Main Objectives of the Intensive Program on Embedded and Ambient Intelligence

The main objective of the Intensive Programme on Embedded and Ambient Intelligence (IPEAI) is to bring together students and academics from across Europe in order to increase their exposure to these emerging fields of innovative technologies and multidisciplinary education. All institutions and participants involved in the IP already have some knowledge of the subjects but none has the capacity to completely cover this highly dynamic and fast developing area of study. The IP will lead to an increase of student and staff exchange and will help to improve the quality of the international collaboration. As a direct consequence of this IP, a network of academic institutions will be implemented to support teaching cooperations as well as joint R&D projects. The IP will also open the way to develop joint teaching programs (curriculum development - CD) and might ultimately lead to the implementation of dual or joint degrees (at bachelor or master level).

For the participating academics, the IP will be an event of mutual benefit, while for students it will stimulate their interest in research and application of the things learned. The IP is primarily aimed at final year undergraduate students and postgraduate students. The participating institutions will get access to new technologies and improve their expertise necessary to develop or extend their bachelor and master degree programmes. Ultimatively this will help the supporting institutions to attract more students.

Rationale and Background

The general field of Computer Science/Engineering and its application to many other areas is evolving very rapidly in Europe. New advancements in the field and new technologies are introduced continuously. This Intensive Program (IP) aims to introduce current and new development in the fields of Embedded Systems and Ambient Intelligence. Separately seen these two areas are developing very fast, embedded systems are entering in all fields of daily life and industrial processes. Ambient Intelligence on the other side is building on the areas of Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing, making computer systems apparently invisible in our daily life, although they are present throughout our environment.
Because of the continuing process of miniaturization Embedded Systems are entering more strongly into our life and our surrounding, making Ambient Intelligence feasible.

Aims and Objectives

The IP "Embedded and Ambient Intelligence" is directed to final year bachelor degree students and to master degree students. It will enhance the education of undergraduate students and introduce new research areas and stimulate research ideas and projects to students that are interested in graduate studies and research.

At Kiel University of Applied Sciences (organizing institution) the relevant subjects of this IP have been part of ongoing teaching and research activities.
The IP will use the expertise in specific domains available at the participating institutions. Furthermore, the project aims to make the knowledge available to less experienced partner institutions in the relevant areas and to allow them to build up similar experience for future in the benefit of their students.

Target Groups

The IP is directed to last year bachelor students and to master students studying in related areas (computer science, information technology, internet science and technology).