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This Master of Research (MRes) programme focuses on the science, technology, and applications of sensors, preparing students for research careers in both academic and industrial settings. It covers a broad range of topics across the sensor science value chain, including the physical and biological principles of sensing, sensor design, sensor networks, data processing, and applications in healthcare and sustainability. The programme was designed to provide a structured learning experience that addresses national and international workforce demands, fostering leadership, innovation and interdisciplinary expertise in sensor science.
More specifically, the programme’s educational aims are to:
· Produce science and engineering leaders with a high level of understanding and skills in sensor technology, including fundamentals of sensor science, knowledge of sensor systems and applications and relevant hands-on skills.
· Produce leaders who understand sustainable practice and can bring innovative solutions to pressing societal problems (e.g. those relating to our changing environment and health).
· Encourage an appreciation of relevant technological opportunities for sensors and their networks, along with the business, road-mapping and cost-analysis tools used to assess the adoption of new technological solutions.
· Foster an understanding of responsible research and innovation specific to sensor technologies and applications (e.g. data privacy and ownership, trustworthiness of sensor information and unintended use of sensor technologies).
· Promote a strong business awareness of the commercialisation opportunities for sensors and related systems, and foster an understanding of the connections between technology, management and entrepreneurship.
· Expose students to a range of sensor technology areas.
· Encourage students to work across scientific and engineering discipline boundaries, with a resultant enhancement of interdisciplinary understanding.
· Equip graduates with communication and outreach training, personal development skills and specific research training to enable them to become future technology leaders with strong public engagement skills.
Learning Outcomes
The programme has been designed around a set of core themes that provide a comprehensive foundation in sensor technologies. These include the principles of sensors and networked sensor systems, with emphasis on sensor fabrication, materials, electronics and communications. Students will also engage with data analysis and machine learning, particularly in relation to the large datasets generated by sensor systems. The curriculum explores the characterisation of uncertainty in sensor technologies across measurement, industrial applications and societal impact. In addition, students will learn concepts and strategies for device fabrication, system design and characterisation, and will gain hands-on research experience. The programme also addresses key aspects of business, innovation, technology development and entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of global challenges and Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Through these themes and a multidisciplinary approach, students will develop and demonstrate a well-rounded body of knowledge, understanding, skills and other professional competencies:
Knowledge and understanding
· Fundamental background, trends and concepts in sensor technologies.
· Understanding of the underlying physical technology background of sensors, devices and their networked systems.
· Broad knowledge of sensors, device and system fabrication and characterisation in the areas such as healthcare, built environment and fundamental research.
· Broad knowledge of data analysis and machine learning algorithms and their applications.
· Good laboratory and research practice based on University or industrial research programmes, and the ability to report research outcomes in an appropriate and ethical way for the intended audience.
· Understanding of business practice and tools in the areas of technology management, technology transfer, exploitation, with particular emphasis on sensor-based technologies.
Intellectual skills
· Ability to solve technical problems in the area of sensor-based devices and systems, and data analysis and machine learning.
· Ability to apply generic skills in modelling, simulating and experimentally evaluating sensor systems in order to optimise and improve them.
· Ability to critically evaluate technical problems and examine alternative approaches and technologies to solve them.
· Ability to deal with complex research issues, both systematically and creatively, and to make informed judgements in the absence of complete data and in unpredictable situations.
· Ability to understand commercial exploitation routes for sensor-based technologies and to evaluate options for technology transfer and/or implementation.
· Ability to understand health and safety regulations when dealing with sensor systems.
· Ability to work independently and in a team, and to plan, execute and critically evaluate original research work.
Transferable skills
· Preparation of formal reports in a range of styles suitable for research dissemination (e.g. journal paper, oral and poster presentations, literature review, extended project report).
· Critical reasoning, demonstration and exercise of independence of mind and thought and communication of ideas.
· Ability to disseminate research through public engagement, print and online media.
· Management of time and work to meet deadlines, ability to work effectively both independently and in teams, and to assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others.
· Ability to find information quickly and to learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development and in a wider context throughout a career.
Continuing
This is a stand-alone MRes programme. Strong students on the programme can apply for a PhD place at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology or at other departments in the University.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
Beyond these events, prospective students are welcome to get in touch by email at any time of the year if they wish to request further information about the programme.