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 |
Seminar I (10 ECTS)
Elective Courses (20 ECTS)Out of all the courses the student can select max. one general course:
- Economics and Society (5 ECTS)
- Industrial Seminar (5 ECTS)
- Commercialization of Technologies (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)
Seminar II (30 ECTS)
Individual Research Work 2 (30 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.
• 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: