© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Visit Day Presentation On Cybernetics, Systems Engineering, the University, and Reading Dr Richard Mitchell Senior Lecturer and Former Head of Cybernetics Director of Teaching & Learning for the School of Systems Engineering The University of Reading, UK Cybernetics

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Cybernetics is derived from the Greek word kybernetes meaning steersman, a person in control It arose from discussions between researchers from various disciplines with common interests As the science of systems it is as relevant to the study of our effect on natural systems as to the design of complex technological systems Cybernetics encompasses related subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science, IT, etc Cybernetics pioneered Control, AI, Comp Sci... Cybernetics

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Cybernetics - a Different Perspective Fundamental principles, such as feedback, applicable to a great variety of diverse systems, technological, environmental, biological, or a mixture

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for Control : Steersman Also steering / speed control of other vehicles

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for Control of Robot Arm In fact, need control for each joint, ….

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for Central Heating

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for Body Control

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for VR

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Feedback for Learning You learn by your mistakes ……

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Interactive R2-D2 Toy By Dave Keating Feedback Control – derived from work here Robotics Communicating and Learning Yorick – stereo robot head

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Biomedical Prosthetic Hand Gentle – stroke rehabilitation Haptics –feeling – Use with VR, e.g. surgery training CYBORG - Implant

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Instrumentation and Signals Terahertz Technology Infra-red Multi Layer Filters – in space

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Cybernetics at Reading First taught in 1963 within Physics Department of Cybernetics formed in 1977 Over recent years, Cybernetics expanded, more degrees offered: MEng and BSc/BEng; and specialisms eg Biomedical Engineering, AI, Robotics

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 School of Systems Engineering Comprises Computer Science and Informatics, Cybernetics and Electronic Engineering About 40 academics involved in teaching 100 research, technical & administrative staff 120 fte postgraduates fte undergraduates Several specialist research centres - eg Advanced Computing and Emerging Technologies Infra-red Multilayer Filters Research income of £2m per annum Many ongoing projects, working with local industry 2 have won national awards for excellence

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Degree Programmes in School ITComp Sci Cybernetics Elec Eng EE & CybAI & Cyb IT & Man Comp EngEE & CS CS & Cyb BioM & Cyb Sys Eng Robotics Cyb & Cont Degrees accredited by IET, InstMC, BCS. MEng and/or BSc/BEng; some applied year in industry Much common in Part 1 so can change degree at Part 2 Also have Foundation Year if not ok for normal entry. + MSc s

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Job Prospects Very good – Reading is well situated Courses provide excellent background Final Year Projects highly rated – good for interview Graduates do a variety of jobs Computing, electronics, communications, research, … In small or large companies Placements – for applied year – help also In addition, School houses the Universitys Knowledge Transfer Centre Projects : University + Industry; employ a graduate Most successful centre in the UK

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Industrial Links/KTPs/Placements Ti

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 University of Reading Founded in 1896, with its own charter since 1926 One of the top 20 UK research-intensive Universities Is in the top 10 best endowed Universities in the UK Has about students (3000 overseas) In the official National Student Survey: Reading came 4 th = with Bath, Bristol, Nottingham & beat: Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sussex, Surrey and Imperial College for overall student satisfaction In a BBC national survey Engineers in Reading came second only to Cambridge for Happiness!

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Photos of University

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Some University Facilities One of largest and best Students Union in UK Sports Centre – Gym also Library: 1 million+ books; all major research journals; Maths Support Centre ~ 600 open-access computers 24 hour opening - free access to WWW, own name Help desk & free courses on major software

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Student Support and Life Every student has a personal tutor University provides study skills advisors, counsellors All courses have lectures, labs, seminars and tutorials typical commitment is 20 hours per week Everyone needs time for private study going over lectures, reading around subject, etc All courses will have coursework – do in own time All courses will have exams in May/June you have to pass in order to carry on next year Outside this there is time for sport, hobbies, etc Or part-time work

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Halls Student Village A typical bedroom A hall bar 14 Halls of Residence: catered / self-catered all on-campus or less than 15 minutes walk away Overseas & home students mix + Student Houses in Reading

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 On Fees Fees are at same level as most other UK Universities Living costs in Reading - like most places in the UK ~ £6500 for undergraduates: ~ £8000 for postgraduates- all in cheaper than London Lots of part-time work available University offers a job-shop to help Many student discounts in shops, clubs, etc

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 On Reading a town of ~ 150,000 people with nice countryside around very good road and rail links excellent shopping / nightlife home to major sporting clubs home of Reading Rock Festival The Oracle Town Hall River at Caversham

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Location Reading is in the Thames Valley –40 km west of London –30 km from Heathrow Airport Train – 25mins to London; Close to M4 then to M25 / M5 / M1

© Dr Richard Mitchell 2007 Summary University of Reading an excellent place to study Good town; nicely situated re jobs and travel Systems Engineering offers a range of courses At Undergraduate and Postgraduate Level With a lot of flexibility for what you study More information is available on I am happy to answer any questions