Teaching & Learning

Master of Science programme in Big Data and Internet of Things cultivates professionals of the novel technology that connects the pervasive presence a variety of objects to the Internet by using wireless/wired technologies to reach the desired goals. The programme includes modules with required theories, approaches, applications and hands-on experience pertaining to IoT and Big Data processing. The programme is supported by our joint international R&D research centres in Ubiquitous Computing, Wireless Communication Technology, Multimedia Technology and Machine Learning to enhance students' learning.

The MSc in Big Data and IoT degree aims to cultivate IT specialists in Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) so as to accommodate the development of a smart city. The programme focuses on enlightening the students to develop key system architectures, communication mechanisms for IoT and innovative IoT applications. Graduates shall be able to apply leading-edge techniques in Big Data processing, utilise information relevant for smart city applications, and initiate and carry out research in multiple scientific domains that rely on performing advanced IoT and Big Data technologies.

Upon completion of the programme, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes in terms of academic contents, disciplinary skills and attributes. The goal of the programme is to cultivate professionals with intensive knowledge and skills in Big Data and Internet of Things. Graduates are expected to meet all the learning outcomes of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence.

Academic contents 學術內容

Disciplinary skills‐ able to 學科技能

Attributes 特質

Mapping of Graduate Attributes to Programme Intended Learning Outcomes & Learning Modules 
畢業生理想特質與課程預期學習成效及學科單元之關聯表

The taught modules are delivered through lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. Group projects and independent study on literature review are also commom components of coursework to enhance teamwork and independent learning. Students are expected to actively participate in experiential learning opportunities and learn to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical work. Students also learn research skills through the dissertation project.

Assessment is based on the learning objectives of each taught module. Major assessment methods include assignments, group and individual projects and written examinations. The dissertation includes a proposal, a written report and oral defense.

According to Article 3 of Academic Regulations Governing Master's Degree Programmes of MPU, an applicant shall be considered for admission to a master’s degree programme of MPU if s/he:
a) holds a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited higher education institution;
b) fulfils other admission criteria prescribed by the programme of study concerned; and
c) satisfies the examiner(s) in an interview (if required).

All students have access to the UPM Counseling Services, Students' Union, Careers Service and Student Support Services through the Student Affairs Office. All students are allocated year tutors. The role of the year tutor is to provide general academic and personal support and encouragement, and advice on pastoral issues. Year tutors are full-time members of staff and are the initial point of contact on the above matters. Students may make their complaints through different channels; for instance the Year Tutors, the Programme Dialogue Meeting and annual programme evaluation, Faculty Dialogue Meeting, and the University Dialogue Meeting. The Programme Dialogue Meeting with students (which is composed of elected student representatives from each year of the degree, Programme Coordinator / Assistant Coordinators.) is designed to respond to the needs of students and discuss programme related issues. Regular meeting is scheduled for this purpose. At least once a year, student representatives from the class will be invited to participate in the Annual Programme Evaluation where a forum is formed to invite student representatives to discuss programme and module development. Faculty Dialogue Meeting, that is convened once each year with students, provides a forum for consultation and discussion between Faculty and students. Other channels of feedback include Graduate and Employer Surveys and Student Surveys conducted annually. Normally, the Faculty Dean will act on the students' feedback accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Programme.

An orientation programme for first year students is held at the beginning of semester 1 of each academic year. All students receive a copy of the handbook for the relevant stage and have access to the UPM's Intranet system which offers: (1) Student’s e-services; (2) E-mail communication with staff and other students; (3) Access to learning and teaching materials and through electronic learning management system; (4) Access to all UPM libraries and to the Universiy’s computer labs or other computer facilities including all the research or project Labs dedicated for students of MSc Programme. All students are allocated year tutors. The Student Advisor, who is also the Student Affairs Leader, is responsible for monitoring student performance. Year tutors will be advised to speak to these students personally to determine the cause underlying poor performance or absence and to facilitate the student's successful passage through the MSc programme.

Students with an overall score of less than 35 in the coursework will fail the module even if the overall score for the module is 50 or above. Students with a score of less than 35 in the final examination will fail the module even if the overall score for the module is 50 or above.

Macao Polytechnic University has in place a university-wide policy to ensure that all student needs are taken care of and a supportive and accessible learning environment is maintained. When cases of special needs are notified or identified, special arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis with the joint effort of the programme and various student support services of the University, such as the Registry, the Student Affairs Office, the Information Technology Department and the Campus Management and Development Department, etc. to provide the necessary support.

Graduates from the MSc Programme will have developed a range of cognitive and practical skills together which will be applicable to different context beyond academia. To broaden the participation of students in their communication with the global Computing community, the MSc Programme promotes joint research projects with organisations, student activities, and overseas exchanges. Throughout the academic year, the MSc Programme also invites external speakers to share their experience with our students, by giving seminars or teaching leading-edge practical courses. Moreover, the MSc Programme also organises short training courses, provided by leading local companies, for our students. Industrial Advisory Meeting organised by the MSc Programme is held at least annually to provide the MSc Programme with valuable industrial advices and feedbacks on the performance of our graduates.