Sensors are a key field of high technologies constantly growing in scope and significance both in theory and applications. The field has seen a rather significant growth of knowledge and understanding of the situation and development trends in sensor technologies, however the knowledge is not linked and oriented enough in order to support the high-tech development efforts. The IPS ..
Sensors help us recognise certain conditions in the environment in real time and react to them in a targeted manner. Therefore, their application stretches to almost all fields of human activity. In times of increased economic and environmental challenges, sensors have become a significant integral part of all “smart” products and thus a promising opportunity for the industry. Their manufacture demands fast developing high technologies, therefore this field of research also presents a scientific challenge.
We are all familiar with acoustic sensors, especially microphones. While using touch-sensitive devices, we tend to forget that this is actually made possible by sensors. Our cars are full of sensors for regulating the running of the motor, speed, fuel consumption, temperature and ventilation. Physical and chemical sensors enable identifying air quality and especially dangerous gases, the “electronic nose” warns us about different odours, and the smoke detector about the potential fire hazard. All sorts of sensors help us avoid dangerous radiation. Electrical sensors enable measuring the electric current and potential, while magnetic sensors help us detect hidden metals. Environmental sensors are essential for monitoring pollution and we can also use them to detect humidity. We use sensors to measure flows, especially of water, gas, and also solids, as well as shifts and tremors. We determine positions, angles, distances, speed, acceleration, and shock. With sensors we can also identify colours, we use them as photodetectors, and to track waves. A whole range of sensors helps regulate pressure, even the extremely precise level of blood pressure during operation. Currently biosensors are widely used, among them nanosensors which promise significant progress, especially in relation to healthcare.
To develop and manufacture so many various sensors, complex sensor technologies are used which evolve fast based on outstanding achievements of physical, chemical and biological sciences. Various data, which are provided by sensors, call for developed possibilities of measuring, systematic data compilation, identifying knowledge patterns, as well as formulating high probability hypotheses and testing them.
The field of sensors has seen a rather significant growth of knowledge and understanding of the situation and development trends in sensor technologies in Slovenia. The IPS programme aims to bring together, in a targeted manner, the knowledge and renowned international experts in order to educate outstanding scientists to support the breakthrough of economic development projects in the world market of sensor technologies products – while striving for a balanced sustainable development at the same time.
| Total number of ECTS for the third-cycle study programme | 180 ECTS |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | 60 ECTS |
| Elective Courses | 20 ECTS |
| Individual Research Work | 70 ECTS |
| Doctoral Dissertation | 30 ECTS |
Required Courses (20 ECTS)
Sensors and Sensor Technologies (5 ECTS)
Metrology in Sensor Technologies (5 ECTS)
Seminar I (10 ECTS)
Elective Courses (20 ECTS)
The courses are listed below.
Out of all the courses the student can select max. one general course:
- Economics and Society (5 ECTS)
- Industrial Seminar (5 ECTS)
- Science Communication (5 ECTS)
- Contemporary Mathematical and Statistical Methods in Natural Sciences and Engineering (5 ECTS)
- Preparation of Patent Application (5 ECTS)
Individual Research Work 1 (20 ECTS)
Required Courses (30 ECTS)
Seminar II (30 ECTS)
Individual Research Work 2 (30 ECTS)
Required Courses (10 ECTS)
Seminar III (10 ECTS)
Individual Research Work 3 (20 ECTS)
Doctoral Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The general competences of a graduate are:
• mastering of methods and techniques of scientific research,
• ability to carry out independent as well as team R&D work,
• ability to use the knowledge in practice by working on development projects in the industry,
• ability to solve problems in transferring and adapting new technologies for production,
• ability to integrate into international connections of R&D work,
• ability to take on management functions in the field of business, management, conduct of research and research management.
The study programme offers acquisition of knowledge and development of skills for competent research, transfer of scientific achievements to industrial development, as well as international collaboration in the field of sensor technologies. Competences that the student will acquire in individual courses are described in the course syllabi.
The competences based on the broader orientation of the candidate's study programme are:
• widening and deepening the scientific content, methods and techniques in the selected fields of natural sciences, technologies, engineering and information sciences, which will support strategic choice, development, transfer, optimization, utilization and control of selected sensor technologies for increasing commercial efficiency while benefiting broader social interests concerning sustainable development,
• acquiring expert knowledge and developing skills for their use in order to improve the efficiency of work processes and decision-making,
• developing an integral way of thinking which transcends individual fields and develops the competence to communicate with experts from other disciplines and fields,
• comprehensive definition of problems, systematic approaches and solving complex problems through teamwork,
• decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, and long-term target-oriented strategic planning.
The Sensor Technologies programme is an interdisciplinary postgraduate study programme covering the following research fields: