Cybernetics

1. Cybernetics 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

2. Cybernetics • ‘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...

3. Cybernetics - a Different Perspective Fundamental principles, such as feedback, applicable to a great variety of diverse systems, technological, environmental, biological, or a mixture

4. Feedback for Control : Steersman Also steering / speed control of other vehicles

5. Feedback for Control of Robot Arm In fact, need control for each joint, ….

6. Feedback for Central Heating

7. Feedback for Body Control

8. Feedback for VR

9. Feedback for Learning You learn by your mistakes ……

10. Robotics Communicating and Learning Yorick – stereo robot head Interactive R2-D2 Toy By Dave Keating Feedback Control – derived from work here

11. Biomedical Haptics –feeling – Use with VR, e.g. surgery training Prosthetic Hand CYBORG - Implant Gentle – stroke rehabilitation

12. Instrumentation and Signals Infra-red Multi Layer Filters – in space Terahertz Technology

13. 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

14. 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 + 650 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

15. Degree Programmes in School Comp Eng EE & CS IT Comp Sci Elec Eng Sys Eng IT & Man AI & Cyb EE & Cyb Robotics Cybernetics CS & Cyb + MSc s BioM & Cyb 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.

16. 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 University’s Knowledge Transfer Centre • Projects : University + Industry; employ a graduate • Most successful centre in the UK

17. Industrial Links/KTPs/Placements Ti

18. 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 15000 students (3000 overseas) • In the official National Student Survey: • Reading came 4th = 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”!

19. Photos of University

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

21. 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

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

23. 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

24. 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 River at Caversham Town Hall

25. 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

26. 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 • http://www.reading.ac.uk • http://www.reading.ac.uk/sse • http://www.reading.ac.uk/cyber • I am happy to answer any questions