Software Systems
In special subject Software Systems the development and management of large and complex software systems is studied. The aim of the education is to give expertise required to specify large software systems, solve difficult algorithmic problems, and organize and manage large software projects. The education begins with the study of data structures, algorithms, computers systems and their software. Methodic studies include constructive methods of programming, specification techniques, software validation, software development tools, organizing and leadership skill. Software projects have a great significance in the studies. The subject Software Systems combines knowledge of the theory of computing, skill of software engineering, and knowledge of computer technology.
Software Implementation Techniques
The special subject Software Implementation Techniques studies the algorithms and data structures which are used in the implementation of software systems. The studies include implementation techniques of commonly used software, such as system software in operating systems, databases and knowledge base systems. The aim of the methodic studies is to familiarize the student with various design and analysis methods of data structures and algorithms. The current research within the special subject is mainly concentrated on algorithms applied to database systems. Other application areas are, for example, compilers, operating systems and computer graphics.
Knowledge Engineering
In Knowledge Engineering artificial intelligence, especially expert systems, is studied. The main interest is the use of artificial intelligence techniques in industrial applications. Besides the basic programming and software development skills the the studies include various topics in design and construction of expert systems. Knowledge of the application area is vital for building expert systems. This fact is reflected in the structure of education of students in Knowledge Engineering.
Information Technology in Industrial Production
The special subject Information Technology in Industrial Production deals with the methods and technologies of computing which play significant roles in tasks such as product design, manufacturing, production planning, and factory design and control. The core of the subject is formed by analysis, modeling, and implementation of computer-aided design, manufacturing, and production control systems. Students will gain a strategic perspective of computing as a resource for competitiveness, and learn to assess the technical and economical impact of information technology in these tasks. The methodological studies of the subject are related to software engineering, product modeling, man-machine interfaces, computer graphics, and data base management. Case seminars form an important part of the subject.
Embedded Systems
An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software integrated in a non-computer like product such as a TV-set, mobile phone, telephone switch, lift, paper machine or nuclear reactor. Consequently, a typical user of these products expects high availability, robustness, reliability, scalability and timely response - properties that are unfortunately not so common in typical low-end computer products of today. However many of the driving trends in market demands and production technology imply extensive use of embedded systems in new products.
Students majoring in Embedded Systems have to master the whole product life-cycle of special hardware/software configuration starting from requirement engineering all the way to configuration and version management of delivered installations on the field. Special emphasis is put on object-oriented design, programming and testing, hardware interfaces, real-time issues, microkernels, fault-tolerance and verification. Applications currently under study are object platforms for telecommunication applications.
All chairs of the laboratory offer postgraduate education leading to Dr. Tech. and Lic.Tech. degrees. Several paths are available for students interested in postgraduate work:
HeCSE is a post-graduate programme in computer science and computer engineering jointly offered by the Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) and the University of Helsinki (UH). It provides a limited number of postgraduate scholarships for students aiming at full-time postgraduate research. Prof. Martti Mäntylä is serving as the Director of HeCSE.
The Software Engineering Program (ORF) for the Telecommunication Industry started in 1992 in close collaboration between Helsinki University of Technology, Tampere University of Technology, the University of Oulu and the Finnish telecom industry. The project is a national continuing education program financed by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education.
The motivation for the program was the shortage of competent software engineers especially in telecom industry. The program is intended primarily for unemployed persons, who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or another applicable degree. The education consists mainly of basic university courses. The education emphasizes:
Fifty students with various engineering and science backgrounds started their studies at HUT in the ORF-program. The participants are expected to receive their Master's degrees in ca. 3,5 years. The exact content of the education is determined locally, so some local variation in courses offered can be expected. The education consists of lectures, exercises, and laboratory assignments. Each of the participants study according to a personal plan, which takes the individual's earlier studies and experience into account. The tuition is free of charge.
The program has been led by Heikki Saikkonen and the program team includes Virpi Kaltio and Mikko Tiusanen.