School of Engineering & Computing

Welcome to the department

How different life would be without our mobile phone, PDA, iPod, digital radio/TV, or broadband Internet access! For most of us, some of these devices and services - maybe even all them - have become essential elements of everyday life. But what do they all have in common?

They are all examples of the exciting, life-changing possibilities that arise when we creatively combine mathematical modelling and simulation, statistical analysis, embedded computing, computer systems engineering, and electronic system design with developments in sensor, security, and communications technologies.

The specialist areas mentioned above are precisely the ones that lie at the heart of the expertise within the Department of Communications, Network, and Electronic Engineering (CNEE). They are central to the teaching, professional training and advanced learning opportunities we offer, and the consultancy and applied research we undertake.

For imaginative engineers empowered with knowledge, skills and experience in these disciplines, the opportunities seem endless – from smart vehicles and buildings that sense and adapt to the environment and our presence/behaviour, to body area sensor networks that track our limbs’ movements and gestures, to automated highways that control the traffic flowing over them, and whatever will come along that will make the iPod look as dated as the Walkman seems to us today (it will happen).

But, more widely, part of this same knowledge base is also essential to the design, implementation, integration and support of the secure, networked computer services which are now an essential element of virtually every organisation from the smallest business to the largest company.

On behalf of everyone in the department, I would like to welcome you to our web pages. Here you will find key information on the types of teaching and learning opportunities and resources that we offer, and the specialist areas of research and knowledge transfer that we focus on. If, for any reason, you can’t find what you’re looking for or need further information, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you in person and helping you achieve your own goal.

Professor Tom Buggy, Head of Department