic systems. Smart instrumentation measures mechanical and electrical systems and monitors environmental phenomena. Sensors in self-monitoring and self-regulating systems are being introduced into medical applications such as pacemakers, into agriculture for monitoring pests and water, into houses for managing grey water or power use.

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What Will I Study?

Graduates with skills in electronic engineering who would like to introduce smart instrumentation into their professional expertise could consider the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation). The Postgraduate Diploma extends those studies to further professional knowledge and skills in the research and development of smart instrumentation. The Masters will extend the core knowledge and skills still further. The significant and substantial advanced knowledge of and skill in the field of smart instrumentation engineering that the Masters brings is gained through a combination of coursework and project. Graduates from these awards will, to a greater or lesser extent according to the award completed, have:
  • an advanced level of knowledge of the engineering principles underlying the application of smart instrumentation
  • expertise in a range of technical skills for applying smart instrumentation engineering
  • well developed skills in written and oral communication, problem solving and critical thinking
  • the knowledge and skills to undertake research and development by selecting appropriate methodology, analysing and reviewing research literature, and completing an advanced development or similar research-oriented project.
We encourage international students to bring ideas for Masters projects from their own country. The courses articulate and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed the graduate certificate are awarded credit towards the graduate diploma. Candidates who have completed the graduate diploma are awarded credit towards the masters.

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How can I use Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) in my career?

The smart instrumentation courses are designed to train engineering graduates and practising engineers in an exciting and innovative brand of engineering for now and the future. It is an area of rapid change and innovation where new careers continue to open up and established careers continue to change. The courses will help fill the increasing demand for smart instrumentation across the widening array of applications.

 

New graduates can hone their smart instrumentation skills for a new career. Electronic engineers who graduated some time ago can up-skill to stay ahead of the game.

 

The Masters is also a pathway to a PhD for those who don’t have an honours degree and the research possibilities are endless – and prime for collaboration with other fields of endeavour such as medicine and environmental research.

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Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?

The postgraduate courses in smart instrumentation are small, intimate and focused on the needs and the future of each individual student. At Flinders, our postgraduate courses have low numbers, small class sizes and that’s the way we like it. It gives our staff time to devote to students; it gives students a more interactive atmosphere in which to embrace creative excellence.

 

The staff teaching these courses are immersed in smart instrumentation research. They take every opportunity to crosslink with other areas which might spark a new way of thinking, a new avenue to explore. These collaborations give multiple layers of strength and different perspectives – all to the advantage of students.

 

Engineering at Flinders is distinguished by the focus on and strengths in smart instrumentation and control including embedded systems. The course integrates with the continuing development of the strong and active research and development program in the School of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics which is often externally funded (grant and commercial).

 

The Science and Engineering Faculty is very experienced in dealing with part-time students and provides a support base that caters to the onerous demands of working while studying part time. Full-time students also benefit from our approach. Computer facilities are available remotely and are strongly backed by a 24/7 help desk. Lectures are recorded and streamed for students to use at their convenience.

 

Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600, with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.

 

Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future – a future you can be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your life. It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state government has a focus on IT and is developing, in collaboration with private enterprise, a vibrant, innovative culture that looks forward to a bright future in the 21st century and beyond. The emphasis is on quality of life in a sustainable environment.

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Entry Requirements

All Applicants

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) normally must hold an approved undergraduate Engineering degree with appropriate electronic content, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Some basic knowledge of biology and chemistry will be assumed. An applicant who has not previously studied electronics may be required to undertake appropriate bridging studies.

 

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.

Australian Students

 

Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

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International Students

CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:

  • Tuition fees
  • Course entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • Australian visa and health cover requirements


For further information about studying in Australia:

The International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177


Ask Flinders - International enquiry form

 

Apply Now!

If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:

International Students: Australian Students:
  • Apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:
  1. Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
  2. Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application
  3. Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart applications are free.

If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.

 


Credit Transfer

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.

An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
 

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Course Fees

In 2008 these courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS) places. These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian students and International Students. Contact the relevant faculty office for further information.

Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.

 

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Further Information

Flinders Web Resources

The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.


Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:

Admissions Office

     Phone: +61 8 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
     Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

Science & Engineering
     Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
     Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

Course Co-ordinator
     Name: Mr Neville Williams
     Phone: +61 8 8201 3749
     Email: neville.williams@flinders.edu.au
 
Last reviewed April 2008.



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