Programme outline

You will be enrolled in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Sensing and Measurement at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities. This four-year enhanced PhD programme is divided into:

  • twelve months of core and stratified elective training at both Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities.
  • followed by a 36-month PhD project in either Glasgow or Edinburgh University

Throughout your time in the CDT, you will

  • develop a wide range of skills from both the core and elective courses
  • enjoy supportive and productive relationships with your peers in the programme
  • build highly beneficial relationship with leaders within industry and academia.

Structure of the first year

Technical MSc training

This training will equip you with specialist skills required to conduct doctoral research at the frontiers of Sensing and Measurement.

MSc training consists of 180-credits of taught and research modules equally distributed over first three semesters.

In total about 40% of the technical training will be in generic Sensing and Measurement skills and 60% will be selected by you, with mentor support, to provide stratified targeted training in Intergrative Sensing and Measurement.

You will attend the following modules:

  • Two core 20-credit specialist courses in Sensing and Measurement: Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement in semester one at Glasgow and Applications of Sensing and Measurement in semester two at Edinburgh. These modules provide training and understanding in the core principles of ISM.
  • One core 40-credit, two-term course, Research Skills in Sensing and Measurement. You will conduct six individual- and group-based structured research-skills training modules embedded within research groups. You are able to adapt projects to match your research interests and training needs.
  • Either two or three optional modules with a total credit value of 40 credits selected from the portfolio of modules in Table 1.
  • After semester two in year one you will select two Research-Training Mini Projects based either within a University research group or as an internship with a company.

Core courses

Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement (Glasgow PHYS5044)

The fundamental physics of sensing and transduction based on fundamental physical laws and materials physics sensing in time, space, thermal, chemical, electrical and electromagnetic domains calibration and signal processing techniques fundamental limits of sensing and measurement in the quantum and classical limits the characteristics and modelling of integrated sensing and measurement systems.

Students apply these concepts in devising and proposing a solution to a challenging measurement problem.

Applications of Integrative Sensing and Measurement (Edinburgh PGEE11127)

This course builds upon Fundamentals of Integrative Sensing and Measurement, it include teaching with examples of practical systems applied in science, technology, industry and consumer products, chemical and biochemical sensing and how this can be best integrated with transduction Sensing and Measurement needs the principles of operation manufacturing techniques for devices and systems example applications, including: CMOS imager, SPADS, bolometers, developed chemical and biochemical sensor systems and their application.

Research Methods in Integrative Sensing and Measurement (Glasgow PHYS5043 / Edinburgh CHEM11052)

This course introduces you to the specialist research environments of the host universities at an early stage, and develops individual and team-working skills.

You will select structured, research-skills mini-projects embedded within research groups at Glasgow and Edinburgh, conducted as a mix of small-group and individual projects.

Example projects include the design and/or experiments with:

  • a chemical sensor
  • a gravimeter
  • an integrated computational imaging or quantum-measurement system
  • aTHz sensor
  • a metrology system or artificial nose.

It will also include an additional, industry-led, core group-training project, involving design of a biosensor system, a CMOS sensor or the design of a vibrometer.

Other short projects develop team-working skills and provide training in cleanroom fabrication within the state-of-the-art James Watt Nanofabrication Facility or Scottish Microelectronics Centre.

Optional courses

Semester 1

  • Detection and Analysis of ionising Radiation (PHYS5036)
  • Circuits and Systems (PHYS4003 )
  • Digital Signal Processing (ENG5027 )
  • Microelectronics In Consumer Products P4 (ENG4098 )
  • Waves & Diffraction (PHYS4031)
  • Lasers and Electro-Optic Systems M4 (ENG4088)
  • Nanofabrication (ENG5174 )

Semester 2

  • Biosensors and Instrumentation (PGEE11040)
  • Lab-on-Chip Technologies (PGEE11042)
  • Microfabrication Techniques (PGEE11038)
  • Electronic Product Design & Manufacture 5 (ELEE11053)
  • Biophysical Chemistry (CHEM11016)
  • Physical Techniques in Action (CHEM11042)
  • Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship (IDE) (CMSE11201)
  • Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship (IDE) (CMSE11202)

Your PhD project

Normally you will apply to the CDT identifying projects that are of specific interest and you will be offered a position in a specific research group with a nominated supervisor.  This helps inform your training in the first year. More information on research groups within the CDT is contained within the selection matrix below.

In some circumstances, it is also possible to delay selection or to transfer projects after initial registration.

Research Groups Selection Matrix

You will have the opportunity to experience a number of research and development disciplines across a number of research groups. For more information, view the PDF.

Research Groups Selection Matrix (PDF)