The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Sensing and Measurement is a four-year enhanced PhD programme. It consists of one year’s training with world-leading researchers at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh. This is followed by three years of PhD research based in either university, depending on your project choice.

Students will have training in cleanroom fabrication within the state-of-the-art James Watt Nanofabrication Facility and the Scottish Microelectronics Centre.

Structure of the first year

Semester One – Glasgow

Compulsory 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.

Research Methods in Sensing and Measurement (Glasgow PHYS5043)

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. It will also include an additional, industry-led, core group-training project.

Optional Courses:

  • 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 )

More information regarding these courses can be found in the University of Glasgow Course Catalogue.

Semester Two – Edinburgh

Compulsory Courses:

Applications of Sensing and Measurement (Edinburgh PGEE11127)

This course builds upon Fundamentals of Integrative Sensing and Measurement, it includes 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 imagers, SPADS, bolometers, developed chemical and biochemical sensor systems and their application.

Research Methods in Sensing and Measurement (Edinburgh CHEM11052)

Optional Courses:

  • 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)

More information regarding these courses can be found in the University of Edinburgh DRPS.

Semester Three – Edinburgh or Glasgow

In semester three you will complete a mini-project based either within your research group or as an intern within a company and proposal for your research.

Years Two to Four

In  year two to four you undertake your PhD research and a tailored skills training programme to suit your personal development requirements.