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Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours) 

A103     


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time
Part-time (day) 		Postgraduate 2 years full-time or the equivalent part-time Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2)

Discontinued: This course has no new intake. This information is provided for continuing students

This program has been replaced by A103A Master of Engineering Science (Microelectronic Engineering). There is no intake into A103 as from 2011 onwards.
 
The Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours) forms the final stage in a four-stage nested suite of programs consisting of:
The major role of professional engineers is to act as agents for change through the development of technically sound, economically viable and socially acceptable solutions to complex and new technical problems. In this context, the microelectronics engineer today is faced with many challenges brought about by the rapid advances in computer, multimedia and telecommunication technology.
 
The Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours) addresses all aspects of this technology, from high-level specification of microelectronic systems, through implementation alternatives, to realisation of integrated circuits. The course aims to produce engineers with the practical experience and research skills to satisfy the requirements of the microelectronics industry.

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The general aims of the course are to provide graduates with:
 
a) high levels of both logical and lateral thinking development so that the graduates can lead constructive change through innovation;
b) the ability to use a multi-disciplinary engineering philosophy towards the synthesis, design and integration of solutions;
c) a level of professional development in confidence, judgment and experience such that the implementation of proposed solutions proceeds successfully.

The specific aims of the course are to:
 
a) develop integrated circuit design expertise in embedded system, digital, mixed signal and system-on-chip;
b) develop understanding of the device physics, fabrication process and testing needed by IC designers;
c) develop the advanced technical skills necessary to master state of the art microelectronic technology;
d) develop research skills necessary to obtain specialist knowledge of subjects pertinent to integrated circuit design;
e) cultivate logical and lateral thinking that leads to creation and innovation in the pursuit of solutions to engineering problems.

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Swinburne's Microelectronic Engineering programs are a nested suite, offering students the opportunity to exit at the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master or Master (Honours) stage. Please note that while the program as a whole is available full-time and part-time*, the final Honours stage is availablel full-time only.
 
The Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours) compriseds200 credit points, consisting of 10 coursework units (125 credit points), a Minor Project (25 credit points), and a Major Research Project (50 credit points).
 
In order to qualify for the Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours), students must achieve a 70% average grade or higher in the final 100 credit points (i.e. final two stages of a full-time two-year program) or an average grade of 75% or higher in the final 50 credit points (i.e. the fourth stage of a full-time two-year program). If this performance level is not achieved, then the student will be awarded a standard Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) degree, even though the full 200 credit points of study may have been achieved.
 
Where students have completed and graduated with a related master degree from Swinburne University of Technology they must enrol in a minimum of 50 credit points of the master (honours) program to be eligible for the award of Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours). A student who has completed and graduated with a standard master degree or equivalent from another university must enrol in a minimum of 100 credit points of the master (honours) program to be eligible for the award of Master of Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) (Honours).
   
Preliminary Units
Students who lack the appropriate background may be required to do relevant undergraduate units before they commence postgraduate studies of units that assume knowledge in specialist areas. The following units would provide the level of assumed knowledge for all the Microelectronic Engineering courses. These units are offered in the undergraduate program Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Computer Systems) and students can enrol in these units concurrent with other master degree units, which do not require the assumed knowledge provided in these units.
 
 
*Please note that international students holding a student visa are required to study full-time.

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Core Microelectronic units
HET6001 HDL and High Level Synthesis
 
 
Research and Project electives
HIT9010 Research Methods
HET6020 Minor Project   (25 credit points)
HET6030 Major Project* (50 credit points)
 
Management electives
 
* Students who intend to do HET6030 Major Project are required to have successfully completed HIT9010 Research Methods or HMS613 Stochastic Modelling and Survival Analysis in a previous semester as one of the electives.
 
 
Recommended Study Sequence  

Stage 1

Stage 2
 
 
Choose 2 from:

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Career opportunities involve work in embedded system design, VLSI design, system on chip, chip design, design of DSP-based systems, in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, automotive, chip design and testing corporations (Motorolla, Intel, Bosch, etc) and research organisations.

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Swinburne University of Technology works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession.
 
Swinburne specific graduate attributes:
  • Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community; 
  • Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
  • Operate effectively in work and community situations; 
  • Are adaptable and manage change; 
  • Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.

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Admission to the course normally requires a four year Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic engineering, computer engineering or communication/telecommunication engineering or a four year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in an appropriate field, or an equivalent qualification.
 
Applicants with a three year Bachelor of Science degree (in an appropriate field) or a Bachelor of Engineering degree in another field may also be considered for admission on the condition that they may be required to take up additional (preliminary) units that will strengthen their knowledge and skills in digital systems, analogue electronics and microprocessor systems.

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Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the program with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. All applications for unit exemptions should be submitted on the appropriate form at the time of enrolment in the course.

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways/rpl/higher-ed

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The indicative course tuition fee is $16800 for 2011, based on one year full time load (or 1 EFTSL). The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $85,062 from 1 January 2010). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees

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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply

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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 

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