Curriculum

Embedded Computing Systems (ESY) is a four semesters master program. A total of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulations System) credit points must be acquired.

The curriculum consists of a core program, an elective program, and a master's thesis. The core program covers the fundamentals of Embedded Computing Systems and offers education in all three teaching areas. The elective program allows you to sharpen your personal profile by selecting specific courses from TUK and its associated research institutes. The following gives you an idea about the teaching content in ESY. The provided course lists may be subject to change depending on educational background and personal interests of the individual student.

Core Program (35-55 ECTS)

The core program contains the mandatory courses covering the fundamentals of Embedded Computing Systems design.

In order to understand how such a system works, you will study processor architectures and practice their design in Architecture of Digital Systems I and the Embedded Processor Lab. These courses give you an introduction into modern RISC processors and other important processor architectures as they are widely used in today’s Embedded Computing Systems. The courses Architecture of Digital Systems II and the Embedded Systems Laboratory extend the focus from processors to systems that contain further components and communication structures.

Embedded Computing System engineering is more than just hardware design. As we move from the components of the system to understanding the system as a whole we are also confronted with various aspects of software design. In the courses Real-Time Systems I and Operating Systems you will learn how the software distributes tasks and organizes correct communication between all components in a system. 

It is daily practice for SoC designers to work with synthesis tools. Therefore, it is important to understand how these tools work internally and how they map to microelectronic circuits and components. You will study those aspects in the courses Synthesis and Optimization of Microelectronic Systems I and Microelectronic Circuit and System Design I. The course Verification of Digital Systems (with lab) introduces into fundamentals of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and their application to formal design verification.

The detailed curriculum and the module descriptions can be found in our Module Handbook.

Elective Program (35-55 ECTS)

The elective program allows you to build your own personal profile and to gain additional competences in those fields that are most interesting to you. You can select from a wide range of modules available at TUK. There are no mandatory teaching modules in the elective program. An individual study plan is elaborated and mutually agreed on between the student and the ESY program advisor.

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

The last part of the curriculum is the master's thesis. In general, the master thesis is embedded into larger research projects conducted at TUK, at local research institutes, or in industry. The topic of your master's thesis is determined during your 2nd or 3rd semester of studies.

The language of instruction in ESY is English. In the elective part, you may also choose courses in German language if you wish to improve your skills in German language.  

For every student an individual study plan is developed that takes into account special interests and the educational background. This may also lead to adaptations of the Core Program according to the individual situation.

Local students and students who are already studying Embedded Systems in the bachelor's program at University of Kaiserslautern-Landau may directly contact the program advisor to elaborate their study plans. Please read these guidelines in advance.

Module Handbook

Please find all details about the structure and available modules in our module handbook.