Computer Vision and Image Analysis with Management Studies MSc

Computer vision and image analysis is a rapidly evolving field with a wide range of applications. These include security and surveillance; biomedical analysis and biometrics measurement; pattern recognition; content-based image retrieval; 3D modelling; traffic monitoring and control; automated inspection and quality control; robot assembly; analysis of remotely sensed images; and other applications of industrial and social interest.

This course provides you with the techniques and tools you need to build a complete computer vision system. Starting with different imaging devices and acquisition techniques, you build on your knowledge to understand and use the relevant image processing, feature extraction and pattern recognition algorithms. It is ideal if you are already working in industry and wish to advance your skills in this constantly evolving area.

In response to the needs of the industry, this course is offered with a management studies option. This innovative new combined course will enable you to develop key business and management skills and is ideal for students with a background in IT/computing who wish to specialise in the area of e-commerce while also developing the broad skill set and knowledge needed to fast track their career in leading and managing successful teams and projects.

What will you study?

You cover all three elements of computer vision systems through the course's core modules:

• image acquisition (Imaging Devices module);
• image processing (Digital Imaging module); and
• image interpretation (Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks module).

You also gain the tools and techniques you need to enhance your knowledge of the numerical analysis techniques used for all three elements.

There is an emphasis on advanced techniques from numerical analysis, applied mathematics (linear algebra, probability and statistics), industrial computer programming and software engineering for computer vision systems.

Following the 'with management studies' route, you will learn the fundamentals of marketing, finance and/or managing people and organisations, which will set your technical knowledge in a management context.

Many of our staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Find out more...

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. The full MSc consists of five core modules, three option modules (including at least two management studies options) and a dissertation project.

Core modules

• Imaging Devices

• Imaging Devices

  This module provides an overview of:

  • sensor technology; and
  • the mathematical and physical models of the most employed sensors.

  We will also cover:

  • conventional algorithms widely used in research and their most common applications; and
  • the physics principles of various medical imaging modalities and their applications in medicine.
  
   
• Digital Imaging

• Digital Imaging

  This module introduces the ideas and concepts in image processing and analysis as used in applications such as image enhancement, industrial inspection and medical image analysis.

  The module is very practical. You will explore the concepts and techniques introduced in lectures on various images and datasets using specialist software.

  
   
• Scientific Programming

• Scientific Programming

  This module in numerical methods and scientific computing is designed to support MSc courses in advanced topics such as Embedded Systems, Image Analysis and Mechatronics.

  It focuses on the informed use of mathematical software, especially the mathematical functions used in technical computing. You cover a mix of:

  • general discussion;
  • analytical mathematics;
  • application of algorithms; and
  • the implementation of these ideas in the form of working computing routines.
  
   
• Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks

• Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks

  This module in pattern recognition and data modelling is designed to support MSc courses in advanced topics such as Image Analysis, Embedded Systems, Computer Science, Engineering and Mechatronics. It covers both:

  • the theoretical foundations and practical application of modern data analysis and modelling techniques; and
  • the informed use of mathematical software.

  You will learn about the mathematical functions used in data mining, covering a mix of:

  • general discussion;
  • analytical data analysis and modelling; and
  • the implementation of these ideas in the form of working computing routines.
  
   
• Research Methods

• Research Methods

  ---

  This module provides you with the skills and techniques you will need to undertake research for completing modules and your project. It will help you to:

  • select and justify a research topic;
  • develop the use of various resources to carry out a literature search; and
  • look at the structure and format of the project.
  
   
• Project/Dissertation (MSc only)

• Project/Dissertation (MSc only)

  To achieve an MSc, you will undertake a substantial project (worth one third of the course credits). The project is usually industrially linked and can be either research or development based.

  
   

Management options

• Finance Resource Management

• Finance Resource Management

  This module examines the role of financial accounting within organisations. It provides an overview of financial accounting systems in business and public sector organisations. It also covers:

  • the needs of first level managers for financial information and their role in supplying information;
  • accounting concepts and conventions; and
  • ways of measuring income and valuing assets.
  
   
• Managing People and Organisations

• Managing People and Organisations

  This module provides you with a framework which will enable you to critically reflect upon your performance and plan your professional development.

  It provides an understanding of human behaviour within organisations and looks at how management performance can be enhanced through effective human resource management.You will:

  • demonstrate your ability to integrate international aspects of managing people and organisations; and
  • develop an understanding of human resource practices and procedures.
  
   
• Marketing

• Marketing

  This module will develop your understanding of key marketing concepts. It looks at:

  • how effective marketing can be used to enhance organisational performance;
  • the role of analysis, planning, implementation and control in the marketing process;
  • how to  develop positioning strategies, prepare plans using the appropriate marketing mix and assess their financial implications and risk; and
  • key generic marketing strategies and relationship marketing.
  
   

Option modules

• Broadband and Mobile Networks

• Broadband and Mobile Networks

  This module provides you with the opportunity to:

  • evaluate the business potential and technical challenges facing your organisation in an information environment that is increasingly building and using information systems utilising networks, including broadband and mobile networks; and
  • look at designing appropriate communications strategy and systems within the constraints of current communications technology.
  
   
• Building E-Business

• Building E-Business

  This module looks at building successful online businesses to:

  • create opportunities for new businesses; and
  • improve existing businesses.

  It covers technology, usability and customer experience topics. You will use prototyping and real business examples to look in detail at trends in:

  • consumer focused e-businesses;
  • server and delivery architectures; and
  • convergence, including implications of mobile devices, interactive television and multiplatform delivery.
  
   
• Component-Based Software Engineering

• Component-Based Software Engineering

  On this module you will:

  • analyse the benefits of component-based software in terms of development costs, re-usability, extendibility, and ease of maintenance, and to appreciate the trade-offs between development costs and performance;
  • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of component technologies such as .NET, Enterprise JavaBeans and CORBA;
  • demonstrate proficiency in component oriented analysis and design; and
  • develop a business application using component technology.
  
   
• Corporate Data and Database Management

• Corporate Data and Database Management

  This module explores object-relational database systems and related issues, such as emerging approaches to data management – object-oriented, text, temporal, spatial, etc. You will look at:

  • a selection of appropriate database management systems – object-relational, object oriented, data warehousing, geographical systems and SQL; and
  • the storage and management of unstructured data such as images and multimedia data.
  
   
• Developing Object-Orientated Solutions

• Developing Object-Orientated Solutions

  This module covers the analysis, design and implementation of software systems using object-oriented (OO) techniques. It includes:

  • the principles of OO analysis;
  • the expression of designs using the Unified Modelling Language (UML);
  • object-oriented programming languages; and
  • the translation of UML notation into an initial system implementation.
  
   
• Digital Communications

• Digital Communications

  This module introduces you to the fundamental design principles of the physical layers used in data networks. It considers:

  • the principles behind the design of copper twisted pair and coaxial cable systems;
  • fibre optic links employed in gigabit ethernet; and
  • wireless communications.
  
   
• Digital Signal Processing

• Digital Signal Processing

  This module prepares you to understand how to represent, analyse and manipulate digital signals. It provides a theoretical background as well as practical work based on MATLAB and programming.

  
   
• Digital Signal Processors

• Digital Signal Processors

  This module enables you to:

  • understand the purpose and scope of application of digital signal processors;
  • identify their features and match them against typical applications;
  • outline their use in a system architecture; and
  • understand and be able to apply the basic techniques in programming them efficiently.
  
   
• Electronic Commerce Technologies

• Electronic Commerce Technologies

  This module introduces you to the fundamentals of e-commerce technologies and security. It enables you to use mark-up and scripting languages to design and implement:

  • relational databases;
  • e-commerce sites; and
  • dynamic interfaces.
  
   
• Enterprise Networking

• Enterprise Networking

  Enterprise networking is about the principal hardware and software components required to implement a dependable and secure enterprise-scale computing infrastructure. This module covers:

  • the use of clustering technologies for high performance and highly available network infrastructures; and
  • enterprise network application, including the use of thin clients, voice-over IP and content management systems.
  
   
• Geographical Information Fundamentals

• Geographical Information Fundamentals

  This module provides you with an introduction to the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), spatial data and geographical databases. It incorporates a review of the underlying geographical and technological concepts.

  
   
• Internet Map Services

• Internet Map Services

  This module explores the main concepts associated with server and client-side development regarding:

  • internet map services; and
  • integrating back-end spatial databases in server-side development.

  You will also look at the evaluation and design of systems suitable for implementing internet and intranet-based map services.

  
   
• Internet Wireless Networks

• Internet Wireless Networks

  This module covers:

  • internet wireless networks and the trends in internet wireless networking;
  • personal area networks, such as Bluetooth and UWB;
  • wireless Wi-Fi LANs and Wi-MAX MANs;
  • cellular 2, 2.5 and 3G networks; and
  • the issues of accommodating mobility at the network and transport layers.
  
   
• IT and Entrepreneurship

• IT and Entrepreneurship

  Entrepreneurship builds new and better value chains by using innovation. Using IT can provide such innovation in the push for more efficient building models and this module illustrates the various factors needed to provide a platform for the entrepreneur.

  
   
• Knowledge Management

• Knowledge Management

  This module will help you to:

  • develop an appreciation of the ideas underpinning different theories of knowledge;
  • compare alternative approaches to gaining business value from knowledge management initiatives; and
  • design and plan knowledge management initiatives for a particular organisation in terms of its organisational culture, structure and business strengths.
  
   
• Location-Based Services, Applications and Technologies

• Location-Based Services, Applications and Technologies

  This module offers a comprehensive overview of the applications, opportunities and impacts of location-based services. It covers:

  • the current and emerging technologies for creating platforms for mobile content, services and applications;
  • location-based business models emerging in the mobile marketplace;
  • how to plan and design a system architecture suitable for developing location-based services for a range of applications and target audiences;
  • the legislative framework pertaining to location-based services; and
  • the social implications of the provision of personal location-based information.
  
   
• Multimedia Communications

• Multimedia Communications

  This module explores:

  • the technologies and applications of images, moving images, animations and sound in online and offline information systems;
  • the technologies and trends that support multimedia products and services; and
  • how internet architecture is adapting to provide quality of service for multimedia services.
  
   
• Network Design and Management

• Network Design and Management

  This module looks at:

  • how to analyse communications networks and user requirements;
  • the application of a design methodology to satisfy the network requirements of small- to medium-sized enterprises;
  • the simulation of proposed network designs; and
  • fault, configuration, security and performance management in networks using the FCAPS framework.
  
   
• Network Operating Systems

• Network Operating Systems

  This module provides you with an appreciation of the role that operating systems play in managing the resources in a computer network. In particular, it looks at how operating systems control networked resources for desktop, server and mobile platforms.

  
   
• Network Security

• Network Security

  This module deals with the principles and techniques employed in securing information and networks. It covers:

  • identifying and implementing security policy, data encryption algorithms and different security protocols;
  • the role of vulnerability assessment tools;
  • assessing the security risks inherent in computer networks; and
  • the steps that can be taken to counter such risks.
  
   
• Programming in Java

• Programming in Java

  During this module, you will:

  • learn how to write, compile, execute and debug applications written in the Java programming language using an integrated development environment (IDE); and
  • explore aspects of the Java language, such as exceptions, I/O and basic GUI development following an OO paradigm.
  
   
• Projects and Risk Management

• Projects and Risk Management

  This module provides an in-depth understanding of:

  • the project management process;
  • current issues;
  • developing techniques within the phases of project management;
  • the processes involved in risk management;
  • the dynamics of individual and group working; and
  • the specific areas relevant to project team handling.
  
   
• Requirements Engineering and Management

• Requirements Engineering and Management

  Requirements engineering is key to the success of developing IT systems. This module:

  • looks at the issues of the early stages of systems development;
  • explores different approaches that can be used to identify, record and manage requirements within the systems lifecycle; and
  • gives you an understanding and chance to model the business context into which information systems must fit.
  
   
• Secure and Dependable Computing

• Secure and Dependable Computing

  In this module, you look at:

  • the fundamental principles and techniques employed in securing information, networks and architectures for providing highly available services;
  • the security risks inherent in computer networks and the steps that can be taken to counter such risks; and
  • data encryption algorithms, vulnerability assessment tools, firewalls and other security-related software.
  
   
• Software Engineering Tools

• Software Engineering Tools

  In this module you will:

  • learn how to select appropriate software engineering tools for different situations;
  • develop a strategy for introducing tools into an organisation; and
  • get hands-on experience of a modern integrated development environment (increasingly adopted by software engineers who want to improve software productivity as well as quality).
  
   
• Software Quality Assurance

• Software Quality Assurance

  This module allows you to:

  • identify appropriate approaches to software quality assurance for different situations and organisations;
  • use specific techniques for estimating software quality (metrics); and
  • relate the approaches taught to software quality assurance in a real business environment.
  
   
• Spatial Information Analysis and Modelling

• Spatial Information Analysis and Modelling

  This module covers:

  • the spatial, analytical and query capabilities of geographical information systems (GIS) in a range of application areas;
  • the selection and application of GIS techniques for spatial modelling, monitoring and problem solving;
  • project planning and management; and
  • theoretical and practical skills in spatial statistics and modelling within a GIS environment.
  
   
• Strategic Information Systems for E-Business

• Strategic Information Systems for E-Business

  This module provides an in-depth understanding of:

  • the use of information as a strategic resource; and
  • the implications for applying internet-based systems, particularly to achieve competitive advantage.
  
   
• TCP/IP Networks

• TCP/IP Networks

  In this module, you gain an understanding of:

  • the use of layered architectures and protocols in the internet;
  • protocols used at the transport, network and link layers; and
  • how to design an IP network in an industrial report.
  
   
• Usability Engineering

• Usability Engineering

  This module emphasises the importance of usability to the success of information systems. It explores:

  • the characteristics of information systems users that determine user-based usability requirements;
  • usability deficiencies; and
  • how to relate designs to requirements.
  
   
• Visualisation and Image Processing

• Visualisation and Image Processing

  This module provides:

  • practical experience in handling geographic imagery;
  • an understanding of the types of digital imagery available;
  • their application and benefit to commercial, governmental and scientific activities; and
  • an exploration of the use of web technologies for the presentation and distribution of spatial data across the internet.
  
   
• Web Development in Java

• Web Development in Java

  You will gain an understanding of the major developments in the Java environment and their use in commerce and industry. You also cover advanced Java topics, including:

  • application of Java networking;
  • database access;
  • JavaBeans; and
  • the techniques for designing distributed applications for a large-scale environment.
  
   
• Wireless Communications

• Wireless Communications

  This module covers:

  • the fundamental principles of wireless communications;
  • the basic system design parameters adopted by broadcast digital radio DAB and DRM; and
  • the platforms used for digital television DVB and IPTV.
  
   

If you'd like to find out more about this course, why not pay us a visit?  We understand that it's not always easy to attend a designated open day, so instead you can arrange a time to suit yourself.

Find out more...

Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

Find out more...