Multimedia Systems Engineering

Transcription

1 Appendix 3.11 Multimedia Systems Engineering Major Profile MASSEY UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING with HONOURS Multimedia Systems Engineering Major Profile Description and Competency Framework

2 1. Introduction The Multimedia Systems Engineering (MMSE) major in the Bachelor of Engineering (with honours) programme was introduced in 2006 to the Massey Wellington campus. This major was developed in response to the rapidly evolving creative media-based industries that required individuals who combine the capacity for deep technical knowledge and creative flair. A deep knowledge is needed because of the sophistication of the systems in use now and in the future, for example as virtual reality techniques are introduced into entertainment and education. Without a deep and intuitive understanding of audio, image and video processing systems their potential may not be fully realised. For example, much of modern signal processing, the technology at the heart of audio, image and video processing, is based in transform theory. The mastery of transform theory and application requires the level of mathematics and computing skills typically found only in a good Information Technology-based Bachelor of Engineering degree. A particular challenge to be met in designing the curriculum for the MMSE major was to provide the necessary solid technical base and then combine it with the development of creative and aesthetic design skills and processes. In successfully doing this, the acquired technical knowledge, skills and processes will be tempered with creative flair. This year (2009) sees the roll-out of the final year of the major with all four years now in operation. The MMSE major is unique in New Zealand and very unusual internationally. Next year will see our first cohort of graduates who are expected to be in high demand in New Zealand and internationally. This is borne out by comments made by Weta Digital, after interviewing five of the leading year (now year four) students for technical intern positions over the summer period , where they said they would employ any of them. 2. Goal The Multimedia Systems Engineering (MMSE) major is intended to prepare graduates for specialist careers in the technical creative media-based industry. The graduates will be practical people having a systems approach to engineering design, development and the management of software and hardware projects. They will also have practical experience in a wide range of industry standards tools both in engineering and in the creative sectors. These technical skills and knowledge will be tempered with an understanding of the creative processes and skills required for multimedia content creation. The graduates will be well versed in working in a team environment and be able to meet challenges right from the unit level up through sub-systems and systems, to large scale projects. Although the curriculum of this degree major is designed to prepare its graduates for careers in creative media-based industry, its contents are such that its graduates are expected to also find ready employment in the broad information communications technology sectors. The core competencies for MMSE graduates are intended to complement and extend the underpinning engineering competencies that form the core of the Massey BE and founded on the capabilities identified by IPENZ for accreditation as a professional engineer. 2

3 3. Description Multimedia Systems Engineering involves the integrated study of electronics, computer science, software engineering, signal processing and communications technology. This is blended with subjects in computer graphics, multimedia content creation, multimedia signal processing and relevant management studies. As engineering major; it is rich in analysis and design and as a creative major; it develops aesthetic appreciation and broad digital media creation skills. Figure 1 shows an overview of how papers contribute to this subject knowledge. Note that some papers appear in more than one category box due to their multi-disciplinary content. MMSE Major - Papers Basic Science and Engineering Physics 1a Programming Fundamentals Calculus Engineering and Media Fundamentals Technology and Engineering for Industry Computer Science Fundamentals Principles of Statistics Analogue Systems Design Technological Mathematics A Algorithms and Data Structures Digital System Design Technological Mathematics B Knowledge of Creative Processes & Multimedia Systems Engineering Introduction to Visual Communication Design Studio Industrial Innovation and Improvement Digital Multimedia Fundamentals Multimedia Content Creation Design for Multimedia Systems Multimedia Systems Engineering xxx.xxx Year 4 Electives Knowledge of Software Engineering & Computer Science Software Engineering A Software Engineering B Computer Graphics and Visualisation Human Computer Interaction Knowledge of Signal Processing Signal Processing Applied Multimedia Signal Processing Multimedia Systems Engineering Knowledge of Communication Networking and Multimedia Content delivery Computer Networks Applied Multimedia Signal Processing Multimedia Systems Engineering Knowledge of Engineering Systems Design for Multimedia Systems Software Engineering B Engineering Project Management and Quality Industrial Innovation and Improvement Project Engineering Software Engineering B Management of Information Systems and Reliability Figure 1: Subject Knowledge and Understanding 4. Graduate Destinations Multimedia Systems Engineering graduates are expected to find employment within: Major, technically driven, creative media content companies including special visual effects and computer games development Software development roles in multimedia development projects. The broadly defined ICT (Information & Communications Technology) sector Multimedia and personal communication providers Advanced level education and training establishments Companies that have recently employed MMSE students for their third practical work period include: Weta Digital (World Class Visual Special Effects Company) 3

4 Park Road Post production (World Class post-production for film and television) Sauce (Production & post-production for Film, Television, Corporate and Advertising) Eyemagnet Multimedia events and development 5. Typical Initial Industrial Roles During the early years of their employment as graduates typical assignments are likely to include: Special visual effects technical support Computer games development Website development Multimedia software development Multimedia content delivery systems design General software development, support and test 6. Graduate Competencies The major has been developed to produce graduates with Programme Competencies (PCs) consistent with those prescribed by IPENZ for accreditation as a professional engineer 1 1. Understand and apply the mathematical and engineering sciences to one or more of the broad, general engineering disciplines 2. Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering systems, using first principles of the fundamental engineering sciences and mathematics synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering 3. Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering 4. Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it by identifying, evaluating and drawing conclusions from all pertinent sources of information, and by designing and carrying out experiments 5. Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty (such as safety factors) and the limitations of the applicability of methods of design and analysis and identify, evaluate and manage the physical risks in complex engineering 6. Function effectively in a team by working co-operatively with the capacity to become a leader or manager 7. Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation, summarising information, making effective oral presentations and giving and receiving clear oral instructions 8. Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society by demonstrating an understanding of the general responsibilities of a professional engineer 9. Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering 4

5 10. Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation by showing in design an understanding of the practical methods for the construction and maintenance of engineering products, and using modern calculation and design tools competently for complex engineering 1 Requirements for Initial Academic Education for Professional Engineer. Part B: Accreditation Criteria for Professional Engineering Degree Programmes The MMSE major has been developed to produce graduates with Major Competencies (MCs) so that graduates will have: The ability to apply their knowledge to creative ICT related industries in designing, developing and operating products and systems A competency in the use of a multi-disciplinary systems approach to meeting the creative, management and technical challenges of software and multimedia engineering projects The capability to determine the required specifications for new multimedia systems and making technical recommendations for such developments A good understanding of the needs of multimedia content designers thus enabling them to provide technical and creative input into the development of new and innovative content. An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments. An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical, creative and management staff 7. Major Teaching Strategy Throughout the degree, students will acquire knowledge, develop practice and apply both reflective and evaluative abilities, through: Lectures as exemplars with worked and solution formulation Use of questioning teaching techniques to encourage students to reflect and evaluate (tutorial, assignments, and interactive teaching styles) Individual and group laboratory work Vacation employment and associate practical work reports Formative assessment (including self and peer assessment in assignments, projects etc) to provide feedback to enhance student learning Problem solving and project work Industrial visits Industry case studies Group design projects and reports Guided self-study Final-year project Throughout the degree, students will recognise the importance of developing lifelong learning skills through: 5

6 Practical work and associated reports Group design project and reports Attending seminars and/or special lectures both inside and outside the university Participating in various national and international student competitions and/or professional activities Reading professional journals or magazines or materials available from professional organisation The degree will develop the ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to new environments, through: Industry case studies Open-ended design projects Individual and group project presentation and management Placement of students in different work groups throughout the course Practical work and associated reports Throughout the degree, students will develop individual work skills through: Individual assignments Individual project work Lectures and laboratories on software systems design, implementation and management Practise in researching information from a variety of sources, and in communicating their findings through written, visual and oral communications media Constructive feedback on individual work Throughout the degree, students will develop, practice and apply communication skills and will learn to work productively and effectively in a team environment through: Group design projects, presentations, exhibitions and reports Seminars and presentations throughout the course Laboratory work 8. Major Structure Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2) The first year of study has been designed in such a way that students entering the university can adjust to the university style of working. This introductory year shares the common core of the sister majors, beginning with a solid base of fundamentals in mathematics and statistics, physics and computer science. Two computer science papers offer students foundation knowledge of programming, applications usage and computer science fundamentals. In addition, many basic concepts of mechanical, electrical, electronic engineering and multimedia are covered in an engineering paper which runs several practical projects designed to stimulate students' interest in this area of their study. In the second semester there is the first of the papers supporting the development of creative design skills and processes in multimedia. The students also study written communication techniques and industrial organisation structures and management principles. At the end of the first year the students are expected to do vacation work to fulfil the first practicum requirement. This work may involve simple computer applications, information systems, engineering or general technical jobs. 6

7 Year 2 (Semesters 3 and 4) The third semester consists of a computing related paper, an electronics design paper a broad paper on industrial innovation and improvement and a technological mathematics paper. The first two papers are foundation papers that introduce the basic techniques of electronic engineering (analogue systems) and computer algorithms and data structures and are supported by the first of the applied mathematics paper. The fourth paper provides foundations in product development processes and theory. It also develops the Technologists' skills to facilitate effective innovation and improvement to systems and products while including ethical considerations. In the fourth semester another four papers are delivered. Digital systems design builds on the third semester analogue systems design paper. There is a significant electronics design and build project (known as the Duck-for-cover project) that runs across both semesters supported by the two electronics papers. This "design and build" project climaxes with a fun inter-campus competition at the end of the fourth semester which tests practical engineering skills related to problem solving and taking into account external and environmental factors. More advanced topics in linear algebra and the mathematical foundations for signals and systems, both continuous and discrete, are covered in the second of the technological mathematics papers. The technical creative design skills and processes in multimedia are further developed with a broad practical paper in digital multimedia fundamentals. The first of the software engineering papers is also covered in this semester providing the foundation for this important discipline. In the second year, knowledge integration begins and students start to see the relationship between electronics, software engineering and information and communication techniques and technology supporting creative multimedia. The two mathematics papers in this year develop the foundation for advanced engineering papers in the following years and make extensive use of technical computing packages such as MATLAB. At the end of Year 2, students will now have sufficient knowledge to work in the area of computer applications, software engineering, basic website development, basic electronic circuit design and basic mathematical and analytical techniques. Their vacation work in support of the second practicum is expected to be in more advanced ICT, software engineering, web development and/or other technical areas. Year 3 (Semesters 5 and 6) The third year contains eight papers and it is where the Multimedia System Engineering major shows it breath of application and where the essential elements of specialisation for the major are developed upon the foundations laid by the earlier papers. Whereas semesters 1-4 (Year 1 and 2) were largely in common with several Engineering majors, in this year the curricula for the major now diverges. Semester 5 begins with the second of the software engineering papers. This paper focuses on modern approaches to master complex projects such as agile techniques and model-driven development. It also includes an introduction to program analysis and software quality assurance as well as covering social and professional issues in software development. The signal processing paper builds on the system and signals foundations of Technological Mathematic B and provides all core material for modern digital signal processing. The computer graphics and visualisation paper is a strong technical paper covering algorithms to support the generation of realistic computer graphics. It includes elements of computer games development, including the use multi-processor programming. The paper uses industry 7

8 standard software and hardware tools enabling students to deploy applications/games on the Xbox 360 platform. The last paper in semester 5 is a broad project management paper providing the theory and practice of project management in an engineering and technology context. It includes techniques for decision-making, project estimation, human factor consideration and the use of project management software. Semester 6 sees the technical creative thread of the MMSE major rapidly expand. The paper multimedia content creation provides students with hands-on experience with wide range of industry standard professional editing and authoring software for multimedia content creation. The tool coverage is wide and includes, audio editing, video editing, visual special effects, rich internet application development for web delivery of content. A companion paper, design for multimedia systems, uses a mixture of lectures and projects in which students are faced with a series of reasonably open group design projects requiring critical thinking and practical mastery of a range of technical and creative design tools. The software engineering thread continues with the specialisation in human-computer interaction. This paper includes analysis, design, prototyping and evaluation of interfaces to allow efficient and effective use by humans. Practical examples are drawn from areas including multimedia, the web and novel interface applications. Finally, the computer networks paper introduced students to network protocols used for data communication. The paper introduces the concepts of networking and uses the OSI model a platform to categorise the main functions of a computer/communication network. Although the OSI model is simply a reference model, students are introduced to current implementation practices and shown where cross-layer considerations are required in order to realise current communication systems in wired and wireless network domains including real-time protocols for the delivery of multimedia content. Most of the papers in this third year are strongly project and/or laboratory based. In the project work students are given open-ended. Solution of those requires critical thinking and comprehensive knowledge of different subjects they have already completed. This demonstrates how the curriculum ensures students develop the important characteristic of engineering synthesis and design. Year 4 (Semesters 7 and 8) Teaching is increasingly research-led and research focused in the fourth and final year. The year contains two advanced multimedia systems/technology papers and rounds off the MMSE major with further specialised management papers including topics of quality and reliability management. The paper Applied multimedia signal processing, builds on the year three paper signal processing and covers the important digital technologies and techniques for audio coding, digital audio effects, image processing, and image and video coding for multimedia content delivery. This paper includes advanced mini projects and assignments. The paper Multimedia systems engineering covers advanced topics in multimedia systems engineering with a strong emphasis on the design of systems to enable the delivery of interactive multimedia content. Topics for 2009 include: API programming in Maya for 3D procedural animation and special effects; surround sound recording, coding and reproduction; haptic technology for rich media interaction; and 3D recording and display technology for realistic visuals. This paper includes advanced mini projects and assignments supporting these topics as well a guest lecturers from industry specialists. 8

9 A major component of this final professional year is the final year project. The project forms a quarter of the year's workload. The final year project is often done in conjunction with an external company and provides a real-world opportunity for research and development practice, including technical writing and project management and presentation. There are three elective papers in the final year. Students may choose from an approved set of elective papers from technical areas or they can use up to two of the electives to extend any of the other knowledge/skills threads of the MMSE major. Some students elect to do papers from the College of Creative Arts and so extend their creative skills and processes. Others choose from College of Business papers in areas such as Enterprise development. On the successful completion of the degree, a BE (MMSE) graduate will possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in information communication systems software and hardware, with a strong emphasis on multimedia applications. A typical graduate will have good analytical and problem solving skills and an ability to use modern software tools, or develop their own specialised multimedia systems. In addition they will have an understanding of management practice and be well able to present projects and discuss the solutions to complex. They will be well versed in working in a team environment and will have the necessary creative skills and understanding of the creative processes used by multimedia content creators to enable them to work effectively with content creators in developing new content and systems. They will have been exposed to the concept of education and professional development as a lifelong commitment. Paper Flow Diagram The paper flow diagram on the following page shows the linkages between papers across the four year degree program. With the exception of the final (fourth) year, the diagram shows the break across the two semesters. In the final year there is one double semester, double sized project paper designated as (DS) in the diagram. There are three elective papers, one taken in semester 1 (S1) and the other two in semester two (S2). A point that is not immediately apparent from the flow arrows is the linkage from semester one to semester two which occurs for many papers, providing appropriate continuity. In addition, in year 3 and 4 in particular, there are even direct linkages between papers in the same semester allowing more complex and engaging to be tackled. 9

10 Semester 2 Semester 1 Paper Flow Diagram First Year Physics 1a Multimedia Systems Engineering Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Analogue Systems Design Software Engineering B Multimedia Systems Engineering (S1) Calculus 1 Technological Mathematics A Signal Processing Applied Multimedia Signal Processing (S1) Engineering & Media Fundamentals Algorithms and Data Structures Computer Graphics and Visualisation Engineering Project (DS) Programming Fundamentals Industrial Innovation and Improvement Project Engineering Management of Information Systems and Reliability (S2) Introduction to Visual Communication Design Studio Digital Systems Design Multimedia Content Creation Approved Elective 1 (S1) Technology & Engineering for Industry Technological Mathematics B Design for Multimedia Systems Approved Elective 2 (S2) Computer Science Fundamentals Software Engineering A Human Computer Interaction Approved Elective 3 (S2) Principles of Statistics Digital Multimedia Fundamentals Computer Networks 10

11 Subject Knowledge Map The subject knowledge map shows in broad outline how the key knowledge areas feed into the Major to develop the desired outcome. Additional tables in this profile further expand upon this diagram. Subject Knowledge Map Knowledge of Mathematics, Statistics and Basic Physics Knowledge of Electronic and Internet Technologies Knowledge of Computer Science and Software Engineering Knowledge of Computer Graphics, Human Computer Interaction, Communication Networking Creative Design Skills and Processes Design for Multimedia Systems Multimedia Content Creation Multimedia Signal Processing Multimedia Systems Engineering Project Management, Quality and Reliability Engineering Project and Industrial Placements Graduate Multimedia Systems Engineer Multimedia Systems Engineering 11

12 9. Graduate Competency Mapping to Papers Key: contribution of the learning outcomes of a paper to the graduate competencies x some, xx significant, xxx major Table 1: Development of Graduate Competencies - Year 1 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx xx x xx xxx xx xxx x xx xxx x x x xx xxx x xx x xx x x xxx x xx x x xxx PC Function Effectively in a team x xxx x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xx xxx xx xx xx xx x x xx x xx x x xx x x x xx xxx x x Major Competencies (MCs) MC Demonstrate ability to apply their knowledge to the creative ICT related industries in designing, developing and operating products and systems (1) x xx MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the creative, management and technical challenges multimedia systems engineering projects (2) MC An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical, creative and management staff (3) MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments (4) MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional x x x 12

13 development (5) Table 2: Development of Graduate Competencies Year 2 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xx x xxx xxx x x xx xx xx xx xxx xx x x xxx xxx xxx xxx xx xx x xx xxx xxx xx xx xx x xx xxx xx xx xx x x xx xx PC Function Effectively in a team xxx xxx x xx xx x xx PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xxx xxx x x xx xx xx xx x xx x x x xx xx xx xx x x xx xx xx x x x xxx xxx Xxx Major Competencies (MCs) MC Demonstrate ability to apply their knowledge to the creative ICT related industries in designing, developing and operating products and systems (1) MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the creative, management and technical challenges multimedia systems engineering projects (2) MC An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical, creative and management staff (3) MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments (4) MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development (5) xx x x 13

14 Table 3: Development of Graduate Competencies Year 3 MANDATORY PAPERS Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xxx xx xx x xx xx x xx xxx x xxx xx xx xx xxx x xx xxx xxx x xx xx xx xx xxx xxx x x xxx xxx xx xx xx x PC Function Effectively in a team xx x xx xx x xx xx x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xx x xxx xx xx xxx xxx xx x xx xxx x xx x x xx x xxx xx x x x x xx xxx xx xx xxx xxx X Major Competencies (MCs) MC Demonstrate ability to apply their knowledge to the creative ICT related industries in designing, developing and operating products and systems (1) MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the creative, management and technical challenges multimedia systems engineering projects (2) MC An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical, creative and management staff (3) MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments (4) xx xx xx xx xx xx x x x x x x MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development (5) 14

15 Table 4: Development of Graduate Competencies Year 4 MANDATORY PAPERS Elective1 Elective2 Elective3 Programme Competencies (PCs) PC Apply mathematical and engineering sciences PC Formulate and solve models that predict the behaviour of part or all of complex engineering PC Synthesise and demonstrate the efficacy of solutions to part or all of complex engineering PC Recognise when further information is needed and be able to find it PC Understand the accepted methods of dealing with uncertainty xxx xx xx xx xx x xx xx xx xx xx xxx xx xxx xx xx x x x xx PC Function Effectively in a team x xx x x PC Communicate effectively, comprehending and writing effective reports and design documentation PC Understand the role of engineers and their responsibility to society PC Understand and apply project and business management, recognising and using the appropriate project and business management principles and tools for complex engineering PC Demonstrate competence in the practical art of engineering in their area of specialisation xx xx x xxx x x x xxx x x x xxx xxx xxx x xxx Major Competencies (MCs) MC Demonstrate ability to apply their knowledge to the creative ICT related industries in designing, developing and operating products and systems (1) MC Competency in the use of a multidisciplinary systems approach to meeting the creative, management and technical challenges multimedia systems engineering projects (2) xx xx xxx xx xx xxx MC An ability to apply international standards and practices and to work harmoniously with technical, creative and management staff (3) xx x MC An ability to understand and use relevant, new theoretical and practical developments (4) MC An ability to commit to and benefit from continuing professional development (5) xx xx xxx x x x 15