September 2014

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Course Handbook

2014 Cohort Entry

Edinburgh Centre for Robotics

edinburgh-robotics.org

September 2014

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. MSc by Research - MSc (R) Course Information

3. PhD Information

4. Regulations

5. Financial Arrangements

6. Events

7. Facilities

8. Key Contacts

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1.Introduction The Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems was

jointly awarded to Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh by

the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in November

2013.

Robots will revolutionise the world's economy and society over the next twenty

years, working for us, beside us and interacting with us. The CDT in Robotics

and Autonomous Systems in Edinburgh will address key challenges for

managing interactions between robots and their environments, between

multiple autonomous systems, and between robots and humans. We will

equip graduates with technical skills and industry awareness to create an

innovation pipeline from academic research to global markets, combining our

scientific leadership with extensive industrial engagement to ground research

and training in real world challenges. This will be supported by our world class

infrastructure, enhanced through the recent £7.2M EPSRC and industry capital

grant ROBOTARIUM.

This PhD training programme lasts 4 years, including assessed masters level

courses in the first year and continuous training in commercial awareness,

creativity, social challenges and innovation. Students will graduate with a joint

PhD from both universities

University of Edinburgh - School of Informatics

Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour

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One of the central issues of 21st Century Informatics will be how to link, in theory and in practice, computational perception, representation, transformation and generation processes to external worlds. The external world may be the "real" world or another computational environment that has its own character. Domains where these issues are pertinent include bio- mimetic robotics, computer-based visual perception, dynamic control of the interaction of robotic systems with their environment or each other, computer-based generation of external phenomena, such as images, music or actions, and agent-based interaction with other agents or humans, as in computer games and animation.

The Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour (formed 1998) is focused on activities related to these issues. IPAB is one of several institutes formed by members of the former Departments of Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science and Computer Science, and HCRC.

University of Edinburgh - School of Engineering

The integrated School of Engineering was formed in 2002 from the various

individual departments to address diverse and complex challenges across the

entire field of engineering, at the micro and macroscopic/global scales. At the

microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel

nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis;

at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the

built environment and develops engineering solutions to issues raised by

climate change.

The School is one of the largest in the University, comprising over 150 staff and

over 350 postgraduate, 140 MSc and 1,400 undergraduate students. The

School occupies approximately 10,000 m2 in over ten buildings on the

University's King's Buildings site in South Edinburgh.

We are committed to teaching, supporting and researching world-class Science

and Engineering.

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Heriot-Watt University - School of Engineering and Physical Science

Institute of Signals and Systems (ISSS)

The Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems (ISSS) is one of five Research

Institutes forming the research infrastructure of the School of Engineering & Physical

Sciences (EPS)

With 19 academic members of staff spanning 10 nationalities and 4 fields of

expertise, ISSS aims to offer the full portfolio of expertise in the fields of signal

and image processing, novel manufacturing technologies, microsystems,

microwave engineering, mobile communications systems and autonomous

systems. Of particular interest to the ISSS is the design, modelling, simulation,

processing of information from and system integration of sensors.

Institute of Signals and Systems

Heriot-Watt University - School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences

Department of Computer Science

Very few aspects of our lives remain unaffected by computers. Innovation

continues to extend both the quantity and quality of the contributions they

make to society.

As our reliance on information systems broadens and deepens it becomes ever

more important to improve their applicability, dependability, intelligence and

usability. Our 40 academics, supported by research staff, conduct world

leading and internationally recognised research. This enables us to adopt a

research-led approach to our teaching which ensures that our students are

fully prepared to generate the next wave of innovations when they graduate.

Aim of the CDT

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The aim of the CDT is to produce graduates with the highest technical skills, with a wide understanding across the 5 interaction themes (Environment, Multi-robot, people, self and enablers) and their connectivity, and also with a deep knowledge in a specific cutting edge area. They should also be industry and market aware, ethical, creative and innovative, and equipped with the relevant skills to work on real world problems, to work with other people, and to communicate to academic, industrial and public audiences

The CDT will offer continuous training throughout the subsequent PhD degree, the new programme branded #Cauldron will aim to extend academic enhancement in the interlinked areas of Scientific Cohesion, Research and Creativity Skills, Social and Societal Challenges, and Innovation, mixing students from different years, and across laboratories. It will draw on the Vitae Researcher Development framework implementing the Research Concordat of the UK Research Councils informed by the recommendations of the Roberts report “Set for Success”. #Cauldron will contain cohort-wide and elective activities in each area including guest speakers, seminars, skills sessions, tours, retreats and informal discussions. Students will select and maintain a training portfolio (in consultation with their mentors) following a development needs analysis to achieve specific training outcomes aligned with their interests.

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Training Programme outline

Fig 1: RAS CDT 1+3 training timeline including cohort based training activities

1. MSc by Research- MSc (R) Course Information

In Year 1 of the programme, you will be registered for the degree of MSc by Research in Robotics and Autonomous Systems. All students are expected to fulfil the degree programme requirements by the end of their first year.

Year 1 will involve core and taught courses, supplemented by practical experience in the form of small projects at both the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. You need to select courses that equate to 180 pts, this is including the MSc dissertation.

Core Courses and locations

Robotics: Science and Systems (20 points) - Taught at University of Edinburgh

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Seminar course entitled Autonomous Systems Research (30 points) - Taught at Heriot-Watt University and which will introduce you to current research issues in many areas of robotics and related fields including the activities of some of our industrial partners

An MSc dissertation (100 points) under one-on-one supervision from one of our research supervisors

Taught courses

To reach 180 points and progress to the PhD, students normally take two to three master’s level courses (depending on amount of points awarded per course). You may choose from the different fields of robotics, machine learning and related areas.

Taught course information for RAS CDT students

Course Registration

You will need to register on to your selected courses at both institutions during induction week. You will be guided through the process at Heriot-Watt

RAS CDT Degree Programme Timetable

Although courses are selected in induction week it should be possible to make some changes within the first few weeks of semester 1. Any changes must be approved by the Centre Directors at HWU and UoE.

Timetabling

During your first year you will be taking mandatory courses at both UoE and HWU. Travel between the two campuses will not be provided so you will have to arrange your own transportation to and from each campus.

Timetable download

Semester 1 How to find Heriot-Watt

September 2014

How to find the Informatics Forum, UoE

Assessment of MSc by Research

The MSc by Research in Robotics and Autonomous Systems is administered by the MSc Board of Examiners. Most examinations for the MSc courses take place at the end of Semester 2. A small number of courses may examine in Semester 1.

The correspondence between numerical scores, grades and their interpretation in terms of the MSc is given below

Score

Grade

Interpretation

> = 70

A

Excellent

60- 69

B

Very Good

50- 59

C

Good

40- 49

D

Satisfactory for Diploma but inadequate for MSc

< 40

E

Unsatisfactory

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In accordance with University Regulations, a minimum of Grade C (equivalent to ≥50% ) is normally required in all taught courses.

Examinations Written examinations take place in December and then during the first weeks of the summer. Exams can spread over up to five weeks, you will be notified approximately 1 month in advance of exams taking place.

Your overall mark is decided at a Board of Examiners meeting, usually held in at the end of May. The Board has the freedom to aggregate marks in any way but normally each paper is given equal weighting. The Board may take mitigating circumstances (e.g. illness) into account so it is vital that you communicate these to your Director of Studies, along with substantiating evidence (e.g. a medical certificate), if you believe that your performance has been impaired.

If you are ill on or around the date of an examination then you must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor as soon as you are fit enough to do so. Your project mark is decided at a second Board of Examiners meeting in October, along with your overall MSc by Research award. The Board of Examiners can award distinctions to students who have performed exceptionally well on both the taught (close to or above 70) and project (at least 70) components.

3. Progression to PhD

In addition to the successful completion of your first year of the MSc by Research programme, progression to the Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD is contingent on the approval of a PhD Proposal. Guidelines and deadline dates can be found here:

CDT PhD Proposal Submission Guidelines and dates

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Informatics Graduate School is responsible for the support of staff and students involved in all of the School's PhD programmes.

Once CDT students have had their proposal approved, they are governed by the same procedures as any other PhD student, please refer to the regulations section

Research Project

The PhD Thesis counts as 540 effort hours or 540 credits The research project work forms the major part of the PhD qualification, which must involve 'knowledge creation'.

This may be in the application of known techniques to solve new problems, creating knowledge about the associated research area, as well as more fundamental work. You will be assigned two supervisors for this project work: an Academic from each Institution, and if applicable, an Industrial Supervisor from your project sponsor.

You may also find the following publications helpful

‘Research Student and Supervisor: An Approach to Good Supervisory

Practice’ - Published by EPSRC How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors, by Estelle

Phillips and Derek Pugh

The below links may also be on interest:

Archived PhD Theses

Researcher's Bible Resolving Problems

Submitting your Thesis

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You will need to submit your thesis at your primary institution – the below

links will guide you through the process University of Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt – If using Word, a thesis template is available O:\school\Graduate

School\Information for PGR students & Supervisors\PGR guides\thesis style

guide.doc

Extensions

Your length of study (defined in terms of start and end dates on your offer letter) is 48 months but contains a significant taught component.

We expect your thesis to be submitted within a maximum of 60 months of your start date. If your thesis is not submitted by your end date you must apply for an extension (on the Amendment of Registration For m – School Approval). We will only consider one request for such an extension such that the maximum total time from your start date is 60 months. Any extension granted must be used predominantly for writing-up, and a clear writing-up schedule must be identified in the paperwork supplied.

Any request for a further extension will be required to be approved by Postgraduate Studies Committee and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Your supervisor(s) will provide advice on the material to be presented in your

thesis, and is required to examine the final draft before it is submitted.

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4. Regulations

Students are required to adhere by the regulations of their host University, and conform with the Policies, Procedures, Ordinances and Regulations.

University of Edinburgh Regulations

MSc Course Guide (For all Informatics MSc Students)

PGR Assessment Regulations (For all Informatics MSc & PhD Students)

Masters by Research – code of practice

Heriot-Watt Regulations

Postgraduate Research Student Code of Practice – also available in the

internal directory: O:\School\Graduate School\Information for PGR students &

supervisors

Ordinances

Postgraduate Regulations

Early Exit

Should a student wish to leave the programme prior to the end of the 4-years of study and research, or should the Supervisors feel that progress is not sufficient to enable successful completion of the degree, the student may be eligible to leave with an exit qualification. In these cases, the student would be asked to return any library books or course materials, and pay any outstanding University debts.

5. Financial Arrangements

Funding is provided by EPSRC and each eligible student will have their tuition fees paid in full, and receive a monthly stipend. Funding is paid for a period of 48 months or until the date that the final thesis is submitted.

September 2014

Stipends

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Will be paid by your host institution

HWU – Paid on a monthly basis, in your bank account by the 5th of each month

UoE - 3 month lump sum payment at the beginning of studies – then moves to

a monthly basis. Funds in your bank account by 28th of the month

6. Events

A summary of events offered at both institutions – event participation is

actively encouraged

University of Edinburgh

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Seminars

This series will include seminars hosted by the CDT in Robotics and Autonomous Systems alongside seminars selected from existing programmes from within the School of Informatics. Academic seminars will feature prestigious UK, European and overseas speakers, exposing students to internationally leading research. Students will have the opportunity to meet individually with speakers to ask informal questions and discuss their own research. Robotics and Autonomous Systems seminars will be announced via an email list, which all CDT RAS students will be members of.

School of Informatics Seminar Programmes

The institutes within the School of Informatics, as well as related departments, hold frequent events and seminars. These will likely be of interest to CDT in Data Science students and you are encouraged to attend these. The following information is intended to give students an overview of some of the events that might be of interest. Students are advised to check the relevant web pages for up-to-date information as times and dates may vary. Most of these seminars and events have mailing lists for which students can request membership. Even when the topic of a seminar is not situated directly within a student's field, the seminars should give students valuable opportunities to

September 2014

interact with academics and students from other research areas, other institutes and other universities, which will help in formulating ideas.

All institutes within the School of Informatics hold seminar programmes. For information, please see the respective institute web sites, accessible through http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk/research.

Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour (IPAB)

IPAB event consist of seminars and workshops. Seminars are typically given by IPAB staff and students and Workshops are events which feature external speakers. Unless otherwise stated IPAB events occur at 11am on a term-time Thursday, in the Informatics Forum, room 4.31/4.33 - http://wcms.inf.ed.ac.uk/ipab/events

Heriot-Watt

There are a number of events held during the year for research students, which

aim to stimulate cross-disciplinary interaction and foster a sense of community

amongst the researchers and Academics.

Postgraduate Research Conference

The Academic Enhancement team facilitate the annual Postgraduate Research Conference (usually held in June), which adopts a new theme each year, with students taking on the responsibility of organising the event.

EPS Postgraduate Research Poster Event

Within EPS, the main event is the annual Postgraduate Research Poster Event, usually held on the first Wednesday in October.

Eligible students are those who first registered between 1 April in the year prior to the Poster Event and 31 March of the same year of the event (full-time students) and between 1 April two years prior to the Poster Event and 31 March in the year prior to the event (part-time students). The PGR Office send out an invitation to the eligible students, along with guidance on the poster requirements, during August – students are expected to submit a poster and

September 2014

abstract and also to be able to discuss their poster with School colleagues. All PhD students, RAs and Academics are invited to attend the event. The event is usually opened by a welcome from the Head of School, University Principal and/or other Senior Academics within the School.

Coffee and Cakes

A number of Institutes organise informal meetings for students so that they have the opportunity to discuss any issues as well as offering a social gathering for students who may not work closely together. These events are usually organised and led by the Institute Co-ordinator.

Seminars

The Research Institutes organise regular seminars at which invited speakers

give talks on a variety of subjects. These talks are intended for a general

academic audience and usually impinge on some research work of the speaker.

The School regards regular attendance at the seminars within your Institute as

an important part of the education of its research students, providing a

broader outlook on research. The programme is available on the individual

Institute sites (N.B. web addresses may be subject to change during course of

upgrade of University website), and on the School web site

(http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/research/research-seminars.htm ). All research workers will also receive an email every Monday morning summarising that week’s seminars in EPS.

September 2014

7.Facilities

Aside from dedicated CDT space at both institutions there are a wide range of

facilities that you will benefit from at both Heriot-Watt and the University of

Edinburgh.

University of Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt

8. Key Contacts

This joint programme between includes Programme Directors and Deputy Directors at both institutions - they are responsible for the academic and scientific content of the programme, as advised by the rest of the CDT Executive Management Committee and the External Advisory Board.

Prof. David Lane (HWU Centre Director) - d.m.lane@hw.ac.uk

Prof. Sethu Vijayakumar (UoE Centre Director) sethu.vijayakumar@ed.ac.uk

Prof. Nick Taylor – N.K.Taylor@hw.ac.uk Dr Michael Hermann – michael.herrmann@ed.ac.uk

The CDT Administrative Management Team is responsible for the administration of the programme. They are the first point of contact for most enquiries and can be contacted by email at ras-cdt@inf.ed.ac.uk

Cat Andrade (CDT Administrative Assistant)

Teresa Ironside (Head of Informatics Student Services)

Alex Campbell (EPS PG Programme Administrator)

Each CDT is supported by dedicated taught and research programme administrators. Below are the details at both institutions

Please direct all enquiries as follows:

September 2014

Informatics Student Services, Appleton Tower, Room 4.02, University of Edinburgh, Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9LE

School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, PGR DB 3.19 Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS